U.S. patent application number 12/905610 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-26 for semi-frozen product dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Carrier Corporation. Invention is credited to Peter F. McNamee, Robert K. Newton, Stephen M. Wadle.
Application Number | 20110120163 12/905610 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44061071 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110120163 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wadle; Stephen M. ; et
al. |
May 26, 2011 |
Semi-Frozen Product Dispenser
Abstract
A semi-frozen product dispenser (10 or 200) is provided for at
least partially freezing and dispensing a product. The product
dispenser may include at least one freezing barrel (20-1) defining
a freezing chamber (C1) configured to receive the product. A
refrigeration system (60 or 260) is provided for at least partially
freezing product in the freezing chamber (C1). A fluid heating
system (80 or 280) is also provided to remove heat from the
refrigeration system (60 or 260) and use it in an auxiliary system,
such as a water pre-heating system. The fluid heating system (80 or
280) may include a fluid heat exchanger (102) disposed in a high
pressure refrigerant line (67 or 267), a fluid tank (82 or 282),
and a fluid pump (96). Fluid may be continuously circulated through
the fluid heat exchanger (102 or 302) when the refrigeration system
is operated, thereby to continuously provide refrigerant cooling
and fluid warming.
Inventors: |
Wadle; Stephen M.; (Beloit,
WI) ; Newton; Robert K.; (Beloit, WI) ;
McNamee; Peter F.; (Beloit, WI) |
Assignee: |
Carrier Corporation
Farmington
CT
|
Family ID: |
44061071 |
Appl. No.: |
12/905610 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61252828 |
Oct 19, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/228.1 ;
62/344 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23G 9/28 20130101; F25B
2700/2111 20130101; F25B 2339/047 20130101; F25B 6/04 20130101;
F25B 40/00 20130101; F25B 2600/13 20130101; A23G 9/228
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/228.1 ;
62/344 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/02 20060101
F25B049/02; F25C 5/18 20060101 F25C005/18 |
Claims
1. A semi-frozen product dispenser (10 or 200) for at least
partially freezing and dispensing a product, comprising: at least
one freezing barrel (20-1) defining a freezing chamber (C1)
configured to receive the product; an evaporator (50 or 250)
operably coupled to the freezing barrel (20-1) and including a
refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet; a compressor (62 or
262) having a suction inlet in fluid communication with the
evaporator outlet through a low pressure refrigerant line (69 or
269) and a discharge outlet; a high pressure refrigerant line (67
or 267) extending between the compressor discharge outlet and the
evaporator refrigerant inlet; an air heat exchanger (64 or 264)
operatively coupled to a portion of the high pressure refrigerant
line (67 or 267); a fluid tank (82 or 282) sized to hold a
predetermined volume of fluid; and a fluid heat exchanger (102 or
302) fluidly communicating with the high pressure refrigerant line
(67 or 267) to receive heated refrigerant and configured to
transfer heat from the heated refrigerant to the volume of fluid in
the fluid tank (82 or 282).
2. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10) of claim 1, in which the
fluid heat exchanger (102) defines a refrigerant path and a fluid
path and is configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant in the
refrigerant path to fluid in the fluid path, and the fluid tank
(82) includes a cold water inlet (84), a cold water outlet (88), a
warm water inlet (90) fluidly communicating with the fluid heat
exchanger fluid path, and a warm water outlet (92).
3. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10) of claim 2, further
comprising a fluid pump (96) having a pump inlet (98) in fluid
communication with the cold water outlet (88) and a pump outlet
(100) in fluid communication with the fluid heat exchanger fluid
path.
4. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10) of claim 3, further
comprising a temperature sensor (112) disposed in sensing
relationship to an interior of the tank (82) and operably coupled
to the pump (96).
5. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10) of claim 3, further
comprising a controller (72) operably coupled to the compressor
(62) and the fluid pump (98), the controller (72) being programmed
to operate the fluid pump (98) whenever the compressor (62) is
operated.
6. The semi-frozen product dispenser (200) of claim 1, in which the
fluid heat exchanger (302) is disposed in the fluid tank (282)
thereby to directly transfer heat from the refrigerant to the fluid
in the fluid tank (282).
7. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10 or 200) of claim 1, in
which the fluid heat exchanger (102 or 302) is disposed upstream of
the air heat exchanger (64 or 264).
8. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10 or 200) of claim 1, in
which the dispenser (10 or 200) is disposed in an interior space
(12), and in which the air heat exchanger (64 or 264) discharges
heated air into the interior space (12).
9. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10 or 200) of claim 1,
further comprising a suction heat exchanger (74 or 274) having a
first line (76 or 276) in fluid communication with the high
pressure refrigerant line (67 or 267) and a second line (78 or 278)
in fluid communication with the low pressure refrigerant line (69
or 269), wherein the first and second lines (76, 78 or 276, 278)
are disposed in heat transfer relationship with each other thereby
to transfer heat from the high pressure refrigerant line (67 or
267) to the low pressure refrigerant line (69 or 269).
10. A semi-frozen product dispenser (10 or 200) disposed in an
interior space (12) for at least partially freezing and dispensing
a product, comprising: at least one freezing barrel (20-1) defining
a freezing chamber (C1) configured to receive the product; a
refrigeration system (60 or 260) including: an evaporator (50 or
250) operably coupled to the freezing barrel (20-1) and including a
refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet; a compressor (62 or
262) having a suction inlet in fluid communication with the
evaporator outlet through a low pressure refrigerant line (69 or
269) and a discharge outlet; a high pressure refrigerant line (67
or 267) extending between the compressor discharge outlet and the
evaporator refrigerant inlet; and an air heat exchanger (64 or 264)
operatively coupled to a portion of the high pressure refrigerant
line (67 or 267); and a water heating system (80 or 280) including:
a fluid tank (82 or 282) sized to hold a predetermined volume of
fluid; and a fluid heat exchanger (102 or 302) fluidly
communicating with the high pressure refrigerant line (67 or 267)
to receive heated refrigerant and configured to transfer heat from
the heated refrigerant to the volume of fluid in the fluid tank (82
or 282).
11. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10) of claim 10, in which
the fluid heat exchanger (102) defines a refrigerant path and a
fluid path and is configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant
in the refrigerant path to fluid in the fluid path, and the fluid
tank (82) includes a cold water inlet (84), a cold water outlet
(88), a warm water inlet (90) fluidly communicating with the fluid
heat exchanger fluid path, and a warm water outlet (92).
12. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10) of claim 11, further
comprising a fluid pump (96) having a pump inlet (98) in fluid
communication with the cold water outlet (88) and a pump outlet
(100) in fluid communication with the fluid heat exchanger fluid
path.
13. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10) of claim 12, further
comprising a temperature sensor (112) disposed in sensing
relationship to an interior of the tank (82) and operably coupled
to the pump (96).
14. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10) of claim 12, further
comprising a controller (72) operably coupled to the compressor
(62) and the fluid pump (98), the controller (72) being programmed
to operate the fluid pump (98) whenever the compressor (62) is
operated.
15. The semi-frozen product dispenser (200) of claim 10, in which
the fluid heat exchanger (302) is disposed in the fluid tank (282)
thereby to directly transfer heat from the refrigerant to the fluid
in the fluid tank (282).
16. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10 or 200) of claim 10, in
which the fluid heat exchanger (102 or 302) is disposed upstream of
the air heat exchanger (64 or 264).
17. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10 or 200) of claim 10,
further comprising a suction heat exchanger (74 or 274) having a
first line (76 or 276) in fluid communication with the high
pressure refrigerant line (67 or 267) and a second line (78 or 278)
in fluid communication with the low pressure refrigerant line (69
or 269), wherein the first and second lines (76, 78 or 276, 278)
are disposed in heat transfer relationship with each other thereby
to transfer heat from the high pressure refrigerant line (67 or
267) to the low pressure refrigerant line (69 or 269).
