US20090288445A1 - Modular household refrigeration system and method - Google Patents
Modular household refrigeration system and method Download PDFInfo
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- US20090288445A1 US20090288445A1 US12/124,849 US12484908A US2009288445A1 US 20090288445 A1 US20090288445 A1 US 20090288445A1 US 12484908 A US12484908 A US 12484908A US 2009288445 A1 US2009288445 A1 US 2009288445A1
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- coolant
- refrigerator
- module
- tank
- primary coolant
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/02—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating liquids, e.g. brine
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D15/00—Devices not covered by group F25D11/00 or F25D13/00, e.g. non-self-contained movable devices
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/10—Arrangements for mounting in particular locations, e.g. for built-in type, for corner type
Definitions
- the first refrigerator module 16 can be remotely positioned relative to the tank 12 .
- the first refrigerator module 16 is fluidly connected to the tank 12 by an inlet coolant line 20 and an exit coolant line 22 .
- the inlet coolant line 20 delivers primary coolant 14 from the tank 12 to the first refrigerator module 16 for cooling thereof and the exit coolant line 22 returns the primary coolant 14 from the first refrigerator module 16 after cooling thereof to the tank 12 .
- the second refrigerator module 18 can be remotely positioned relative to the tank 12 and can be fluidly connected to the tank by the inlet coolant line 20 and the exit coolant line 22 .
Abstract
A modular household refrigeration system and method includes a refrigerated source of a primary coolant. The refrigerated source includes a tank for holding the primary coolant and a vapor compression refrigeration cycle system having a secondary coolant in thermal contact with the primary coolant for cooling thereof. At least one refrigerator module is remotely positioned relative to the refrigerated source and the tank. The at least one refrigerator module is fluidly connected to the refrigerated source and the tank by an inlet coolant line for delivery of the primary coolant and an exit coolant line for return of the primary coolant. The primary coolant is delivered to the at least one refrigerator module for cooling thereof to a predetermined temperature.
Description
- The present disclosure generally relates to household refrigeration systems, and more particularly relates to a modular household refrigeration system and method. In one embodiment, first and second refrigerator modules are remotely positioned relative to a tank holding a primary coolant at a desired temperature. The first and second refrigerator modules are fluidly connected to the tank by an inlet coolant line and an exit coolant line. The inlet coolant line delivers the primary coolant to the modules for cooling thereof, and the exit coolant line returns the primary coolant from the modules after cooling thereof to the tank. The modular household refrigeration system and method will be described with particular reference to this embodiment, but it is to be appreciated that it is also amenable to other like applications.
- Heretofore, if a consumer required a large refrigerator capacity for household refrigeration purposes, the consumer would have to maintain more than one large refrigerator. Maintenance of more than one large refrigerator in a household can be cumbersome due to the typical refrigerator's size and dimensions. These tend to restrict placement of the refrigerators so as to prevent the consumer from locating the refrigerators at spaced-apart, convenient locations within a kitchen area, for example.
- Of course, the majority of conventional large refrigerators for household use offer only two temperature zones. This limits the variety of food that can be stored at optimum storage temperatures. For example, all food in a typical refrigerator is stored either in a single refrigerated compartment maintained at a desired temperature (e.g., 5-10° C.) or a single freezer compartment maintained at another desired temperature (e.g., −18° C.). The enhancement of the refrigeration capacity can only be obtained through buying a complete new refrigerator. Thus, while consumers can partially address this problem by using multiple complete refrigerators, such a solution is cumbersome and typically not ideal for the consumer's household.
- According to one aspect, a refrigeration system is provided. More particularly, in accordance with this aspect, the refrigeration system has two or more refrigerated units which can be used to store a variety of food in a domestic environment. The refrigerated units can be cooled and maintained independently to desired temperatures using a common liquid coolant line. The liquid coolant can be maintained at a required temperature using a centrally located refrigerator system.
