U.S. patent application number 17/027934 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-07 for modular refrigeration system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Everidge, Inc.. Invention is credited to Flavian Iovanel.
Application Number | 20210003328 17/027934 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2021-01-07 |
![](/patent/app/20210003328/US20210003328A1-20210107-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20210003328/US20210003328A1-20210107-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20210003328/US20210003328A1-20210107-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20210003328/US20210003328A1-20210107-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20210003328/US20210003328A1-20210107-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20210003328/US20210003328A1-20210107-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20210003328/US20210003328A1-20210107-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20210003328/US20210003328A1-20210107-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20210003328/US20210003328A1-20210107-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20210003328/US20210003328A1-20210107-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20210003328/US20210003328A1-20210107-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20210003328 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Iovanel; Flavian |
January 7, 2021 |
MODULAR REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
Abstract
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward
refrigeration apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a
housing and a cabinet arranged within the housing and including an
opening configured to operate as a cooling or freezing space. The
refrigeration apparatuses, systems, and methods may include a
modular refrigeration assembly including a condenser assembly, a
compressor, and an evaporator, the modular refrigeration assembly
being configured to arrange the evaporator within the cabinet and
arrange the condenser assembly and compressor within the housing
and external to the cabinet and one or more conduits arranged
between the condenser assembly, the compressor, and the evaporator
forming a closed loop system configured to contain refrigerant.
Inventors: |
Iovanel; Flavian;
(Plainville, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Everidge, Inc. |
Plymouth |
MN |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/027934 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14999763 |
Jun 23, 2016 |
|
|
|
17027934 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
International
Class: |
F25B 41/00 20060101
F25B041/00; F25B 39/00 20060101 F25B039/00 |
Claims
1. A refrigeration system comprising: a housing; a cabinet arranged
within the housing and including an opening configured to operate
as a cooling or freezing space; a modular refrigeration assembly
including a condenser assembly, a compressor, and an evaporator,
the modular refrigeration assembly being configured to arrange the
evaporator within the cabinet and arrange the condenser assembly
and compressor within the housing and external to the cabinet; and
one or more conduits arranged between the condenser assembly, the
compressor, and the evaporator forming a closed loop system
configured to contain refrigerant.
2. The refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein the one or more
conduits are configured to contain the refrigerant and facilitate
temperature control within the modular refrigeration assembly free
of a refrigerant reservoir.
3. The refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein the one or more
conduits are configured to contain the refrigerant.
4. The refrigeration system of claim 3, wherein the one or more
conduits are configured to maintain the refrigerant within the
system without direct contact with any ignition source.
5. The refrigeration system of claim 4, wherein the refrigerant is
R290 propane.
6. The refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein the modular
refrigeration assembly is configured to remove from the cabinet and
the housing for service and replacement of one or more parts of the
modular refrigeration assembly.
7. The refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein the modular
refrigeration assembly includes modular connections configured to
connect to power and control connections.
8. The refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein the modular
refrigeration assembly is configured to insulate and seal the
evaporator within the cabinet.
9. The refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein the condenser
assembly and the compressor are arranged on a base plate that
includes a substantially linear surface.
10. The refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein the evaporator is
arranged laterally adjacent the opening in the cabinet, and the
evaporator is configured to intake hot air from the opening, cool
and return the air in a first direction, and the cabinet is
configured to direct the cooled air in a second direction and a
third direction perpendicular to the first direction evaporator
back toward the opening.
11. A refrigeration system comprising: a housing; a cabinet
arranged within the housing and including an opening configured to
operate as a cooling or freezing space, and a wherein the
evaporator is arranged laterally adjacent the opening in the
cabinet, a diverter configured to facilitate air circulation
relative to the opening; a modular refrigeration assembly including
a condenser assembly, a compressor, and an evaporator, the modular
refrigeration assembly being configured to removably insert the
evaporator within the cabinet to intake hot air from the opening,
cool and return the air in a first direction, and direct the cooled
air toward the diverter to circulate the cooled air in a second
direction and a third direction perpendicular to the first
direction evaporator back toward the opening; and one or more
conduits arranged between the condenser assembly, the compressor,
and the evaporator forming a closed loop system configured to
contain refrigerant.