18. A semi-frozen product dispenser (10) disposed in an interior
space (12) for at least partially freezing and dispensing a
product, comprising: an enclosure (120) defining a housing space;
at least one freezing barrel (20-1) disposed within the housing
space and defining a freezing chamber (C1) configured to receive
the product; an evaporator (50) disposed within the housing space,
operably coupled to the freezing barrel (20-1), and including a
refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet; a compressor (62)
disposed within the housing space, the compressor (62) having a
suction inlet in fluid communication with the evaporator outlet
through a low pressure refrigerant line (69) and a discharge
outlet; a high pressure refrigerant line (67) disposed within the
housing space and extending between the compressor discharge outlet
and the evaporator refrigerant inlet; an air heat exchanger (64)
disposed within the housing space and operatively coupled to a
portion of the high pressure refrigerant line (67), the air heat
exchanger (64) discharging heated air into the interior space (12);
a fluid heat exchanger (102) disposed in the high pressure
refrigerant line (67) and defining a refrigerant path and a fluid
path, the fluid heat exchanger (102) being configured to transfer
heat from refrigerant in the refrigerant path to fluid in the fluid
path; a fluid tank (82) sized to hold a predetermined volume of
water, the tank (82) including a cold water inlet (84), a cold
water outlet (88), a warm water inlet (90) fluidly communicating
with the fluid heat exchanger fluid path and a warm water outlet
(92); and a fluid pump (96) having a pump inlet (98) in fluid
communication with the cold water outlet (88) and a pump outlet
(100) in fluid communication with the fluid heat exchanger fluid
path.
19. The semi-frozen product dispenser (10) of claim 19, in which
the fluid heat exchanger (102), fluid tank (82), and fluid pump
(96) are also disposed within the housing space.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is an non-provisional US patent application claiming
priority under 35 USC .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/252,828 filed on Oct. 19, 2009.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to refrigeration
systems and, more particularly, to apparatus for freezing and
dispensing semi-frozen products.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Semi-frozen product dispensers employ refrigeration systems
to freeze the product dispensed thereby. By way of background, a
refrigeration system uses a refrigeration cycle which is employed
in refrigerators, heat pumps and air conditioners. The
refrigeration system becomes a heat pump when it is used to produce
a heat flow into or out of a building. When it causes a heat flow
out of the building it is then also called an air conditioner. As
shown in the background diagram of FIG. 1, a refrigeration system
includes a condenser 2, a throttling or expansion valve 4, an
evaporator 6 and a compressor 5. The refrigerant flows in either a
gaseous or liquid state (sometimes a mixture of the two) by way of
lines or piping, the direction of the flow being as indicated by
the arrows 8. In the refrigeration cycle, schematically illustrated
in FIG. 2 the saturated liquid refrigerant passes through a
throttling or expansion valve 4 and the liquid expands into a gas
with some entrained liquid as shown at "b". The gas, with a mixture
of liquid, passes through the evaporator 6 which, in the case of a
refrigerator, allows heat to be removed from food stuffs and the
like and transferred to the gas, liquid mixture. The amount of heat
or energy removed from the food stuff is represented by the line
bd. As the gas, liquid mixture picks up heat it expands and the
volume increases. The gas is then compressed by the compressor 5 as
illustrated in line de in FIGS. 1 and 2, and then passed through a
condenser 2 which gives off heat as the volume of the gas decreases
and the pressure remains substantially constant. The energy of
compression is represented by the line de projected onto the
enthalpy axis. In the refrigeration cycle, as the gas is compressed
from d to e, the gas increases in pressure with a decrease in
volume. Refrigeration systems and heat pumps may be rated based on
the coefficient of performance (COP). The COP is defined as the
ratio of desired output divided by the required input. The COP is a
measure of how well a refrigeration system or heat pump is
operating. If the desired output is cooling, then:
COP.sub.cooling=enthalpy change at evaporator/enthalpy change at
the compressor
[0006] For the following equations, h represents enthalpy and the
letter following h represents the refrigerant state on FIG. 2.
COP.sub.cooling=(hd-hb)/(he-hd)
[0007] If the desired output is heating, then:
COP.sub.heating=enthalpy change at condenser/enthalpy change at
compressor
COP.sub.heating=(he-ha)/(he-hd)
[0008] If the desired output is both cooling and heating, then:
COP.sub.cooling and heating=(hd-hb+he-ha)/(he-hd)
[0009] It can be seen that the highest COP may be obtained from the
COP.sub.cooling and heating equation.