- According to another aspect, a modular refrigerator system is provided for household refrigeration. More particularly, in accordance with this embodiment, the modular refrigerator system includes a tank for holding a primary coolant at a desired temperature and one or more refrigerator modules remotely positioned relative to the tank. A first refrigerator module is fluidly connected to the tank by an inlet coolant line and an exit coolant line. The inlet coolant line delivers the primary coolant from the tank to the first refrigerator module for cooling thereof and the exit coolant line returns the primary coolant from the first refrigerator module after cooling thereof to the tank. A second refrigerator module may also be remotely positioned relative to the tank. The second refrigerator module would be similarly fluidly connected to the tank by the inlet coolant line and the exit coolant line. The inlet coolant line delivers the primary coolant from the tank to the second refrigerator module for cooling thereof and the exit coolant line returns the primary coolant from the second refrigerator module after cooling thereof to the tank. Additional refrigerator modules could be similarly included in the system.
- According to yet another aspect. a modular household refrigeration system is provided. More particularly, in accordance with this aspect, the modular household refrigeration system includes a refrigerated source of a primary coolant. The refrigerated source includes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle system having a secondary coolant in thermal contact with the primary coolant of the refrigerated source for cooling of the primary coolant. At least one refrigerator module is remotely positioned relative to the refrigerated source. The at least one refrigerator module is fluidly connected to the refrigerator source by an inlet coolant line for delivering the primary coolant from the refrigerated source to the at least one refrigerator module and an exit coolant line for returning the primary coolant from the at least one refrigerator module to the refrigerated source. The primary coolant is delivered to the at least one refrigerator module for cooling the at least one refrigerated module to a predetermined temperature.
- According to still yet another aspect, a method of distributing refrigeration in a household is provided. More particularly, in accordance with this aspect, a refrigerated source of a primary coolant is provided. A first refrigerator module is remotely positioned relative to the refrigerated source. The first refrigerator module is fluidly coupled to the refrigerated source for delivery and return of the primary coolant. A second refrigerator module is remotely positioned relative to the refrigerated source. The second refrigerator module is fluidly coupled to the refrigerated source for delivery and return of the primary coolant. The primary coolant is cooled with a secondary coolant of a closed circuit vapor compression refrigeration cycle system.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a modular household refrigeration system wherein two refrigerator modules are remotely positioned relative to a temperature controlled tank and a refrigeration system, but fluidly connected to the tank for delivery and return of a primary coolant. -
FIG. 2 is a more detailed schematic view of a modular household refrigeration system having refrigerator modules remotely positioned relative to a temperature controlled tank in a refrigeration system, but fluidly connected to the tank for the delivery and return of a primary coolant. -
FIG. 3 is schematic view of an alternate modular household refrigeration system having refrigerator modules remotely positioned relative to a pair of temperature controlled tanks and a refrigeration system for controlling temperatures of a primary coolant held in the tanks. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a modular household refrigeration system shown deployed in a household kitchen area. - Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating one or more exemplary embodiments,
FIG. 1 shows a modular refrigerator system for household refrigeration generally designated byreference numeral 10. As will be described in more detail below, thesystem 10 allows for two or more refrigerated modules or units to be used to store a variety of food in a domestic environment (e.g. a household kitchen area). The refrigerated modules or units can be cooled and maintained independently relative to one another at desired temperatures using a common liquid coolant line. The coolant carried by the liquid coolant line can be maintained at a required temperature using a centrally located refrigerator system, which itself can be positioned remotely relative to the units or modules. - In the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 1 , thesystem 10 includes atank 12 that holds a primary coolant 14 (i.e., a liquid coolant) at a desired temperature. The illustratedsystem 10 further includes afirst refrigerator module 16 and asecond refrigerator module 18. Though the illustratedsystem 10 includes only two modules, it is to be appreciated that thesystem 10 can employ any number of modules, as desired. Themodules modules modules modules system 10 provides for enhanced refrigerated storage capacity in a domestic environment by allowing any number of modules to be used, including the addition of further modules at some later time. - The
