U.S. patent application number 11/769864 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for distributed refrigeration system with custom storage modules.
This patent application is currently assigned to WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to BRUCE C. BEIHOFF, NIHAT O. CUR, STEVEN JOHN KUEHL, JOHN JOSEPH VONDERHAAR.
Application Number | 20080156034 11/769864 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39776351 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080156034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CUR; NIHAT O. ; et
al. |
July 3, 2008 |
DISTRIBUTED REFRIGERATION SYSTEM WITH CUSTOM STORAGE MODULES
Abstract
A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a
residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes
multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central
cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include
one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged
for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance
modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a
thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower
temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more
refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage
modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated
storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor
compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the
modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a
secondary cooling medium circuit. The refrigeration system can also
have more than one refrigeration machine providing cooling to the
secondary refrigeration loop.
Inventors: |
CUR; NIHAT O.; (ST. JOSEPH,
MI) ; KUEHL; STEVEN JOHN; (STEVENSVILLE, MI) ;
VONDERHAAR; JOHN JOSEPH; (ST. JOSEPH, MI) ; BEIHOFF;
BRUCE C.; (STEVENSVILLE, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WHIRLPOOL PATENTS COMPANY - MD 0750
500 RENAISSANCE DRIVE - SUITE 102
ST. JOSEPH
MI
49085
US
|
Assignee: |
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
BENTON HARBOR
MI
|
Family ID: |
39776351 |
Appl. No.: |
11/769864 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11646754 |
Dec 28, 2006 |
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11769864 |
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11646972 |
Dec 28, 2006 |
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11646754 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/449 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 11/02 20130101;
F25D 23/003 20130101; F25D 23/10 20130101; F25D 15/00 20130101;
F25D 11/025 20130101; F25B 7/00 20130101; F25D 2700/123 20130101;
F25D 17/045 20130101; F25D 17/065 20130101; F25D 2317/0682
20130101; F25B 9/14 20130101; F25B 21/02 20130101; F25D 11/027
20130101; F25D 11/022 20130101; F25D 29/00 20130101; F25D 2323/0023
20130101; F25B 25/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/449 |
International
Class: |
F25D 19/04 20060101
F25D019/04 |
Claims
1. A distributed refrigeration appliance system constructed and
arranged for use in a residential kitchen and other locations
associated with a dwelling comprising: one or more refrigerated
storage spaces having an apparatus for receiving a cooling medium
to chill the air in the refrigerated storage space; a cooling unit
to remove heat from the cooling medium; at least one separate
refrigeration/storage module comprising a cabinet and an insert
comprising insulated walls and an insulated door forming an
insulated insert arranged to convert a storage cabinet to an
insulated cabinet, and located relative to a refrigerated storage
space to selectively provide refrigerated storage space or
unconditioned storage space; at least one insulated air duct
connecting the refrigeration/storage module with the at least one
refrigerated storage space; and at least one flow controller to
selectively permit circulation of chilled air through the at least
one insulated air duct from the at least one refrigerated storage
space to the refrigeration/storage module and to return air from
the refrigeration/storage module to the at least one refrigerated
storage space when the at least one flow controller is arranged to
allow chilled air to flow through the at least one insulated air
duct and operate the refrigeration/storage module as a refrigerated
storage space or to prevent circulation of chilled air through the
at least one insulated air duct to operate the
refrigeration/storage module as an unconditioned storage space.
2. The distributed refrigeration appliance system according to
claim 1, wherein the cabinet is a wood cabinet
3. The distributed refrigeration appliance system according to
claim 1, wherein the cabinet is a metal cabinet.
4. The distributed refrigeration appliance system according to
claim 1, wherein the cabinet is molded plastic.
5. The distributed refrigeration appliance system according to
claim 1, wherein the insulated insert and insulated door comprise a
kit to convert an uninsulated cabinet to a refrigeration/storage
module.
6. The distributed refrigeration appliance system according to
claim 1, wherein the one or more refrigerated storage spaces
comprise a refrigerating module having: an insulated refrigerating
module cabinet having an opening for access to the interior of the
cabinet; an apparatus for receiving a cooling medium to cool the
interior of the refrigerating module cabinet; a central cooling
unit to remove heat from the cooling medium; a cooling medium
circuit connecting the central cooling unit and at least one
refrigerated storage space; and at least one cooling medium flow
control device connected in the cooling medium circuit to control
flow of cooling medium to the at least one refrigerated storage
space.
7. A distributed refrigeration appliance system constructed and
arranged for use in a residential kitchen and other locations
associated with a dwelling comprising: a freestanding refrigeration
apparatus having at least one refrigerated storage space, and a
cooling unit space; at least one separate refrigeration/storage
module comprising a cabinet having an insulated walls and an
insulated door forming an insulated enclosure, located relative to
the freestanding refrigeration apparatus arranged to selectively
provide refrigerated storage or unconditioned storage space; at
least one insulated air duct connecting the refrigeration/storage
module with the at least one refrigerated storage space; and at
least one flow controller to selectively permit circulation of
chilled air through the at least one insulated air duct from the
refrigerated storage space to the refrigeration/storage module when
the at least one flow controller is arranged to allow chilled air
to flow through the at least one insulated air duct.
8. The distributed refrigeration appliance system according to
claim 7, wherein the cabinet comprises an insulated insert to
convert a cabinet to an insulated enclosure arranged for use as
refrigeration/storage module.
9. The distributed refrigeration appliance system according to
claim 7, wherein the cabinet is a wood cabinet
10. The distributed refrigeration appliance system according to
claim 7, wherein the cabinet is a metal cabinet.
11. The distributed refrigeration appliance system according to
claim 7, wherein the cabinet is molded plastic.
12. The distributed refrigeration appliance system according to
claim 7, wherein the insulated insert and insulated door comprise a
kit to convert an uninsulated cabinet to a refrigeration/storage
module.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of prior filed
applications Ser. Nos. 11/646,754 and 11/646,972 filed on Dec. 28,
2006. This application is related to patent application docket
numbers US20030365, US20030366, US20030370, US20030374, US20070324
and US20070325 filed concurrently herewith.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] (1) Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to refrigeration appliances for use in
residential kitchens and other locations associated with a
dwelling.
[0004] (2) Description of Related Art
[0005] Refrigeration appliances for use in residential kitchens and
other rooms in a dwelling unit are known. Modular refrigeration
devices such as refrigerator, freezer, ice maker and wine cooler
modules for use in residential dwellings are known.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention relates to a distributed refrigeration
appliance system constructed and arranged for use in a residential
kitchen and other locations associated with a dwelling having one
or more refrigerated storage spaces including an apparatus for
receiving a cooling medium to chill the air in the refrigerated
storage space, a cooling unit to remove heat from the cooling
medium and at least one separate refrigeration/storage module
comprising a cabinet and an insert comprising insulated walls and
an insulated door forming an insulated insert arranged to convert a
storage cabinet to an insulated cabinet. The refrigeration/storage
module can be located relative to the refrigerated storage space to
selectively provide refrigerated storage space or unconditioned
storage space. An insulated air duct can connect the
refrigeration/storage module with the refrigerated storage space
and a flow controller can selectively permit circulation of chilled
air through the insulated air duct from the refrigerated storage
space to the refrigeration/storage module and to return air from
the refrigeration/storage module to the refrigerated storage space
when the at least one flow controller is arranged to allow chilled
air to flow through the insulated air duct and operate the
refrigeration/storage module as a refrigerated storage space or to
prevent circulation of chilled air through the insulated air duct
to operate the refrigeration/storage module as an unconditioned
storage space.
[0007] The refrigeration/storage module cabinet can be wood, metal
or molded plastic and the insulated insert can be a kit to convert
an uninsulated cabinet to a refrigeration/storage module.
[0008] In another aspect the invention relates to a distributed
refrigeration appliance system constructed and arranged for use in
a residential kitchen and other locations associated with a
dwelling including a freestanding refrigeration apparatus having at
least one refrigerated storage space and a cooling unit space, at
least one separate refrigeration/storage module including a cabinet
having an insulated walls and an insulated door forming an
insulated enclosure. The refrigeration/storage module can be
located relative to the freestanding refrigeration apparatus to
selectively provide refrigerated storage or unconditioned storage
space. An insulated air duct can connect the refrigeration/storage
module with the at least one refrigerated storage space, and a flow
controller can selectively permit circulation of chilled air
through the insulated air duct from the refrigerated storage space
to the refrigeration/storage module when the flow controller is
arranged to allow chilled air to flow through the at least one
insulated air duct.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating a modular
distributed refrigeration appliance system according to the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular distributed refrigeration appliance system
according to the invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular distributed refrigeration appliance system
according to the invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular distributed refrigeration appliance system
according to the invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a refrigeration
appliance module that can be used in combination with a modular
distributed refrigeration appliance system according to the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular distributed refrigeration system
incorporating satellite stations according to the invention.
[0015] FIG. 7A is a partial schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of refrigeration appliance modules that can be used in
combination with the modular distributed refrigeration system
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0016] FIG. 7B is a partial schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of refrigeration appliance modules that can be used in
combination with the modular distributed refrigeration system
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0017] FIG. 7C is an enlarged partial schematic drawing
illustrating a fan to control air flow between compartments of a
refrigeration appliance module as illustrated in FIG. 7B.
[0018] FIG. 8A is a partial schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of refrigeration appliance modules that can be used in
combination with the modular distributed refrigeration system
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0019] FIG. 8B is a partial schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of refrigeration appliance modules that can be used in
combination with the modular distributed refrigeration system
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a partial schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of refrigeration appliance modules that can be used in
combination with the modular distributed refrigeration system
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular distributed refrigeration system
incorporating satellite stations according to the invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular distributed refrigeration appliance system
incorporating a cascade cooling system for a module according to
the invention.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular distributed refrigeration appliance system
incorporating a cascade cooling system for a module according to
the invention.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular distributed refrigeration appliance system
incorporating a cascade cooling system for a module according to
the invention.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular distributed refrigeration appliance system
incorporating a cascade cooling system for a module according to
the invention.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing illustrating a modular
distributed refrigeration appliance system incorporating another
embodiment of a cascade cooling system for a module according to
the invention.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular distributed refrigeration appliance system
incorporating a cascade cooling system for a module according to
the invention.
[0028] FIG. 17A is a schematic drawing illustrating a modular
distributed refrigeration appliance system similar to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 incorporating another embodiment
of a cascade cooling according to the invention.
[0029] FIG. 17B is a schematic drawing illustrating a modular
distributed refrigeration appliance system similar to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 incorporating another embodiment
of a cascade cooling according to the invention.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a partial schematic drawing illustrating
refrigeration/storage modules that can be used in a modular
distributed refrigeration system such as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and
6.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a partial schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of refrigeration/storage modules that can be used in a
modular distributed refrigeration system such as illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 6.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a partial schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of refrigeration/storage modules that can be used in a
modular distributed refrigeration system such as illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 6.
[0033] FIG. 21 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular refrigeration system according to the
invention.
[0034] FIG. 22 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular refrigeration system according to the
invention.
[0035] FIG. 23A is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of refrigeration/storage modules that can be used in a
distributed refrigeration system according to the invention.
[0036] FIG. 23B is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of refrigeration/storage modules that can be used in a
distributed refrigeration system according to the invention.
[0037] FIG. 24 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a refrigeration/storage module that can be used in a
distributed refrigeration system according to the invention.
[0038] FIG. 25 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular refrigeration system according to the
invention.
[0039] FIG. 26 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a modular refrigeration system according to the
invention.
[0040] FIGS. 27A-27D are illustrations of temperature sequence
cycles that can be provided in refrigeration/storage module
according to the invention.
[0041] FIG. 28 is a schematic drawing illustrating a distributed
refrigeration system according to the invention installed in a
schematic floor plan of a dwelling.
[0042] FIG. 28A is an enlarged schematic drawing illustrating
connection of a module to a supply and return system.
[0043] FIG. 29 is a schematic drawing illustrating another
embodiment of a distributed refrigeration system according to the
invention installed in a schematic floor plan of a dwelling.
[0044] FIG. 29A is an enlarged schematic drawing illustrating
connection of a module to a single line system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] In a modular kitchen with multiple refrigeration modules the
refrigeration system to cool the modules is a challenging problem.
The simplest approach would be to have individual complete
refrigeration systems for each module. In early phases of
modularity for residential kitchens this might be the approach
taken, especially when modular refrigeration product choices are
few and economies of scale are not available. However, as
modularity becomes more mainstream and kitchen designs begin to
incorporate modular refrigeration products with appropriate
infrastructure it will become desirable to have a single central
cooling system from cost, manufacturing and energy efficiency
perspectives. Consumers will be primarily interested in energy
efficiency, cost, flexibility and expandability offered by a
modular refrigeration appliance system with less concern about the
central cooling technology to support the modular system.
[0046] According to the invention, a modular refrigeration
appliance system can be provided for a residential kitchen and
other locations associated with a dwelling that can include a
central cooling unit for some or all the refrigerating modules that
a consumer may desire to include in their kitchen, either at the
time of construction, or to expand or change refrigerating modules
over time as needs or desires change. A modular kitchen could allow
consumers to select multiple refrigeration modules fitting their
lifestyles the best with ultimate flexibility in their kitchens and
totally customizable kitchens with modular appliances not only for
refrigeration but also for food preparation and kitchen clean-up.
According to the invention a single, variable capacity central
cooling unit can be provided that is capable of matching the
cooling need to the aggregate heat load of the refrigerating
modules. The central cooling unit can be arranged to run
continuously by controlling the volume of cooling medium directed
to each refrigerating module so that each module will be cooled to
a user selected temperature and maintained at the desired
temperature accurately. The cooling medium can be cold air,
refrigerant or a liquid coolant such as an ethylene glycol and
water solution. The central cooling unit can be a vapor compression
system, but is not limited to that. If a central cooling unit is a
vapor compression cooling system the central cooling unit can have
a variable capacity compressor capable of handling the cooling load
from multiple refrigerating module products. Refrigerating module
products can include above freezing refrigerator modules, below
freezing freezer modules, refrigerator freezer modules having above
freezing and below freezing compartments in various configurations
that can include, but are not limited to, built in, stackable,
under counter or drawer configurations. Also, refrigerating module
products could include specific purpose modules such as ice maker,
wine cooler and bar refrigerator units. In addition, conventional
refrigeration products having a complete refrigeration system can
be combined with a modular refrigeration appliance system according
to the invention. For example, one or more below freezing freezer
units can be combined with a modular refrigeration system appliance
arranged for a plurality of fresh food above freezing refrigerator
modules. As will be described in more detail below, a hybrid
approach can be an energy efficient approach to providing cooling
for modular products since the central cooling unit can run under
more favorable cooling cycle conditions since a very cold, i.e.
below 0.degree. F., cooling medium would not be required.
[0047] Turning to FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the invention,
illustrated in schematic form, refrigerating modules 20 and 22 can
be connected in a refrigeration appliance system that can include a
central cooling unit 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1
two refrigerating modules 20, 22 are illustrated. According to the
invention more than one or more than two refrigerating modules can
be provided in the refrigeration appliance system as desired and
although two or three refrigerating modules are included in the
disclosed embodiments, they should be understood to include the
possibility of one or more than two or three refrigerating modules
within the scope of the invention. In addition, the refrigeration
appliance system can be arranged to permit expansion of the
refrigeration appliance system subsequent to initial installation
by adding additional refrigerating modules as a user's needs change
over time requiring new or additional refrigerating modules. In
practice refrigerating modules 20, 22 can be installed in a
residential kitchen and/or in adjoining or nearby rooms such as a
great room, bar, recreation room and/or other locations associated
with a dwelling. Central cooling unit 10 can be installed in a
nearby location such as a basement, utility room, garage, outside,
or, if desired, in the kitchen in the proximity of some or all of
the refrigeration appliance modules depending on the style of
dwelling and whether a basement or crawl space is available or
desired for installation of the central cooling unit 10.
Refrigerating modules 20, 22 can be free standing or built in
modules and can be general purpose refrigerator or freezer modules,
or can be special purpose modules such as an ice maker or a wine
cooler. Refrigerating modules 20, 22 can take of the form of a
conventional refrigerator or freezer cabinet having a hinged door,
or can take the form of a refrigerator drawer appliance such as
disclosed in co-pending non-provisional application Ser. No.
11/102,321 filed Apr. 8, 2005 fully incorporated herein by
reference.
[0048] Refrigerating module 20 can have an insulated cabinet 24 and
an insulated door 25 that can be hinged to insulated cabinet 24 to
selectively open and close an opening 28 in insulated cabinet 24.
Refrigerating module 22 can have an insulating cabinet 26 and an
insulated door 27 that can be hinged to insulated cabinet 26 to
selectively open and close an opening 29 in insulated cabinet 26.
Those skilled in the art will understand that insulated doors 25
and 27 can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to
facilitate opening and closing insulated doors 25 and 27.
Refrigerating modules 20 and 22 can each have a heat exchanger 30
positioned in the insulated cabinets 24 and 26 respectively.
Similarly, refrigerating modules 20 and 22 can have a variable
speed heat exchanger fan 32 positioned to circulate air
(illustrated by air flow arrows 38) over the respective heat
exchangers 30 and through the respective refrigerating modules 20,
22. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a single speed
fan can be used instead of a variable speed fan 32. Refrigerating
modules 20, 22 can also have a temperature sensor 34 arranged to
sense the temperature of the interior of refrigerating modules 20,
22. Temperature sensor 34 can be a thermister or other well known
electronic or mechanical temperature sensing mechanism or device.
Temperature selectors 36 can be provided for each of the
refrigerating modules 20, 22 to allow the user to select the
operating temperature for the respective refrigerating modules 20,
22. While temperature selectors 36 are illustrated schematically
spaced from refrigerating modules 20, 22, those skilled in the art
will understand that temperature selectors 36 can be located in
each of the refrigerating modules 20, 22 as is well known in the
art, or could be centrally located if desired. Temperature
selectors 36 can comprise a well known mechanical or electronic
selector mechanism to allow a user to select an operating
temperature for the respective refrigerating modules 20, 22.
[0049] The refrigeration appliance system illustrated in schematic
form in FIG. 1 also includes a central cooling unit 10. Central
cooling unit 10 can include a variable speed compressor 12, a
condenser 14, and an expansion device 18 connected in a
refrigerating circuit with a chilled liquid evaporator 40. A
variable speed condenser fan 16 can be provided to circulate air
over condenser 14. Chilled liquid evaporator 40 can be a shell and
tube evaporator also known as a secondary loop evaporator.
Expansion device 18 can be an expansion device with feedback
arranged to control refrigerant flow through expansion device 18
based on the heat load in the refrigeration appliance system.
