U.S. patent application number 12/031107 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-21 for build-up monitoring system for refrigerated enclosures.
Invention is credited to Serge DUBE.
Application Number | 20080196419 12/031107 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39687913 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080196419 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DUBE; Serge |
August 21, 2008 |
BUILD-UP MONITORING SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATED ENCLOSURES
Abstract
A build-up monitoring system in combination with a refrigerated
enclosure comprises a refrigerated enclosure having a drain, a
drain basin and a refrigeration unit adapted to maintain
refrigerating conditions in the refrigerated enclosure. A build-up
detector is positioned with respect to the refrigerated enclosure
so as to monitor a level of build-up in the drain/drain basin. A
condition analyzer receives detection data from the build-up
detector, the condition analyzer identifying from the detection
data a build-up in the drain/drain basin requiring an intervention.
An interface indicates the requirement for the intervention. A
method is provided to identify a build-up requiring an intervention
in a drain/drain basin of a refrigerated enclosure.
Inventors: |
DUBE; Serge; (St-Zotique,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OGILVY RENAULT LLP
1981 MCGILL COLLEGE AVENUE, SUITE 1600
MONTREAL
QC
H3A2Y3
omitted
|
Family ID: |
39687913 |
Appl. No.: |
12/031107 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60890290 |
Feb 16, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/80 ;
62/150 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 21/14 20130101;
F25D 29/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/80 ;
62/150 |
International
Class: |
F25D 21/00 20060101
F25D021/00; F25D 21/14 20060101 F25D021/14 |
Claims
1. A build-up monitoring system in combination with a refrigerated
enclosure, comprising: a refrigerated enclosure having a drain, a
drain basin and a refrigeration unit adapted to maintain
refrigerating conditions in the refrigerated enclosure; a build-up
detector positioned with respect to the refrigerated enclosure so
as to monitor a level of build-up in the drain/drain basin; a
condition analyzer for receiving detection data from the build-up
detector, the condition analyzer identifying from the detection
data a build-up in the drain/drain basin requiring an intervention;
and an interface for indicating the requirement for the
intervention.
2. The build-up monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the
build-up detector is at least one temperature sensor, the detection
data being a temperature value associated with the level of
build-up in the drain/drain basin.
3. The build-up monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the
build-up detector is at least one optical switch, the detection
data being a visual detection of a build-up in the drain/drain
basin.
4. The build-up monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the
build-up detector is wirelessly connected to the condition
analyzer.
5. The build-up monitoring system according to claim 1, further
comprising a database for storing comparative data, such that the
condition analyzer identifies a build-up from the detection data as
a function of the comparative data.
6. The build-up monitoring system according to claim 1, further
comprising an alarm for indicating the requirement for the
intervention.
7. The build-up monitoring system according to claim 6, wherein the
alarm is located remotely from the refrigerated enclosure.
8. A method for identifying a build-up requiring an intervention in
a drain/drain basin of a refrigerated enclosure, comprising:
positioning a build-up detector in the refrigerated enclosure;
monitoring detection data from the build-up detector; identifying a
build-up condition by comparing the detection data with at least
one predetermined parameter value for a given time period; and
indicating the requirement for an intervention from the build-up
condition.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein monitoring detection
data comprises monitoring a temperature in the drain/drain basin of
the refrigerated enclosure, and identifying a build-up condition
comprises comparing the temperature with at least one predetermined
temperature value.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein comparing the
temperature with at least one predetermined temperature value
comprises determining that the temperature is above/below the at
least one predetermined temperature value for said given time
period.
11. The method according to claim 9, wherein comparing the
temperature with at least one predetermined temperature value
comprises determining that the temperature is outside a selected
range of temperature values for said given time period.
12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising pausing the
monitoring of detection data for a maintenance period.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein pausing for a
maintenance period comprises pausing during a defrost cycle of a
refrigerated enclosure.
14. The method according to claim 8, wherein monitoring detection
data comprises visually monitoring the drain/drain basin of the
refrigerated enclosure, and identifying a build-up condition
comprises comparing a visual monitoring signal with an unobstructed
signal value.
15. The method according to claim 8, wherein indicating the
requirement for an intervention comprises alarming off-site
personnel.
16. The method according to claim 8, wherein monitoring detection
data comprises monitoring a temperature in the drain/drain basin of
the refrigerated enclosure, and identifying a build-up condition
comprises comparing a variation of the temperature over the time
period with an acceptable temperature variation value.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims priority on U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/890,290, filed on Feb. 16, 2007, by the
present Applicant.
BACKGROUND OF THE APPLICATION
[0002] 1. Field of the Application
[0003] The present application relates to refrigerated enclosures
of the type used in supermarkets and the like to score foodstuff
and, more particularly, to a draining of liquid in such
refrigerated enclosures.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] In supermarkets, grocery storages, and industrial storage,
amongst other applications, refrigerated enclosures are commonly
used to maintain foodstuff at suitable temperatures, or to freeze
the foodstuff in order to preserve its freshness.