12. The refrigeration system of claim 11, wherein the modular
refrigeration assembly is configured to arrange the condenser
assembly and compressor within the housing and external to the
cabinet and seal the evaporator within the cabinet.
13. The refrigeration system of claim 12, wherein the modular
refrigeration assembly is configured to the condenser assembly and
compressor external to the cabinet and above the opening within the
cabinet.
14. The refrigeration system of claim 12, wherein the opening is
configured to house one or more food racks.
15. The refrigeration system of claim 11, wherein the modular
refrigeration assembly is configured to arrange the evaporator
directly adjacent the opening.
16. The refrigeration system of claim 11, wherein the housing
includes a controller configured to interface with the modular
refrigeration assembly and facilitate multiple levels of cooling
cycles.
17. A method of servicing a refrigeration system that includes a
housing, and a cabinet arranged within the housing having an
opening configured to operate as a cooling or freezing space, and a
modular refrigeration assembly having a condenser assembly, a
compressor, and an evaporator, the method comprising: removing the
panels of the housing to reveal the condenser assembly and the
compressor of the modular refrigeration assembly; disconnecting the
modular refrigeration assembly from the cabinet; removing the
modular refrigeration assembly to lift the evaporator from within
the cabinet; and repairing or replacing one or more parts of the
modular refrigeration assembly.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the modular refrigeration
assembly includes a base configured to hold the condenser assembly,
the compressor, and the evaporator in place.
19. The method of claim 17, further including placing the modular
refrigeration assembly within the housing and the cabinet after
repairing or replacing the one or more parts of the modular
refrigeration assembly.
20. The method of claim 18, further including sealing the
evaporator within the cabinet after placing the modular
refrigeration assembly within the cabinet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/999,763, filed Jun. 23, 2019, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all
purposes.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention related generally to a refrigeration
system having modular components for ease of servicing and
installation. More particularly, the refrigeration system may be
environmentally friendly and efficient.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Refrigeration appliances are generally provided with a
refrigeration system to cool the interior of the refrigerator
enclosure. Refrigeration systems may include a compressor,
evaporator, condenser, and expansion device connected by a
plurality of conduits. The system also includes control electronics
for operation of the system. Some refrigeration appliances include
a refrigeration system having the components thereof individually
mounted within the appliance. In the case of failure of one of the
components, the malfunctioning component must be replaced. In order
to repair the system, the refrigerant charge in the failed
component and the conduits interconnecting the component to the
system must be removed. The component is replaced via a welding
process, and the system is then recharged with refrigerant then
leak checked.
[0004] A problem with this type of system is that if the component
is replaced on site, the repair could be time consuming and messy,
and require a substantial amount of equipment to be brought to the
job site to effect the repair. If the entire refrigeration
appliance is taken off-site to be repaired, the time necessary to
complete the repair and return the appliance may be substantial.
The cost of the repair and travel time may also significant.
SUMMARY
[0005] In Example 1, a refrigeration system includes a housing; a
cabinet arranged within the housing and including an opening
configured to operate as a cooling or freezing space; a modular
refrigeration assembly including a condenser assembly, a
compressor, and an evaporator, the modular refrigeration assembly
being configured to arrange the evaporator within the cabinet and
arrange the condenser assembly and compressor within the housing
and external to the cabinet; and one or more conduits arranged
between the condenser assembly, the compressor, and the evaporator
forming a closed loop system configured to contain refrigerant.
[0006] In Example 2, further to the refrigeration system of Example
1, the one or more conduits are configured to contain the
refrigerant and facilitate temperature control within the modular
refrigeration assembly free of a refrigerant reservoir.
[0007] In Example 3, further to the refrigeration system of Example
1, the one or more conduits are configured to contain the
refrigerant.