Central cooling unit 10 can be connected to the refrigerating
modules 20, 22 with insulated conduits 42 forming a cooling medium
circuit for conveying liquid coolant from chilled liquid evaporator
40 to heat exchangers 30 and from heat exchangers 30 to chilled
liquid evaporator 40. Liquid coolant, not shown, contained in
chilled liquid evaporator 40, insulated conduits 42 and heat
exchangers 30 can be circulated by a pump 44 that can be a variable
speed pump. Further, each refrigerating module can have a valve 46
to control flow of liquid coolant into the heat exchanger 30.
Valves 46 can be on-off valves to allow or prevent flow of liquid
coolant through the heat exchanger 30 for a refrigerating module.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that if a single speed
heat exchanger fan 32 is used in a refrigerating module 20, 22 an
adjustable valve 46 can be used to control the amount of liquid
coolant flowing into a heat exchanger 30, although it can be more
energy efficient to use a variable speed heat exchanger fan 32, a
variable speed pump 44 and an on-off valve 46 to control the
temperature in the respective refrigerating modules 20, 22. Central
cooling unit 10 can also have a microprocessor based controller 50
having a first portion 52 that can be arranged to control the
operation of central cooling unit 10 and a second portion 54
arranged to control the volume of liquid coolant directed to the
respective refrigerating modules 20, 22. A control circuit 56 can
be provided to connect the temperature sensors 34, the temperature
selectors 36, the variable speed compressor 12, the variable speed
condenser fan 16, the expansion device 18, pump 44, valves 46 and
heat exchanger fans 32 with controller 50. Thus, a refrigeration
appliance system according to the invention is illustrated in FIG.
1 as a distributed refrigeration system that can have a variable
capacity vapor compression condensing unit and secondary loop
utilizing a chilled liquid evaporator network. One example of a
liquid coolant that can be used is DYNALENE HC heat transfer fluid,
a water-based organic salt that is non-toxic, non-flammable with
low viscosity, although those skilled in the art will understand
that other liquid coolant solutions such as an ethylene glycol and
water solution can be used as desired.
[0050] According to the invention, central cooling unit 10 can be
continuously operating so that chilled liquid at an adequate
temperature to achieve the lowest selected temperature in the
refrigeration appliance system is continuously circulated in
insulated conduits 42 forming a cooling medium circuit from chilled
liquid evaporator 40 to refrigerating modules 20, 22. Controller 50
can be arranged to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit
10 in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of
refrigerating modules 20, 22. As noted above, while two
refrigerating modules 20, 22 are illustrated in FIG. 1, according
to the invention one or more than two refrigerating modules can be
connected in the refrigerating appliance system. The aggregate
cooling load can be determined by the first portion 52 of
controller 50 as a function of temperatures sensed by temperature
sensors 34, operating temperatures selected by temperature
selectors 36, and feedback from expansion device 18. Controller 50
can also be arranged to control the operating temperature in each
of the refrigerating modules 20, 22. Second portion 54 of
controller 50 can be arranged to control valves 46 and heat
exchanger fans 32 to maintain the selected operating temperatures
in the respective refrigerating modules based on the settings of
temperature selectors 36 and temperature sensors 34. Thus,
according to the invention, a single continuously operating
variable capacity central cooling unit 10 can be provided for a
plurality of refrigerating modules 20, 22 that can be set to
operate at different operating temperatures. The variable capacity
central cooling unit 10 can be arranged for chilling a cooling
medium. A cooling medium circuit, insulated conduits 42, can be
provided connecting the central cooling unit 10 to supply a cooling
medium from the central cooling unit 10 to the plurality of
refrigerating modules 20, 22. A plurality of cooling medium flow
control devices, valves 46, can be connected in the cooling medium
circuit, insulated conduits 42, for controlling flow of cooling
medium to each of the refrigerating modules 20, 22. A controller 50
and control circuit 56 can be provided to adjust the capacity of
the variable capacity central cooling unit 10 in order to supply
sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of refrigerating
modules 20,22 to the respective selected operating temperatures,
and the controller 50 and control circuit 56 can be arranged to
adjust the volume of cooling medium directed to respective ones of
the refrigerating modules 20, 22 by controlling the cooling medium
flow control devices, valves 46, to maintain the selected operating
temperature in the respective refrigerating modules 20, 22.
Controller 50 can control the speed of variable speed pump 44 to
vary the volume of liquid cooling in the cooling medium circuit,
insulated conduits 42, and controller 50 can control the speed of
variable speed heat exchanger fans 32 to further control the
operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules 20,
22.
[0051] Turning to FIG. 2, in another embodiment of the invention,
illustrated in schematic form, refrigerating modules 70 and 72 can
be connected in a refrigeration appliance system that can include a
central cooling unit 60. Similar to the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1, two refrigerating modules 70, 72 are illustrated. According
to the invention one or more than two refrigerating modules can be
provided in the refrigeration appliance system as desired.
Refrigerating modules 70, 72 can be free standing or built in
modules and can be general purpose refrigerator, or can be special
purpose modules. Refrigerating module 70 can have an insulated
cabinet 74 and an insulated door 75 that can be hinged to insulated
cabinet 74 to selectively open and close opening 78 in insulated
cabinet 74. Refrigerating module 72 can have an insulating cabinet
76 and an insulated door 77 that can be hinged to insulated cabinet
76 to selectively open and close opening 79 in insulated cabinet
76. Those skilled in the art will understand that insulated doors
75 and 77 can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to
facilitate opening and closing insulated doors 75 and 77.
Refrigerating modules 70, 72 can have a temperature sensor 84
arranged to sense the temperature of the interior of refrigerating
modules 70, 72. Temperature sensor 84 can be a thermister or other
well known electronic or mechanical temperature sensing mechanism
or device. Temperature selectors 86 can be provided for each of the
refrigerating modules 70, 72 to allow the user to select the
operating temperature for the respective refrigerating modules 70,
72. While temperature selectors 86 are illustrated schematically
spaced from refrigerating modules 70, 72, a temperature selector 86
can be located in each of the refrigerating modules 70, 72 as is
well known in the art, or can be centrally located if desired.
Temperature selectors 86 can comprise a well known mechanical or
electronic selector mechanism to allow a user to select an
operating temperature for the respective refrigerating modules 70,
72.
[0052] The refrigeration appliance system illustrated in schematic
form in FIG. 2 also includes a central cooling unit 60. Central
cooling unit 60 can include a variable speed compressor 62, a
condenser 64 and an expansion device 68 connected in a
refrigerating circuit with an evaporator 90. A variable speed
condenser fan 66 can be provided to circulate air over condenser
64. Evaporator 90 can be a tube and fin evaporator for cooling air
that can be used as the cooling medium in the embodiment of FIG. 2.
Expansion device 68 can be an expansion device with feedback
arranged to control flow through the expansion device 68 based on
the heat load in the refrigeration appliance system including the
refrigerating modules 70, 72. Central cooling unit 60 can be
connected to the refrigerating modules 70, 72 with insulated ducts
92 forming a cooling medium circuit for conveying chilled air from
evaporator 90 to refrigerating modules 70, 72. Chilled air can be
circulated by an evaporator fan 94 that can be a variable speed
fan. Air inlets 93 can lead from the insulated ducts 92 to the
respective refrigerating modules 70, 72, and air outlets 95 can
lead from the respective refrigerating modules 70, 72 to the air
ducts 92. Air inlets 93 and air outlets 95 form the apparatus for
receiving the cooling medium, chilled air, in the refrigerating
modules 70, 72. Air inlets 93 and air outlets 95 can be positioned
with respect to insulated cabinets 74, 76 to provide a desired
chilled air flow pattern in the respective refrigerating modules
70, 72. Air flow arrows 80 schematically illustrate the air flow in
the insulated cabinets 74, 76. Further, each refrigerating module
70, 72 can have a baffle 96 to control flow of chilled air through
air inlets 93 into the respective refrigerating modules 70, 72.
Baffles 96 can be on-off or variable to control flow of chilled air
through a refrigerating module. Baffles 96 can be adjustable
between open and closed positions to permit or block flow of
chilled air into the respective refrigerating modules 70, 72 and
variable speed evaporator fan 94 can vary the flow of chilled air
into the respective refrigerating modules 70, 72. Baffles 96 can
also be variably movable between open and closed positions to
permit, block and vary the flow of chilled air into the respective
refrigerating modules 70, 72. Central cooling unit 60 can have a
microprocessor based controller 100 having a first portion 102 that
can be arranged to control the operation of central cooling unit 60
and a second portion 104 to control the volume of chilled air
directed to the respective refrigerating modules 70, 72 similar to
controller 50 in the embodiment of FIG. 1. A control circuit 106
can be provided to connect the temperature sensors 84, the
temperature selectors 86, the variable speed compressor 62, the
variable speed condenser fan 66, the expansion device 68,
evaporator fan 94, and baffles 96 to controller 100. Thus, a
refrigeration appliance system according to the invention is
illustrated in FIG. 2 as a distributed refrigeration system having
a variable capacity vapor compression condensing unit and a chilled
forced air cooling delivery network.
[0053] According to the invention, central cooling unit 60 can be
continuously operating so that chilled air is continuously
circulated in insulated ducts 92 forming a cooling medium circuit
from evaporator 90 to refrigerating modules 70, 72 and back to
evaporator 90. Controller 100 can be arranged to adjust the
capacity of the central cooling unit 60 in response to the
aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigerating modules
70, 72. As noted above, while two refrigerating modules 70, 72 are
illustrated in FIG. 2, according to the invention one or more than
two refrigerating modules can be connected in the refrigerating
appliance system. The aggregate cooling load can be determined by
the first portion 102 of controller 100 as a function of
temperatures sensed by temperature sensors 84, operating
temperatures selected with temperature selectors 86, and feedback
from expansion device 68. Controller 100 can also be arranged to
control the operating temperature in each of the refrigerating
modules 70, 72. Second portion 104 of controller 100 can be
arranged to control baffles 96 and evaporator fan 94 to maintain
the selected operating temperatures based on the settings of
temperature selectors 86 and temperature sensors 84. Thus,
according to the invention, a single continuously operating
variable capacity central cooling unit 60 can be provided for a
plurality of refrigerating modules 70, 72 that can be set to
operate at different operating temperatures. The variable capacity
central cooling unit 60 can be arranged for chilling a cooling
medium. A cooling medium circuit, insulated ducts 92, can be
provided connecting the central cooling unit 60 to supply the
cooling medium from the central cooling unit 60 to the plurality of
refrigerating modules 70, 72. A plurality of cooling medium flow
control devices, baffles 96, can be provided for controlling flow
of cooling medium, chilled air, to each of the refrigerating
modules 70, 72, through air inlets 93 and air outlets 95. A
controller 100 and control circuit 106 can be provided to adjust
the capacity of the variable capacity central cooling unit 60 in
order to supply sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of
refrigerating modules 70, 72 to the respective selected operating
temperatures, and the controller 100 and control circuit 106 can be
arranged to adjust the volume of cooling medium directed to
respective ones of the refrigerating modules 70, 72 by controlling
the cooling medium flow control devices, evaporator fan 94 and
baffles 96, to maintain the selected operating temperature in the
respective refrigerating modules 70, 72. Controller 100 can control
the speed of variable speed fan 94 to vary the volume of cooling
medium, chilled air, in the cooling medium circuit, insulated ducts
92, to further control the operating temperature in the respective
refrigerating modules 70, 72. The embodiment of FIG. 2 is
preferably used for above freezing refrigerator modules to avoid
the need to circulate chilled air in the cooling medium circuit to
achieve temperatures approximating 0.degree. F. for freezer
modules, although freezer modules can be included in the FIG. 2
embodiment if desired.
[0054] Turning to FIG. 3, in another embodiment of the invention,
illustrated in schematic form, refrigerating modules 120, 122 and
124 can be connected in a refrigeration appliance system that can
include a central cooling unit 110. According to the invention one
refrigerating module or more than three refrigerating modules can
be provided in the refrigeration appliance system as desired.
Refrigerating modules 120, 122 and 124 can be free standing or
built in modules and can be general purpose refrigerator, freezer
or can be special purpose modules. Refrigerating module 120 can
have an insulated cabinet 126 and an insulated door 127 that can be
hinged to insulated cabinet 126 to selectively open and close an
opening 135 in insulated cabinet 126. Refrigerating module 122 can
have an insulated cabinet 128 and an insulated door 129 that can be
hinged to insulated cabinet 128 to selectively open and close an
opening 137 in insulated cabinet 128. Refrigerating module 124 can
have an insulated cabinet 140 and an insulated door 141 to
selectively open and close an opening 139 in insulated cabinet 140.
Those skilled in the art will understand that insulated doors 127,
129 and 141 can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to
facilitate opening and closing insulated doors 127, 129 and 141.
Refrigerating modules 120, 122, and 124 can include a refrigerating
module evaporator 130 and a refrigerating module variable speed
evaporator fan 132 arranged to circulate chilled air in the
respective refrigerating modules. Air flow arrows 148 schematically
illustrate the chilled air flow in the respective refrigerating
modules. Refrigerating modules 120, 122 and 124 can have a
temperature sensor 134 arranged to sense the temperature of the
interior of refrigerating modules 120, 122 and 124. Temperature
sensor 134 can be a thermister or other well known electronic or
mechanical temperature sensing mechanism or device. Temperature
selectors 136 can be provided for each of the refrigerating modules
120, 122 and 124 to allow the user to select the operating
temperature for the respective refrigerating modules 120, 122 and
124. While temperature selectors 136 are illustrated schematically
spaced from refrigerating modules 120, 122 and 124 a temperature
selector 136 can be located in each of the refrigerating modules
120, 122 and 124 as is well known in the art, or can be centrally
located if desired. Temperature selectors 136 can comprise a well
known mechanical or electronic selector mechanism to allow a user
to select an operating temperature for the respective refrigerating
modules 120, 122 and 124.
[0055] The refrigeration appliance system illustrated in schematic
form in FIG. 3 also includes a central cooling unit 110. Central
cooling unit 110 can include a variable speed compressor 112, a
condenser 114 and a variable speed condenser fan 116. Central
cooling unit 110 can also include a manifold 117 and an accumulator
118. Central cooling unit 110 can be connected to the refrigerating
modules 120, 122 and 124 with refrigerant lines that can be
insulated supply conduits 142 and insulated return conduits 144
forming a cooling medium circuit for conveying refrigerant from
central cooling unit 110 through manifold 117 to refrigerating
modules 120, 122, and 124 and returning refrigerant from
refrigerating modules 120, 122, and 124 to accumulator 118 through
insulated return conduits 144 for delivery to variable speed
compressor 112. Refrigerating module evaporators 130 form the
apparatus for receiving the cooling medium, refrigerant, in the
refrigerating modules 120, 122 and 124. Further, each refrigerating
module 120, 122 and 124 can have an expansion device 138 to control
flow of refrigerant into the respective refrigerating module
evaporators 130. Expansion devices 138 can be an expansion device
with feedback arranged to control refrigerant flow through
expansion device 138. Central cooling unit 110 can also have a
microprocessor based controller 150 having a first portion 152 that
can be arranged to control the operation of central cooling unit
110 and a second portion 154 to control the volume of refrigerant
directed to the respective refrigerating modules 120, 122 and 124
similar to controller 50 in the embodiment of FIG. 1. A control
circuit 156 can be provided to connect the temperature sensors 134,
the temperature selectors 136, the variable speed compressor 112,
the variable speed condenser fan 116, expansion devices 138 and
evaporator fans 132 to controller 150. Thus, a refrigeration
appliance system according to the invention is illustrated in FIG.
3 as a distributed refrigeration system having a variable capacity
vapor compression condensing unit and an evaporator network.
Depending on the refrigerating modules selected, the modules can
all be above freezing, all below freezing, or a mixture of above
freezing and below freezing refrigerating modules.
[0056] According to the invention, central cooling unit 110 can be
continuously operating so that refrigerant is continuously
circulated in refrigerant lines that can be insulated supply
conduits 142 and insulated return conduits 144 forming a cooling
medium circuit from condenser 114 through manifold 117 to
refrigerating modules 120, 122 and 124 and back to compressor 112
through accumulator 118. Controller 150 can be arranged to adjust
the capacity of the central cooling unit 110 in response to the
aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigerating modules
120, 122 and 124. As noted above, while three refrigerating modules
120, 122 and 124 are illustrated in FIG. 3, according to the
invention one or more than three refrigerating modules can be
connected in the refrigerating appliance system. The aggregate
cooling load can be determined by the first portion 152 of
controller 150 as a function of temperatures sensed by temperature
sensors 134, operating temperatures selected with temperature
selectors 136 and feedback from expansion devices 138. Controller
150 can also be arranged to control the operating temperature in
each of the refrigerating modules 120, 122 and 124. Second portion
154 of controller 150 can be arranged to control expansion devices
138 and refrigerating module evaporator fans 132 to maintain the
selected operating temperatures based on the settings of
temperature selectors 136 and temperature sensors 134. Controller
150 can be arranged to maintain approximately the same evaporator
pressure in the refrigerating module evaporators 130 and control
the temperature in the respective refrigerating modules by varying
the flow of refrigerant into the refrigerating module evaporators
130 and controlling the speed of the respective refrigerating
module evaporator fans 132. Thus, according to the invention, a
single, continuously operating variable capacity central cooling
unit 110 can be provided for a plurality of refrigerating modules
120, 122 and 124 that can be set to operate at different operating
temperatures. The variable capacity central cooling unit 110 can be
arranged for chilling a cooling medium, a refrigerant. A cooling
medium circuit including refrigerant lines that can be insulated
supply conduits and insulated return conduits 142, 144, can be
provided connecting the central cooling unit 110 to supply the
cooling medium from the central cooling unit 110 to the plurality
of refrigerating modules 120, 122 and 124. A plurality of cooling
medium flow control devices, expansion devices 138, can be provided
for controlling flow of cooling medium, refrigerant, to each of the
refrigerating modules 120, 122 and 124. A controller 150 and
control circuit 156 can be provided to adjust the capacity of the
variable capacity central cooling unit 110 in order to supply
sufficient cooling medium to cool the plurality of refrigerating
modules 120, 122 and 124 to the respective selected operating
temperatures, and the controller 150 and control circuit 156 can be
arranged to adjust the volume of cooling medium, refrigerant,
directed to respective ones of the refrigerating modules 120, 122
and 124 by controlling the cooling medium flow control devices,
expansion devices 138 and refrigerating module evaporator fans 132,
to maintain the selected operating temperature in the respective
refrigerating modules 120, 122 and 124. Controller 150 can control
the speed of variable speed compressor 112, variable speed
condenser fan 116 and expansion devices 138 to control the
condensing and evaporating pressures of the cooling medium,
refrigerant, in the cooling medium circuit including refrigerant
lines that can be insulated supply and return conduits 142, 144, to
further control the operating temperature in the respective
refrigerating modules 120, 122 and 124.