first refrigerator module 16 can be remotely positioned relative to thetank 12. Thefirst refrigerator module 16 is fluidly connected to thetank 12 by aninlet coolant line 20 and anexit coolant line 22. In particular, theinlet coolant line 20 deliversprimary coolant 14 from thetank 12 to thefirst refrigerator module 16 for cooling thereof and theexit coolant line 22 returns theprimary coolant 14 from thefirst refrigerator module 16 after cooling thereof to thetank 12. Likewise, thesecond refrigerator module 18 can be remotely positioned relative to thetank 12 and can be fluidly connected to the tank by theinlet coolant line 20 and theexit coolant line 22. Theinlet coolant line 20 delivers theprimary coolant 14 from thetank 12 to thesecond refrigerator module 18 for cooling thereof and theexit coolant line 22 returns theprimary coolant 14 from thesecond refrigerator module 18 after cooling thereof to thetank 12. Thecoolant lines modules branch lines modules inlet coolant line 20, respectively. Likewise,branch lines modules exit coolant line 22. Alternatively, themodules coolant lines branch lines - The
system 10 can further include arefrigeration system 32 operatively connected to thetank 12 for providing temperature control for primary thecoolant 14 in the tank. Arefrigeration system 32 cools theprimary coolant 14 to the desired temperature for cooling of themodules modules primary coolant 14 being passed through or by themodules primary coolant 14 removes heat from thecompartments tank 12 by theexit coolant line 22 at a higher temperature (i.e., a temperature higher than the desired temperature) than theprimary coolant 14 that is delivered to themodules inlet coolant line 20. In the illustratedsystem 10, thetank 12 ofprimary coolant 14 and therefrigeration system 32 together form a refrigerated source of theprimary coolant 14. The primary coolant tank, the coolant pipes, the heat exchanger for refrigerant to coolant heat exchange, and the coolant pump may be suitably insulated to minimize the heat losses. - With reference to
FIG. 2 , amodular refrigeration system 50 is shown according to an alternate embodiment for household refrigeration. Thesystem 50 includes arefrigerated source 52 of aprimary coolant 54 and at least one refrigerator module remotely positioned relative to therefrigerated source 52. More particularly, as illustrated, therefrigerated source 52 includes atank 56 that holds theprimary coolant 54 at a desired temperature. Therefrigerated source 52 also includes arefrigeration system 58, such as the illustrated vapor compression refrigeration cycle system (though therefrigeration system 58 could be any refrigeration system capable of cooling the primary coolant 54), having a secondary coolant in thermal contact with theprimary coolant 54 for cooling of the primary coolant. In the illustrated embodiment, thesystem 50 includes a first refrigerator module 60, a second refrigerator module 62, and athird refrigerator module 64. Themodules 60,62,64 can be remotely positioned relative to thetank 56. Moreover, themodules 60,62,64 can be fluidly connected to therefrigerated source 52, and specifically thetank 56, by an inlet coolant line 66 for delivering theprimary coolant 54 to the modules and an exit coolant line 68 for returning theprimary coolant 54 from the modules to therefrigerated source 52, and specifically thetank 56. Theprimary coolant 54 is delivered to themodules 60,62,64 for cooling the modules to respective predetermined temperatures. - The
refrigeration system 58, which is illustrated as a closed circuit vapor compression refrigeration cycle system, can include acompressor 72 for circulating the secondary coolant within a secondary coolant closedfluid circuit 74, anevaporator 76 for transferring heat from theprimary coolant 54 to the secondary coolant to cool the primary coolant to the desired temperature, a condenser 78 for condensing the secondary coolant after cooling theprimary coolant 54 in theevaporator 76, and anexpansion device 80, such as an expansion valve or a capillary device, for expanding a volume of the secondary coolant after condensing thereof in thecondenser 80. Through thesystem 58, theprimary coolant 54 held in thetank 56 can be in thermal contact with the secondary coolant of therefrigeration system 58. - More particularly, in the arrangement illustrated in