[0010] Semi-frozen product dispensers may dispense various types of
food stuffs, such as soft-service ice cream, yogurt, custard and
other semi-frozen food products, as well as semi-frozen drinks,
sometimes referred to as slushes. The dispensers typically include
a freezing cylinder through which the product is dispensed. The
freezing cylinder, also referred to as a barrel, defines a
longitudinally elongated freezing chamber. Typically, unfrozen
liquid product mix is added to the freezing chamber at the aft end
of the freezing cylinder and selectively dispensed at the forward
end of the freezing cylinder through a manually operated dispensing
valve. A rotating beater, typically formed by two or more helical
blades driven by a drive motor at a desired rotational speed,
scrapes semi-frozen mixture from the inner wall of the freezing
cylinder and moves the product forwardly through the freezing
chamber defined within the freezing cylinder as the product
transitions from a liquid state to a semi-frozen state. The product
within the freezing chamber changes from a liquid state to a
semi-frozen state as heat is transferred from the product to a
refrigerant flowing through an evaporator disposed about the
freezing cylinder. The evaporator is operatively associated with
and part of a conventional refrigeration system that also includes
a compression device and a refrigerant condenser arranged in a
conventional refrigerant cycle in a closed refrigerant circuit.
Dispensing apparatus of this type may have a single freezing
cylinder for dispensing a single flavor of product or a plurality
of freezing cylinders, each housing a selected flavor of product,
for dispensing each of the selected flavors and even a mix of
flavors. U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,129, for example, discloses a
semi-frozen food dispensing apparatus having a pair of freezing
chambers.
[0011] As noted previously, heat is removed from the product within
the freezing cylinder and carried away by a refrigerant circulating
through an evaporator disposed about the freezing cylinder. In
dispensing apparatus having more than one freezing cylinder, an
evaporator is typically configured either as a tube wound around
and in contact with the outside wall of the freezing cylinder or as
an annular chamber from between the outside wall of the freezing
cylinder and the inside wall of an outer cylinder disposed
coaxially about the freezing cylinder.
[0012] Refrigerant exits the condenser primarily as vapor. The
vapor is drawn through a compressor, which elevates both the
temperature and pressure of the refrigerant vapor. An air heat
exchanger, in combination with an air mover, is typically provided
to cool the refrigerant vapor. This conventional arrangement,
however, discharges heated air into the surrounding environment,
thereby increases the load on any interior space HVAC system.
Depending on the temperature of the vapor refrigerant, operation of
the air heat exchanger may be excessive, thereby reducing the
energy efficiency of the dispenser. Still further, the heated air
is typically treated as a waste by-product that is simply
discharged into the interior space.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0013] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a
semi-frozen product dispenser is provided for at least partially
freezing and dispensing a product. The dispenser may include at
least one freezing barrel defining a freezing chamber configured to
receive the product, an evaporator operably coupled to the freezing
barrel and including a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet,
and a compressor having a suction inlet in fluid communication with
the evaporator outlet through a low pressure refrigerant line and a
discharge outlet. A high pressure refrigerant line may extend
between the compressor discharge outlet and the evaporator
refrigerant inlet, and an air heat exchanger may be operatively
coupled to a portion of the high pressure refrigerant line. A fluid
tank may be sized to hold a predetermined volume of fluid, and a
fluid heat exchanger fluidly communicates with the high pressure
refrigerant line to receive heated refrigerant and is configured to
transfer heat from the heated refrigerant to the volume of fluid in
the fluid tank.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a
semi-frozen product dispenser is disposed in an interior space for
at least partially freezing and dispensing a product. The dispenser
may include at least one freezing barrel defining a freezing
chamber configured to receive the product. A refrigeration system
may be provided that includes an evaporator operably coupled to the
freezing barrel, a refrigerant inlet, and a refrigerant outlet. The
refrigeration system may further include a compressor having a
suction inlet in fluid communication with the evaporator outlet
through a low pressure refrigerant line and a discharge outlet, a
high pressure refrigerant line extending between the compressor
discharge outlet and the evaporator refrigerant inlet, and an air
heat exchanger operatively coupled to a portion of the high
pressure refrigerant line. The dispenser may further include a
water heating system having a fluid tank sized to hold a
predetermined volume of fluid, and a fluid heat exchanger fluidly
communicating with the high pressure refrigerant line to receive
heated refrigerant and configured to transfer heat from the heated
refrigerant to the volume of fluid in the fluid tank.