[0057] Turning to FIG. 4, in another embodiment of the invention,
illustrated in schematic form, refrigerating modules 120, 124 and
160 can be connected in a refrigeration appliance system that can
include a central cooling unit 110. According to the invention one
refrigerating module or more than three refrigerating modules can
be provided in the refrigeration appliance system as desired. As
described in the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 3, refrigerating
modules 120 and 124 can be free standing or built in modules and
can be general purpose refrigerator, freezer or can be special
purpose modules. Refrigerating module 160 can be a refrigerator
freezer having a refrigerator compartment 168 and a freezer
compartment 166. Refrigerator compartment 168 can have an insulated
refrigerator compartment door 174 hinged to insulated cabinet 162
and freezer compartment 166 can have an insulated freezer
compartment door 172 hinged to insulated cabinet 162. Those skilled
in the art will understand that insulated doors 127, 141, 172 and
174 can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to
facilitate opening and closing insulated doors 127, 141, 172 and
174. Refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160 can include a
refrigerating module evaporator 130 and a variable speed
refrigerating module evaporator fan 132 arranged to circulate
chilled air in the respective refrigerating modules, see air flow
arrows 148. Refrigerating modules 120 and 124 can have a
temperature sensor 134 arranged to sense the temperature of the
interior of refrigerating modules 120, 124. Refrigerator freezer
module 160 can have a temperature sensor 134 for refrigerator
compartment 168 and a temperature sensor 134 for freezer
compartment 166. Temperature sensors 134 can be a thermister or
other well known electronic or mechanical temperature sensing
mechanism or device. Temperature selectors 136 can be provided for
each of the refrigerating modules 120 and 124 to allow the user to
select the operating temperature for the respective refrigerating
modules 120 and 124. Refrigerator freezer 160 can have two
temperature selectors 136, one for the refrigerator compartment 168
and one for the freezer compartment 166. While temperature
selectors 136 are illustrated schematically spaced from
refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160 a temperature selector(s)
136 can be located in each of the refrigerating modules 120, 124
and 160 as is well known in the art, or alternately can be
centrally located if desired. Temperature selectors 136 can
comprise a well known mechanical or electronic selector mechanism
to allow a user to select an operating temperature for the
respective refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160.
[0058] The refrigeration appliance system illustrated in schematic
form in FIG. 4, similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3,
can include a central cooling unit 110. Central cooling unit 110
can include a variable speed compressor 112, a condenser 114 and a
variable speed condenser fan 116. Central cooling unit 110 can also
include a manifold 117 and an accumulator 118. Central cooling unit
110 can be connected to the refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160
with refrigerant lines that can be insulated supply conduits 142
and insulated return conduits 144 forming a cooling medium circuit
for conveying refrigerant from central cooling unit 110 through
manifold 117 to refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160 and
returning refrigerant from refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160
to accumulator 118 through insulated return conduits 144 for
delivery to variable speed compressor 112. Refrigerating module
evaporators 130 form the apparatus for receiving the cooling
medium, refrigerant, in the refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160.
Further, each refrigerating module 120, 124 and 160 can have an
expansion device 138 to control flow of refrigerant into the
respective refrigerating module evaporators 130. Expansion devices
138 can be an expansion device with feedback arranged to control
refrigerant flow through expansion device 138. Central cooling unit
110 can also have a microprocessor based controller 150 having a
first portion 152 that can be arranged to control the operation of
central cooling unit 110 and a second portion 154 to control the
volume of refrigerant directed to the respective refrigerating
modules 120, 124 and 160 similar to microprocessor based controller
50 in the embodiment of FIG. 1. A control circuit 156 can be
provided to connect the temperature sensors 134, the temperature
selectors 136, the variable speed compressor 112, the variable
speed condenser fan 116, expansion devices 138 and evaporator fans
132 to controller 150. Thus, a refrigeration appliance system
according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 as a
distributed refrigeration system having a variable capacity vapor
compression condensing unit and an evaporator network. Depending on
the refrigerating modules selected, the modules can all be above
freezing, all below freezing, or a mixture of above freezing and
below freezing refrigerating modules in addition to refrigerator
freezer module 160.
[0059] Refrigerating module 160 can be a two temperature
refrigerator freezer module that can be arranged to have an above
freezing refrigerator compartment 168 and a below freezing freezer
compartment 166 as noted above. An insulated compartment separator
164 can be provided to divide insulated cabinet 162 into a
refrigerator compartment 168 and a freezer compartment 166. Freezer
compartment 166 can have an evaporator compartment that can be
formed by an evaporator compartment wall 170 that can be arranged
to separate the refrigerating module evaporator 130 from the
freezer compartment 166. Evaporator compartment wall 170 is
illustrated schematically as a dashed line below refrigerating
module evaporator 130 to indicate that air flows (air flow arrows
148) into freezer compartment 166 from the refrigerating module
evaporator 130, and similarly, air returns to the evaporator
compartment under the influence of refrigerating module evaporator
fan 132. Insulated compartment separator 164 can have chilled air
passages 176 positioned on compartment separator 164 that can allow
chilled air (air flow arrows 158) from the freezer compartment 166
or evaporator compartment to flow into refrigerator compartment 168
as is well known in the art. Compartment separator 164 can have a
refrigerator compartment damper 178 to control the flow of air from
the refrigerator compartment 168 back to freezer compartment 166
and refrigerating module evaporator 130 drawn by refrigerating
module evaporator fan 132. In the embodiment of the invention
illustrated in FIG. 4, refrigerator compartment damper 178 is shown
in the return air path from refrigerator compartment 168. Those
skilled in the art will understand that chilled air passages 176
could be arranged in the return air path from refrigerator
compartment 168 and refrigerant compartment damper 178 arranged in
the flow of chilled air into refrigerator compartment 168 if
desired. Refrigerator compartment damper 178 can be an automatic
damper operated by controller 150 as illustrated in FIG. 4, or, if
desired, refrigerator compartment damper 178 can be a manually
adjustable damper manually adjusted by the user and temperature
sensor 134 and temperature selector 136 eliminated from freezer
compartment 166.
[0060] Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, according to the
invention, central cooling unit 110 can be continuously operating
so that refrigerant is continuously circulated in refrigerant lines
that can be insulated supply conduits 142 and return conduits 144
forming a cooling medium circuit from condenser 114 through
manifold 117 to refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160 and back to
compressor 112 through accumulator 118. Controller 150 can be
arranged to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit 110 in
response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of
refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160. As noted above, while three
refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160 are illustrated in FIG. 4,
according to the invention one or more than three refrigerating
modules can be connected in the refrigerating appliance system. The
aggregate cooling load can be determined by the first portion 152
of controller 150 as a function of temperatures sensed by
temperature sensors 134, operating temperatures selected with
temperature selectors 136, and feedback from expansion devices 138.
Controller 150 can also be arranged to control the operating
temperature in each of the refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160.
Second portion 154 of controller 150 can be arranged to control
expansion devices 138 and refrigerating module evaporator fans 132
to maintain the selected operating temperatures based on the
settings of temperature selectors 136 and temperature sensors 134.
In addition, second portion 154 of controller 150 can be arranged
to control refrigerator compartment damper 178 to control the
amount of chilled air flowing from freezer compartment 166 and
refrigerating module evaporator 132 through compartment separator
164 into refrigerator compartment 168 in conjunction with
refrigerating module evaporator fan 132 to maintain the user
selected temperature in refrigerator compartment 168 as well as in
freezer compartment 166. Controller 150 can be arranged to maintain
approximately the same evaporator pressure in the refrigerating
module evaporators 130 and control the temperature in the
respective refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160 by varying the
flow of refrigerant into the refrigerating module evaporators 130
and controlling the speed of the respective refrigerating module
evaporator fans 132. Thus, according to the invention, a single,
continuously operating variable capacity central cooling unit 110
can be provided for a plurality of refrigerating modules 120, 124
and 160 that can be set to operate at different operating
temperatures, and refrigerating module 160 can be set to have a
refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. The variable
capacity central cooling unit 110 can be arranged for chilling a
cooling medium, a refrigerant. A cooling medium circuit that can
include refrigerant lines that can be insulated supply conduits and
insulated return conduits 142, 144, can be provided connecting the
central cooling unit 110 to supply the cooling medium from the
central cooling unit 110 to the plurality of refrigerating modules
120, 124 and 160. A plurality of cooling medium flow control
devices, expansion devices 138, can be provided for controlling
flow of cooling medium, refrigerant, to each of the refrigerating
modules 120, 124 and 160. A controller 150 and control circuit 156
can be provided to adjust the capacity of the variable capacity
central cooling unit 110 in order to supply sufficient cooling
medium to cool the plurality of refrigerating modules 120, 124 and
160 to the respective selected operating temperatures, and the
controller 150 and control circuit 156 can be arranged adjust the
volume of cooling medium, refrigerant, directed to respective ones
of the refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160 by controlling the
cooling medium flow control devices, expansion devices 138 and
refrigerating module evaporator fans 132, to maintain the selected
operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules 120,
124 and 160. Controller 150 can control the speed of variable speed
compressor 112, variable speed condenser fan 116 and expansion
devices 138 to control the condensing and evaporating pressures of
the cooling medium, refrigerant, in the cooling medium circuit
including refrigerant lines that can be insulated supply and return
conduits 142, 144, to further control the operating temperature in
the respective refrigerating modules 120, 124 and 160.
[0061] Turning to FIG. 5, a freezer module 180 is illustrated that
can be used in combination with a refrigeration appliance system
according to the invention. Freezer module 180 can be a
conventional freezer capable of operating without connection to the
refrigeration appliance system according to the invention.
Particularly when a freezer module arranged for 0.degree. F.
storage temperatures is desired for use in combination with the
embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1 (employing liquid coolant as the
cooling medium), FIG. 2 (employing chilled air as the cooling
medium), or FIG. 3 (particularly when above freezing refrigerator
modules will be connected in the refrigeration appliance system) it
can be advantageous to incorporate a freezer module 180 as
illustrated in FIG. 5. However, a freezer module 180 can be
combined with any of the embodiments according to the invention.
Freezer module 180 can have a insulated freezer cabinet 182
defining an opening 184 for access to the freezer compartment and
can have an insulated freezer door 185 hinged to the insulated
freezer cabinet 182 to selectively open and close the freezer
compartment. Freezer door 185 can have a handle, not shown, to
facilitate opening and closing freezer door 185 for access to
freezer module 180. Freezer module 180 can include a freezer
cooling unit 189 in a machinery compartment 186 outside the
refrigerated portion of the freezer cabinet 182 that can include a
freezer compressor 190, a freezer condenser 192 and a freezer
condenser fan 194. Freezer module 180 can include a freezer
evaporator 196 that can be positioned in insulated freezer cabinet
182 and can have a freezer evaporator fan 198 and a freezer
expansion device 204. Freezer module 180 can have a freezer
temperature sensor 200 that can be similar to the temperature
sensors described above. Freezer module 180 can also have a freezer
temperature selector 202 to allow user to select the operating
temperature for the freezer module. Freezer module 180 can have a
controller 208 and a control circuit 206 connecting the freezer
temperature sensor 200, freezer temperature selector 202, freezer
compressor 190, freezer condenser fan 194 and freezer evaporator
fan 198 to controller 208. Controller 208 can operate freezer
module 180 in a manner similar to conventional freezer products as
is well known in the art. Those skilled in the art will understand
that freezer compressor 190, freezer condenser fan 194 and freezer
evaporator fan 198 can be provided with variable speed motors as
desired for optimum operation. Freezer expansion device 204 can be
an expansion device with feedback as used in the embodiments of
FIGS. 1-4 or can be a capillary tube expansion device, again as
well known in the art. Freezer compressor 190 can be a variable
speed compressor if desired as is well known in the art.
Alternately, those skilled in the art will understand that freezer
condenser 192 and/or freezer evaporator 196 can be static heat
exchangers and that if a static heat exchanger is used the
respective freezer condenser fan 194 and/or freezer evaporator fan
198 could be eliminated. For example freezer module 180 could be a
chest freezer having freezer evaporator 196 positioned in contact
with the inner liner 210 defining the freezer compartment in the
insulation between the inner liner 210 and cabinet 182 as is well
known in the art. Similarly, freezer condenser 192 could be
positioned in contact with cabinet 182 positioned in the insulation
between inner liner 210 and cabinet 182 as is well known in the
art.
[0062] Turning to schematic FIG. 6, in another embodiment of the
invention, a plurality of satellite stations 212, 212' and 212''
can be connected in a refrigeration appliance system that can
include a central cooling unit. Each satellite station can have one
or two refrigeration appliance modules 214 located in proximity of
the satellite station to form a distributed refrigeration appliance
system. Refrigeration appliance modules can be free standing or
built in modules and can be general purpose refrigerator, freezer
or special purpose modules. Satellite stations 212 and
refrigeration appliance modules 214 can be located in a residential
kitchen or other locations associated with a dwelling as desired.
The central cooling unit can be similar to the central cooling unit
illustrated in FIG. 3, and accordingly, will use the same reference
numerals as the central cooling unit 110 illustrated in FIG. 3.
Central cooling unit 110, controller 150 and the central cooling
system operation are described in detail above in connection with
the embodiment of FIG. 3. As noted above, central cooling unit 110
can be located in a location remote from a residential kitchen if
desired.
[0063] According to the invention one satellite station or more
than three satellite stations can be provided in the refrigeration
appliance system as desired. Refrigeration appliance modules 214
can be located in proximity of satellite station 212 and can be
connected to satellite station 212 by an insulated supply duct 216
and an insulated return duct 218 for supplying chilled air to the
refrigeration appliance modules 214 from satellite station 212.
While insulated supply duct 216 and insulated return duct 218 are
schematically illustrated as separate ducts, those skilled in the
art will understand that the insulated ducts can be coaxial or,
alternately, formed insulated ducts with two discrete parallel
passages if desired. Those skilled in the art will understand that
if only one refrigeration appliance module 214 will be located in
proximity of a satellite station 212 that only one set of insulated
supply and return ducts can be provided, or alternately, the unused
set of ducts can be plugged or blocked to provide for future
expansion of the system. Satellite station 212 can include a
satellite station evaporator 219 that can be connected to central
cooling system 110 through a refrigerant line that can be an
insulated supply conduit 142 through expansion device 138 and a
refrigerant line that can be an insulated return conduit 144. As is
well known in the art, quick connect fittings 145 can be used to
connect satellite station 212 to the refrigerant lines. Expansion
device 138 can be an adjustable expansion device with feedback
based on the load experienced by the satellite station 212, and can
be connected to controller 150 through control circuit 156. Those
skilled in the art will understand that, if desired, one or more
satellite stations 212 can include a plurality of expansion
devices, not shown, connected in a refrigeration circuit for the
satellite station 212 to operate the satellite station evaporator
at a plurality of operating temperatures to, for example, allow a
user to selectively operate one or more of the refrigeration
appliance modules 214 connected to a satellite station 212 to be
operated as an above freezing refrigerator compartment or as a
below freezing freezer compartment by merely selecting a different
expansion device to control the satellite station evaporator 219.
For example, plural expansion devices could be connected in
parallel in the refrigeration circuit including the satellite
station evaporator 219. A multi-temperature evaporator system is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,498, assigned to the assignee of
this application. U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,498 is incorporated herein by
reference. Satellite station 212 can also have a variable speed
satellite station evaporator fan 220 that can be connected to
controller 150 through control circuit 156. Those skilled in the
art will understand that satellite station evaporator fan 220 can
be a single speed fan if desired. Satellite station 212 can also
have a temperature sensor 134 arranged to sense the temperature in
satellite station 212. Satellite stations 212' and 212'' can be
similar to satellite station 212. While satellite stations 212' and
212'' are illustrated without refrigeration appliance modules 214
positioned in proximity to the respective satellite stations to
simplify the drawings, those skilled in the art will understand
that refrigeration appliance modules such as modules 214
illustrated in proximity of satellite station 212 can, and in
practice additional satellite stations 212' and 212'', if included
in the distributed refrigeration appliance system, would likely be
combined with one or more refrigeration appliance modules 214.
[0064] Refrigeration appliance module 214 can have an insulated
cabinet 223 and at least one insulated door 224 that can be hinged
to insulated cabinet 223 to selectively open and close an opening
225 in insulated cabinet 223. Those skilled in the art will
understand that insulated doors 224 can be provided with a suitable
handle, not shown, to facilitate opening and closing insulated
doors 224. Refrigeration appliance module 214 can have an
adjustable baffle 222 that can be positioned to control air flow
through insulated supply duct 216. Adjustable baffle 222 can be
variably movable between open and closed positions to permit, block
and vary the flow of chilled air into refrigeration appliance
module 214. Adjustable baffle 222 can be manually adjustable by a
user to control the temperature in refrigeration appliance module
214, or, as illustrated, can be an automatic adjustable baffle
connected to controller 150 through control circuit 156. Air flow
arrows 227 schematically illustrate chilled air flow from satellite
station 212 to refrigeration appliance module 214 through insulated
supply duct 216 and back to satellite station 212 through insulated
return duct 218. Those skilled in the art will understand that
adjustable baffle 222 can be positioned in insulated return duct
218, or if desired an adjustable baffle 222 can be provided in both
supply and return ducts in order to isolate a refrigeration
appliance module 214. Refrigeration appliance module 214 can also
have a temperature sensor 134 to sense the temperature within
insulated cabinet 223. As above, temperature sensors 134 can be a
thermister or other well known electronic or mechanical temperature
sensing mechanism or device and can be connected to controller 150
through control circuit 156. A temperature selector 136 can be
provided for each of the refrigeration appliance modules 214 to
allow the user to select the operating temperature for each of the
refrigeration appliance modules 214. While temperature selectors
136 are illustrated schematically spaced from refrigeration
appliance modules 214 a temperature selector 136 can be located in
each of the refrigeration appliance modules 214 as is well known in
the art, or can be centrally located in a combined user interface
as illustrated if desired. Temperature selectors 136 can comprise a
well known mechanical or electronic selector mechanism to allow a
user to select an operating temperature for the respective
refrigerating appliance module 214 and can be connected to
controller 150 through control circuit 156. As above, the aggregate
distributed refrigeration appliance system cooling load can be
determined by the first portion 152 of controller 150 as a function
of temperatures sensed by temperature sensors 134, operating
temperatures selected with temperature selectors 136 and feedback
based on load from expansion devices 138. Controller 150 can also
be arranged to control the operating temperature in each of the
refrigeration appliance modules 214. Second portion 154 of
controller 150 can be arranged to control expansion devices 138,
adjustable baffles 222 and satellite station evaporator fans 220 to
maintain the selected operating temperatures based on the settings
of temperature selectors 136 and temperature sensors 134.