FIG. 2 , theprimary coolant 54 is passed through theevaporator 76 byfluid lines primary coolant 54 to the secondary coolant. Apump 86 can be used for forcibly moving theprimary coolant 54 of thetank 56 through theevaporator 76 via theline 82 and return to thetank 56 via theline 84. In particular, theprimary coolant 54 can be circulated through the evaporator 76 (e.g., by the pump 86) and/or the secondary coolant can be circulated through the evaporator 76 (e.g., the compressor) based on a measured temperature (e.g., by sensor 116) of theprimary coolant 54 in the tank for cooling thereof to the desired temperature. Theclosed fluid circuit 74 of therefrigeration system 58 can be a hermetically sealed circuit and the secondary coolant can be any conventional refrigerant, such as R134A or the like. In contrast to the hermetically sealedcircuit 74, theprimary coolant 54 flows through a non-hermetically sealed closed circuit formed of thetank 56, the inlet and exit coolant lines 66,68 and themodules 60,62,64, as well as thecycling lines primary coolant 54 can be any good heat transfer liquid, such as propylene glycol, for example. - The
modules 60,62,64 can be sized so as to be compact and positionable in any location of consumer convenience, such as under a kitchen counter, for example. Themodules 60,62,64 can each include a refrigerated portion or space, respectively 88,90,92 in the illustrated embodiment, defined therein for storing food or other refrigerated items. Themodules 60,62,64 can further includerespective branch lines further branch lines modules 60,62,64 can be fluidly connected to the inlet and exit lines 66,68 in some other manner). Apump 106 can be employed for forcibly moving theprimary coolant 54 from thetank 56 to themodules 60,62,64 and for returning theprimary coolant 54 from the modules back to thetank 56 via the exit coolant line 68. - The
modules 60,62,64 can each include an evaporator 108 (i.e., a heat exchanger) for removing heat from the refrigerated portion (i.e., 88, 90 or 92) of the modules. Accordingly, theevaporators 108 serve to cool the air within themodules 60,62,64. Specifically, theprimary coolant 54 passing through theevaporators 108 warms as heat is removed from the modules. The warmedprimary coolant 54 is returned to thetank 56 via the exit coolant line 68, wherein therefrigeration system 58 can again cool theprimary coolant 54 to the desired temperature. Theprimary coolant 54 can remain in liquid form, even after cooling of themodules 60,62,64. In addition, the inlet coolant line 66 and the exit coolant line 68, both carrying theprimary coolant 54 in liquid form, can be configured to have any number of additional modules readily plugged thereinto. - If desirable, the
evaporators 108 can be adjustable for regulating the amount of heat removed from the refrigerated portions of themodules 60,62,64 to control a temperature in said portions. In addition, or in the alternative, thepump 106 can selectively circulate theprimary coolant 54 through themodules 60,62,64 for cooling thereof. Amodule valve 110 can be fluidly disposed in association with each of themodules 60,62,64 between the inlet coolant line 66 and the exit coolant line 68 for regulating an amount of theprimary coolant 54 passed through the modules to control temperatures thereof. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, themodule valves 110 are fluidly disposed respectively on thebranch lines primary coolant 54 delivered by the inlet coolant line 66 to each of themodules 60,62,64. Specifically, a degree of opening of each of themodule valves 108 can occur based on a measured temperature within themodule 60,62,64 with which theparticular module valve 110 is associated. For example, themodule valve 110 onbranch line 94 can be opened to a greater degree if greater cooling of the refrigeratedportion 88 of module 60 is desired. - For controlling the
system 50, acontroller 112 can be employed. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2 , thecontroller 112 is shown as a centralized controller, but it is to be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that thecontroller 112 can be either fully or partially distributed within thesystem 50, such as among themodules 60,62,64 and/or any other components of thesystem 50. In the illustrated embodiment, thecentralized controller 112 can be housed or contained within a main or central housing orunit 114, that also houses thetank 56, therefrigeration system 58, and the apparatus for thermally linking theprimary coolant 54 of thetank 56 with the secondary coolant ofcircuit 74 of refrigeration system 58 (e.g., pump 86 andevaporator 76 in the illustrated embodiment). - The