[0008] In Example 4, further to the refrigeration system of Example
3, the one or more conduits are configured to maintain the
refrigerant within the system without direct contact with any
ignition source.
[0009] In Example 5, further to the refrigeration system of Example
4, the refrigerant is R290 propane.
[0010] In Example 6, further to the refrigeration system of Example
1, the modular refrigeration assembly is configured to remove from
the cabinet and the housing for service and replacement of one or
more parts of the modular refrigeration assembly.
[0011] In Example 7, further to the refrigeration system of Example
1, the modular refrigeration assembly includes modular connections
configured to connect to power and control connections.
[0012] In Example 8, further to the refrigeration system of Example
1, the modular refrigeration assembly is configured to insulate and
seal the evaporator within the cabinet.
[0013] In Example 9, further to the refrigeration system of Example
1, the condenser assembly and the compressor are arranged on a base
plate that includes a substantially linear surface.
[0014] In Example 10, further to the refrigeration system of
Example 1, the evaporator is arranged laterally adjacent the
opening in the cabinet, and the evaporator is configured to intake
hot air from the opening, cool and return the air in a first
direction, and the cabinet is configured to direct the cooled air
in a second direction and a third direction perpendicular to the
first direction evaporator back toward the opening.
[0015] In Example 11, refrigeration system includes a housing; a
cabinet arranged within the housing and including an opening
configured to operate as a cooling or freezing space, and a wherein
the evaporator is arranged laterally adjacent the opening in the
cabinet, a diverter configured to facilitate air circulation
relative to the opening; a modular refrigeration assembly including
a condenser assembly, a compressor, and an evaporator, the modular
refrigeration assembly being configured to removably insert the
evaporator within the cabinet to intake hot air from the opening,
cool and return the air in a first direction, and direct the cooled
air toward the diverter to circulate the cooled air in a second
direction and a third direction perpendicular to the first
direction evaporator back toward the opening; and one or more
conduits arranged between the condenser assembly, the compressor,
and the evaporator forming a closed loop system configured to
contain refrigerant.
[0016] In Example 12, further to the refrigeration system of
Example 11, the modular refrigeration assembly is configured to
arrange the condenser assembly and compressor within the housing
and external to the cabinet and seal the evaporator within the
cabinet.
[0017] In Example 13, further to the refrigeration system of
Example 12, the modular refrigeration assembly is configured to the
condenser assembly and compressor external to the cabinet and above
the opening within the cabinet.
[0018] In Example 14, further to the refrigeration system of
Example 12, the opening is configured to house one or more food
racks.
[0019] In Example 15, further to the refrigeration system of
Example 11, the modular refrigeration assembly is configured to
arrange the evaporator directly adjacent the opening.
[0020] In Example 16, further to the refrigeration system of
Example 11, the housing includes a controller configured to
interface with the modular refrigeration assembly and facilitate
multiple levels of cooling cycles.
[0021] In Example 17, a method of servicing a refrigeration system
that includes a housing, and a cabinet arranged within the housing
having an opening configured to operate as a cooling or freezing
space, and a modular refrigeration assembly having a condenser
assembly, a compressor, and an evaporator, the method includes:
removing the panels of the housing to reveal the condenser assembly
and the compressor of the modular refrigeration assembly;
disconnecting the modular refrigeration assembly from the cabinet;
removing the modular refrigeration assembly to lift the evaporator
from within the cabinet; and repairing or replacing one or more
parts of the modular refrigeration assembly.
[0022] In Example 18, the method of Example 17, the modular
refrigeration assembly includes a base configured to hold the
condenser assembly, the compressor, and the evaporator in
place.
[0023] In Example 19, the method of Example 17, the method also
includes placing the modular refrigeration assembly within the
housing and the cabinet after repairing or replacing the one or
more parts of the modular refrigeration assembly
[0024] In Example 20, the method of Example 18, the method also
includes sealing the evaporator within the cabinet after placing
the modular refrigeration assembly within the cabinet.