Controller 150 can be arranged to maintain approximately the same
evaporator pressure in the satellite station evaporators 219 and
control the temperature in the respective refrigeration appliance
modules 214 by varying the flow of refrigerant into the satellite
station evaporators 219, the position of automatic baffles 222 and
controlling the speed of the respective refrigeration appliance
module evaporator fans 220. Refrigeration appliance modules 214
connected to a satellite station 212 can be operated at different
operating temperatures. For instance, one refrigeration appliance
module 214 can be set to operate as an above freezing refrigerator
module and another refrigeration appliance module 214 connected to
the same satellite station 212 can be set to operate as a below
freezing freezer module if so desired. If manual baffles are
provided instead of automatic baffles those skilled in the art will
understand that the user can set the baffles to obtain the desired
temperature in the refrigeration appliance modules. Thus, according
to the invention, a single, continuously operating variable
capacity central cooling unit 110 can be provided for a plurality
of refrigeration appliance modules 214 that can be set to operate
at different operating temperatures that can include temperatures
to allow operation of a refrigeration appliance module as an above
freezing refrigerator compartment, a below freezing freezer
compartment or another refrigeration appliance such as an ice
maker.
[0065] Turning to schematic FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, in another
embodiment of the invention, a two compartment refrigeration
appliance modules can be combined with a satellite station. A
single satellite station 212 can be connected to refrigeration
appliance modules is shown in each of FIGS. 7A and 7B with the
central cooling unit 110 omitted to simplify the drawings. A
refrigeration appliance module 228 can be used in a distributed
refrigeration appliance system having one or more refrigeration
appliance modules 214 located in proximity of one or more satellite
stations 212 to form a distributed refrigeration appliance system.
Refrigeration appliance module 228 can be a free standing or a
built in module and can be general purpose refrigerator, freezer or
a special purpose module. Refrigeration appliance module 228 can be
located in a residential kitchen or other locations associated with
a dwelling as desired. The central cooling unit, not shown, can be
similar to the central cooling unit illustrated in FIG. 3, and as
above, can be located remote from the residential kitchen. Central
cooling unit 110, controller 150 and the central cooling system
operation are described in detail above in connection with the
embodiment of FIG. 3 and FIG. 6. Those skilled in the art will
understand that more than one satellite station 212 can be provided
and that satellite station 212 can be connected to central cooling
unit 110 through well known quick connect fittings 145 to
refrigerant lines that can be insulated supply conduits 142 and
144, and to controller 150 through control circuit 156 as
illustrated in FIG. 6. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A a
two compartment refrigeration appliance module 228 can be connected
to satellite station 212 by an insulated supply duct 232 and an
insulated return duct 234. A refrigeration appliance module 214 can
also be connected to satellite station 212 as in the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 6. Refrigeration appliance module 214 is
described in detail above and accordingly will not be described in
detail again in connection with FIGS. 7A-7C. Refrigerating module
214 will use the same reference numerals as refrigerating module
214 in FIG. 6. Refrigeration appliance module 228 can have an
insulated cabinet 229 that can have two insulated doors 230 hinged
to insulated cabinet 229 to selectively open and close openings
233. Insulated doors 230 can be provided with a handle, not shown,
to facilitate opening and closing insulated doors 230. Insulated
cabinet 229 can have an insulated compartment separator 231 to
divide insulated cabinet 229 into two compartments 237 and 238 that
can be closed by the insulated doors 230. Insulated supply duct 232
can be arranged to extend substantially through compartment 238 to
supply chilled air to compartment 237. Insulated supply duct 232
can have an opening 232' in compartment 238 to supply chilled air
to compartment 238. Opening 232' can be located adjacent
compartment separator 231 and can be provided with an adjustable
baffle 235 that can be arranged to control chilled air flow into
compartments 237 and 238. Similarly, insulated return duct 234 can
extend substantially through compartment 238 to provide for chilled
air return from compartment 237 without flowing through compartment
238. Insulated return duct 234 can have an opening 234' that can be
located adjacent compartment separator 231 and can be provided with
an adjustable baffle 235 that can be arranged to control chilled
air flow out of compartments 237 and 238. Similar to refrigerated
appliance module 214, insulated supply duct 232 can be provided
with an adjustable baffle 222 to control the quantity of chilled
air supplied to refrigeration appliance module 228 from satellite
station 212 by satellite station evaporator fan 220. Adjustable
baffles 222 and 235 can be manually adjustable by the user to
select the operating temperatures of compartments 237 and 238, or
can be automatically adjustable baffles controlled by controller
150 through control circuit 156 as generally described above.
Refrigerating module 214 can operate in the same manner as
refrigeration appliance modules 214 as described in connection with
FIG. 6. Thus, a user can operate refrigeration appliance module 214
at one operating temperature and can operate the two compartments
237, 238 of refrigeration appliance module 228 at different
temperatures and a different temperatures from refrigeration
appliance module 214 as desired. As described above, compartment
237 and 238 can be operated at different operating temperatures
that can above or below freezing as desired as can the
refrigeration appliance module 214. Those skilled in the art will
understand that alternate insulated duct and damper arrangements
can be provided to provide chilled air flow into compartments 237
and 238 as desired.
[0066] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C a two
compartment refrigeration appliance module 228 can be connected to
satellite station 212 by an insulated supply duct 216 and an
insulated return duct 218. A refrigeration appliance module 214 can
be connected to satellite station 212 as in the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 6. Refrigeration appliance module 228 can have
an insulated cabinet 229 that can have two insulated doors 230
hinged to insulated cabinet 229 to selectively open and close
openings 233. Insulated doors 230 can be provided with a handle,
not shown, to facilitate opening and closing insulated doors 230.
Insulated cabinet 229 can have an insulated compartment separator
231' to divide insulated cabinet 229 into two compartments 237 and
238 that can be closed by the insulated doors 230. Insulated
compartment separator 231' can have a circulation fan 236 provided
in an opening in compartment separator 231' and can have a second
opening 239. Circulation fan 236 can be seen in FIG. 7C. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 7B and 7C circulation fan 236 can control flow
of chilled air from compartment 238 to compartment 237. As
described above, adjustable baffle 222 can control the flow of
chilled air from satellite station 212 to refrigeration appliance
module 228. Thus, for two compartment refrigeration appliance
modules two embodiments have been illustrated for controlling the
temperature in the two compartments 237, 238. One approach, as
shown in FIG. 7A, employs adjustable baffles to control the flow of
chilled air to the respective compartments. Another approach, as
shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, employs a circulation fan 236 in
compartment separator 231' to control flow of chilled air from
compartment 238 into compartment 237. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that in the FIGS. 7B and 7C embodiment compartment 237
can only operate at a higher temperature than compartment 238,
whereas in the FIG. 7A embodiment it can be possible to operate
compartment 237 at a lower temperature than compartment 238.
[0067] Turning to schematic FIG. 8A, in another embodiment of the
invention, a satellite station can be combined with a refrigeration
appliance module. In FIG. 8A a combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 240 and refrigeration
appliance module 214 are illustrated without a central cooling unit
110 or additional satellite stations 212 and refrigeration
appliance modules 214 to simplify the drawings. A combined
satellite station/refrigeration appliance module 240 can be used in
a distributed refrigeration appliance system having one or more
refrigeration appliance modules 214 or 228 located in proximity of
one or more satellite stations 212 to form a distributed
refrigeration appliance system. Combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 240 and refrigeration
appliance module 214 can be free standing or built in modules and
can be general purpose refrigerator, freezer or special purpose
modules. Combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance module
240 can be located in a residential kitchen or other locations
associated with a dwelling as desired. Combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module can have an insulated
cabinet 241, an insulated door 242 that can be hinged to insulated
cabinet 241 for selective access to the interior of the insulated
cabinet through opening 243. Insulated door 242 can have a handle,
not shown, to facilitate access to the combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 240. The central cooling
unit, not shown, can be similar to the central cooling unit
illustrated in FIG. 3. Central cooling unit 110, controller 150 and
the central cooling system operation are described in detail above
in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3. Those skilled in the
art will understand that more than one satellite station 212 can be
provided and that one or more combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance modules 240 can be connected to
central cooling unit 110 through quick connect fittings 145 to
refrigerant lines that can be insulated supply conduits 142 and
144, and to controller 150 through control circuit 156 as
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0068] Combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance module
240 can have a satellite station evaporator 246, a variable speed
evaporator fan 248 and an expansion device 138. Satellite station
evaporator 246 and expansion device 138 can be connected to
refrigerant lines that can be insulated supply conduit 142 and
insulated return conduit 144 through quick connect fittings 145.
Satellite evaporator 246 can be positioned in an evaporator
compartment schematically indicated by dashed line 250.
Refrigeration appliance module 214 can be located in proximity to
combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance module 240 and
can be connected to combined satellite station/refrigeration
appliance module 240 by an insulated supply duct 216 and an
insulated return duct 218. Refrigeration appliance module 214 is
described above in detail and accordingly will not be described
again in detail in connection with FIG. 8A. Refrigeration appliance
module 214 can operate in the same manner as refrigeration
appliance modules 214 as described in connection with FIG. 6.
[0069] Turning to schematic FIG. 8B, in another embodiment of the
invention, a combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance
module 252 can be combined with a refrigeration appliance module
244 similar to the combination described above with respect to FIG.
8A. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 8A, a combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 252 can be used in a
distributed refrigeration system having a central cooling unit 110,
controller 150 and control circuit 156 as illustrated in FIG. 3
having plural satellite stations 212 and refrigeration appliance
modules 214, 228. The central cooling unit 110, additional
satellite stations 212 and refrigeration appliance modules have not
been included in FIG. 8B to simplify the drawings. Combined
satellite station/refrigeration appliance module 252 and
refrigeration appliance module 244 can be free standing or built in
modules and can be general purpose refrigerator, freezer or special
purpose modules. Combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance
module 252 can be located in a residential kitchen or other
locations associated with a dwelling as desired. Combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 252 can have an insulated
cabinet 253, an insulated door 254 that can be hinged to insulated
cabinet 253 for selective access to the interior of the insulated
cabinet through opening 255. Insulated door 254 can have a handle,
not shown, to facilitate access to the combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 252. The central cooling
unit, not shown, can be similar to the central cooling unit
illustrated in FIG. 3. Operation of central cooling unit 110 and
controller 150 are described in detail above in connection with the
embodiment of FIG. 3. Those skilled in the art will understand that
more than one satellite station 212 can be provided and that one or
more combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance modules 252
can be connected to central cooling unit 110 through quick connect
fittings 145 to refrigerant lines that can be insulated supply
conduits 142 and 144, and to controller 150 through control circuit
156 as illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0070] Combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance module
252 can have a direct cooling satellite station evaporator 256 and
an expansion device 138. Satellite station evaporator 256 and
expansion device 138 can be connected through quick connect
fittings 145 to refrigerant lines that can be insulated supply
conduit 142 and insulated return conduit 144 and to controller 150
through control circuit 156. Satellite evaporator 256 can be
positioned in an evaporator compartment schematically indicated by
dashed line 258. Refrigeration appliance module 244 can be located
in proximity to combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance
module 252 and can be connected to combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 252 by an insulated supply
duct 216 and an insulated return duct 218. Refrigeration appliance
module 244 can have an insulated cabinet 262 that can have an
insulated door 263 hinged to insulated cabinet 262 to selectively
provide access to insulated cabinet 262 through opening 264.
Refrigeration appliance module 244 can have a circulation fan 260
that can circulate and control the volume of chilled air flowing
into refrigeration appliance module 244 from combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 252. Combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 252 and refrigeration
appliance module 244 can have a temperature sensor 134 as described
above, and can have a temperature selector 136, not shown, that can
be combined with the respective cabinets or can be part of a
central user interface as described above and can be connected to
controller 150 to control the temperatures in the refrigerated
compartments. Refrigeration appliance module 244 can otherwise
operate in the same manner as refrigeration appliance modules 214
as described in connection with FIG. 6.
[0071] Turning to schematic FIG. 9, another embodiment of the
invention, a satellite station can be combined with a two
compartment refrigeration appliance module. In FIG. 9 a two
compartment combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance
module 266 and a refrigeration appliance module 214 are illustrated
without a central cooling unit 110 or controller 150 and control
circuit 156 to simplify the drawings. A combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 266 can be used in a
distributed refrigeration appliance system having one or more
refrigeration appliance modules 214, 228 or 244 located in
proximity of one or more satellite stations 212, 240 or 252 to form
a distributed refrigeration appliance system. Combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 266 and refrigeration
appliance module 214 can be free standing or built in modules and
can be general purpose refrigerator, freezer or special purpose
modules. Combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance module
266 can be located in a residential kitchen or other locations
associated with a dwelling as desired. Combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module can have an insulated
cabinet 268, an insulated door 270 that can be hinged to insulated
cabinet 268 for selective access to the interior of the insulated
cabinet through opening 269. Insulated door 270 can have a handle,
not shown, to facilitate access to the combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 266. The central cooling
unit, not shown, can be similar to the central cooling unit
illustrated in FIG. 3. Operation of central cooling unit 110 and
controller 150 are described in detail above in connection with the
embodiment of FIG. 3. Those skilled in the art will understand that
more than one satellite station 212, 240, 252 can be provided and
that one or more combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance
modules 266 can be connected to central cooling unit 110 through
quick connect fittings 145 to refrigerant lines that can be
insulated supply conduits 142 and 144, and to controller 150
control circuit 156 as illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0072] Combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance module
266 can have a satellite station evaporator 272, a variable speed
evaporator fan 274 and an expansion device 138. Satellite station
evaporator 272 and expansion device 138 can be connected to
refrigerant lines that can be insulated supply conduit 142 and
insulated return conduit 144. Satellite evaporator 272 can be
positioned in an evaporator compartment schematically indicated by
dashed line 275. Combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance
module 266 can have a compartment separator 276 that can be
arranged to separate insulated cabinet 268 into two compartments
277 and 279. Compartment 277 can include the evaporator compartment
275, and if a below freezing freezer compartment is desired,
compartment 277 can be a freezer compartment since the evaporator
compartment 275 is positioned in compartment 277. Passages 278 can
allow air flow, indicated by air flow arrows 227, from compartment
277 and/or evaporator compartment 275 into compartment 279 and to
return to evaporator compartment 275 when evaporator fan 274 is
operated. Evaporator fan 274 can be a variable speed fan, or if
desired, can be a single speed fan. An adjustable baffle 280 can be
provided in combination with one of the passages 278 to control the
air flow into compartment 279. Adjustable baffle 278 can be
connected to control circuit 156 and can be operated by controller
150 (see FIG. 3), or can be manually adjustable by the user to
control the temperature in compartment 279 in combination with
expansion device 138 and satellite evaporator fan 274.
[0073] Refrigeration appliance module 214 can be located in
proximity to combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance
module 266 and can be connected to combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 266 by an insulated supply
duct 216 and an insulated return duct 218. Refrigeration appliance
module is described above in detail and accordingly will not be
described in detail again in connection with FIG. 9. Combined
satellite station/refrigeration appliance module 266 and
refrigeration appliance module 214 can have a temperature sensor
134 as described above, and can have a temperature selector 136,
not shown, that can be combined with the respective cabinets or can
be part of a central user interface as described above.
Refrigeration appliance module 214 can operate in the same manner
as refrigeration appliance modules 214 as described in connection
with FIG. 6.
[0074] Turning to schematic FIG. 10, in another embodiment of the
invention, a satellite station can be combined with a refrigeration
appliance module and a central cooling unit. In FIG. 10 a combined
satellite station/refrigeration appliance module/central cooling
unit 282, a satellite station 212 and three refrigeration appliance
modules 214 are illustrated. A combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module/central cooling station 282
can have more than one satellite station 212 and refrigeration
appliance modules 214 or 228 located in proximity of the satellite
stations 212 to form a distributed refrigeration appliance system.
Combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance module/central
cooling unit 282 and refrigeration appliance modules 214 can be
free standing or built in modules and can be general purpose
refrigerator, freezer or special purpose modules. Combined
satellite station/refrigeration appliance module/central cooling
unit 282 can be located in a residential kitchen or other locations
associated with a dwelling as desired. Combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module/central cooling unit 282 can
have an insulated cabinet 312, an insulated door 314 that can be
hinged to insulated cabinet 312 for selective access to the
interior of the insulated cabinet through opening 313. While
insulated door 314 is illustrated as a single door, those skilled
in the art will understand that two doors can be provided, one for
each of the compartments 308 and 310. Insulated door 314 can have a
handle, not shown, to facilitate access to the combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module 282. Insulated cabinet 312
can have a compartment separator 316 that can divide insulated
cabinet 312 into two compartments 308 and 310.
[0075] Combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance
module/central cooling unit 282 can have a satellite station
evaporator 320, a variable speed evaporator fan 322 and an
expansion device 138. Satellite station evaporator 322 and
expansion device 138 can be connected to manifold 292 and
accumulator 294 to form a refrigerant circuit. Satellite evaporator
320 can be positioned in an evaporator compartment schematically
indicated by dashed line 324. Refrigeration appliance module 214 is
described above in detail. Combined satellite station/refrigeration
appliance module/central cooling unit 282 and refrigeration
appliance module 214 can have a temperature sensors 134 as
described above, and can have a temperature selector 136 that can
be combined with the respective cabinets or can be part of a
central user interface as described above. Refrigeration appliance
module 214 can operate in the same manner as refrigeration
appliance modules 214 as described in connection with FIG. 6.
Compartment separator 316 can have passages 317 that can provide
for air flow between compartment 308 and 310. One of the passages
317 can have an adjustable baffle 318 that can control the quantity
of chilled air flowing from compartment 308 and/or evaporator
compartment 324 into compartment 310.
[0076] The central cooling unit 284 can be similar to the central
cooling unit illustrated in FIG. 3 but can be combined with the
satellite evaporator and appliance storage module in a single
cabinet or positioned adjacent the combined satellite station and
refrigeration appliance module cabinet as desired. Central cooling
unit 284 can include a variable speed compressor 286, a condenser
288 and a variable speed condenser fan 290. Central cooling unit
284 can also include a manifold 292 and an accumulator 294. Central
cooling unit 284 can be connected to satellite station 212 through
quick connect fittings 299 to refrigerant lines that can be an
insulated supply conduit 296 and an insulated return conduit 298
forming a cooling medium circuit for conveying refrigerant from
central cooling unit 284 through manifold 292 and insulated supply
conduit 296 to satellite station 212 and returning refrigerant from
satellite station 212 to accumulator 294 through insulated return
conduits 298. Central cooling unit 282 can also include a
microprocessor based controller 300 that can include a first
portion 302 that can be arranged to control operation of the
central cooling unit 284 and a second portion 304 than can be
arranged to control the volume of refrigerant directed to the
respective refrigerating modules similar to controller 50 in the
embodiment of FIG. 1. A control circuit 306 can be provided to
connect the temperature sensors 134, the temperature selectors 136,
variable speed compressor 286, variable speed condenser fan 290,
expansion devices 138 and evaporator fans 220 and 322. Central
cooling unit 284 can operate similar to the central cooling units
described in detail above in connection with FIG. 3 and FIG. 6. As
described in detail above, controller 300 can be arranged to
operate compartments 308 and 310 and refrigeration appliance
modules 214 at selected temperatures as a user might select by
setting appropriate temperature selectors 136.