controller 112 can be programmed to selectively cycle theprimary coolant 54 through theevaporator 76 and or cycle the secondary coolant of the closedcircuit 74 through theevaporator 76. For example, thecontroller 112 can receive a measured temperature from temperature sensor 116 disposed in or in association with thetank 56 for measuring a temperature of theprimary coolant 54 in thetank 56. Based on the measured temperature as indicated by the sensor 116, thecontroller 112 can operate thepump 86 for forcing theprimary coolant 54 through theevaporator 76 and or operate thecompressor 72 to force the secondary coolant of thecircuit 74 through theevaporator 76 until theprimary coolant 54 is cooled to the desired temperature. - In addition, the
controller 112 can be operatively connected to themodule valves 110 for operation thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, each module includes amodule temperature sensor 118 that measures a temperature within the refrigerated portion (e.g.,portion sensors 118, thecontroller 112 can open or close themodule valves 110 to selectively regulate the amount ofprimary coolant 54 passed through the module and thereby control the temperature of the refrigerated portion of the modules. The opening or closing of themodule valves 110 can, of course, occur in degrees or in part. For example, amodule valve 110 could be opened from a 50% open position to a 75% open position. Thus, opening and closing of themodule valves 110 need not occur in the absolute, partial opening or closing can occur as desired. - The
modules 60,62,64 can be any one of, for example, a cold plate, a refrigerated wine rack compartment, a fresh food refrigerated compartment, a freezer compartment, an ice machine, a cold water dispenser, a cold sink, or any other type of refrigerated module. In one embodiment, the module 60 is one of the aforementioned modules, the module 62 is another of the aforementioned modules, andmodule 64 is still another of the aforementioned modules. Themodules 60,62,64 can be positioned remotely relative to thecentral unit 114 and, if desired, can be positioned remotely relative to one another. In addition, the modules can be appropriately sized so as to be received under a kitchen counter, for example. For example, module 60 can be a small refrigerated compartment that is disposed under a kitchen counter. - Using the
system 50, a method of distributing refrigeration in a household will now be described. In particular,refrigerated source 52 ofprimary coolant 54 can be provided. At least a first module, such as module 60, can be remotely positioned relative to therefrigerated source 52. The first module 60 can be fluidly coupled to therefrigerated source 52 for delivery and return of theprimary coolant 54. At least a second refrigerator module, such as module 62, can also be remotely positioned relative to therefrigerated source 52. The second refrigerator 62 module can also be fluidly coupled to therefrigerated source 52 for delivery and return of theprimary coolant 54. Theprimary coolant 54 can be cooled with a secondary coolant of a closed circuit vapor compressionrefrigeration cycle system 58. If desired, remotely positioning of the modules can include installing at least one of themodules 60,62 or 64 under a kitchen counter. - According to the
system 50 ofFIG. 2 , multiple units or modules, such asmodules 60,62,64, can be maintained at different temperatures and thus able to store a wider variety of food at optimum storage temperatures. The various types of modules able to be employed in thesystem 50 allows many different types of modules to be used and placed at locations which are considered more convenient in a domestic or household refrigeration setup, such as spaced apart from one another within a kitchen area. The ability to add further modules to the system allows for future upgrades to thesystem 50, without necessitating the purchase of a complete new refrigerator. Such addition of new modules to a conventional sealed system using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle would be much more complicated than is possible through thedual coolant system 50. - With reference now to
FIG. 3 , amodular refrigerator system 130 is shown according to an alternate embodiment for household refrigeration. Themodular refrigerator system 130 ofFIG. 3 is generally the same as thesystem 50 ofFIG. 2 except as indicated herein. One difference between thesystems system 130 employsdual tanks primary coolant 136. In particular,first tank 132 holds theprimary coolant 136 at a first predetermined temperature, andsecond tank 134 holds theprimary coolant 136 at a second predetermined temperature. Thetanks central unit 138 along with arefrigeration system 140, such as the illustrated closed circuit vapor compression refrigeration cycle system. - Another distinction between the