[0015] In accordance with yet another aspect of the disclosure, a
semi-frozen product dispenser is disposed in an interior space for
at least partially freezing and dispensing a product. The dispenser
may include an enclosure defining a housing space, and at least one
freezing barrel disposed within the housing space and defining a
freezing chamber configured to receive the product. An evaporator
is disposed within the housing space, operably coupled to the
freezing barrel, and includes a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant
outlet. A compressor is disposed within the housing space and has a
suction inlet in fluid communication with the evaporator outlet
through a low pressure refrigerant line and a discharge outlet. A
high pressure refrigerant line is disposed within the housing space
and extends between the compressor discharge outlet and the
evaporator refrigerant inlet, and an air heat exchanger is disposed
within the housing space and operatively coupled to a portion of
the high pressure refrigerant line, the air heat exchanger
discharging heated air into the interior space. A fluid heat
exchanger is disposed in the high pressure refrigerant line and
defines a refrigerant path and a fluid path, the fluid heat
exchanger being configured to transfer heat from refrigerant in the
refrigerant path to fluid in the fluid path. The dispenser may
further include a fluid tank sized to hold a predetermined volume
of fluid, the tank including a tank inlet fluidly communicating
with the fluid heat exchanger fluid path and a tank outlet, and a
fluid pump having a pump inlet in fluid communication with the tank
outlet and a pump outlet in fluid communication with the fluid heat
exchanger fluid path.
[0016] These are other aspects and features of the disclosure will
become more apparent upon reading the following detailed
description when taken in conjunction with the accompanied
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a typical, idealized,
closed cycle refrigeration system;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a pressure enthalpy diagram which indicates, for
background purposes, the pressure enthalpy relationship of a
refrigerant in the refrigeration system shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of a semi-frozen product dispenser;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the semi-frozen product
dispenser having an auxiliary fluid cycle constructed according to
the present disclosure; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment
of a semi-frozen product dispenser having an auxiliary fluid cycle
constructed according to the present disclosure.
[0022] While the present disclosure is susceptible of various
modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative
embodiments thereof will be shown and described below in detail. It
should be understood, however, that there is no intention to be
limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative
constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope
of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, and with particular reference
to FIGS. 3 and 4, a semi-frozen product dispenser constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the disclosure is generally
referred to by reference numeral 10. The dispenser 10 is capable of
freezing and dispensing semi-frozen food products, such as by way
of example, but not limited to, soft-serve ice cream, ice milk,
yogurt, custard, shakes, and carbonated and/or non-carbonated ice
slush drinks. While the following detailed description and drawings
are made in reference to a semi-frozen product dispenser, it is to
be understood that the teachings of the disclosure can be used in
other types of refrigeration systems, including, but not limited
to, cooled beverage dispensers, refrigerators, and the like.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 10 is disposed
inside an interior space 12 and includes two freezing chambers C1
and C2 for dispensing food products of different flavors or types.
The freezing chambers C1 and C2 are defined within the axially
elongated cylindrical barrels 20-1 and 20-2, respectively. Although
shown as a dual barrel dispenser, it is to be understood that the
apparatus 10 may have only a single barrel for dispensing a single
product or may have three or more barrels for dispensing a
plurality of flavors or types of products. Each of the barrels
20-1, 20-2 includes an inner cylinder 30, an outer cylinder 40
circumscribing the inner cylinder 30, and an evaporator 50 formed
between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder 40. Refrigerant
is supplied from a refrigeration system 60 to the evaporators 50 of
the respective barrels 20-1, 20-2 for refrigerating product
residing inside the respective freezing chambers C1 and C2.
[0025] A beater 22 is coaxially disposed and mounted for rotation
within each of the chambers C1 and C2. Each beater 22 is driven by
a drive motor 23 to rotate about the axis of its respective barrel
20-1, 20-2. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, a single drive motor (when
energized) drives each of the beaters 22 in rotation about the axis
of its respective barrel 20-1, 20-2. It should be understood,
however, that each beater 22 may be driven by a dedicated motor.