[0077] Satellite station 212 and refrigeration appliance modules
214 can be similar to the satellite station 212 and refrigeration
appliance modules illustrated and described in detail in connection
with FIG. 6. Those skilled in the art will understand that more
than one satellite station 212 can be provided and that one or more
combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance modules 240 can
be connected to central cooling unit 284 through quick connect
fittings 299 to refrigerant lines that can be insulated supply
conduits 142 and 144 and to controller 300 through control circuit
306 similar to the distributed refrigeration system illustrated in
FIG. 6.
[0078] Turning to schematic FIG. 11, in another embodiment of the
invention, a plurality of refrigerating modules 120 and 326 can be
connected in a distributed refrigeration appliance system that can
include a central cooling unit 110. Refrigerating modules 120 and
326 can be free standing or built-in modules and can be general
purpose refrigerator, freezer or special purpose modules.
Refrigerating modules 120 and 326 can be located in a residential
kitchen or other locations associated with a dwelling as desired.
The central cooling unit can be similar to central cooling unit 110
illustrated in FIG. 3, and accordingly, will use the same reference
numerals as central cooling unit 110 illustrated in FIG. 3.
Similarly, refrigerating module 120 can be similar to refrigerating
module 120 illustrated in FIG. 3, and accordingly, will use the
same reference numerals as refrigerating module 120 in FIG. 3. As
noted above, central cooling unit 110 can be located in a location
remote from a residential kitchen, or in or in proximity of the
residential kitchen as desired as those skilled in the art will
understand.
[0079] According to the invention, other refrigerating modules
and/or satellite stations and refrigeration appliance modules as
described above can be combined with central cooling unit 110 in
addition to refrigerating modules 120 and 326 illustrated in FIG.
11. Refrigerating module 120 is described in detail above and
accordingly will not be described in detail again in connection
with FIG. 11. Similarly, central cooling unit 110 is described in
detail above and accordingly will not be described in detail again
in connection with FIG. 11. Refrigerating module 326 can have an
insulated cabinet 328 and at least one insulated door 330 that can
be hinged to insulated cabinet 328 to selectively open and close
compartments 331 and 332 formed in insulated cabinet 328 by
insulated compartment separator 334. Insulated door 330 can be
provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to facilitate opening
and closing insulated door 330. Those skilled in the art that two
insulated doors can be provided to independently close compartments
331 and 332 if desired. Refrigerating module 326 can include a
refrigerating module evaporator 336 and a refrigerating module
evaporator fan 338. Refrigerating module evaporator fan 338 can be
a single speed fan, or if desired, can be a variable speed fan. An
expansion device 138 can control flow of refrigerant to
refrigerating module 326. Expansion device 138 can be an expansion
device with feedback arranged to control refrigerant flow though
expansion device 138. Refrigerating module 326 can have a
temperature sensor 134 and a temperature selector 136, as described
above, for each compartment 331 and 332. Temperature sensors 134,
temperature selectors 136 and expansion device 138 can be connected
to controller 150 though control circuit 156 as described above in
detail. Also as described above in detail temperature selectors 136
can be located in refrigerating modules 120 and 326 or can be part
of a central user interface as is well known and described above.
Refrigerating module evaporator 336 can be connected to refrigerant
lines that can be insulated supply and return conduits 142 and 144
leading to central cooling unit 110.
[0080] Refrigerating module 326 can further employ a cascade
cooling system to cool compartment 332. For example, compartment
332 can be operated as a below freezing freezer compartment and
compartment 331 can be operated as an above freezing refrigerator
compartment. In the event that refrigerating module 120 is also
desired to operate as an above freezing refrigerator compartment,
central cooling unit 110 can be operated to provide refrigerant
cooled sufficiently to chill refrigerating module evaporators 130
and 336 to a temperature to produce above freezing temperatures in
refrigeration module 120 and compartment 331 of refrigerating
module 326. Operating central cooling unit 110 to produce only
above freezing temperatures allows compressor 112 to operate at
higher refrigerant evaporating pressures, lower refrigerant
condensing pressures and can accordingly require less energy to
operate central cooling unit 110. Thus, when a distributed
refrigeration appliance system will have primarily above freezing
refrigerator modules it can be energy and cost efficient to use
cascade cooling to achieve the desired below freezing temperatures
in compartments desired to operate at below freezing freezer
temperatures.
[0081] The cascade cooling system can be a thermoelectric cooling
system 340 as illustrated in refrigerating module 326. Alternate
cascade cooling systems, described below, can be used in
combination with refrigerating module 326 in lieu of thermoelectric
cooling system 340. Thermoelectric cooling system 340 can be
connected to controller 150 through control circuit 156.
Thermoelectric cooling system 340 can be a well known
thermoelectric device that can include a thermoelectric module 342
combined with heatsink enclosures 344 and 346 on opposite surfaces
of the thermoelectric module 342. One heatsink enclosure 346 can be
positioned in heat exchange communication with compartment 331 and
the other heatsink enclosure 344 can be positioned in heat exchange
communication with compartment 332. Thermoelectric cooler 340 can
also have a circulating fan 348 for circulating air in compartment
332 over heatsink enclosure 344. While a circulating fan 348 is
illustrated in compartment 332 those skilled in the art will
understand that a circulating fan can be used in connection with
both or neither of the heatsink enclosures 344 and 346 if desired.
When a voltage is applied to thermoelectric module 342 one surface
becomes cold absorbing heat from the heatsink enclosure in contact
with the cold surface and the opposite surface becomes hot
releasing heat to the heatsink enclosure in contact with the hot
surface. Thus, when the proper polarity voltage is applied to
thermoelectric module 342, heatsink enclosure 344 can become cold
and circulating fan 348 can circulate air chilled by heatsink
enclosure 344 through compartment 332. Meanwhile, heat released by
heatsink enclosure 346 heats compartment 331 which heat can be
absorbed by refrigerating module evaporator 336 and transferred to
central cooling system 110. A properly sized thermoelectric cooler
can easily reduce the temperature in compartment 332 by 20.degree.
C. relative to compartment 331, and can therefore cool compartment
332 to below freezing freezer temperatures compared to above
freezing refrigerator temperatures in compartment 331. Thus,
compartment 332 can be cooled based on the temperature selected for
compartment 332 by the temperature selector 136 for compartment
332. If desired, thermoelectric module 342 can be energized with
opposite polarity voltage to cause thermoelectric module to provide
heat to compartment 332 withdrawing heat from compartment 331.
Thus, operating thermoelectric module 342 can allow a user to use
compartment 332 to warm the contents of compartment 332 such as to
defrost frozen articles if desired. Controller 150 can be arranged
to operate thermoelectric module 342 to heat compartment 332 when
the temperature selector 136 for compartment 332 is set to a
warming and/or defrosting setting. When thermoelectric module 342
is set to heat compartment 332 heat withdrawn form compartment 331
will cool compartment 331 and reduce the cooling load of
compartment 331.
[0082] Turning to schematic FIG. 12, in another embodiment of the
invention, a plurality of refrigerating modules 20 and 350 can be
connected in a distributed refrigeration appliance system that can
include a central cooling unit 10. Refrigerating modules 20 and 350
can be free standing or built-in modules and can be general purpose
refrigerator, freezer or special purpose modules. Refrigerating
modules 20 and 350 can be located in a residential kitchen or other
locations associated with a dwelling as desired. The central
cooling unit can be similar to central cooling unit 10 illustrated
in FIG. 1, and accordingly, will use the same reference numerals as
central cooling unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. Similarly,
refrigerating module 20 can be similar to refrigerating module 20
illustrated in FIG. 1, and accordingly, will use the same reference
numerals as refrigerating module 20 in FIG. 1. As noted above,
central cooling unit 10 can be located in a location remote from a
residential kitchen, or in or in proximity of the residential
kitchen as desired as those skilled in the art will understand.
[0083] According to the invention, other refrigerating modules
and/or satellite stations and refrigeration appliance modules as
described above can be combined with central cooling unit 10 in
addition to refrigerating modules 20 and 350 illustrated in FIG.
12. Refrigerating module 20 is described in detail above and
accordingly will not be described in detail again in connection
with FIG. 12. Similarly, central cooling unit 10 is described in
detail above and accordingly will not be described in detail again
in connection with FIG. 12. Refrigerating module 350 can include a
cascade cooling system. Refrigerating module 350 can have an
insulated cabinet 352 and insulated doors 353 and 354 that can be
hinged to insulated cabinet 350 to selectively open and close
compartments 356 and 357 formed in insulated cabinet 350 by
insulated compartment separator 355. Insulated doors 353 and 354
can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to facilitate
opening and closing insulated doors 353 and 354. Those skilled in
the art that a single insulated door can be provided to close
compartments 356 and 357 if desired. Refrigerating module 350 can
include a heat exchanger 30 and a heat exchanger fan 32 similar to
refrigerating module 20. Heat exchanger fan 32 can be a single
speed fan, or if desired, can be a variable speed fan. A valve 46
can control flow of liquid coolant to refrigerating module 350.
Valve 46 can be an on-off valve arranged to control flow of liquid
coolant into though valve 46. Refrigerating module 350 can have
temperature sensors 34 and temperature selectors 36 as described
above for each compartment 356 and 357. Temperature sensors 34,
temperature selectors 36 and valves 46 can be connected to
controller 50 though control circuit 56 as described above in
detail. Also as described above in detail temperature selectors 36
can be located in refrigerating modules 20 or 350 or can be part of
a central user interface as is well known and described above.
Refrigerating module heat exchanger 30 can be connected to
insulated conduits 42 leading to central cooling unit 10 for
supplying chilled liquid coolant to heat exchanger 30.
[0084] Refrigerating module 350 can further employ a cascade
cooling system to cool compartment 357. For example, compartment
357 can be operated as a below freezing freezer compartment and
compartment 356 can be operated as an above freezing refrigerator
compartment. As described above, central cooling unit 10 can
include a secondary loop evaporator 40 arranged to supply chilled
liquid coolant to refrigerating modules. While a secondary loop
refrigerating system can produce below freezing storage
temperatures, such refrigerating systems operate more efficiently
when arranged to provide above freezing storage temperatures.
Accordingly, when a distributed refrigeration appliance system
includes a secondary loop utilizing chilled liquid coolant it can
be energy and cost efficient to use cascade cooling to achieve the
desired below freezing temperatures in below freezing freezer
compartments.
[0085] The cascade cooling system for refrigerating module 350 can
be a thermoelectric cooling system 340 similar to the
thermoelectric cooling system 340 illustrated in refrigerating
module 326 in the embodiment of FIG. 11. Alternate cascade cooling
systems described below can be used in combination with
refrigerating module 350 in lieu of thermoelectric cooling system
340. Accordingly, thermoelectric cooling system 340 illustrated in
FIG. 12 will employ the same reference numerals as in FIG. 11 and
the operation of thermoelectric cooling system will not again be
explained in detail in connection with FIG. 12. Chilled liquid
coolant circulating through heat exchanger 30 in compartment 356
can carry heat released by heatsink enclosure 346 to central
cooling unit 10. Thus, compartment 357 can be cooled independently
of the temperature in compartment 356 based on the temperature
selected for compartment 357 by the temperature selector 36 for
compartment 356. Further, as described above, thermoelectric
cooling system 340 can provide lower storage temperatures in
compartment 357 than can be effectively achieved in compartment 356
relying on cooling provided by chilled liquid coolant.
[0086] Turning to schematic FIG. 13, in another embodiment of the
invention, a plurality of refrigerating modules 72 and 360 can be
connected in a distributed refrigeration appliance system that can
include a central cooling unit 60. Refrigerating modules 72 and 360
can be free standing or built-in modules and can be general purpose
refrigerator, freezer or special purpose modules. Refrigerating
modules 72 and 360 can be located in a residential kitchen or other
locations associated with a dwelling as desired. The central
cooling unit can be similar to central cooling unit 60 illustrated
in FIG. 2, and accordingly, will use the same reference numerals as
central cooling unit 60 illustrated in FIG. 2. Similarly,
refrigerating module 72 can be similar to refrigerating module 72
illustrated in FIG. 2, and accordingly, will use the same reference
numerals as refrigerating module 72 in FIG. 2. As noted above,
central cooling unit 60 can be located in a location remote from a
residential kitchen, or in or in proximity of the residential
kitchen as desired as those skilled in the art will understand.
[0087] According to the invention, other refrigerating modules
and/or satellite stations and refrigeration appliance modules as
described above can be combined with central cooling unit 60 in
addition to refrigerating modules 72 and 360 illustrated in FIG.
13. Refrigerating module 72 is described in detail above and
accordingly will not be described in detail again in connection
with FIG. 13. Similarly, central cooling unit 60 is described in
detail above and accordingly will not be described in detail again
in connection with FIG. 13. Refrigerating module 360 can include a
cascade cooling system. Refrigerating module 360 can have an
insulated cabinet 362 and insulated doors 363 and 364 that can be
hinged to insulated cabinet 360 to selectively open and close
compartments 366 and 367 formed in insulated cabinet 362 by
insulated compartment separator 365. Insulated doors 363 and 364
can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to facilitate
opening and closing insulated doors 363 and 364. Those skilled in
the art that a single insulated door can be provided to close
compartments 366 and 367 if desired. Refrigerating module 360 can
include an air inlet 93 leading from insulated ducts 92 and an air
outlet 95 similarly leading to insulated ducts 92 that are in
communication with evaporator 90. Air inlets 93 and air outlets 95
form the apparatus for receiving the cooling medium, chilled air,
in refrigerating modules 72 and 360 as described above in detail. A
baffle 96 can control flow of chilled air into compartment 366 of
refrigerating module 360. Baffle 96 can adjustable between open and
closed to variably control flow of chilled air into compartment
366. Refrigerating module 360 can have temperature sensors 84 and
temperature selectors 86 as described above for each compartment
366 and 367. Temperature sensors 84, temperature selectors 86 and
baffle 96 can be connected to controller 100 though control circuit
106 as described above in detail. Also as described above in detail
temperature selectors 86 can be located in refrigerating modules 72
or 360 or can be part of a central user interface as is well known
and described above.
[0088] The cascade cooling system for refrigerating module 360 can
be a thermoelectric cooling system 340 similar to the
thermoelectric cooling system 340 illustrated in refrigerating
module 326 in the embodiment of FIG. 11. Accordingly, the
thermoelectric cooling system 340 illustrated in FIG. 13 will
employ the same reference numerals as in FIG. 11 and the operation
of thermoelectric cooling system 340 will not again be explained in
detail in connection with FIG. 13. Chilled air flowing through
compartment 366 can carry heat released by heatsink enclosure 346
to central cooling unit 60. Thus, compartment 367 can be cooled
independently of the temperature in compartment 366 based on the
temperature selected for compartment 367 by the temperature
selector 86 for compartment 366. Further, as described above,
thermoelectric cooling system 340 can provide lower storage
temperatures in compartment 367 than can be efficiently achieved in
compartment 366 relying on cooling provided by chilled air. While
refrigerating module 360 illustrated in FIG. 13 does not include
air passages through compartment separator 365 to allow chilled air
to flow into compartment 367, those skilled in the art will
understand that air passages and suitable baffles, all not shown,
can be provided in compartment separator 365 to provide the
possibility of selectively cooling compartment 367 utilizing
chilled air or cooling via thermoelectric cooling system 340.
[0089] Turning to schematic FIG. 14, in another embodiment of the
invention, a plurality of refrigerating modules 20 and 350 can be
connected in a distributed refrigeration appliance system that can
include a central cooling unit 370. Refrigerating modules 20 and
350 can be free standing or built-in modules and can be general
purpose refrigerator, freezer or special purpose modules.
Refrigerating modules 20 and 350 can be located in a residential
kitchen or other locations associated with a dwelling as desired.
Refrigerating modules 20 and 350 can be similar to refrigerating
modules 20 and 350 illustrated in FIG. 12, and accordingly, will
use the same reference numerals as refrigerating modules 20 and 350
in FIG. 12.
[0090] The refrigeration appliance system illustrated in schematic
form in FIG. 14 also includes a central cooling unit 370 that can
be an absorption refrigeration system as are well known in the art.
The central cooling unit 370 illustrated in FIG. 14 can be a single
effect absorption system that provides the same result as a vapor
compression system such as central cooling units illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3 with the compressor is replaced with a solution circuit
that absorbs vapor at a low pressure and desorbs it at a higher
pressure. Central cooling unit 370 can have a solution circuit that
can include absorber 372, pump 373, solution heat exchanger 374,
desorber 375 and liquid metering valve 376 connected by suitable
solution circuit conduits 377. Central cooling unit 370 can also
include an ammonia refrigerant circuit with condenser 378,
precooler 379, expansion valve 380 and a chilled liquid evaporator
381 connected in series to the solution circuit absorber 372 and
desorber 375 by suitable ammonia circuit conduits 382. Desorber 375
can have a heat source, shown as heating element 371, employed to
provide heat to the desorber 375 to evaporate and separate the
ammonia refrigerant from the water ammonia solution as the water is
drained back to the absorber 372 through metering valve 376.
Ammonia separated from the water ammonia solution in desorber 375
flows into condenser 378 and through expansion valve 380 into
chilled liquid evaporator 381. While a heating element 371 is
shown, those skilled in the art will understand that other heat
sources that can include a gas burner or a solar heater can be used
instead of heating element 371 to supply heat to desorber 375 to
vaporize the ammonia from the ammonia water solution. Likewise,
while central cooling unit 370 is illustrated as a single effect
absorption system, those skilled in the art will understand that
other absorption systems can be used as central cooling unit if
desired.
[0091] In operation, central cooling unit 370 chills liquid coolant
in chilled liquid evaporator 381. As noted above, chilled liquid
evaporator 381 can be a shell and tube evaporator. Similar to
central cooling unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 12 variable
speed pump 44 can circulate the chilled liquid coolant to
refrigerating modules 20 and 350 as described above in detail.
Central cooling unit 370 can also have a controller 50, control
circuit 56 and temperature selectors 36 similar to central cooling
unit 10 described above in detail. Since the operation of the
refrigeration appliance system, other than the central cooling unit
370, is similar to the operation of the refrigeration appliance
system described in connection with FIG. 12, the description of the
operation of the system will not be repeated in connection with
FIG. 14. As described in connection with FIG. 12, a cascade cooling
system can facilitate providing compartments operating at below
freezing temperatures in a distributed refrigeration appliance
system having an absorption refrigeration system central cooling
unit having a chilled liquid evaporator chilling liquid coolant in
a secondary loop supplying refrigerating modules.