[0025] The foregoing Examples are just that, and should not be read
to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of any of the inventive
concepts otherwise provided by the instant disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention are apparent from the following detailed description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a modular
refrigeration assembly of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a right side view of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates the refrigeration enclosure adaptable to
accept the refrigeration assembly of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the modular refrigeration
assembly of FIG. 1 integrated into the refrigeration enclosure of
FIG. 4;
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the
refrigeration enclosure of FIG. 4 with the modular refrigeration
assembly of FIG. 1 installed therein;
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates the refrigeration system of FIG. 6
showing in exploded view the enclosure panels for the assembly, the
enclosure panels including the electronics board with the quick
connect/disconnect feature;
[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the modular
refrigeration assembly of FIG. 1 while being semi-engaged in
opening of refrigeration enclosure;
[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of an integrated
refrigeration system showing the food racks within the
refrigeration enclosure;
[0036] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of FIG. 9;
[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of FIG. 10 showing the
interior placement of the food racks forward of the evaporator;
[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates the sectional view of FIG. 11 and
further illustrates the evaporator semi-engaged in opening of
refrigeration enclosure;
[0039] FIG. 13 illustrates a sectional view of FIG. 10 showing the
evaporator and direction of airflow;
[0040] FIG. 14 illustrates the airflow direction of the
refrigeration system of FIG. 6; and
[0041] FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the modular
refrigeration assembly of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed
toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a
refrigeration system. In certain instances, the refrigeration
system may include refrigeration assembly. The refrigeration
assembly may secure or include all aspects directed toward the
functionality or operability of cooling air. More specifically, the
refrigeration assembly may include a condenser assembly, a
compressor, and an evaporator (as well as conduits and electrical
components arranged between these aspects). The refrigeration
assembly securing each of these aspects may facilitate efficient
serviceability as explained in further detail below.
[0043] The refrigeration assembly, in certain instances, is an
environmentally friendly and efficient unit. The refrigeration
assembly, for example, may be configured to use a refrigerant that
is recognized as being highly efficient. In addition, the
refrigerant may safely contain the refrigerant within the system
while maintaining enhanced serviceability.
[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a modular
refrigeration assembly 15 of the present invention. The modular
refrigeration assembly 15 may include a condenser assembly 32, a
compressor 30, and an evaporator 35. The modular refrigeration
assembly 15 may secure each of the condenser assembly 32, the
compressor 30, and the evaporator 35 together as one modular unit.
As shown in FIG. 1, the condenser assembly 32 and the compressor 30
are arranged substantially in a first plane and the evaporator 35
is arranged in a second plane that is substantially perpendicular
to the first plane. The evaporator 35 is also vertically offset
from the condenser assembly 32 and the compressor 30. As explained
in further detail below, this arrangement of the condenser assembly
32, the compressor 30, and the evaporator 35 facilitates placement
of the evaporator 35 within a cabinet (e.g., where food may be
placed for cooling of freezing) while also arranging the condenser
assembly 32 and the compressor 30 external to the cabinet.
[0045] The modular refrigeration assembly 15 may include a base
plate 38 to which the condenser assembly 32, the compressor 30, and
the evaporator 35 are releasably secured. The base plate 38 may
include a top surface 38A and a bottom surface 38B. As shown, the
condenser assembly 32 and the compressor 30 are secured on the top
surface 38A of the base plate 38 and the evaporator 35 is secured
on the bottom surface 38B of the base plate 38.
[0046] The modular refrigeration assembly 15 may also include
conduits 40 that connect the refrigeration system components (e.g.,
the condenser assembly 32, the compressor 30, and the evaporator
35). Further, the base plate 38 may include a handle 41 for ease of
lifting the assembly 15 in and out of a refrigeration enclosure
(shown in FIG. 4). In certain instances, the modular refrigeration
assembly 15 is a blast chiller/blast freezer. The arrangement of
the system components are advantageously arranged when the modular
refrigeration assembly 15 is a blast chiller/blast freezer to allow
for a highly efficient and environmentally friendly system 15 as
described in further detail below.