system 130 and thesystem 50 is that thesystem 130 uses therefrigeration system 140 to cycle the secondary coolant through thetanks primary coolant 136 through a separate or spaced apart evaporator). If desired,evaporators tanks primary coolant 136 held therein. As illustrated, the closed circuit 146 of therefrigeration system 140 passes the secondary coolant first through thesecond tank 134 and subsequently through thefirst tank 132. As a result of this arrangement, theprimary coolant 136 held in thesecond tank 134 can be cooled to a greater degree than is theprimary coolant 136 of thefirst tank 132. That is, more heat can be removed from theprimary coolant 136 of thesecond tank 134 by theevaporator 142 than occurs by theevaporator 144 of thefirst tank 132. Of course, however, this need not be required; for example, the degree of cooling oftanks evaporators refrigeration system 58 ofFIG. 2 , therefrigeration system 140 can include acompressor 148, acondenser 150, and anexpansion device 152. - The
modular refrigeration system 130 can also includerefrigerator modules modules 60,62,64 ofFIG. 2 , except as noted herein. As shown, themodules main unit 138 and thetanks modules tanks first inlet portion 160 can fluidly connect thefirst tank 132 to themodules primary coolant 136 held in atank 132 at the first predetermined temperature. Asecond inlet portion 162 can fluidly connect thesecond tank 134 to themodules primary coolant 136 held in thesecond tank 134 at the second predetermined temperature. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, themodule 154 is fluidly connected only to thetank 134, themodule 158 is only fluidly connected to thetank 132, and amodule 156 is fluidly connected to both the first andsecond tanks system 130 and any number of modules can be connected to only thetank 132, to only thetank 134 and/or to bothtanks separate pumps primary coolant 136 from correspondingtanks modules 60,62,64 andmodule valves 168 can be associated with each fluid communication between a particular module and one or both of thetanks - With reference now to
FIG. 4 , amodular refrigerator system 170 is shown distributed within a domestic or household kitchen. Thesystem 170 could be the same or similar to one of thesystems system 170 includes a main orcentral unit 172, which can be like or the same as themain unit 114 inFIG. 2 . For example, theunit 172 can include atank 174 for holding a primary coolant in liquid form and a refrigeration system using a secondary coolant for cooling the primary coolant of the tank. As shown,system 170 includes a plurality of modules distributed throughout the illustrated household kitchen and all modules are schematically illustrated as being fluidly connected to thetank 174 through a main controller orbypass unit 176. - For example, the
system 170 can include a refrigerated winerack compartment module 178 located underkitchen counter 180. Thesystem 170 can also include afresh produce module 182 and a fast/soft freeze module 184, both also shown as being located under thekitchen counter 180. Thesystem 170 can additionally include a coolproduce compartment module 186 and adeep freeze module 188 disposed inisland 190 in the illustrated kitchen. A cold salad bar orplate module 192 is also shown disposed on top of theisland 190. In addition, an ice machine/ice maker module 194 is shown underkitchen counter 196, andcold water module 198 is illustrated adjacent themodule 194. The schematically illustratedfluid lines 200, collectively forming an inlet coolant line, deliver a liquid coolant from thetank 174 to the various modules for cooling thereof. Though not shown, a return coolant line or lines would also fluidly connect the modules back to thetank 174 for returning the primary coolant to thetank 174 after cooling of the modules. - The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.
Claims (21)
1. A modular refrigerator system for household refrigeration, comprising:
a tank for holding a primary coolant at a desired temperature;
a first refrigerator module remotely positioned relative to said tank, said first refrigerator module fluidly connected to said tank by an inlet coolant line and an exit coolant line, said inlet coolant line delivering said primary coolant from said tank to said first refrigerator module for cooling thereof and said exit coolant line returning said primary coolant from said first refrigerator module to said tank; and
a second refrigerator module remotely positioned relative to said tank, said second refrigerator module fluidly connected to said tank by said inlet coolant line and said exit coolant line, said inlet coolant line delivering said primary coolant from said tank to said second refrigerator module for cooling thereof and said exit coolant line returning said primary coolant from said second refrigerator module to said tank.