[0092] Turning to schematic FIG. 15, in another embodiment of the
invention, a refrigerating module 350' and a freestanding
refrigeration appliance 384 can be connected in a distributed
refrigeration appliance system that can include a central cooling
unit 10. Refrigerating module 350' and refrigeration appliance 384
can be a free standing or built-in and can be general purpose
refrigerator, freezer or special purpose modules. Refrigerating
module 350' and refrigeration appliance 384 can be located in a
residential kitchen or other locations associated with a dwelling
as desired. The central cooling unit can be similar to central
cooling unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, and accordingly, will use
the same reference numerals as central cooling unit 10 illustrated
in FIG. 1. Similarly, refrigerating module 350' can be similar to
refrigerating module 350 illustrated in FIG. 12, and accordingly,
will use the same reference numerals as refrigerating module 350 in
FIG. 12 except for a modified heat exchanger and cascade cooling
system that will be described below. As noted above, central
cooling unit 10 can be located in a location remote from a
residential kitchen, or in or in proximity of the residential
kitchen as desired as those skilled in the art will understand.
[0093] According to the invention, other refrigerating modules
and/or satellite stations and refrigeration appliance modules as
described above can be combined with central cooling unit 10 in
addition to refrigerating module 350' and refrigeration appliance
384 illustrated in FIG. 15. Central cooling unit 10 is described in
detail above and accordingly will not be described in detail again
in connection with FIG. 15. Refrigerating appliance 384 can include
a cascade cooling system. Refrigerating appliance 384 can have an
insulated cabinet 386 and an insulated door 387 can be hinged to
insulated cabinet 386 to selectively close and open opening 388 in
insulated cabinet 386. Insulated door 387 can be provided with a
suitable handle, not shown, to facilitate opening and closing
insulated door 387. Refrigerating appliance 384 can include an
evaporator 389 and an evaporator fan 390. Evaporator fan 390 can be
a single speed fan, or if desired, can be a variable speed fan. An
expansion device 392 can control flow of refrigerant to evaporator
389. Expansion device 392 can be an expansion device with feedback
similar to expansion devices 138 in the embodiment of FIG. 3.
Refrigeration appliance 384 can have a temperature sensor 398 and a
temperature selector 399. Temperature sensor 398, temperature
selector 399 and expansion device 392 can be connected to
controller 396 though control circuit 397. Controller 396 can be
similar to controller 50 described above in detail, and can have a
first portion and a second portion similar to controller 50.
Refrigeration appliance 384 can have a cascade cooling unit 400
arranged to supply refrigerant to evaporator 389. Cascade cooling
unit 400 can include a compressor 393 and a liquid cooled condenser
394. Liquid cooled condenser 394 can be connected to central
cooling unit 10 through valve 46 and insulated conduits 42. Cascade
cooling unit 400 can be connected to the central cooling unit 10
that can provide a low temperature heat sink for cascade cooling
unit 400 enabling it to run at a much higher capacity than if it
rejected heat to the ambient air. Controller 396 can control
operation of refrigeration appliance 384 as is well known in the
art and can include a connection to controller 50 for the central
cooling unit 10. Refrigeration appliance 384 can efficiently
provide cooling temperatures much colder than can be practically
achieved utilizing chilled liquid coolant supplied by central
cooling unit 10 since the vapor compression cascade cooling unit
400 can efficiently provide below 0.degree. C. temperatures. While
a vapor compression cascade cooling unit 400 is illustrated in the
embodiment of FIG. 15, those skilled in the art will understand
that a thermoelectric cooling unit or Stirling cycle cooling unit
as illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B below can be employed as
desired.
[0094] As noted above, refrigerating module 350' can be similar to
refrigerating module 350 in the embodiment of FIG. 12 with the
exception of the heat exchanger and linkage of thermoelectric
cooling system 340 to the central cooling system 10. Heat exchanger
30' in refrigerating module 350' can include a leg 30'' that can
extend to and contact heatsink enclosure 346' to absorb heat
rejected by heatsink enclosure 346' rather than having heatsink
enclosure 346' reject heat into compartment 356 as can be the case
in the embodiment of FIG. 12. Other than the modifications in heat
exchanger 30' and heatsink enclosure 346', refrigerating module
350' is similar in operation to the operation of refrigerating
module 350 as described above in detail in connection with FIG. 12
and will not be repeated in connection with FIG. 15.
[0095] Turning to schematic FIG. 16, in another embodiment of the
invention, a plurality of refrigerating modules 20 and 350 can be
connected in a distributed refrigeration appliance system that can
include a central cooling unit 402. Refrigerating modules 20 and
350 can be free standing or built-in modules and can be general
purpose refrigerator, freezer or special purpose modules.
Refrigerating modules 20 and 350 can be located in a residential
kitchen or other locations associated with a dwelling as desired.
Refrigerating modules 20 and 350 can be similar to refrigerating
modules 20 and 350 illustrated in FIG. 12, and accordingly, will
use the same reference numerals as refrigerating modules 20 and 350
in FIG. 12. Central cooling unit 402 can be located in a location
remote from a residential kitchen, or in or in proximity of the
residential kitchen as desired as those skilled in the art will
understand.
[0096] According to the invention, other refrigerating modules
and/or satellite stations and refrigeration appliance modules as
described above can be combined with central cooling unit 402 in
addition to refrigerating modules 20 and 350 illustrated in FIG.
16. Refrigerating modules 20 and 350 are described in detail above
and accordingly will not be described in detail again in connection
with FIG. 16. Central cooling unit 402 can be a Stirling cycle
refrigerating unit that can include a Stirling cycle cooler 404
that can have a hot end 410 and a cold end 413 as is well known in
the art. Stirling cycle cooler 404 can have a linear engine 406 and
can have a hot end heat exchanger 411 and fan 412 to reject heat
from the hot end 410. Cold end 413 can be associated with a chilled
liquid cooler 415 that can be arranged to transfer heat from
chilled liquid in the chilled liquid circuit to the cold end 413.
As in the secondary loop systems described above, central cooling
unit 402 can have a pump 44 to circulate chilled liquid in
insulated conduits 42. Stirling cycle cooler 404, fan 412 and pump
44 can be connected to controller 50 through control circuit 56. To
provide cooling, Stirling cycle cooler 404, fan 412 and pump 44 can
be activated by controller 50 causing Stirling cycle cooler 404 to
cause cold end 413 to become cold absorbing heat in chilled liquid
cooler 415 from the chilled liquid circulated by pump 44 and reject
the heat at hot end 410 to heat exchanger 411, all as well known in
the art. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 16, a variety
of central cooling units can used in combination with one or more
refrigerating modules including a cascade cooling arrangement.
Central cooling units can be a vapor compression refrigeration
system, a vapor compression refrigeration system with a chilled
liquid secondary loop, an absorption system or Stirling cycle
cooler with a chilled liquid secondary loop and can be a vapor
compression refrigeration system, an absorption system or Stirling
cycle cooler arranged to chill air for circulation to refrigerating
modules having a cascade cooling arrangement.
[0097] Turning to schematic FIG. 17A, in another embodiment of the
invention, a plurality of refrigerating modules 20 and 420 can be
connected in a distributed refrigeration appliance system that can
include a central cooling unit 10. Refrigerating modules 20 and 420
can be free standing or built-in modules and can be general purpose
refrigerator, freezer or special purpose modules. Refrigerating
modules 20 and 420 can be located in a residential kitchen or other
locations associated with a dwelling as desired. The central
cooling unit can be similar to central cooling unit 10 illustrated
in FIG. 1, and accordingly, will use the same reference numerals as
central cooling unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. Similarly,
refrigerating module 20 can be similar to refrigerating module 20
illustrated in FIG. 12, and accordingly, will use the same
reference numerals as refrigerating module 20 in FIG. 12. As noted
above, central cooling unit 10 can be located in a location remote
from a residential kitchen, or in or in proximity of the
residential kitchen as desired as those skilled in the art will
understand.
[0098] According to the invention, other refrigerating modules
and/or satellite stations and refrigeration appliance modules as
described above can be combined with central cooling unit 10 in
addition to refrigerating modules 20 and 420 illustrated in FIG.
17A. Refrigerating module 20 is described in detail above and
accordingly will not be described in detail again in connection
with FIG. 17A. Similarly, central cooling unit 10 is described in
detail above and accordingly will not be described in detail again
in connection with FIG. 17A. Refrigerating module 420 can include a
cascade cooling system. Refrigerating module 420 can have an
insulated cabinet 422 and insulated doors 424 and 425 that can be
hinged to insulated cabinet 422 to selectively open and close
compartments 426 and 427 formed in insulated cabinet 422 by
insulated compartment separator 423. Insulated doors 426 and 427
can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to facilitate
opening and closing insulated doors 426 and 427. Those skilled in
the art that a single insulated door can be provided to close
compartments 426 and 427 if desired. Refrigerating module 420 can
include a heat exchanger 30 and a heat exchanger fan 32 similar to
refrigerating module 20. Heat exchanger fan 32 can be a single
speed fan, or if desired, can be a variable speed fan. A valve 46
can control flow of liquid coolant to refrigerating module 420.
Valve 46 can be an on-off valve arranged to control flow of liquid
coolant into though valve 46. Refrigerating module 420 can have
temperature sensors 34 and temperature selectors 36, described
above, for each compartment 426 and 427. Temperature sensors 34,
temperature selectors 36 and valves 46 can be connected to
controller 50 though control circuit 56 as described above in
detail. Also as described above in detail temperature selectors 36
can be located in refrigerating modules 20 or 420 or can be part of
a central user interface as is well known and described above.
Refrigerating module heat exchanger 30 can be connected to
insulated conduits 42 leading to central cooling unit 10 for
supplying chilled liquid coolant to heat exchanger 30.
[0099] The cascade cooling system for refrigerating module 420 can
be a vapor compression cascade cooling unit 430 that can be located
in the base of insulated cabinet 422. Cascade cooling unit 430 can
include a compressor 431, liquid cooled condenser 432, evaporator
433, evaporator fan 434 and expansion device 435 connected in a
refrigerant circuit as is well known in the art. A loop 42' can
convey chilled liquid coolant exiting evaporator 30 to liquid
cooled condenser 432 to provide a low temperature heatsink for
cascade cooling system 430 allowing cascade cooling system 430 to
run at a much higher capacity than a similar system having an
ambient air cooled condenser. Thus, compartment 427 can be cooled
independently of the temperature in compartment 426 based on the
temperature selected for compartment 427 by the temperature
selector 36 for compartment 427. Further, as described above, vapor
compression cascade cooling system 430 can efficiently provide much
lower storage temperatures in compartment 427 than can be achieved
in compartment 426 relying on cooling provided by chilled liquid
coolant.
[0100] Turning to schematic FIG. 17B, in another embodiment of the
invention, a plurality of refrigerating modules 20 and 440 can be
connected in a distributed refrigeration appliance system that can
include a central cooling unit 10. Refrigerating modules 20 and 440
can be free standing or built-in modules and can be general purpose
refrigerator, freezer or special purpose modules. Refrigerating
modules 20 and 440 can be located in a residential kitchen or other
locations associated with a dwelling as desired. The central
cooling unit can be similar to central cooling unit 10 illustrated
in FIG. 1, and accordingly, will use the same reference numerals as
central cooling unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. Similarly,
refrigerating module 20 can be similar to refrigerating module 20
illustrated in FIG. 12, and accordingly, will use the same
reference numerals as refrigerating module 20 in FIG. 12. As noted
above, central cooling unit 10 can be located in a location remote
from a residential kitchen, or in or in proximity of the
residential kitchen as desired as those skilled in the art will
understand.
[0101] According to the invention, other refrigerating modules
and/or satellite stations and refrigeration appliance modules as
described above can be combined with central cooling unit 10 in
addition to refrigerating modules 20 and 440 illustrated in FIG.
17B. Refrigerating module 20 is described in detail above and
accordingly will not be described in detail again in connection
with FIG. 17B. Similarly, central cooling unit 10 is described in
detail above and accordingly will not be described in detail again
in connection with FIG. 17B. Refrigerating module 440 can include a
cascade cooling system. Refrigerating module 440 can have an
insulated cabinet 442 and insulated doors 444 and 445 that can be
hinged to insulated cabinet 442 to selectively open and close
compartments 446 and 447 formed in insulated cabinet 442 by
insulated compartment separator 443. Insulated doors 446 and 447
can be provided with a suitable handle, not shown, to facilitate
opening and closing insulated doors 446 and 447. Those skilled in
the art that a single insulated door can be provided to close
compartments 446 and 447 if desired. Refrigerating module 440 can
include a heat exchanger 30 and a heat exchanger fan 32 similar to
refrigerating module 20 that can be arranged to cool compartment
446. Heat exchanger fan 32 can be a single speed fan, or if
desired, can be a variable speed fan. A valve 46 can control flow
of liquid coolant to refrigerating module 440. Valve 46 can be an
on-off valve arranged to control flow of liquid coolant into though
valve 46. Refrigerating module 440 can have temperature sensors 34
and temperature selectors 36 as described above for each
compartment 446 and 447. Temperature sensors 34, temperature
selectors 36 and valves 46 can be connected to controller 50 though
control circuit 56 as described above in detail. Also as described
above in detail temperature selectors 36 can be located in
refrigerating modules 20 or 440 or can be part of a central user
interface as is well known and described above. Refrigerating
module heat exchanger 30 can be connected to insulated conduits 42
leading to central cooling unit 10 for supplying chilled liquid
coolant to heat exchanger 30.
[0102] Refrigerating module 440 can have a cascade cooling unit 450
that can be located in the base of insulated cabinet 442. Cascade
cooling unit 450 can be a Stirling cycle cooler 452. Stirling cycle
coolers are well known in the art and typically include a hot end
455, a cold end 454 and a linear motor 456. Cascade cooling unit
450 can also include a circulating fan 457 arranged to circulate
air in compartment 447 over cold end 454 to cool compartment 457.
Circulating fan 457 and Stirling cycle cooler 452 can be connected
to controller 50 through control circuit 56. A loop 42'' can convey
chilled liquid coolant exiting evaporator 30 to hot end 455 to
remove heat from the Stirling cycle cooler allowing cascade cooling
system 450 to efficiently cool compartment 447. Thus, compartment
447 can be cooled independently of the temperature in compartment
446 based on the temperature selected for compartment 447 by the
temperature selector 36 for compartment 447. Further, as described
above, Stirling cycle cascade cooling system 450 can efficiently
provide much lower storage temperatures in compartment 447 than can
be achieved in compartment 446 relying of cooling provided by
chilled liquid coolant.
[0103] The alternate cascade cooling units described above in
connection with FIGS. 17A and 17B can be used in any of the
thermoelectric cascade cooling embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 11,
12, 13, 14 and 16 in lieu of the thermoelectric cooling unit
disclosed if desired.
[0104] Turning to schematic FIGS. 18 and 19, in another embodiment
of the invention, refrigerating modules 120 and 466 can be combined
with refrigeration/storage modules 460 and 472 in a distributed
refrigeration appliance system that can include a central cooling
unit 110 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6. Refrigerating modules 120
and 466 can be free standing or built-in modules and can be general
purpose refrigerator, freezer or special purpose modules and can be
located in a residential kitchen or other locations associated with
a dwelling as desired. Refrigerating module 120 can be similar to
refrigerating module 120 illustrated in FIG. 3, and accordingly,
will use the same reference numerals as refrigerating module 120 in
FIG. 3. Alternately, refrigerating module could also be similar to
combined satellite station 240 illustrated in FIG. 8A. The central
cooling unit 110, additional satellite stations 212 and other
refrigeration appliance modules have not been included in FIGS. 18
and 19 to simplify the drawings. Insulated supply conduits 142 and
insulated return conduits 144 (see FIGS. 3 and 6) can be connected
to quick connect fittings 145 to provide a refrigerant circuit to
evaporators 130 and 470 in refrigerating modules 120 and 466 from a
central cooling unit 110 (see FIGS. 3 and 6). As noted above,
central cooling unit 110 can be located in a location remote from a
residential kitchen, or in or in proximity of the residential
kitchen as desired as those skilled in the art will understand.
[0105] Refrigerating module 466 can have an insulated cabinet 467
and an insulated door 468 that can be hinged to insulated cabinet
467 for selective access to compartment 469 defined by insulated
cabinet 467. Insulated door 468 can have a handle, not shown, to
facilitate access to the refrigerating appliance module 466. The
central cooling unit, not shown, can be similar to central cooling
unit 110 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6. Operation of central cooling
unit 110 and controller 150 are described in detail above in
connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 6 and accordingly
will not be described in detail again in connection with FIGS. 18
and 19. Those skilled in the art will understand that more than one
refrigerating module can be provided and that one or more combined
satellite station/refrigeration appliance modules can be connected
to central cooling unit 110 through quick connect fittings 145 to
refrigerant lines that can be insulated supply conduits 142 and
144, and to controller 150 through control circuit 156 as
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0106] Refrigerating module 466 can have a direct cooling satellite
station evaporator 470 and an expansion device 138. Evaporator 470
and expansion device 138 can be connected through quick connect
fittings 145 to refrigerant lines that can be insulated supply
conduit 142 and insulated return conduit 144 and to controller 150
through control circuit 156 (see FIGS. 3 and 6). Evaporator 470 can
be positioned in compartment 469 that those skilled in the art can
include an evaporator compartment if desired. Refrigeration/storage
module 460 can be located in proximity to refrigerating module 466
and can be connected to refrigerating module 466 by an insulated
supply duct 216 and an insulated return duct 218.
Refrigeration/storage module 460 can have an insulated cabinet 462
that can have an insulated door 463 hinged to insulated cabinet 462
to selectively provide access to compartment 464.
Refrigeration/storage module 460 can have a circulation fan 465
that can be positioned in insulated supply duct 216 and that can
circulate and control the volume of chilled air flowing into
refrigeration/storage module 460 from refrigerating module 466.
Refrigerating module 466 and refrigeration/storage module 460 can
have temperature sensors 134 as described above, and can have
temperature selectors 136, not shown, that can be combined with the
respective cabinets or can be part of a central user interface as
described above. Temperature sensors 134 and temperature selectors
136 can be connected to controller 150 (FIGS. 3 and 6) through
control circuit 156. Refrigeration/storage module 460 can
selectively be operated as a refrigerated storage space when
circulating fan 465 is operated by controller 150 (FIGS. 3 and 6).
Alternately, circulating fan 465 can be de-activated and
refrigeration/storage module 460 can be allowed to remain at the
ambient temperature of the location in the dwelling in which it is
positioned. Circulating fan 465 can be a variable speed fan, or a
single speed fan that can be cycled on and off to control the
temperature in the refrigeration/storage module 460.
[0107] Refrigerating module 120 is described in detail above and
accordingly will not be described in detail again in connection
with FIGS. 18 and 19. Refrigeration/storage module 472 can be
located in proximity to refrigerating module 120 and can be
connected to refrigerating module 120 by an insulated supply duct
216 and an insulated return duct 218 similar to combined satellite
station 240 illustrated in FIG. 8A. Refrigeration/storage module
472 can have an insulated cabinet 473 that can have an insulated
door 474 hinged to insulated cabinet 473 to selectively provide
access to compartment 475 defined by insulated cabinet 473.
Insulated door 474 can have a handle, not shown, to facilitate
access to the refrigerating appliance module 472.