Respective product supplies 24 are operatively associated with the
barrels 20-1, 20-2 for supply product to be frozen to the
respective chamber C1 and C2 with which the product supply is
associated. The apparatus 10 is also equipped with a dispensing
valve system 11 that is selectively operable to dispense the
semi-frozen product from the barrels 20-1, 20-2.
[0026] The refrigeration system 60 includes a single refrigerant
vapor compressor 62 driven by a compressor motor 65 operatively
associated with the compressor 62, and a condenser 64 connected
with the evaporators 50 in a refrigerant circuit. The compressor 62
is connected in refrigerant flow communication by high pressure
outlet line 61 connected to the refrigerant inlet of the condenser
64, and the refrigeration outlet of the condenser 64 is connected
through a high pressure refrigerant supply line 63 to refrigerant
flow control valves 66. Each refrigerant flow control valve 66 is
operatively associated with a respective one of the evaporators 50
by a refrigerant line 67. A respective refrigerant outlet of each
evaporator 50 is connected through a low pressure refrigerant
return line 69 and an accumulator 68 to the suction side of the
compressor 62 through line 27. The refrigerant flow control valves
66 may comprise, for example, on/off solenoid valves of the type
which can be rapidly cycled between open and closed positions. The
valves 66 may be pulse width modulated solenoid valves, electronic
motor operated valves, automatic expansion valves, or similar
restriction devices.
[0027] Different products have different thermal heat transfer
rates and different freezing points. Therefore, operation of the
refrigeration system 60 will vary depending upon the products being
supplied to the freezing chambers C1 and C2. A control system 70
may control operation of the refrigeration system 60 by controlling
operation of the compressor drive motor 65, the beater motor 23,
and the flow control valves 66. The control system 70 includes a
programmable controller 72 having a central processing unit with
associated memory and temperature sensors for sensing the
temperature of the product within the chambers C1 and C2. For a
more thorough discussion of the design and operation of an
exemplary control system 70, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No.
5,205,129, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0028] In the depicted embodiment, each barrel 20 is equipped with
a selectively operable dispensing valve 11 disposed at the forward
end of the barrel 20 for receiving product form the freezing
chamber. The dispensing valve system, however, may include a third
dispensing valve selectively operable to dispense a mix of the two
flavors or types of products present in the mixing chambers C1 and
C2. The dispensing valve system may also comprise a single
selectively operable valve that is selectively positionable in a
first position to dispense product from chamber C1 only, a second
position to dispense product from chamber C2 only, and a third
position to dispense a mix of the products from both chambers C1
and C2.
[0029] Briefly, in operation, product to be frozen is supplied to
each of the chambers C1 and C2 from the respective product supply
24 associated therewith from a supply tube 27 opening into the
chamber at the aft end of each barrel 20-1, 20-2. The product
supplies 24 are arranged to feed as required a liquid comestible
product mix and generally, but not always, an edible gas, such as
for example air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or mixtures thereof, in
proportions to provide a semi-frozen food product having the
desired consistency. The liquid comestible product mix may be
refrigerated by suitable apparatus (not shown) to pre-cool the
product mix to a preselected temperature above the freezing
temperature of the product mix prior to delivery to the chambers C1
and C2. Each beater 22 rotates within its respective chamber C1, C2
to churn the product mix resident within the chamber and also move
the product mix to the forward end of the chamber for delivery to
the dispensing valve 11. The blades of the beaters 22 may also be
designed to pass along the inner surface of the inner cylinder 30
as the beater rotates, thereby to scrape product from the inner
surface of the inner cylinder 30. As the product mix churns within
the chambers C1 and C2, it is chilled to the freezing point
temperature to produce a semi-frozen product ready on-demand for
dispensing. If gas is added to the product mix, the gas is
thoroughly and uniformly dispersed throughout the product mix as
the beaters rotate.
[0030] A simplified schematic of the refrigeration system 60
coupled to one freezing chamber C1 is shown in FIG. 4. The
evaporator 50 is shown disposed around the freezing chamber C1. The
low pressure line 69 connects the suction inlet of the compressor
62 to the outlet of the evaporator 50. The high pressure line 67
connects the compressor outlet to the inlet of the evaporator 50.