2. The modular refrigerator system of claim 1 further including a refrigeration system operatively connected to said tank for providing temperature control for said primary coolant in said tank, said refrigeration system cooling said primary coolant to said desired temperature.
3. The modular refrigerator system of claim 2 wherein said refrigeration system is a closed circuit vapor compression refrigeration cycle system having a secondary coolant in thermal communication with said primary coolant in said tank for cooling thereof.
4. The modular refrigerator system of claim 3 wherein said closed circuit vapor compression refrigeration cycle system includes including a compressor for circulating said secondary coolant within a secondary coolant closed fluid circuit, an evaporator for transferring heat from said primary coolant to said secondary coolant to cool said primary coolant to said desired temperature, a condenser for condensing said secondary coolant after transferring heat from said primary coolant in said evaporator, and an expansion device for expanding a volume of said secondary coolant after condensing of said secondary coolant in said condenser.
5. The modular refrigerator system of claim 4 wherein said secondary coolant closed fluid circuit is a hermetically sealed circuit, said primary coolant flowing through a non-hermetically sealed closed circuit formed of said tank, said inlet and exit coolant lines and said first and said second modules.
6. The modular refrigerator system of claim 4 wherein said primary coolant is circulated through said evaporator by a pump and said secondary coolant is circulated through said evaporator by said compressor based on a measured temperature of said primary coolant in said tank for cooling of said primary coolant to said desired temperature.
7. The modular refrigerator system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and said second modules include an evaporator for removing heat from a refrigerated portion of said at least one of said first and second modules and transferring said heat to said primary coolant.
8. The modular refrigerator system of claim 7 wherein said evaporator is adjustable for regulating an amount of said heat removed from said refrigerated portion to control a temperature in said refrigerated portion.
9. The modular refrigerator system of claim 1 wherein a pump selectively circulates said primary coolant through said first and second modules for cooling thereof.
10. The modular refrigerator system of claim 9 wherein a module valve is fluid disposed in association with each of said first and said second modules between said inlet coolant line and said exit coolant line for regulating an amount of said primary coolant passed through each of said first and second modules to control temperatures of said first and said second modules.
11. The modular refrigerator system of claim 10 wherein a degree of opening of said module valve occurs based on a measured temperature of the module with which said module valve is associated.
12. The modular refrigerator system of claim 1 wherein said first refrigerator module is one of, and said second refrigerator module is another of, a cold plate, a refrigerated wine rack compartment, a fresh food refrigerated compartment, a freezer compartment, an ice machine, a cold water dispenser, and a cold sink.
13. The modular refrigerator system of claim 12 wherein said first refrigerator module is remotely positioned relative to said second refrigerator module.
14. The modular refrigerator system of claim 12 wherein at least one of said first and said second refrigerator modules is located under a kitchen counter.
15. The modular refrigerator system of claim 1 wherein said primary coolant remains in liquid form after cooling of said first and second refrigerator modules, each of said inlet coolant line and said exit coolant line, both carrying said primary coolant in liquid form, configured to have a third refrigerator module readily plugged thereinto.
16. The modular refrigerator system of claim 15 wherein said inlet and exit coolant lines are configured to have a third refrigerator module readily plugged thereinto.
17. A modular household refrigeration system, comprising
a refrigerated source of a primary coolant;
at least one refrigerator module remotely positioned relative to said refrigerated source, said at least one refrigerator module fluidly connected to said refrigerated source by an inlet coolant line for delivering said primary coolant from said refrigerated source to said at least one refrigerator module and an exit coolant line for returning said primary coolant from said at least one refrigerator module to said refrigerated source, said primary coolant delivered to said at least one refrigerator module for cooling said at least one refrigerated module to a predetermined temperature.