[0006] Referring to FIG. 1 of the prior art, a refrigerated
enclosure is generally illustrated at 10. The refrigerated
enclosure 10 is defined by a casing 11 that forms an outer shell of
the enclosure 10, and within which specific temperature conditions
are maintained. Shelves 12 are provided as support for the
foodstuff (not shown) that will be refrigerated/frozen in the
enclosure 10. A drain basin 13 is provided at a bottom of the
casing 11. As such, any residual liquid will be drained via the
sloping of the drain basin 13, to the drain 14/siphon 15.
[0007] It is observed that the refrigeration unit 16 is in the
drain basin 13. The refrigeration unit 16 is typically coils in
which a refrigerant circulates, and upon which coils ambient air is
blown.
[0008] Because of the low temperatures associated with refrigerated
enclosures, there is a risk that the residual liquid to be drained
by the drain basin 13 will freeze. Moreover, as the refrigeration
unit 16 is in some cases adjacent to the drain 14, the temperatures
adjacent to the drain 14 are lower than the temperature at the
shelves 12, increasing the risk of freezing of the residual
liquids. A solid build-up can damage the refrigerated enclosure.
For instance, coils of the refrigeration unit 16 have broken
because of ice build-ups in the drain, resulting in refrigerant
leakage, emergency transfer of foodstuff, and even temporary store
closure for maintenance of the refrigeration system.
SUMMARY
[0009] It is therefore an aim of the present application to provide
a drain monitor system for refrigerated enclosures that addresses
issues associated with the prior art.
[0010] Therefore, in accordance with the present application, there
is provided
[0011] Further in accordance with the present application, there is
provided a build-up monitoring system in combination with a
refrigerated enclosure, comprising: a refrigerated enclosure having
a drain, a drain basin and a refrigeration unit adapted to maintain
refrigerating conditions in the refrigerated enclosure; a build-up
detector positioned with respect to the refrigerated enclosure so
as to monitor a level of build-up in the drain/drain basin; a
condition analyzer for receiving detection data from the build-up
detector, the condition analyzer identifying from the detection
data a build-up in the drain/drain basin requiring an intervention;
and an interface for indicating the requirement for the
intervention.
[0012] Further in accordance with the present application, there is
provided a method for identifying a build-up requiring an
intervention in a drain/drain basin of a refrigerated enclosure,
comprising: positioning a build-up detector in the refrigerated
enclosure; monitoring detection data from the build-up detector;
identifying a build-up condition by comparing the detection data
with at least one predetermined parameter value for a given time
period; and indicating the requirement for an intervention from the
build-up condition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a sectioned elevation view of a refrigerated
enclosure in accordance with the prior art;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a build-up monitoring
system for refrigerated enclosures, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present application;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a printout of a user-interface screen as used with
the build-up monitoring system of FIG. 2; and
[0016] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for identifying a build-up
requiring an intervention in a drain/drain basin of a refrigerated
enclosure in accordance with another embodiment of the present
application.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 2, a build-up monitoring system in
accordance with an embodiment is generally shown at 20. The
monitoring system 20 is used in conjunction with a refrigerated
enclosure such as the one illustrated at 10 in FIG. 1. The
monitoring system 20 is provided to monitor the refrigerated
enclosure for ice build-ups in the drain basin 13, and to alarm
maintenance personnel when predetermined levels of build-ups are
detected.
[0018] The monitoring system 20 has a control system 21, which
includes a processing unit. The control system 21 is typically part
of a main controller used to operate the refrigeration system of a
store/building.
[0019] A build-lip detector 22 is connected to the control system
21. The build-up detector 22 is positioned within the refrigerated
enclosure to monitor ice build-ups, by monitoring the drain basin
13, the drain 14 and/or the coils 16 of the refrigeration unit.
[0020] A plurality of configurations are considered for the
build-up detector 22. In a first embodiment, the build-up detector
22 is a thermocouple or thermometer positioned within the drain
basin 13 and/or in contact with the drain 14. As such, any ice
build-up will result in a stabilization of temperature that will be
identified by the monitoring system 20.
[0021] In a second embodiment, the build-up detector 22 is an
optical sensor that will visually monitor the presence of an ice
build-up beyond a predetermined level. Different types of optical
sensors are considered with, for instance, emitters/receivers,
etc.
[0022] In a third embodiment, sensors from other industries can be
used in the monitoring system 20. For instance, U.S. Pat. No.
5,296,853, issued to Federow et al. on Mar. 22, 1994, discloses a
laser ice detector, components of which can suitably be used to
form the build-up detector 22. It is also considered to use
infrared sensors.