Refrigeration/storage module 472 can have a damper 476 that can
control the volume of chilled air flowing into
refrigeration/storage module 472 from refrigerating appliance
module 120. Refrigerating module 120 and refrigeration/storage
module 472 can have a temperature sensor 134 as described above,
and can have a temperature selector 136, not shown, that can be
combined with the respective cabinets or can be part of a central
user interface as described above. Temperature sensors 134 and
temperature selectors 136 can be connected to controller 150 (FIGS.
3 and 6) through control circuit 156. Refrigeration/storage module
472 can selectively be operated as a refrigerated storage space
when damper 476 is positioned to allow air flow form refrigerating
module 120 to flow into compartment 475 under the influence of
evaporator fan 132. Those skilled in the art will understand that
damper 476 can be manually adjustable by a user, or can be
automatically adjustable under the control of controller 150 (see
FIGS. 3 and 6). Damper 476 is illustrated as connected via control
circuit 156 to controller 150. Those skilled in the art will
understand than a manually adjusted damper 476 can be used and, if
so, would not need to be connected to controller 150. Alternately,
damper 476 can be positioned to block flow of chilled air from
refrigerating module 120 refrigeration/storage module 472 can be
allowed to remain at the ambient temperature of the location in the
dwelling in which it is positioned. Also, a second damper 476, not
shown, can be positioned in insulated return duct 218 if desired to
improve isolation of refrigeration/storage module 472 when it is
desired to operate refrigeration/storage module 472 as an
unconditioned storage space.
[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 19, a second refrigeration/storage
module 460 can be connected to refrigeration/storage module 472 to
provide two modules connected to one refrigerating module 120 that
can alternately be used for refrigerated or ambient storage space.
It can be advantageous to employ a refrigeration/storage module 460
having a circulating fan 465 remote from a refrigerating module 120
when it is desired to provide two refrigeration/storage modules to
facilitate air flow, indicated by air flow arrows 148, in both
refrigeration/storage modules 475 and 460. Similarly, two
refrigeration/storage modules 460 could be provided for a
refrigerating module 120 or 466 since circulating fans 465 could
provide adequate chilled air circulation in at least two
refrigeration/storage modules. Thus, in the embodiment of the
invention illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 a distributed
refrigeration appliance system can have one or more
refrigeration/storage modules to allow temporary additional
refrigerated storage space that, when not needed, can be converted
to ambient temperature storage space. Those skilled in the art will
understand that a second damper, not shown, can be provided for
insulated return duct 218 to prevent chilled air from flowing into
the refrigeration/storage module 460 or 472 when the user has
de-activated the circulating fan 465 and/or closed damper 476 to
operate one or more refrigeration/storage modules as an ambient
temperature storage space. Those skilled in the art will also
understand that refrigeration/storage module 472 can be modified to
be used in combination with a refrigerating module such as
refrigerating module 120 without having a second
refrigeration/storage module 460 combined with it as illustrated in
FIG. 19. In the event refrigeration/storage module is to be used
without a second refrigeration/storage module the insulated supply
and return ducts 216 and 218 leading to refrigeration/storage
module 460 from refrigeration/storage module 472 can be
eliminated.
[0109] Turning to schematic FIG. 20, in another embodiment of the
invention, refrigerating module 120 can be used with
refrigeration/storage module 478 in a distributed refrigeration
appliance system that can include a central cooling unit 110 as
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6. Refrigerating module 120 can be free
standing or built-in modules and can be general purpose
refrigerator, freezer or special purpose module and can be located
in a residential kitchen or other locations associated with a
dwelling as desired. Refrigerating module 120 can be similar to
refrigerating module 120 illustrated in FIG. 3, and accordingly,
will use the same reference numerals as refrigerating module 120 in
FIG. 3. Alternately, refrigerating module could also be similar to
combined satellite station 240 illustrated in FIG. 8A. The central
cooling unit 110, additional satellite stations 212 and
refrigeration appliance modules have not been included in FIG. 20
to simplify the drawings. Insulated supply conduits 142 and
insulated return conduits 144 (see FIGS. 3 and 6) can be connected
to quick connect fittings 145 to provide a refrigerant circuit to
evaporator 130 in refrigerating module 120 from a central cooling
unit 110 (see FIGS. 3 and 6). As noted above, central cooling unit
110 can be located in a location remote from a residential kitchen,
or in or in proximity of the residential kitchen as desired as
those skilled in the art will understand.
[0110] Refrigeration/storage module 478 can have an insulated
cabinet 479 that can have an insulated door 480 hinged to insulated
cabinet 479 to selectively provide access to compartment 481
defined by insulated cabinet 479. Insulated door 480 can have a
handle, not shown, to facilitate opening and closing insulated door
480 to access compartment 481. Refrigeration/storage module 478 can
be connected to refrigerating module 120 by an insulated supply
duct 216 and an insulated return duct 218 and can have a damper 486
associated with insulated supply duct 216 that can control the
volume of chilled air flowing, see dashed air flow arrow 148, into
refrigeration/storage module 478 from refrigerating module 120.
Refrigeration/storage module 478 can also have a selector 482 that
can be a switch connected to control circuit 156. In some
embodiments of the invention the refrigeration/storage module can
comprise an insulated insert into a cabinet as will be described in
greater detail below. In such circumstances it can be advantageous
to provide a selector switch 482 to indicate the presence or
absence of an insulated insert to form insulated cabinet 479 to
avoid operating refrigeration/storage module 478 at below ambient
temperatures without an insulating insert in place. Those skilled
in the art will understand that selector switch can be arranged to
be manually set by a user or can be automatically closed to
indicate the presence of an insulated insert upon positioning the
insulated insert in the cabinet. Refrigerating module 120 and
refrigeration/storage module 478 can have temperature sensors 134
as described above, and can have temperature selectors 136, not
shown, that can be combined with the respective cabinets or can be
part of a central user interface as described above. Temperature
sensors 134 and temperature selectors 136 can be connected to
controller 150 (FIGS. 3 and 6) through control circuit 156.
Refrigeration/storage module 478 can selectively be operated as a
refrigerated storage space when damper 486 is positioned to allow
chilled air to flow from refrigerating module 120. Damper 486 can
be manually adjustable by a user to control the operating
temperature in compartment 481. Alternately, damper 486 can be
arranged to be operated by controller 150 (FIGS. 3 and 6) depending
on the setting of a temperature selector 136, not shown,
controlling refrigeration/storage module 478 and the temperature
sensed by temperature sensor 134. Alternately, damper 486 can be
positioned to block flow of chilled air from refrigerating module
120 and refrigeration/storage module 478 can be allowed to remain
at the ambient temperature of the location in the dwelling in which
it is positioned. Those skilled in the art will understand that
insulated return duct 218 can also be provided with a damper, not
shown, to help assure that chilled air does not flow from
refrigerating module 120 when the user desires to allow
refrigeration/storage module to remain at ambient temperature for
additional storage space. Refrigeration/storage module 478 can also
have a heating element 484 that can be arranged to heat the
contents of refrigeration/storage module above ambient temperature.
Heating element 484 can be connected through control circuit 156 to
controller 150 for selective operation of heating element 484. Use
of heating element 484 can allow a user to select a temperature
sequence cycle for the contents of refrigeration/storage module 478
that can include heating the contents to a temperature above
ambient temperature as will be described in detail below. Thus, in
the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 20 a
distributed refrigeration appliance system can have one or more
refrigeration/storage modules to allow temporary additional
refrigerated storage space that, when not needed, can be converted
to ambient temperature storage space, or can be operated to provide
one or more predetermined temperature sequence cycles to treat the
contents of compartment 481. While the embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 18-20 have been described in combination with central cooling
unit 110, those skilled in the art will understand that a secondary
loop central cooling units 10, 60, 370 and 402 described above in
detail could be employed with corresponding refrigeration appliance
modules combined with refrigeration/storage modules as described in
the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 18-20.
[0111] Turning to schematic FIGS. 21-23, in another embodiment of
the invention, a refrigeration apparatus 570 can be combined with a
refrigeration/storage modules that can be arranged to selectively
provide additional refrigerated storage or unconditioned storage
space. Refrigeration apparatus 570 can be a freestanding
refrigerating apparatus and can be positioned in a kitchen or other
location in a dwelling in relation to upper cabinets 488 and lower
cabinets 489. Refrigeration apparatus 570 can be similar to a
combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance module/central
cooling unit 282 as illustrated and described in FIG. 10, or can be
similar to a conventional freestanding or a built in modular or
stacked refrigerator freezer. As illustrated in FIGS. 21-23,
refrigeration apparatus 570 will utilize the same numerals as
combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance module/central
cooling unit 282 illustrated in FIG. 10. Operation of combined
satellite station/refrigeration appliance module/central cooling
unit 282, partially shown in FIGS. 21-23, is described in detail
above and will not be repeated in connection with FIGS. 21-23.
[0112] Refrigeration/storage module 492 illustrated in FIG. 21 can
include an insulated cabinet 491 having an insulated door 493.
Insulated door 493 can have a handle, not shown, to facilitate
access into refrigeration/storage module 492. Refrigeration/storage
module 492 can have a temperature sensor 134 and a temperature
selector 136, not shown, as described above and can be positioned
adjacent upper cabinets 488. Temperature sensors 134 and
temperature selectors 136 can be connected to controller 300 (FIG.
10) through control circuit 306. Refrigeration/storage module 492
can include a selector 482, as described above, connected to
controller 300 (see FIG. 10), and can have dampers 486 that can be
positioned in insulated supply duct 216 and insulated return duct
218 that can connect combined satellite station 282 with
refrigeration/storage module 492. As described above, dampers 486
can be adjusted to allow chilled air to flow into
refrigeration/storage module 492 or to block chilled air flow to
allow refrigeration/storage module to remain at ambient temperature
as unconditioned storage space. Dampers 486 can be manually
adjustable by a user to allow chilled air flow at a sufficient
volume to maintain a desired temperature in the
refrigeration/storage module 492, or can be automatic dampers that
can be connected to a controller 300 (FIG. 10) to control the
temperature in refrigeration/storage module 492 based on input from
a temperature sensor 134 and a temperature selector 136 (FIG.
10).
[0113] Refrigeration/storage module 494 illustrated in FIG. 22 can
include an insulated cabinet 495 having an insulated door 495'.
Insulated door 495' can have a handle, not shown to facilitate
access into refrigeration/storage module 494. Refrigeration/storage
module 494 can have a temperature sensor 134 and a temperature
selector 136, not shown, as described above and can be positioned
adjacent lower cabinets 489. Temperature sensors 134 and
temperature selectors 136 can be connected to controller 300 (FIG.
10) through control circuit 306. Refrigeration/storage module 494
can include a selector 482, as described above, connected to
controller 300 (see FIG. 10) and can have a damper 486 positioned
in insulated supply duct 216 and a circulating fan 457 positioned
in insulated return duct 218. As noted above, refrigeration
apparatus 570 can have a top mounted freezer compartment and a
bottom mounted above freezing refrigerator compartment opposite
refrigeration/storage module 494. Damper 486 can arranged to be
manually adjustable by the user, or can be an automatic damper as
described above to control the amount of chilled air flowing into
refrigeration/storage module 494, and therefore the operating
temperature. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, a
circulating fan 457 can be provided in insulated return duct 218 to
assure circulation of chilled air, see air flow arrows 148, into
refrigeration/storage module 494 from freestanding refrigeration
appliance 570 and back into freestanding refrigeration appliance
570.
[0114] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23A, freestanding
refrigeration appliance 570 can be similar to combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module/central cooling unit 282
illustrated in FIG. 10, and can have a refrigerating module 466
arranged to connect to central cooling unit 284, not shown, (see
FIG. 10). Refrigerating module 466 is described above in detail in
connection with FIG. 18 and accordingly will not be described again
in detail again in connection with FIG. 23A. Refrigerating module
466 can be positioned in place of a lower cabinet 489 as
illustrated in FIGS. 21-22. Refrigeration/storage module 496 can be
positioned adjacent refrigerating module 466 and can be connected
to refrigerating module 466 by insulated supply duct 216 and
insulated return duct 218 and can have a circulating fan 465
associated with insulated supply duct 216 to circulate chilled air
from refrigerating module 466 into compartment 499 when circulating
fan 465 is operated. Circulating fan 465 can be connected to
controller 300 (see FIG. 10) through control circuit 306.
Refrigeration/storage module 496 can have a temperature sensor 134
and a temperature selector 136 as described above. Thus, a user can
select refrigerated operation of refrigeration/storage module 496
by setting the appropriate selector 136 for refrigeration/storage
module 496 for refrigerating operation. Controller 300 (FIG. 10)
can cause circulating fan 465 to operate causing chilled air to
circulate from refrigerating module 466 into refrigeration/storage
module 496 (see dashed air flow arrows 148). Refrigeration/storage
module 496 can also have a heating element 484 that can be similar
to heating element 484 illustrated in refrigeration/storage module
478 (see FIG. 20). Operation of heating element 484 in
refrigeration/storage module 496 can be similar to the operation of
refrigeration/storage module 478 described above and will not be
repeated. As noted above, operation of heating element 484 to
selectively provide a predetermined temperature profile for the
contents of refrigeration/storage module 496 will be described in
detail below.
[0115] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23B, freestanding
refrigeration appliance 570 can be similar to combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module/central cooling unit 282
illustrated in FIG. 10, and can have a refrigerating module 466
arranged to connect to central cooling unit 284, not shown, (see
FIG. 10). Refrigerating module 466 is described above in detail in
connection with FIG. 18 and accordingly will not be described again
in detail in connection with FIG. 23B. Refrigerating module 466 can
be positioned in place of a lower cabinet 489 as illustrated in
FIGS. 21-22. Refrigeration/storage module 496 is described above in
detail in connection with FIG. 23A and accordingly will not be
described again in detail. Refrigeration/storage module 492'
illustrated in FIG. 23B can employ a secondary cooling medium
circuit to selectively cool the interior of insulated cabinet 491
in lieu of insulated ducts 216 and 218 connecting insulated cabinet
491 with compartment 308 as described above in connection with FIG.
23A. The secondary cooling medium circuit can include a heat
exchanger 512 that can be positioned in compartment 308 in
proximity of evaporator 320 to reject heat from insulated
compartment 491 to compartment 308 and evaporator 320. Heat
exchanger 512 can be connected with insulated conduits 42 to heat
exchanger 513 that can be positioned in insulated cabinet 491 and a
pump 514. Pump 514 is illustrated as being positioned in insulated
compartment 491, however, pump 514 can be positioned in other
locations as desired, including in central cooling unit space 311
as desired. As described above the liquid coolant for the secondary
cooling medium circuit, not shown, can be DYNALENE HC heat transfer
fluid, a water-based organic salt that is non-toxic, non-flammable
with low viscosity, or other liquid coolant solutions such as
ethylene glycol and water solution. In operation, when a user
elects to operate refrigeration/storage module as refrigerated
space, selector switch 482 can be closed and pump 514 can operate
under control of controller 300 and a temperature sensor 134, not
shown, to circulate liquid coolant through heat exchanger 513 to
chill insulated cabinet 491. In order to operate
refrigeration/storage module 492' as an unconditioned storage space
selector switch 482 can be opened and pump 514 de-energized to
allow the temperature in insulated cabinet 491 to rise to the
ambient temperature. Insulated cabinet 491 can be a container
forming a space for holding a liquid or slurry material such as
water or ice cream or other liquid, semi-liquid or slurry materials
that a user might choose to cool or chill for use, or as a step in
preparation. Insulated cabinet 491 could take the form of an
insulated tank or container, or could be an insulated space
arranged to receive a removable liquid and/or slurry container, not
shown. Heat exchanger 513 can be positioned to chill a removable
liquid/slurry container, not shown. Those skilled in the art will
understand that modules other than refrigeration/storage module
492' can comprise, or be arranged to receive a tank or container
for storing and/or refrigerating a liquid or slurry material if
desired. Similarly, refrigeration/storage module 492' can be used
in combination with satellite stations as illustrated in the
embodiments of FIGS. 6-11 as desired.
[0116] Those skilled in the art will understand that freestanding
refrigeration appliance 570 can be configured as a bottom freezer
apparatus having an evaporator in the lower part of the appliance
and that accordingly, the refrigeration/storage modules 492, 492'
and 494 could be switched to correspond to the above freezing and
below freezing compartments in freestanding refrigerating appliance
570. Further, while heating elements have been illustrated in
refrigeration/storage modules 478 and 496, those skilled in the art
will understand that heating elements could be provided in any of
the refrigeration/storage modules illustrated in FIGS. 18, 19, 21
or 22. Thus, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 21-23B a distributed refrigeration appliance system can have
one or more refrigeration/storage modules combined with a
freestanding refrigeration appliance to allow temporary additional
refrigerated storage space that, when not needed, can be converted
to ambient temperature storage space, or if provided with a heating
element can be used to heat the contents to above ambient
temperatures.
[0117] Insulated cabinets described above can be formed of wood,
metal or molded plastic and provided with insulating material such
as polyurethane foam or expanded Styrofoam as is well known in the
art. Also as is well known in the art such insulated cabinets can
be formed in a manufacturing location and shipped to a job site in
final form, or can be fabricated at the job site cutting and
assembling cabinets from insulated panels and preformed insulated
doors. According to the invention, an insulated cabinet and
insulated door for a refrigeration/storage module can be formed by
providing an insulated insert and insulated door kit to convert an
uninsulated cabinet into a refrigeration/storage module. Turning to
FIG. 24 that includes an exploded view of insulated insert 500,
preparation of an insulated insert 500 can be seen. Insulated
insert 500 can include an insulated box 502 and an insulated door
504 that can be attached to insulated box by hinges 510. Insulated
door can include a handle 511 to facilitate opening and closing
insulated door 504. Insulated box 502 can include an insulated back
wall 505, insulated top wall 506, insulated bottom wall 507,
insulated left side wall 508 and insulated right side wall 509 that
can be assembled into insulated box 502 as is well known in the
cabinet industry. Insulated insert 500 can be inserted into an
upper cabinet 488 or into a lower cabinet 489 into to convert a
conventional cabinet into a refrigeration/storage module. Those
skilled in the art will understand that instead of fabricating
insulated insert 500 as an insert, an insulated cabinet can be
fabricated that can replace an upper cabinet 488 or lower cabinet
489 if desired. If an insulated cabinet is to be constructed
instead of an insulated insert, panels having an acceptable "outer"
surface can be used to match other cabinets used in the dwelling as
desired. According to this aspect of the invention distributed
refrigeration modules can be provided to satisfy requirements for
the refrigeration system by the intended user without requiring the
user to settle for module sizes generally available in the mass
market for refrigeration appliances. The construction described
above for insulated insert 500 can be used for any of the
refrigeration/storage modules 460, 472, 478, 492, 492', 494 and 496
described above if desired.