The condenser 64, which is shown as an air heat exchanger, is
disposed in the high pressure line 67. An optional suction heat
exchanger 74 is shown having a first line 76 in fluid communication
with the high pressure line 67 and a second line 78 in fluid
communication with the low pressure line 69. The first and second
lines 76, 78 may be configured so that heat is transferred from the
first line 76 to the second line 78, thereby to cool the
refrigerant traveling through the high pressure line 67.
[0031] A fluid heating system 80 for heating a fluid, such as
water, is also illustrated in FIG. 4. The fluid heating system 80
may be provided for pre-heating water for use in an auxiliary
system used at the facility. For example, pre-heated water may be
provided to a water heater which may then be used as needed on
site. Alternatively, the pre-heated water may be used directly in
other auxiliary systems, such as coffee makers, washing machines,
or other equipment.
[0032] As best shown in FIG. 4, the fluid heating system 80 may
include a fluid tank 82 for holding a reservoir of fluid. The water
tank may include a cold water inlet 84 fluidly communicating with a
water source 86 provided to the facility, a cold water outlet 88, a
warm water inlet 90, and a warm water outlet 92 fluidly
communicating with the auxiliary system, such as a water heater 94.
The tank 82 may be formed of any material suitable for handling
fluid, such as water, at a temperature of approximately 32-140
degrees F. (0-60 degrees C.). While the tank 82 may be sized to
handle substantially any volume, it is expected that a tank volume
of approximately 15-40 gallons (57-151 liters) should be
sufficiently for most applications.
[0033] The fluid heating system 80 may also include a pump 96 for
circulating fluid through the system. In the illustrated
embodiment, the pump 96 has an inlet 98 fluidly communicating with
the tank cold water outlet 88 and an outlet 100. While any known
pump suitable for circulating fluid may be used, the pump 96 may be
configured and/or rated for use in a potable water system.
[0034] The fluid heating system 80 may further include a fluid heat
exchanger 102 for transferring heat from the refrigeration system
60 to fluid in the heating system 80. In the illustrated
embodiment, the fluid heat exchanger 102 includes a fluid path 101
having a fluid inlet 104 in fluid communication with the pump
outlet 100 and a fluid outlet 106 in fluid communication with the
tank warm water inlet 90. The fluid heat exchanger 102 may further
include a refrigerant path 107 having a refrigerant inlet 110 and a
refrigerant outlet 108, both of which may fluidly communicate with
the high pressure line 67 of the refrigeration system 60. The fluid
heat exchanger 102 may be configured to transfer heat from
refrigerant in the refrigerant path 107 to fluid in the fluid path
101, thereby to preheat the water while simultaneously cooling the
refrigerant. In certain applications, the fluid heat exchanger 102
may be configured and/or sized to heat water flowing therethrough
by at least approximately 10 degrees. The pre-heated water then
flows from the fluid heat exchanger 102 to the tank 82.
[0035] While the pump 96 is shown in FIG. 4 as located upstream of
the fluid heat exchanger 102, it may be located in other positions.
For example, the pump 102 may be positioned downstream of the fluid
heat exchanger 102, as illustrated by pump 96a shown in phantom
lines in FIG. 4.
[0036] An optional temperature sensor 112 may be provided with the
tank 82 to provide temperature feedback regarding the fluid in the
tank 82. In certain embodiments, the temperature sensor 112 and
pump 96 may be operatively coupled to the controller 72 (FIG. 3).
The controller 72 may be programmed to operate the pump 96 based on
the temperature feedback from the sensor 112 and its relation to a
predetermined set point. Alternatively, the controller 72 may be
programmed to operate the pump 96 whenever the compressor 62 is
operated, thereby to cool the refrigerant whenever the
refrigeration system 60 is operated.
[0037] The location of the fluid heat exchanger 102 may enhance
operation of both the refrigeration system 60 and the heating
system 80, and may be selected based on a user's desired
objectives. With the fluid heat exchanger 102 positioned upstream
of the air heat exchanger 64, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the water
may be heated to a higher temperature while cooling of the
refrigerant may be limited by the capacity of the downstream air
heat exchanger 64. The pre-cooling of refrigerant may lead to
energy savings in the refrigeration system 60 because the air heat
exchanger 64 may operate less frequently or at lower speeds.