18. The modular household refrigeration system of claim 17 wherein said refrigerated source includes a tank for holding said primary coolant, and a vapor compression refrigeration cycle system having a secondary coolant in thermal contact with said primary coolant held in said tank, said vapor compression refrigeration system including a compressor for circulating said secondary coolant within a secondary coolant closed fluid circuit, an evaporator for transferring heat from said primary coolant to said secondary coolant to cool said primary coolant, a condenser for condensing said secondary coolant after cooling of said primary coolant in said evaporator, and an expansion device for expanding said secondary coolant after being condensed in said condenser.
19. The modular household refrigeration system of claim 17 wherein said refrigerated source includes a first tank holding said primary coolant at a first predetermined temperature and a second tank holding said primary coolant at a second predetermined temperature, said inlet coolant line including a first inlet portion fluidly connecting said first tank to at least one of said at least one refrigerator module for delivery of said primary coolant from said first tank at said first predetermined temperature and a second inlet portion fluidly connecting said second tank to at least one of said at least one refrigerator module for delivery of said primary coolant from said second tank at said second predetermined temperature.
20. A method of distributing refrigeration in a household, comprising:
providing a refrigerated source of a primary coolant;
remotely positioning a first refrigerator module relative to said refrigerated source;
fluidly coupling said first refrigerator module to said refrigerated source for delivery and return of said primary coolant;
remotely positioning a second refrigerator module relative to said refrigerated source;
fluidly coupling said second refrigerator module to said refrigerated source for delivery and return of said primary coolant; and
cooling said primary coolant with a secondary coolant of a closed circuit vapor compression refrigeration cycle system.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein said remotely positioning said first refrigerated module includes installing said first refrigerated module under a kitchen counter.
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US12/124,849 US20090288445A1 (en) | 2008-05-21 | 2008-05-21 | Modular household refrigeration system and method |
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US12/124,849 US20090288445A1 (en) | 2008-05-21 | 2008-05-21 | Modular household refrigeration system and method |
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US12/124,849 Abandoned US20090288445A1 (en) | 2008-05-21 | 2008-05-21 | Modular household refrigeration system and method |
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Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20100092774A1 (en) * | 2007-01-15 | 2010-04-15 | Basf Se | Pressure sensitive adhesive for paper labels |
DE102010020593A1 (en) * | 2010-05-14 | 2011-11-17 | Bms Medical Technologies Gmbh | Device useful deep-freezing of units of stored blood comprises two freezer modules each with a pair of cold plates, single common control system and cold generator and control line and refrigerant line running between two freezer modules |
CN104061754A (en) * | 2014-06-09 | 2014-09-24 | 清华大学 | Domestic electronic wine cabinet |
US20170176079A1 (en) * | 2015-12-16 | 2017-06-22 | Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. | Ice machine including vapor-compression system |
US10641535B2 (en) | 2018-03-19 | 2020-05-05 | Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. | Ice maker and method of making and harvesting ice |
US11541727B2 (en) | 2016-12-02 | 2023-01-03 | Carrier Corporation | Cargo transport heating system |
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Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100092774A1 (en) * | 2007-01-15 | 2010-04-15 | Basf Se | Pressure sensitive adhesive for paper labels |
DE102010020593A1 (en) * | 2010-05-14 | 2011-11-17 | Bms Medical Technologies Gmbh | Device useful deep-freezing of units of stored blood comprises two freezer modules each with a pair of cold plates, single common control system and cold generator and control line and refrigerant line running between two freezer modules |
CN104061754A (en) * | 2014-06-09 | 2014-09-24 | 清华大学 | Domestic electronic wine cabinet |
US20170176079A1 (en) * | 2015-12-16 | 2017-06-22 | Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. | Ice machine including vapor-compression system |
US11536504B2 (en) | 2015-12-16 | 2022-12-27 | Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. | Ice machine including vapor-compression system |
US11541727B2 (en) | 2016-12-02 | 2023-01-03 | Carrier Corporation | Cargo transport heating system |
US10641535B2 (en) | 2018-03-19 | 2020-05-05 | Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. | Ice maker and method of making and harvesting ice |
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