[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates a right side view of FIG. 1, and shows
the condenser assembly 32 and the compressor 30 being arranged
substantially in the same plane and the evaporator 35 being
arranged vertically offset from the condenser assembly 32 and the
compressor 30. The base plate 38 may also include a sealing
interface 45 attached to the bottom surface 38B and/or the top
surface 35A. The sealing interface 45 (e.g., insulative foam) may
seal the evaporator 35 within a refrigeration enclosure (shown in
FIG. 4) and seal out the condenser assembly 32 and the compressor
30.
[0048] In certain instances and as shown in FIG. 3, the sealing
interface 45 includes a lip extension 45A including a bottom
surface 45A and a side surface 45A2. The sealing interface 45 may
be aligned and fixedly attached along the base plate 38.
[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates the refrigeration enclosure adaptable to
accept the modular refrigeration assembly 15. In certain instances,
the modular refrigeration assembly 15 is a blast chiller/blast
freezer. The arrangement of the system components are
advantageously arranged when the modular refrigeration assembly 15
is a blast chiller/blast freezer to allow for a highly efficient
and environmentally friendly system 15 as described in further
detail below. The refrigeration enclosure may be a cabinet 20 that
is arranged within a housing (e.g., shown in FIG. 6) that includes
an opening configured to operate as a cooling or freezing space.
The cabinet 20 includes a left 20A right 20B, front 20C, rear 20D,
top 20E and bottom 20F walls defining an interior refrigeration
space (an opening), where front wall 20C provides front door access
to the interior of cabinet 20. Top wall 20E includes an opening 25
having a peripheral edge 25A and a side surface 25B that extends
down to a stepped extension 25C. Stepped extension 25C may include
a gasket (which may be magnetic) seated on the surface thereof. The
opening 25 is dimensioned to accept the evaporator 35 and sealing
interface 45 therein. The evaporator 35 may project downward into
the interior refrigeration space of cabinet 20 up to a point where
base plate 38 bottom surface 38B rests on top surface 20E of
cabinet 20. In certain instances, at that point sealing interface
45 bottom surface 45A engages stepped extension 25C of opening 25
and side surface 25B of opening 25 rests flush with side surface
45A2 of sealing interface 45.
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the modular refrigeration
assembly 15 integrated into the cabinet 20 shown in FIG. 4. The
modular refrigeration assembly 15 may be placed (with portions
extending within) the cabinet 20. The evaporator 35, for example,
is arranged within the cabinet 20 when the modular refrigeration
assembly 15 and the cabinet 20 are arranged together. The base
plate 38 may be formed by injection molding, pressure molding,
casting, or the like and is constructed from a material such as
plastic, reinforced plastic, or lightweight metals such as
aluminum. Ay be As shown in FIG. 5, the base plate 38 substantially
L shaped including a forward section 38C and a rear section 38D,
where the condenser assembly 32 is located in forward section 38C,
and sits forward of the compressor 30 located in rear section 38D.
The evaporator 35 projects downward from bottom surface 38B (FIG.
2) and is positioned beneath compressor 30. Conduits 40 fluidly
connect the refrigeration system components. With the components
interconnected by conduits 40, the assembly 15 is initially charged
with refrigerant prior to being shipped to the which facilitates
quick and easy assembly of refrigeration appliance 10. The base
plate 38 may include a handle 41 for ease of lifting the assembly
15 in and out of a refrigeration cabinet 20. The condenser assembly
32 may be mounted to forward section 38C of base plate 32 by any
suitable fasteners such as screws and the like and the compressor
30 may be mounted to a rearward section 38D of the base plate
32.
[0051] As discussed in further detail below, the conduits 40 may
contain the refrigerant in a closed-loop system with the condenser
assembly 32, the compressor 30, and the evaporator 35. The
refrigerant may be a highly efficient and environmentally friendly
component (e.g., propane). In certain instances, the refrigerant
loaded in to the closed-loop system is approximately 100 grams to
200 grams. The closed-loop system is without a reservoir and
contains the refrigerant within the loop formed by the conduits 40
and the condenser assembly 32, the compressor 30, and the
evaporator 35.