Reduced operation of the air heat exchanger 64 will also reduce the
amount of heat discharged into the interior space, thereby reducing
the heating load on any HVAC system provided for that interior
space. Alternatively, if the fluid heat exchanger is positioned
downstream of the air heat exchanger 64 (as shown by heat exchanger
102a drawn in phantom lines in FIG. 3), the refrigerant may be
cooled to a lower temperature while less heat may be available for
transfer to the water in the fluid heating system 80.
[0038] The fluid heating system 80 may be integrally housed with
the refrigeration system 60, such as for new equipment, or it may
be provided in modular form for retrofit applications. As
schematically shown in FIG. 4, the compressor 62, evaporator 50,
air heat exchanger 64, freezing barrel C1, and other refrigeration
system components are disposed in an enclosure 120. The fluid heat
exchanger 102, fluid tank 82, fluid pump 96, and other heating
system components are shown as disposed an enclosure 122. In
certain embodiments, the enclosures 120, 122 are integrally
provided. In other embodiments, such as retro-fit applications, the
enclosure 120 may be pre-existing at the facility, in which case
the enclosure 122 enclosing the heating system components is
provided as an auxiliary enclosure, and the appropriate fittings
for connecting the heating system 80 to the refrigeration system 60
may be provided.
[0039] An alternative semi-frozen product dispenser 200 is
illustrated in FIG. 5. The dispenser 200 is nearly identical to the
dispenser 10 described above, except for a fluid heat exchanger 302
being disposed in a fluid tank 282, as described more fully below.
Accordingly, similar reference numerals have been used to identify
the various components of the dispenser 200, including a compressor
262, an evaporator 250, an air heat exchanger 264, an optional
suction heat exchanger 274, and a freezing barrel C1.
[0040] As briefly noted above, the fluid heat exchanger 302 is
disposed within the fluid tank 282, thereby to directly transfer
heat from the heated refrigerant to the fluid in the tank 282. The
fluid heat exchanger 302 may include a refrigerant line forming a
heat exchange section 330 in fluid communication with the high
pressure refrigerant line 267. The heat exchange section 330 is
disposed in heat transfer relationship with the fluid in the tank
282, such as by being submersed in the fluid. The tank 282 may
include a cold water inlet 284 fluidly communicating with a cold
water source 286 and a warm water outlet 292 fluidly communicating
with an auxiliary system, such as a water heater 294. This
alternative embodiment does not require a pump to circulate fluid
from the fluid heat exchanger 302 to the tank 282, and therefore it
has been omitted. The heat exchange section 330 may be oriented to
create a counterflow arrangement in which hot refrigerant enters a
top of the tank 282 though inlet 290 while cooled and at least
partially condensed refrigerant exits a bottom of the tank 282
through outlet 288. The dispenser 200 may operate in a manner
similar to dispenser 10 described above.
[0041] It is to be understood that while the foregoing description
has been given with reference to a semi-frozen product dispenser,
the teachings of this disclosure can be used in conjunction with
other types of refrigeration systems known to those of ordinary
skill in the art to remove heat from the high pressure side of the
refrigeration system and add heat to a water tank provided on the
premises associated with the refrigeration system, thereby to
improve the energy efficiency of the refrigeration system as well
as the energy requirements of the surrounding environment.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0042] Based on the foregoing, it can be seen that the present
disclosure sets forth a dispenser for flowable products, such as
but not limited to, milkshakes. The teachings of this disclosure
can be employed to use waste heat from a refrigeration system in an
auxiliary process to heat a fluid such as water. Such an
arrangement may decrease operation of an air heat exchanger,
thereby lowering the energy cost for operating the dispenser.
Additionally, reduced air heat exchanger operation will reduce the
amount of heat discharged into the interior space in which the
dispenser is disposed, thereby lowering the heat load on the HVAC
system provided with the interior space. Still further, energy
costs associated with the auxiliary system, such as a water heater,
are reduced due to the pre-heating of the water.
[0043] While only certain embodiments have been set forth,
alternatives and modifications will be apparent from the above
description to those skilled in the art. These and other
alternatives are considered equivalents and within the spirit and
scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.
* * * * *