[0118] Turning to schematic FIGS. 25 and 26, in another embodiment
of the invention, a refrigeration apparatus 570 can be combined
with a refrigeration/storage module that can be arranged to
selectively provide additional refrigerated storage or
unconditioned storage space above or below refrigeration apparatus
570. Refrigeration 570 apparatus can be a built in or freestanding
apparatus and can be positioned in a kitchen or other location in a
dwelling in relation to upper cabinets 488 and lower cabinets 489.
As described above in connection with FIGS. 21-23B, refrigeration
apparatus 570 can be similar to a combined satellite
station/refrigeration appliance module/central cooling unit 282 as
illustrated in FIG. 10, or can be similar to a conventional
refrigerator freezer. Refrigeration apparatus 570 will not be
described again in detail in connection with FIGS. 25 and 26.
[0119] In FIG. 25 refrigeration apparatus 570 can be installed on
or above a refrigeration/storage module 515 to raise refrigeration
apparatus 570 to facilitate user access to the lower compartment of
refrigeration apparatus 570 without undue bending.
Refrigeration/storage module 515 can include an insulated cabinet
516, insulated door 517, and if desired a selector 482 as described
above. Refrigeration/storage module 515 can have a temperature
sensor 134, a temperature selector 136, not shown, and a diffuser
518 that can cooperate with insulated duct 519 connecting
refrigeration/storage module 515 with the lower compartment 310 of
refrigeration apparatus 570. Insulated duct 519 can be a concentric
duct or can be a two passage parallel duct to provide a supply and
return passage to refrigeration/storage module 515. Temperature
sensor 134 and temperature selector 136, not shown, can be
connected to controller 300 (FIG. 10) through control circuit 306.
Insulated door 517 can have a handle, not shown, to facilitate
access to refrigeration/storage module 515. Insulated duct 519 can
have a damper 486 to selectively allow chilled air from
refrigeration apparatus 570 to flow into refrigeration/storage
module 515. Circulating fan 523 can assure that chilled air from
refrigeration/storage module 515 returns to compartment 310 of
refrigeration apparatus 570. As described above in detail,
refrigeration/storage module 515 can be selectively operated as
refrigerated storage space by positioning damper 486 to allow
chilled air to flow through insulated duct 519 and operating
circulating fan 523. As above, damper 486 can be manually operated
by a user, or can be an automatic damper connected to controller
300 (see FIG. 10) through control circuit 306. Circulating fan 523
can be connected through control circuit 306 to controller 300 and
can be operated when a user selects refrigerated operation of
refrigeration/storage module 515. Likewise as described above in
connection with other embodiments, a user can allow
refrigeration/storage module 515 to achieve ambient temperature
with damper 486 positioned to block flow of chilled air into
refrigeration/storage module 515 and circulating fan 523
de-energized.
[0120] Turning to FIG. 26, a refrigeration/storage module 520 can
be positioned above refrigeration appliance 570 in the space
between the top of refrigeration appliance 570 and a soffit or the
ceiling in the location in the dwelling in which refrigeration
appliance 570 is located. Refrigeration/storage module 520 can
include an insulated cabinet 521, and insulated door 522 that can
be hinged to insulated cabinet 521. Insulated door 522 can have a
handle, not shown, to facilitate opening and closing insulated door
522. In FIG. 26 insulated door 522 is schematically illustrated as
pivoting on a horizontal axis. Those skilled in the art will
understand that insulated door 522 can be hinged to pivot on a
vertical axis similar to insulated door 517 in FIG. 25 if desired.
Refrigeration/storage module 520 can have a selector 482, as
described above, and can have a temperature sensor 134 and
temperature selector 136, not shown. Temperature sensor 134 and
temperature selector 136, not shown, can be connected to controller
300 (FIG. 10) through control circuit 306. An insulated supply duct
216 and insulated return duct 218 can connect refrigeration/storage
module 520 to refrigeration apparatus 570. Insulated supply and
return ducts 216 and 218 can have a damper 486 to control flow of
chilled air from refrigeration appliance 570 to
refrigeration/storage module 520 and back to refrigeration
appliance 570. As described above, refrigeration appliance 570 can
be a combined satellite station/refrigeration appliance
module/central cooling unit 282 (see FIG. 10) that can include an
evaporator fan 322 (see FIG. 10). The evaporator fan 322 can
circulate chilled air through insulated supply 216 and return 218
ducts when dampers 486 are positioned to allow air flow through the
ducts. Dampers 486 can be manually adjustable by a user to allow
chilled air flow at a sufficient volume to maintain a desired
temperature in the refrigeration/storage module 520, or can be
automatic dampers that can be connected to a controller 300, not
shown, to control the temperature in refrigeration/storage module
520 under based on input from a temperature sensor 134 and a
temperature selector, both not shown. Thus, in FIGS. 25 and 26
refrigeration/storage modules 515 and 520 can be combined with a
refrigerating appliance 570 and that can be selectively operated as
refrigerated or ambient storage space to allow a user to have
additional refrigerated or ambient temperature storage space as
storage needs change.
[0121] As described in connection with FIGS. 20 and 23 a
refrigeration/storage module can have a heating element 484 to
allow a user to selectively raise the temperature in the module
above the ambient temperature as well as refrigerate the module to
below ambient temperatures. In each of the embodiments the
refrigeration/storage module can have a flow controller to allow or
block flow of chilled air into the refrigeration/storage module,
and as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 23, can have
a heating element that can be selectively energized to heat the
contents of the refrigeration/storage module. The flow controller,
damper 486 or circulating fan 465, and heating element 484 can be
connected to controller 300 (see FIG. 10) through control circuit
306. System controller 300 can be arranged to selectively operate
at least one flow controller to allow chilled air to flow through
at least one insulated duct to refrigerate the contents of the
refrigeration/storage module to a desired below ambient
temperature; or selectively operate the flow controller to block
the flow of chilled air through at least one insulated duct to
operate the refrigeration/storage module as an unconditioned (i.e.
ambient temperature) storage space; or selectively operate the flow
controller to block the flow of chilled air through the at least
one insulated duct and selectively operate the heating element to
heat the contents of the refrigeration/storage module to a desired
above ambient temperature; or selectively operate the flow
controller to allow or block the flow of chilled air into the
refrigeration/storage module and selectively operate the heating
element to sequence the storage temperature of the contents of the
refrigeration/storage module through a predetermined temperature
sequence cycle to cause physical or chemical effects in the
contents of the refrigeration/storage module. For example,
predetermined temperature sequence cycles can include defrosting,
fermentation, leavening, quick set cooling and rapid cool down.
[0122] Turning to FIGS. 27A-27D illustration of time and
temperature conditions in four temperature sequence cycles can be
seen. In FIG. 27A controller 300 can be programmed to cause the
temperature in a refrigeration/storage module to rise to a
predetermined set temperature to leaven the contents and then hold
for a predetermined or open-ended time. In FIG. 27B controller 300
can be programmed to hold the contents of the refrigeration/storage
module at a predetermined above ambient set temperature for a
predetermined time to age or ferment the contents and then reduce
the temperature of the contents to a holding temperature that can
be above or below ambient temperature. In 27C controller 300 can
elevate the temperature to defrost the contents and then hold the
contents at a reduced, above freezing, temperature. In FIG. 27D
controller can cause the temperature in refrigeration/storage
module to quickly drop to chill the contents and then allow the
temperature to rise to a set temperature. In the programs
illustrated in FIGS. 27B, 27C and 27D the controller can be
arranged to change from the higher to lower, or lower to higher
temperatures based on elapsed time, or on input from a temperature
sensor or other sensor such as a humidity, carbon dioxide or
hydrocarbon (such as ethylene or other food stuff gases caused by
ripening or decay) sensor so that the predetermined temperature
sequence cycle is dependent on the condition/changed condition of
the contents of the refrigeration/storage module. Those skilled in
the art will understand that predetermined temperature sequence
cycles in addition to those illustrated in FIG. 27 and described
above can be used with refrigeration/storage modules described
above. Likewise, those skilled in the art will understand that a
controller can be arranged to allow a user to program a desired
temperature sequence cycle using a user interface or other well
known programming method.
[0123] Turning to FIGS. 28 and 29, a distributed refrigeration
system according to the invention installed applied to a dwelling
floor plan can be seen in schematic form. The residential dwelling
525 illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29 can have a kitchen 526, bath
528, office or den 530, living room or family room 532 and patio
534. While a distributed refrigeration system according to the
invention is illustrated in a simple dwelling in FIGS. 28 and 29,
those skilled in the art will understand that distributed
refrigeration systems according to the invention can be used in
combination with any style dwelling having any desired number of
rooms and floor plans. The distributed refrigeration system
illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29 can have a primary refrigeration
machine, central cooling unit 10, that can be similar to the
central cooling unit 10 illustrated and described in detail in
connection with FIGS. 1, 12, 15, 17A and 17B and will not again be
described in detail in connection with FIGS. 28 and 29. Central
cooling unit 10 can include a controller 50 and can have
temperature selectors 36 that can be located in a user interface at
a remote location such as in the kitchen 526 as illustrated in
FIGS. 28 and 29. While temperature selectors 36 are illustrated in
a combined user interface those skilled in the art will understand
that temperature selectors 36 can be combined with each remote
refrigeration device if desired as is well known in the art.
Central cooling unit 10 can be connected to a secondary cooling
medium circuit. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 28 a
secondary cooling medium circuit comprises insulated conduit 42
forming a loop leading from chilled liquid evaporator 40 in central
cooling unit 10 around the perimeter of dwelling 525 and back to
chilled liquid evaporator 40. As described above in detail pump 44
can circulate liquid coolant through insulated conduits 42. While
insulated conduit 42 is positioned in perimeter walls in FIGS. 28
and 29, those skilled in the art will understand that insulated
conduits 42 can be located in other walls and/or portions of the
dwelling as desired to provide access to the secondary
refrigeration loop at desired locations in the dwelling. A pressure
differential valve 541 can be provided in the secondary cooling
medium circuit to adjust any pressure differential between supply
and return pressures. The secondary cooling medium circuit, also
referred to as secondary refrigeration loop, can include a
plurality of access points 535 (FIG. 28) and 535' (FIG. 29). An
enlarged view of an access point 535 can be seen in FIG. 28A.
Access point 535 can include a housing 533 than can enclose
conduits 42 and can support remote device connectors 543 when a
remote refrigeration device is connected to an access point. Remote
device connectors 543 can be well known connectors for use with
liquid coolant circuits and can be quick connect or permanent
connections as desired. Access point 535 can also include an
electrical connector, not shown, to make a suitable connection
between control circuit 56 and the electrical component(s) in the
remote refrigeration device. Access point 535 can also include a
valve 545 that can be connected to control circuit 56. Valve 545
can open to allow chilled liquid refrigerant to flow into a remote
refrigeration device when activated by controller 50. While central
cooling unit 10 is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, those skilled in the
art will understand that an absorption central cooling unit as
illustrated in FIG. 14 or a Stirling cycle central cooling unit as
illustrated in FIG. 16 can be employed in the embodiments of FIGS.
28 and 29 as desired.
[0124] A variety of remote refrigeration devices can be connected
to the secondary cooling medium circuit to provide distributed
refrigeration for various purposes at spaced locations in a
dwelling. Following are examples of remote refrigeration devices
that can be utilized. Those skilled in the art will understand that
the following examples are just that and that the examples should
not be understood as limiting the invention to the remote
refrigeration devices illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29. One remote
refrigeration device can be refrigerating module 20 located on
patio 534. Refrigerating module 20 can be a patio cooler for
beverages or refrigerated snacks. Refrigerating module 20 can be
similar to refrigerating module 20 disclosed in connection with
FIGS. 1, 12, 14, 16, 17A and 17B and will not be described again in
detail in connection with FIGS. 28 and 29. Refrigerating module 20
can be connected to an access point 535 and 535' as described above
and can operate as described above. Another remote refrigeration
device can be a refrigerating module 384 combined with a cascade
cooling unit 400. Refrigerating module 384 and cascade cooling unit
400 can be similar to refrigerating module 384 and cascade cooling
unit 400 described in detail in connection with FIG. 15 and will
not be described again in detail. Cascade cooling unit 400 can be
connected with remote device connectors at access point 535 and
535' and can operate as described above in connection with FIG. 15.
Another remote refrigeration device can be dehumidifier 546 that
can be employed to reduce the humidity in bath 528 that can be
generated during showers or baths. Dehumidifier 546 can be similar
to refrigerating modules described above and can include a heat
exchanger 548, a heat exchanger fan 549, a temperature sensor 34
and a humidistat 547. Heat exchanger fan 549, temperature sensor 34
and humidistat 547 can be connected to controller 50 through
control circuit 56. Heat exchanger 548 can be connected to
insulated conduits 42 in access point 535 and 535' utilizing remote
device connectors 543 as described above. Dehumidifier 546 can have
a condensate bucket, not shown, or can be connected to a drain for
disposal of condensate as is well known in the art. Instead of
connecting temperature sensor 34 and humidistat 547 to controller
50, a control panel, not shown, can be provided on dehumidifier 546
as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Another
remote refrigeration device can be a CPU cooler 552 that can be
arranged to cool a central processor of a computer or server. CPU
cooler can include a heat exchanger 554 and a temperature sensor
34. CPU cooler 552 can connect to the secondary cooling medium
circuit utilizing remote device connectors 543 to connect to an
access point 535 and 535'. Temperature sensor 34 can connect to
controller 50 via a suitable electrical connector in control
circuit 56 in access point 535 and 535'. Another remote
refrigeration device can be a local area cooler 556 that is
illustrated in living room or family room 532. Local area cooler
556 can provide air conditioning or supplemental air conditioning
for a room or portion of dwelling 525. For example, dwelling 525
may be located in a climate that does not require whole house or
central air conditioning, but cooling for part of a day or part of
the year can be satisfactorily addressed with a local area cooler
556 instead of a room air conditioner. Local area cooler 556 can
have a cabinet 557 that can enclose a heat exchanger 558 and heat
exchanger fan 560. Local area cooler 556 can include a temperature
sensor 34 and temperature selector 36 that can be connected to
controller 50, or alternately can be accessed on a control panel on
cabinet 557 to control the local area cooler 556 at the device.
Local area cooler 556 can be connected to access point 535, 535'
utilizing remote device connectors 543 as described above. Local
area cooler 556 can operate similar to a room air conditioner and
can include a condensate pan for collecting condensate or can have
a condensate drain line that can be connected to a dwelling drain
line or can be directed outside for disposal as desired.
[0125] A second primary refrigeration machine can be connected to
the secondary refrigeration loop to provide an additional source of
cooling in the secondary cooling medium circuit. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29 the second primary refrigeration
machine can be a chest freezer 536. Chest freezer 536 can have an
insulated cabinet 537 and a freezer cooling circuit including a
static evaporator 538, expansion device 539, condenser 540,
compressor 542 and condenser fan 550. Chest freezer 536 can also
have a heat rejecting element that can be a chilled liquid
evaporator 544 that can be connected to insulated conduits 42 at an
access point 535, 535' utilizing remote device connectors 543 that
can provide additional cooling in the secondary refrigeration loop.
Chest freezer 536 can also have a temperature sensor 34 and
temperature selector 36 that can be connected to controller 50
through control circuit 56 as described above. Those skilled in the
art will understand that chest freezer 536 can have a suitable
insulated lid or closure, not shown, and that temperature selector
36 can be positioned on a control panel on chest freezer 536 if
desired instead of on a remote user interface as illustrated. When
chest freezer 536 is operating suction line heat exchanger or
chilled liquid evaporator 544 can absorb heat from liquid coolant
being circulated in insulated conduits 42 thus supplementing the
refrigerating capacity of the distributed refrigeration system.
Further, the freezer cooling circuit can include a bypass valve 551
that can be integrated with the expansion device 539 connected to
control circuit 56 that can allow central controller 50 to bypass
evaporator 538 to make the cooling capacity of chest freezer 536
available in chilled liquid evaporator 544 to provide additional
cooling for the distributed refrigeration system. While a secondary
primary refrigeration machine is illustrated as a chest freezer in
the embodiments of FIGS. 28 and 29, those skilled in the art will
understand that other refrigeration machines such as a central air
conditioner condensing unit, other configuration freezers as well
as refrigerator freezers, ice makers, wine coolers and the like
having a cooling unit can be used as an additional primary
refrigeration machine in a distributed refrigeration system if
desired.
[0126] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 29 and FIG. 29A the
secondary cooling medium circuit can have a single insulated
conduit 42 connecting the access points 535' with the chilled
liquid evaporator 40 and pump 44. Access points 535' can have a
housing 564 and can include a valve 566 that can be connected to
controller 50 through control circuit 56. Valve 566 can close
forcing chilled liquid cooling circulating in insulated conduit 42
to divert through the remote device when valve 566 is closed by
controller 50. Access point 535' can have a suitable electrical
connector, not shown, to facilitate connection of remote
refrigeration devices to controller 50. The single line secondary
cooling medium circuit illustrated in FIG. 29 can otherwise operate
similar to the two line supply and return line system illustrated
in FIG. 28.
[0127] The refrigerating modules, refrigeration/storage modules,
satellite stations, combined satellite stations and central cooling
units described above have been selected to explain the invention.
However, the invention is not limited to the specific examples of
modules, satellite stations and central cooling units and that
these elements can take any desired form and can be combined as
desired within the scope of the invention. The invention is not
limited to refrigeration modules and equipment located in any
particular geometrical orientation. The central cooling unit and
receiving modules need not be positioned on the same or similar
horizontal plane since appropriate pumps and fans can adjust for
differences in elevation resulting from desired location of cooling
units and modules. While use of quick connect fittings to connect
satellite stations to refrigerant lines in the distributed
refrigeration systems is described above, those skilled in the art
will understand that quick connect fittings are not necessary to
practice the inventions described in this application and that
instead any well known refrigerant line connection arrangements can
be used as desired.
[0128] The controllers for the central cooling units, refrigerating
modules, satellite stations, combined satellite stations and
central cooling units and refrigeration/storage modules described
above, including the control circuits, thermostats, temperature
selectors and selector switches, can be arranged to function as
plug-n-play controls, components and devices, or can be arranged to
function as part of an appliance network that can be part of a home
network. Co-pending International Applications PCT/2006/022420,
Software Architecture System and Method for Communication with, and
Management of, at Least One Component Within a Household Appliance,
filed on Jun. 8, 2006; PCT/2006/022503, Components and Accessories
for a Communicating Appliance, filed on Jun. 9, 2006; and
PCT/2006/022528, Comprehensive System for Product Management, filed
Jun. 9, 2006; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/619,767, Host
and Adaptor for Docking a Consumer Electronic Device In Discrete
Orientation, filed on Jan. 4, 2007, all assigned to the assignee of
this application, disclose architectural elements for plug-n-play
controls and modular systems that can be used in the practice the
inventions described in this application. Co-pending International
Applications PCT/2006/022420, PCT/2006/022503, PCT/US2006/022528
and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/619,767 are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0129] While the invention has been specifically described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that this is by way of illustration and not of
limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be
construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.
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