[0052] The assembly 15 is configured to be removed and installed
seamlessly into the opening 25 (shown in FIG. 4) of the cabinet 20.
Various connection apertures 39 are provided in the base plate 38
that are in alignment with apertures 39 of top surface 20E which
can be engaged by any suitable type of fasteners or methods known
in the art, such as screws to secure assembly 15 to refrigeration
cabinet 20.
[0053] As noted above, the base plate 38 includes a sealing
interface 45 rigidly attached to the bottom surface 38B of the base
plate 38 and/or the top surface 35A of evaporator 35. Upon removal
of assembly 15 from the cabinet 20 connection plugs 70 may be
disconnected from the assembly 15 and from portions of the housing
as shown in FIG. 6.
[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the
refrigeration enclosure of FIG. 4 with the modular refrigeration
assembly of FIG. 1 installed therein. The refrigeration enclosure
(or housing 50) may include multiple removable panels that
facilitate installation of the assembly 15. FIG. 7 illustrates the
refrigeration system of FIG. 6 showing in exploded view the
enclosure panels 50A-E for the assembly of the housing. The housing
50 includes an electronics board with the quick connect/disconnect
feature. As noted above, the modular refrigeration assembly 15 is a
blast chiller/blast freezer. The arrangement of the system
components are advantageously arranged when the modular
refrigeration assembly 15 is a blast chiller/blast freezer to allow
for a highly efficient and environmentally friendly system 15 as
described in further detail below.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the assembly 15 is installed in
the cabinet.
[0056] The removable panels 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D and 50E form a
housing 50 over the assembly 15. The panels 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D and
50E may be secured together to form the housing 50 or the panels
50A, 50B, 50C, 50D and 50E may be individual removable to reveal
the assembly 15. In certain instances, at least two panels include
vents 50F (or louvers) for ventilation of heat generated by the
assembly 15.
[0057] The housing 50 also includes an operator interface and
controller 60 having a microprocessor based programmable computer
for controlling the operation of assembly 15 components. The
operator interface and controller 60 may be integrated into or
mounted on a removable panel by any suitable type of fasteners.
Upon removal of assembly 15 from refrigeration cabinet 20 cover 50
panels are removed and controller 60 is disconnected via connection
plugs 70.
[0058] The controller 60 may be configured to interface with the
modular refrigeration assembly 15 and facilitate multiple levels of
cooling cycles. During servicing of the refrigeration system, one
or more of the panels 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D and 50E of the housing 50
may be removed to reveal the condenser assembly 32 and the
compressor 30 of the modular refrigeration assembly. The modular
refrigeration assembly 15 may be disconnected the cabinet 20 (e.g.,
by uncoupling, unscrewing, or detaching the base plate 38 from the
top 20E of the cabinet 20). In certain instances, the connection
plugs 70 between the controller 60 and the assembly 15 may be
disconnected. In addition, the conduits 40 that connect the
assembly 15 may be disconnected. The modular refrigeration assembly
15 may be removed from the cabinet 20, which includes lifting the
evaporator 35 from within the cabinet 20.
[0059] The assembly 15 may be completely separated and removed from
the cabinet 20 to easily and accessible service the assembly 15.
The assembly 15 is modular in that the parts can be removed from
the assembly 15 and quickly repaired or replaced. This ensures the
safety of technicians, as well as minimizing the downtime of your
blast chiller in the event a repair is needed. To service the
assembly 15, one or more of the parts (e.g., condenser assembly 32,
compressor 30, and evaporator 35, conduits 40, refrigerant
contained within the conduits 40) may be repaired or replaced. The
parts (e.g., condenser assembly 32, compressor 30, and evaporator
35, conduits 40) may by coupled together by the connection plugs 70
(and in some instances the conduits 40), which enable modular quick
disconnection of the parts of the assembly 15 and reinstallation of
the new or repaired part.