[0023] The control system 21 receives detection data from the
build-up detector 22, and transmits the data to the condition
analyzer 23. The condition analyzer 23 is provided to defect ice
build-up from the detection data. The condition analyzer 23
triggers an alarm signal once ice build-up beyond a predetermined
level is identified by the condition analyzer 23.
[0024] In the embodiment in which the build-up detector 22 is a
thermocouple, detection parameters are provided to the condition
analyser 23 by way of a database 24 with such detection parameters.
For instance, the detection parameters are a temperature set-point
limit or a temperature range along with a time period, whereby
detection of a temperature above the set-point limit for more than
the time period will have the condition analyzer 23 trigger the
alarm signal.
[0025] The time period used by the condition analyzer 23 filters
out punctual perturbations, such as the shelving of new produces
that are at room temperature. In such cases, liquids dropping from
these products and reaching the drain are temporarily above
refrigerated temperatures, and should not be considered as a
build-up. Therefore, monitoring such temperatures for an extended
time period allows the products to cool down prior to an alarm
being triggered.
[0026] Moreover, the time period can be used to monitor temperature
variations. For instance, temperature readings in refrigerated
enclosures 10 vary as a function of numerous factors: refrigerant
temperature, air temperature, enclosure doors being opened, new
products being shelved in the enclosure 10. If there is a build-up
on the build-detector 22 measuring the temperature, the build-up
will act as thermal insulation that will generally prevent
temperature variations in the readings of the detector 22.
Accordingly, in an embodiment, a uniform temperature over an
extended time period is identified as a build-up by the condition
analyzer 23.
[0027] The database 24 is writable, such that the detection
parameters are changeable. For instance, if a defrost cycle is run
to melt frost on the coils, it may be required to change the
detection parameters in the database 24, although it is preferred
that the detection parameters be set so as to exclude a defrost
cycle from being detected as ice build-up. Another example in which
it is required to change the detection parameters is when the
temperature of operation of the refrigerated enclosure is changed
(i.e., going from refrigerating meats to vegetables).
[0028] In the embodiment in which the build-up detector 22 is an
optical sensor or like sensor, the detection data may simply be
decoded by the condition analyzer 23, such as to identity detected
build-up signals from the detection data. The database 24 of
detection parameters may represent a filter to ensure that the
alarm signal is not triggered accidentally. For instance, if an
attendant triggers accidentally the optical sensor into detecting
an ice build-up, the detection parameters are typically set to
prevent an alarm being triggered by such action.
[0029] It is considered to provide the monitoring system 20 with a
plurality of build-up detectors 22, with complementary features.
For instance, optical sensors can be used in combination with
thermocouples, to increase the accuracy of the detection.
[0030] Still referring to FIG. 2, the monitoring system 20 has an
interface 25 that may be used to display the detection data in
suitable format. For instance, referring to FIG. 3, a GUI screen
25A is illustrated, and shows a temperature detected in a
refrigerated enclosure as a function of time. It is seen that a
graph shows a pair of peaks on screen. The peaks are typically the
result of defrost cycles being run to remove frost on the coils of
the refrigeration units 16 (FIG. 1). The interface 25 may project
data that is viewed on a periodic basis by an operator so as to
detect ice build-up.
[0031] Alternatively, an alarm 26 may be provided, whether on site
or through the interface 25 (e.g., in the form of a pop-up window),
to indicate that maintenance is required to clear up the
drain/drain basin.
[0032] The build-up monitoring system 20 described above may be
conveniently retrofitted to existing refrigerated enclosures, such
as refrigerated enclosure 10 of FIG. 1. More specifically,
considering that most industrial refrigeration systems have a
centralized processing unit, the condition analyzer 23 may be
installed in the centralized processing unit, with the build-up
detector/detectors 22 being connected to the centralized processing
unit (e.g., wireless) to provide the detection data to the
condition analyzer 23.
[0033] FIG. 4 generally illustrates an embodiment for implementing
the method for identifying a build-up requiring an intervention in
a drain/drain basin of a refrigerated enclosure at 30.
[0034] In Step 32, at least one of the build-up detectors 22 is
installed in the refrigerated enclosure 10 so as to monitor the
drain basin 13 or drain 14 for ice build-ups.
[0035] In Step 34, the detection data provided by the build-up
detector 22 is monitored. The monitoring is continuous, but may be
paused in maintenance periods, such as during a defrost cycle.
[0036] In Step 36, a build-up condition is identified from
monitoring of the detection data, over a given time period. The
detection data is as a function of the types of build-up detector
22 selected: temperature, visual presence of build-up.
[0037] In Step 38, indication is made to maintenance personnel that
an intervention is required due to a build-up condition. For
instance, maintenance personnel on-site or off-site may be warned
by way of an alarm.
* * * * *