[0060] After repairing or replacing one or more of the parts, the
assembly 15 may be placed back the housing 50 and the cabinet 20.
In addition, the evaporator 35 may be sealed within the cabinet
after placing the modular refrigeration assembly 15 within the
cabinet 20. Thus, in the event of component failure, the modular
refrigeration assembly 15 may be removed from the cabinet 20, and a
new component may be replaced on the assembly 15. In other
instances, a new assembly 15 entirely may be installed within the
cabinet 20. The assembly 15, new or with a component replaced or
repaired, is slid into and out of the cabinet as a unit, with the
only installation steps including bolting the assembly 15 in place
and connecting the connection plugs 70. FIG. 7, for example, shows
one or more of the panels 50A-E being removed to expose portions of
the assembly 15. FIG. 8 shows the modular refrigeration assembly 15
as partially removed from the cabinet 20. As shown in FIG. 8, the
entire modular refrigeration assembly 15 is removed as one unit.
The system is shown and discussed in additional detail with
reference to FIG. 9-14.
[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of an integrated
refrigeration system showing the food racks 75 within the
refrigeration enclosure (or cabinet 20) and FIG. 10 illustrates a
front view of FIG. 9. The cabinet 20 may include a front wall 20C
that opens to expose the refrigeration enclosure or opening 25.
Food racks 75 or other objects to be refrigerated or frozen may be
arranged within the cabinet 20. The cabinet 20 may include a drain
pan 21 that would allow moisture through drainage holes (not shown)
to enter the pan, and exit the pan via a drain connection to an
outside location (not shown).
[0062] FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of FIG. 10 showing the
interior placement of the food racks forward of the evaporator 35.
As described in detail above, the modular refrigeration assembly 15
may include the condenser assembly 32, the compressor 30, and the
evaporator 35. Each of the condenser assembly 32, the compressor
30, and the evaporator 35 may be arranged together on a base plate
38 and can be removed and replaced on the cabinet 20 as an entire
assembly 15.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 11, the modular refrigeration assembly 15
is configured to arrange the evaporator 35 within the cabinet 20
and arrange the condenser assembly 32 and compressor 30 within a
housing 50 and external to the cabinet 20. One or more conduits 40
are arranged between and connect the condenser assembly 32, the
compressor 30, and the evaporator 40 forming a closed loop system
configured to contain refrigerant. The closed loop system formed by
the conduits 40 and the condenser assembly 32, the compressor 30,
and the evaporator 40 holds the refrigerant the assembly 15
requires without a reservoir.
[0064] The one or more conduits 40 are configured to contain the
refrigerant and facilitate temperature control within the modular
refrigeration 15 assembly free of a refrigerant reservoir. In
certain instances, the conduits 40 are also configured to maintain
the refrigerant within the system without direct contact with any
ignition source. In addition, the refrigerant may be R290 propane.
Prior refrigeration systems or blast chillers use refrigerants with
high global warming potentials. The assembly 15 may use R290
propane refrigerant, which is non-toxic with a low global warming
potential (e.g., GWP rating of 3 and no Ozone Depleting Properties
(ODP)). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named R290 as
its preferred hydrocarbon alternative.
[0065] Although R290 propane may be highly flammable, the assembly
15 fully contains and seals the R290 propane within the closed loop
system of the conduits 40 and the condenser assembly 32, the
compressor 30, and the evaporator 40. As a result, there risk of
leaking is minimized and there is no direct contact with any
ignition source. It has been shown that the assembly 15, using R290
propane, has a substantially similar fire risk as compared to a
similar appliance using a different refrigerant.
[0066] In addition to the environmentally friendly nature of the
assembly 15, the assembly 15 is also highly serviceable. For
example, the modular refrigeration assembly 15 is configured to
remove from the cabinet 20 and the housing 50 for service and
replacement of one or more parts of the modular refrigeration
assembly 15 (as shown in FIG. 12). The conduits 40 and
electrical/control components include snap-fit connections that
allow disconnection and disconnection of the condenser assembly 32,
the compressor 30, and the evaporator 40 from the assembly 15. The
connections are modular connections configured to connect to power
and control connections.
[0067] In certain instances, the modular refrigeration assembly 15
is configured to insulate and seal the evaporator 35 within the
cabinet 20. The base plate 38 may also include a sealing interface
45 attached to the bottom surface. The sealing interface 45 (e.g.,
insulative foam) may seal the evaporator 35 within the cabinet 20
and seal out the condenser assembly 32 and the compressor 30. In
addition and as shown, the condenser assembly 32 and the compressor
30 are arranged on the base plate 38 that includes a substantially
linear surface. The evaporator 35 being arranged within the cabinet
20 facilitates direct and efficient cooling of interior items
within the cabinet 20 (e.g., refrigeration enclosure) than a system
that incorporates components both interior and exterior to
refrigerator interior. The opening 25 into which items to be cooled
or frozen is situated directly land laterally adjacent to the
evaporator 35. As shown in FIG. in the proximity of back wall 20D
to facilitate the orientation of evaporator 35 towards the rear of
the internal refrigeration space. This allows for the placement of
food racks 75 (or other aspects) directly forward of the evaporator
35 such that the evaporator 35 can intake hot air from a front side
35B of the evaporator 35 and output cooled air to a back side 35C
of the evaporator 35.
[0068] FIG. 13 illustrates a sectional view of FIG. 10 showing the
evaporator 35 and direction of airflow. As shown in FIG. 13, the
evaporator 35 is directly adjacent food racks 75 (although other
objects to be cooled or frozen can be arranged in place of the food
racks 75). The modular refrigeration assembly 15 is configured to
arrange the evaporator 35 directly adjacent the opening into which
the food racks 75 or other objects are placed.
[0069] The position and arrangement of the evaporator 35 to
facilitate efficient air flow within the interior refrigeration
space of cabinet 20. Left 20A, right 20B, and rear 20D walls
include surfaces 20A1, 20B1, and 20D1 interior to cabinet 20. A
space for airflow is created between interior surfaces 20A1, 20B1,
and 20D1 and the periphery of evaporator 35. As illustrated by
arrows indicating the direction of the airflow, there exists three
way circulation of air within the refrigeration cabinet 20.
[0070] In certain instances, the evaporator 35 is arranged
laterally adjacent the opening (in which the food racks 75 are
arranged) in the cabinet 20, and the evaporator 35 is configured to
intake hot air from the opening, cool and return the air in a first
direction as shown. In addition, the cabinet 20 is configured to
direct the cooled air in a second direction and a third direction
perpendicular to the first direction evaporator back 35 toward the
opening as shown. The back wall 20D1 of the cabinet 20 may deflect
cooled air back toward the side walls 20A1, 20B1 and back toward
the opening (in which the food racks 75 are arranged). The cabinet
20 includes space between the side walls 20A1, 20B1 and the
evaporator 35 such that cooled air can circulate back toward the
opening (in which the food racks 75 are arranged). In certain
instances, the evaporator 35 is positioned co-extensively with
opening (in which the food racks 75 are arranged) to draw heat
evenly from the opening (in which the food racks 75 are arranged)
into the evaporator 35 (a heat exchanger). In certain instances,
the cabinet 20 may include an air deflector 80 positioned between
evaporator rear surface 35C1 and back wall interior surface 20D1 to
split airflow to opposite sides of opening (in which the food racks
75 are arranged). In certain instances, the air deflector 80 is
angled inward towards surface 35C1, is `V` shaped, and is
coextensive with evaporator 35C. FIG. 14 shows the cabinet 20 and
air pulling into the evaporator 35. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the
evaporator 35 may include a plurality of evaporator/fans to
accommodate coolers of varying dimensions.
[0071] The invention of this application has been described above
both generically and with regard to specific embodiments. It will
be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications
and variations can be made in the embodiments without departing
from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the
embodiments cover the modifications and variations of this
invention provided they come within the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *