IMPROVEMENTS IN MULTIPLE ZONE REFRIGERATION

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the commercial refrigeration art, and particularly to a refrigeration unit which is used to refrigerate a plurality of cooling zones.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] A modular commercial refrigeration unit constructed and arranged for placement in strategic proximity to plural associated product cooling zones is known, and is disclosed in US 5,440,894 commonly owned by HUSSMANN CORPORATION, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. This prior art document discloses a supermarket or other food store refrigeration system including a refrigeration unit and a refrigeration network comprising a plurality of such units. The unit disclosed in US 5,440,894 is intended for use in cooling the zones of plural fixtures within a shopping arena (including the food merchandising and display area and the food storage and preparation area) of a food store.

[0003] The known refrigeration unit comprises a condensing unit rack configured to accommodate the maximum refrigeration loads of the associated zones and being constructed to support the components of a closed refrigeration circuit including a plurality of multiplexed compressor means and associated high side and low side refrigerant delivery and suction means extending from the rack and being operatively connected to evaporator means constructed and arranged for cooling the associates zones, and which unit also has condenser means with a cooling source remote from the condensing unit rack but operatively constructed and arranged to provide a heat exchange relationship for providing optimum condensing and efficiency of said evaporator means in cooling the associated zones.

[0004] Another modular commercial refrigeration unit constructed and arranged for strategic placement near plural associated product cooling zones is known, and is disclosed in US 5,743,102, commonly owned by HUSSMANN CORPORATION. This prior art document discloses food store refrigeration including a refrigeration unit and cooling system. The unit disclosed in US 5,743,102 is intended for cooling the product zones of plural display and storage merchandisers and fixtures. The unit comprises a condensing unit rack configured to accommodate the maximum refrigeration loads of associated fixture zones and being constructed to support components of a closed refrigeration circuit having multiplexed compressors and evaporator means with associated high side and low side refrigerant delivery and suction means operatively connected to the evaporator means, and which unit also includes condenser means operatively connected between the compressor and evaporator means as a component of the refrigeration circuit; and the unit also being constructed to support components of a coolant fluid system having heat transfer means associated with the evaporator means and pumping means for circulating a coolant through the heat transfer means in a closed coolant loop to cooling coils for the associated fixtures.

[0005] An important objective of the units disclosed in US 5,440,894 and US 543,102 was to seek to minimize the amount of refrigerant required in the food store refrigeration network.

[0006] A further object of the units disclosed in US 5,440,894 and US 5,743,102 was to obviate the need for providing a dedicated remote plant/machine room thereby releasing valuable floor space within a supermarket or the like.

[0007] It has been found in practice that some merchants remain reluctant to position the prior art units anywhere on the sales floor of a store, thereby losing many of the refrigeration benefits which might be obtained.

[0008] It is an object of at least one aspect of the present invention to seek to address one or more of the perceived problems of the units disclosed in US 5,440,894 and US 5,743,102.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a unit which, in use, effectively does not occupy any floor space.

[0010] It is yet a further object of at least one aspect of the present invention to seek to address the objects of the units disclosed in US 5,440,894 and US 5,743,102.

[0011] Further objects and advantages of the unit of the present invention will become more apparent from the description provided hereafter.

[0012] Some of these various advantages provided by presently preferred embodiments of the present invention are:

low noise and vibration levels;

provision of two or more compressors so as to provide capacity control and back-up security;

relatively short coupled pipework thereby seeking to reduce capital and running costs and installation time;

relatively simple refrigeration circuitry;

reduced refrigerant charge and cost, as well as smaller refrigerant gas loss in an event of leakage;

flexibility for future retrofits;

heat reclaim from fluid loops providing an advantageous energy use and improved efficiency of the refrigeration system/network;

provision of a low profile for unobtrusive mounting on top of a cooling zone fixture.

[0013] US 4,895,001 (JONDAHL) discloses an expandable refrigeration system for use in dispensing products to the public, the system including a base unit with a product containing chamber, a refrigeration system in the base unit and having a compressor and condenser portion and a fan for moving ambient air past the condenser, an evaporator cabinet supported adjacent the refrigeration system having an evaporator therein, which is connected to the compressor and condenser of the refrigeration system and a fan for moving air past the evaporator whereby the air is coated, openings through which cooled air from the evaporator is conducted into the base unit product containing chamber, a slave unit having a product containing chamber contiguous with the base unit, first and second ducts communicating the interior of the base unit product containing chamber with the slave unit product containing chamber so that cooled air circulated in the base unit is also circulated in the slave unit allowing the addition of increased product containing space without an additional refrigeration system.

[0014] US 4,995,243 (WARD) discloses a refrigeration unit composed of a drop-in package to be accommodated within an aperture in the top of a cabinet, and comprising a plug insertable neatly into the aperture and mounting refrigeration components on top and an evaporator together with an air impeller in an underside compartment, abutment means on the plug to limit intrusion of the plug to a position substantially flush with the ceiling of the cabinet, and air ducts directing air flow from the air impeller in a path adjacent the ceiling due to a sweeping curvature of a wall of each air duct which influences the path of air flow in compliance with the "Coanda" effect.

[0015] US 3,180,109 (KIMMEL) discloses a refrigerated display case and area heater comprising a display case, means for refrigerating said display case, said refrigerating means including a refrigerant condenser located at a position remote from said display case, means for passing water in heat exchanging relation with said refrigerant condenser so as to cool said condenser and heat the water, heat exchange means receiving water heated by the refrigerant condenser, a blower for forcing air over the latter heat exchange means, and duct means for directing heated air received from said blower and latter heat exchange means to said display case, the duct means forming a part of the display case and having an outlet opening through which heated air may be discharged into an area adjacent said refrigerated display case.

[0016] US 5,065,591 (SHAW) discloses a refrigeration system including a rack or bank of compressors located in parallel and feeding a common condenser. Liquid refrigerant from the condenser is supplied to a plurality of evaporators located in parallel and feeding a common suction manifold. The suction manifold is connected to the compressors and contains a valve for selectively isolating one or more compressors and evaporators whereby the isolated compressor acts as a satellite compressor and the isolated evaporators are operated at a lower temperature than the other evaporators.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0017] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a refrigeration unit in combination with plural closely adjacent associated refrigerated fixtures suitable for in a commercial store, each of said fixtures having a product zone and a heat transfer cooling coil for the refrigeration thereof, CHARACTERISED IN THAT said refrigeration unit comprises a housing with a fixture mounting profile constructed to be accommodated within a footprint area of at least one of said associated fixtures and being arranged to support selected refrigeration components of a closed refrigeration circuit for supplying the refrigeration requirements of all associated fixtures, which said components include plural vapor phase compressors and a closely coupled cooling loop connected with the heat transfer cooling coils of all associated fixtures.

[0018] Herein the term "footprint" of an associated refrigerated fixture is understood to mean the floor space area occupied by the refrigerated fixture as viewed from above (or below)

[0019] The unit may be used in a food store, such as a supermarket or the like.

[0020] A fixture may comprise a merchandising, storage or processing cabinet or fixture.

[0021] One or more of such merchandising cabinets may be provided in-line, back to back, or in closely adjacent proximity.

[0022] The unit is preferably provided over or on top of one fixture.

[0023] Preferable features of the refrigeration unit in combination with plural closely adjacent associated refrigerated fixtures according to the first aspect of the present invention are recited in claims 2 to 22, appended hereto.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided the combination of at least two discrete, closely adjacent associated refrigerated fixtures suitable for use in an commercial store, each of which fixtures has a cabinet with a top wall surface and having a product zone and a heat transfer cooling coil for the refrigeration of its product zone with a refrigeration unit characterised in that the refrigeration unit comprises a housing with a mounting profile constructed so as to be accommodated within the top wall footprint area of one of said refrigerated fixtures and being arranged to support selected refrigeration components of a closed refrigeration circuit including plural vapor phase scroll compressors optionally having different capacities, and a closely coupled cooling loop connected to supply the refrigeration requirements of the heat transfer cooling coils of all associated refrigerated fixtures.

[0025] Preferable features of the combination according to the second aspect of the present invention are recited in claims 24 to 33 appended hereto.

[0026] The plural compressors preferably comprise two or more compressors that are multiplexed by being connected in parallel in the refrigeration circuits, and preferably the compressors are of a horizontal scroll type. This provides the advantage of a "low-profile" unit which may be providentially or strategically placed on top of one product fixture while being constructed and arranged to refrigerate the plural cooling zones of at least two closely associated fixtures.

[0027] Alternatively, one or more of the compressors may be of a vertical scroll type.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a modular low-profile refrigeration unit is configured to accommodate the maximum aggregate refrigeration loads of at least two product cooling zones provided in a food store area, the unit comprising closed refrigeration circuit components including a plurality of multiplexed compressor means and associated refrigerant high side delivery means and low side suction means, the unit being constructed and arranged for placement, in use, in strategic proximity to the product cooling zones, and being operatively connected to evaporator means for the respective zones, and the refrigeration circuit also including condenser means.

[0029] The condenser means may include a condenser within the unit, which in use may be operatively associated with a remote cooling source so as to provide a heat exchange relationship with the condenser.

[0030] The remote cooling source may be a fluid cooling source, such as a cooling tower or a ground source water supply, or a dedicated normal temperature refrigeration system, a chiller system or recirculating water source or a combination of such alternate fluid cooling sources to assure the condenser means of a continuous supply of liquid coolant at a substantially constant temperature.

[0031] Alternatively, the condenser means may comprise a condenser remote from the unit and having a heat exchange cooling source, such as being air cooled.

[0032] Whether the condenser is located on board the refrigeration unit per se or remote therefrom, the condensing means may include heat reclaim which may be direct or as a heat pump.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is also provided a refrigeration system, which includes at least one refrigeration unit according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0034] The refrigeration unit of the system will cool the cooling zones of at least two fixtures, and the unit is substantially contained within the footprint size of one of the fixtures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are:

Figure 1

a front perspective view of a low-profile refrigeration unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2

a plan view of the unit of Figure 1;

Figure 3

a view from one end of the unit of Figure 1;

Figure 4

a front perspective view of a refrigeration system comprising a multiple zoned or combination merchandiser including the unit of Figure 1;

Figure 5

a plan view of the refrigeration system of Figure 4;

Figure 6

a plan view of the unit of Figure 1 with a cover of the unit removed;

Figure 7

a side elevational view of the unit of Figure 1 with the cover removed;

Figure 8

a schematic diagram of one embodiment of refrigeration circuitry for a system embodying the invention;

Figure 9

an alternate schematic diagram of the refrigeration system of Figure 8;

Figure 10

a partial schematic diagram showing a modification of the refrigeration system of Figures 8 and 9; 20 and

Figure 11

a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a refrigeration circuit.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] For disclosure purposes, the term "high side" is used in a conventional refrigeration sense to mean the portion of a vapor phase system from the compressor discharge to the evaporator expansion valves, and the term "low side" means the portion of the system from the expansion valves to the compressor suction. Also, "low" temperature shall have reference to evaporator temperatures in the range of -35°F to -5°F or the associated frozen food and ice cream product temperatures in the range of minus -20°F to 0°F; and "standard" or "normal" (or "medium") temperature means evaporator temperatures in the range of about 15°F to 40°F or the associated non-frozen or fresh refrigerated food temperatures in the range of 25°F to 50°F.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 and 9, there is illustrated a refrigeration unit, generally designated R, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The refrigeration unit R is adapted for cooling a plurality of product cooling zones, the unit R including refrigerated circuit components comprising multiple compressor means 21, and wherein in use the unit R is sized to be substantially contained within a footprint size of one of the cooling zones. In this description the term "footprint" of a cooling zone is defined as the floor space occupied by a selected cooling fixture as viewed from above (or below). In this embodiment the unit R is adapted for use in a foodstore such as a supermarket and, accordingly, each cooling zone generally comprises the product area of a single merchandising cabinet or fixture 33. Of course, the location of the refrigeration units R may be outside the actual customer shopping arena as when the cooling zones are storage fixtures or food preparation rooms. In each case the modular refrigeration unit R is sized to efficiently maintain its associated multiplicity of discrete cooled zones at optimum refrigeration temperatures, and it will be understood that these zones comprise one or more of the supermarket coolers, freezers, preparation rooms or display merchandisers, the latter usually being an area department or combination lineup of merchandising fixtures operating at substantially the same temperature.

[0038] As can be seen from Figures 4 and 5, one or more of such merchandising cabinets or fixtures 33 may be combined in-line and/or back-to-back. In this embodiment eight such merchandising fixtures 33 are provided in which three (3) in-line cabinets 33a are arranged back-to-back with three (3) other in-line cabinets 33b, and these are capped by end cabinets 33c. In another arrangement the plural fixtures could be two single cabinets located on opposite sides of a store wall, or another arrangement of closely adjacent fixtures 33. Further, a single unit R is shown on top and bridging across two of the merchandising cabinets 33 although the preferred unit is sized to be accommodated within the footprint of a single discrete fixture.

[0039] Referring to Figures 1-3 and 6-9, each of the modular units R includes a condensing unit rack or base 20 constructed and arranged to mount and support the operative components of a closed refrigeration circuit 19 dedicated to the refrigeration load requirements of its associated discrete product zones, merchandise cabinets or fixtures 33. A typical condensing unit rack 20 of the present invention preferably has two small multiplexed horizontal scroll compressors 21 or like variable capacity compressing means that is connected by a discharge header 22 to a system condenser 12, also preferably located on the rack 20 in the preferred embodiment. In Figure 8 it will also be seen that a heat reclaim coil 24 may be selectively connected into the high side upstream of the condenser 12. An oil separator (not shown) may be incorporated into the system 19 downstream of the discharge manifold 22. In the preferred embodiment, the closed (vapor compression) refrigeration system 19 may be critically charged with refrigerant and therefore requires no liquid receiver to receive the condensate outflow from the condenser 12. However, for illustration a liquid receiver 26 is shown and more than a critical amount of refrigerant may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. The high side of the circuit 19 is connected by liquid line 27 to an evaporative expansion valve 28 for the evaporative cooling means or merchandiser evaporators 29 associated with the discrete product cooling zones 33 to be cooled. On the low side, the refrigerant expands and vaporizes in the merchandiser evaporators 29 removing heat from the product zone 33 to maintain the preselected desired cooling. The outlets of the evaporators 29 connect by suction lines 30 to a common suction header or manifold 31 and thence to the suction side of the compressors 21 to complete the refrigeration circuit.

[0040] In this embodiment the compressor means comprises the two compressors 21, which are multiplexed with one another - that is connected in parallel within the refrigeration circuit. Preferably, the compressors 21 are of the horizontal scroll type as available from HITACHI under model numbers FL 200DL, FL 300DL, FL 400DL and FL 500DL. Provision of the horizontal scroll compressors 21 within the unit R allows for the provision of a unit with a "low profile" which may be placed discreetly on top of a selected merchandising cabinet 33 so as to be at least partially obscured from view by persons moving around the floor of the supermarket. It will be understood that although the unit R is sized to fit within the profile of a single fixture 33, in practice it may be placed to overlap or bridge across two or more fixtures.

[0041] Referring now to Figure 9, the refrigeration circuit 19 of the unit R comprises a low side or suction line 30 (S) and a high side or liquid line 27 (L). The suction line 30 is connected to one end of a normally open isolation service valve 25 which can be shut off for installation and servicing of the refrigeration unit R. The other side of the shut-off valve 25 is connected through a suction strainer 36, which is connected through safety valve 37 to suction header 27. A gauge 38 tees off of suction line 30 and a further T-junction connects to a control transducer 39, which senses the pressure of the refrigerant in the suction line 30. If the pressure of the refrigerant from the suction line 30 falls below a predetermined level, the operation of the unit R is controlled to ensure that the compressors 21 are not damaged.

[0042] The compressors 21 are connected in parallel and are provided with solenoid valves 41 in by-pass lines 42 for control at start up of the compressors 21 to balance pressures. The high side of each compressor 21 is provided with a one-way check valve 44 to isolate the high side refrigeration circuit of each compressor at start up as pressures are balanced. Also teed to the output of each of the compressors 21 are discharge stats 45, and an injection stat 46 is connected to each compressor 21. A safety switch 47 is connected to the high side from the discharge manifold, and discharge pressure read-out 48 and gauge connector 49 are provided.

[0043] It will be understood that the refrigeration system units R will generally include still other system components, such as defrost system means, system performance sensing and operating control panel and microprocessor apparatus, alarm systems and the like. As shown in Figure 9, the unit R includes a connection to the liquid refrigerant receiver 26 followed by a liquid drier/desicator 53, liquid sight glass 54 and one-way valve 55.

[0044] Although the refrigeration system condenser 12 is preferably located on the unit rack 20, it may be roof mounted outside the food store for air cooled operation in a typical manner. When located on the rack 20 it is essential that the sensible heat be rejected outside the shopping arena, and the condenser 12 thus may be cooled in numerous ways. A coolant fluid circulating system C can be provided to circulate a cooling fluid or coolant from a remote source 11 to the respective unit condenser/heat exchangers 12. Thus, the coolant system C derives a cooling liquid, such as water or glycol, from one or more remote sources 11, 11A and 11B and circulates it to the condenser 12 of each modular unit R. The coolant source 11 may be a single fluid cooling apparatus, such as a closed or open loop roof top cooling tower 11A or a ground source water supply 11B, or a chiller system or recirculating water source 11 or a combination of such alternate fluid cooling sources to assure a continuous supply of coolant at a substantially constant temperature. In this embodiment the condenser 12 which is a plate type condenser, has a heat exchanger with a cooling loop 12a from the remote cooling source.

[0045] Thus, the invention further comprises the use of a secondary coolant system C for the direct distributed load cooling of the heat exchange coils 29 of the merchandisers 33 dedicated to the respective units R. As can be seen from Figures 1, 3, 8 and 9, a coolant fluid input line 15 (F) and a fluid output line 16 (R) of the condenser 12 are connected to a remote cooling source 11 so as to provide a heat exchange relationship with the condenser 12.

[0046] Referring to Figure 10, as stated above in alternate embodiment, the unit R may not provide condensing means on board (on the rack 20), but condenser means 112 is provided at a location remote from the unit R. The remote condenser 112 may be roof mounted on the store and comprise an air cooled source.

[0047] Referring again to Figures 1-3, 6 and 7, the unit R includes a condensing unit rack 20 comprising a base or chassis 56 with fixed upstanding end walls 55 and a removable lid or cover 57 which preferably is sound proofed. The compressors 21 and other refrigeration components included in the unit R are mounted to the base 56, the compressors 21 being mounted via a sub-frame. The relatively compact size of the unit R may be discerned by the following typical dimensions: length 1290 mm; depth 750 mm; height 275 mm.

[0048] Referring to Figure 6, the electrical circuitry for the unit R includes a main unit (pack) controller 59, a power supply circuit for each compressor 21, a circulating fan 60 with a fan guard 60a being placed thereover. As can further be seen from Figure 3, at least one vent 61 is provided at one end wall 55 of the unit R. The combination of the fan 60 and vents 61 allow a through flow of air within the unit R.

[0049] In use, the unit R may be incorporated with the refrigeration system 19 for the merchandising cabinets 33, and which refrigeration unit components comprise, at least the multiple compressor means 21, and wherein in use the unit R is substantially sized for containment within the footprint of one of the merchandising cabinets 33.

[0050] The refrigeration unit R may have an evaporating temperature of around -8°C, a suction return temperature of around 5°C, a condensing temperature of around 35°C, and a liquid temperature of around 32°C, in a preferred embodiment. Further it will be appreciated that a plurality of combined compressors 21 may be provided so as to provide the desired refrigeration capacity, as detailed below.

Compressor models	HP
2 x FL 200DL	2/4
1 x FL 200DL plus 1 x FL 300DL	2/3/5
2 x FL 300DL	3/6
1 x FL 300DL plus 1 x FL 400DL	3/4/7
2 x FL 400DL	4/8
1 x FL 400DL plus 1 x FL 500DL	4/5/9
2 x FL 500DL	5/10

[0051] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that a refrigeration unit R according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a compact, low profile, multi-compressor package which can be mounted on top of a single display fixture or other refrigerated case 33 and takes up no floor space within the store. The unit R disclosed preferably has two parallel connected (multiplexed) scroll compressors 21 with a selected range from 4HP to 10HP or more.

[0052] In a supermarket, a plurality of such refrigeration systems 19 may be provided so as to provide a refrigeration network for the entire store. The units R may be constructed and arranged to provide the low and medium temperature needs of the store. Further, it will be appreciated that a plurality of compressors 21 may be provided so as to provide the requisite refrigerant capacity, whereby different sizes of compressors may be utilized on the condensing rack 20 of different units R. It will be known in the trade that a "condensing rack" necessarily includes the compressors as the prime mover of the condensing function, but that the condenser per se may be provided at different locations other than the rack.

[0053] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that a unit R according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a compact, low profile, multi-compressor package which can be mounted on top of a selected discrete cabinet or fixture 33 and, since it takes up no floor space within a shopping arena, it truly meets the requirements for optimum placement. The unit R according to the preferred embodiment disclosed hereinbefore has two parallel connected horizontal scroll compressors 21 with a range from about 2HP to 5HP each.

[0054] The preferred embodiment of the unit R disclosed hereinbefore is a fluid cooled unit, and employs a plate heat condenser 12. The unit R may also incorporate a small liquid receiver 26, and an electrical control panel and complete internal refrigeration pipework and electrical wiring. With the evaporator 29 connections arranged from the top of the merchandising cabinets 33, external pipework is of an optimum length and relatively easy to install.

[0055] Another embodiment of the commercial refrigeration unit R of the present invention is shown in Figure 11. This unit is similar in many respects to that of Figures 1-10 in that a condensing unit rack 20 houses a closed refrigeration system 19 with multiplexed compressors 21 and the closed (vapor compression) refrigeration system 19 may be critically charged with refrigerant, and therefore, requires no liquid receiver to receive the condensate outflow from the condenser 12. The high side of the circuit 19 is connected by liquid line 27 to an evaporative expansion valve 28 for evaporator means 29 forming a part of the closed refrigeration circuit 19 and being constructed and arranged with a coolant chiller unit 130. On the low side, the refrigerant in the evaporator 29 removes heat from the coolant fluid and the evaporator outlet connects by suction line 31 to the suction side of the compressors 21 to complete the closed refrigeration circuit. Although the refrigeration system condenser 12 is preferably located on the unit rack 20, it may be roof mounted outside the food store for air cooled operation in a typical manner.

[0056] This embodiment further comprises the use of a secondary coolant system 160 for the direct distributed load cooling of the heat exchange coils 129 of the merchandisers 133. Thus, in this embodiment the rack mounted refrigeration system evaporator 29 is part of the heat exchanger chiller unit 130 for the coolant system.

[0057] Preferably the pumping means 142 for the secondary cooling system 160 is also rack mounted, and is connected to circulate the glycol coolant fluid or the like through the chiller heat exchanger 130 and thence outflow through conduit 70 to its distributed load at each associated merchandiser display case heat transfer coil 29. The cold coolant fluid removes heat from the coil 129 (typically of conventional tube and fin construction) and the fluid is thence circulated back to the pump 142 through return conduits 46. The construction and operation of the modular secondary system of this embodiment will be more fully understood with reference to US 5,743,102 (incorporated by reference herein).

[0058] Since a principal feature of the invention is to place the modular refrigeration unit R strategically in close proximity to the dedicated cooling zone of an associated merchandiser 33 in order to eliminate the traditional machine back room, long piping connections and large refrigerant requirements formerly required, it will be seen that the mounting of the unit R on top of the merchandiser 33 provides an optimum solution to meet all of the objectives of the invention.

Claims

1. A refrigeration unit (R) in combination with plural closely adjacent associated refrigerated fixtures (33;133) suitable for use in a commercial store, each of said fixtures (33;133) having a product zone and heat transfer cooling coil (29;129) for the refrigeration thereof, CHARACTERISED IN THAT said refrigeration unit (R) comprises a housing with a fixture mounting profile constructed to be accommodated within the footprint area of at least one of said associated fixtures (33;133) and being arranged to support selected refrigeration components of a closed refrigeration circuit for supplying the refrigeration requirements of all associated fixtures (33;133), which said components include plural vapor phase compressors (21) and a closely coupled cooling loop (27,30) connected with the heat transfer cooling coils (29;129) of all associated fixtures (33;133).

2. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 1, wherein two of said plural compressors (21) are scroll compressors.

3. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 1, wherein two of said plural compressors (21) are scroll compressors having different capacities.

4. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 1, wherein said unit (R) has a horizontal mounting profile accommodating side by side horizontally disposed compressors.

5. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 4, wherein the one said associated fixture (33;133) is free standing within the commercial store, and the refrigeration unit (R) is accommodated over the top of said one associated fixture (33;133) with its horizontal profile abutting the top wall thereof.

6. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 1, wherein said refrigeration unit (R) has a vertical mounting profile accommodating vertically disposed compressors.

7. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 6, wherein one of said associated fixtures (33;133) can be positioned against a vertical wall structure of the commercial store, and the refrigeration unit (R) is accommodated over the top of said one associated fixture (33;133) with its vertical profile abutting such wall structure.

8. 'The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 1, wherein said housing includes a mounting base (56) and end walls (55) connected thereto for accommodating the selected refrigeration components and for mounting the piping connections of the closely coupled cooling loop (27;30).

9. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 8, wherein said housing includes cover means (57) for covering the entire mounting base (56) between the end walls (55) to encase the refrigeration components therein.

10. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 9, wherein the housing is constructed and arranged to provide a sound absorbing barrier.

11. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 8, wherein said housing is constructed and arranged to internally accommodate piping connections extending externally thereof through at least one end wall (55) to be piped to the heat transfer cooling coils (29;129)for all associated fixtures (33;133).

12. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 1, including control panel instrumentation for monitoring the operation of the refrigeration unit (R).

13. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a mounting base (56) forming a condensing unit rack (20) for supporting said plural compressors (21), said compressors (21) being part of a closed vapor phase refrigeration system that includes liquid and suction line connections (27;30).

14. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 13, which includes a condenser (12) as a part of the closed vapor phase refrigeration system.

15. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 14, wherein said condenser (12) is part of a first heat exchanger supported on the mounting base (56) and having condenser cooling means.

16. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 15, wherein the mounting base (56) of said condenser (12) is mounted on the condensing unit rack (20).

17. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 15, wherein said condenser cooling means comprises an external liquid cooling source selected from a class consisting of a fluid cooling tower, a coolant chiller system, a cold ground water supply, a dedicated refrigeration system or an air cooled heat exchanger.

18. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 13, wherein said condenser (12) is remotely located from the housing and condensing unit rack (20) thereof and is either water cooled or air cooled.

19. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 14, wherein the heat transfer cooling coils of the associated fixtures (33;133) comprise evaporator coils as part of the closed vapor phase refrigeration circuit and are connected between said condenser (12) on the high side and said plural compressors (21)on the low side.

20. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 14, which includes an evaporative cooling heat exchanger having an evaporator coil as part of the closed vapor phase refrigeration system.

21. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 20, wherein said heat transfer cooling coil comprises a liquid cooled heat exchanger as part of a glycol-type liquid coolant system having a cooling phase in which the cooling loop is connected to the evaporative cooling heat exchanger.

22. The refrigeration unit (R) of claim 1 in combination with said plural associated refrigeration fixtures (33;133) said plural compressors (21) being connected through cooling loops with the heat transfer cooling loop of each fixture (33;133).

23. The combination of at least two discrete, closely adjacent associated refrigerated fixtures (33;133) suitable for use in a commercial store, each of which fixtures has a cabinet with a top wall surface and having a product zone and a heat transfer cooling coil (29;129) for the refrigeration of its product zone with a refrigeration unit (R) CHARACTERISED IN THAT the refrigeration unit (R) comprises a housing with a mounting profile constructed so as to be accommodated within the top wall footprint area of at least one of said refrigerated fixtures (33;133) and being arranged to support selected refrigeration components of a closed refrigeration circuit including plural vapor phase scroll compressors (21) optionally having different capacities, and a closely coupled cooling loop (27,30) connected to supply the refrigeration requirements of the heat transfer cooling coils (29;129) of all associated refrigerated fixtures (33;133).

24. The combination of claim 23, wherein said refrigeration unit (R) has a horizontal base mounting profile and accommodates at least two horizontally disposed compressors (21), and said refrigerated fixture (33;133) is free standing adjacent to an associated other refrigerated fixture (33;133) with the refrigeration unit (R) being accommodated with its horizontal base profile abutting the top wall of said one refrigerated fixture (33;133).

25. The combination of claim 23, wherein said refrigeration unit (R) has a vertical mounting profile and accommodates at least two vertically disposed compressors (21).

26. The combination of claim 23, wherein said housing includes the mounting base (56) for supporting the selected refrigeration components and end walls (55) provided with piping connections for the closely coupled cooling loop, and said housing also includes a cover (57) for enclosing the entire mounting base (56) between the end walls (55) to thereby encase the refrigeration components therein.

27. The combination of claim 23, wherein the housing is constructed and arranged to provide a sound absorbing barrier.

28. The combination of claim 23, which includes a condenser (12) as a part of the closed vapor phase refrigeration circuit of said refrigeration unit (R).

29. The combination of claim 28, wherein said condenser is part of a first heat exchanger supported on the housing and includes condenser cooling means.

30. The combination of claim 29, wherein said condenser cooling means comprises an external cooling source selected from a class consisting of a fluid cooling tower, a coolant chiller system, a cold ground water supply, a dedicated refrigeration system or an air cooled heat exchanger.

31. The combination of claim 28, wherein said condenser (12) is remotely located from the housing and is either water cooled or air cooled.

32. The combination of claim 28, wherein the heat transfer cooling coils of the refrigerated fixtures (33) comprise evaporator coils as part of the closed vapor phase refrigeration circuit and are connected between said condenser (12) on the high side and said plural compressors (21) on the low side.

33. The combination of claim 28, which includes an evaporative cooling heat exchanger having an evaporator coil as part of the closed vapor phase refrigeration circuit, and in which said heat transfer cooling coils of said refrigerated fixtures (33;133) comprise liquid cooled heat exchangers as part of a glycol-type liquid coolant system having a cooling phase in which its cooling loop is connected in heat exchange relation to the evaporative coil.

34. A refrigeration unit (R) as claimed claim 1, wherein the housing has a fixture mounting profile constructed to be accommodated within the footprint area of one of said associated fixtures (33;133).

35. The combination of claim 23, wherein the housing has a fixture mounting profile constructed to be accommodated within the footprint area of one of said associated fixtures (33;133).

Ansprüche

1. Tiefkühleinheit (R) in Kombination mit mehreren nahe benachbarten zugeordneten tiefgekühlten Befestigungsständen (33; 133), die zum Gebrauch in einem Ladengeschäft geeignet sind, wobei jeder der Befestigungsstände (33; 133) eine Produktzone und eine Wärmeübertragungskühlspule (29; 129) zum Tiefkühlen der selben aufweist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Tiefkühleinheit (R) ein Gehäuse mit einem Befestigungsstandanbringungsprofil umfasst, das dazu konstruiert ist, innerhalb der Aufstandsfläche wenigstens einer der zugeordneten Befestigungsstände (33; 133) aufgenommen zu werden, und das dazu angeordnet ist, bestimmte Tiefkühlkomponenten eines geschlossenen Tiefkühlkreises zu stützen, die zum Versorgen sämtlicher zugeordneter Befestigungsstände (33; 133) entsprechend dem Tiefkühlbedarf vorgesehen sind, wobei die Komponenten mehrere Dampfphasenkompressoren (21) und eine enggekoppelte Kühlschleife (27, 30) beinhalten, die mit den Wärmeübertragungskühlspulen (29; 129) sämtlicher zugeordneter Befestigungsstände (33; 133) verbunden ist.

2. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 1, wobei zwei der mehreren Kompressoren (21) als Spiralkompressoren ausgebildet sind.

3. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 1, wobei zwei der mehrere Kompressoren (21) als Spiralkompressoren unterschiedlicher Kapazität ausgebildet sind.

4. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Einheit (R) ein horizontales Anbringungsprofil aufweist, das Seite an Seite horizontal angeordnete Kompressoren aufnimmt.

5. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 4, wobei der eine zugeordnete Befestigungsstand (33; 133) in dem Ladengeschäft frei steht und die Tiefkühleinheit (R) über der Oberseite des einen zugeordneten Befestigungsstandes (33; 133) aufgenommen ist, wobei sie mit ihrem horizontalen Profil an die obere Wand desselben anstößt.

6. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Tiefkühleinheit (R) ein vertikales Anbringungsprofil aufweist, das vertikal angeordnete Kompressoren aufnimmt.

7. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 6, wobei einer der zugeordneten Befestigungsstände (33; 133) gegen eine Wandstruktur des Ladengeschäfts gerichtet angeordnet werden kann, und wobei die Tiefkühleinheit (R) über der Oberseite des einen zugeordneten Befestigungsstandes (33; 133) aufgenommen ist, wobei sie mit ihrem vertikalen Profil an diese Wandstruktur anstößt.

8. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Gehäuse eine Anbringungsbasis (56) und damit verbundene Endwände (55) zum Aufnehmen der bestimmten Tiefkühlkomponenten und zum Anbringen der Rohrverbindungen der enggekoppelten Kühlschleife (27; 30) beinhaltet.

9. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 8, wobei das Gehäuse Abdeckmittel (57) zum Abdecken der gesamten Basis (56) zwischen den Endwänden (55) aufweist, um die Tiefkühlkomponenten darin einzuschließen.

10. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Gehäuse konstruiert und angeordnet ist, um eine schallschluckende Barriere zu bilden.

11. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 8, wobei das Gehäuse konstruiert und angeordnet ist, um im Inneren Rohrverbindungen aufzunehmen, die sich durch wenigstens eine Endwand (55) ins Äußere des selben erstrecken, um an die Rohre der Wärmeübertragungskühlspulen (29; 129) für sämtliche zugeordnete Befestigungsstände (33; 133) des selben angeschlossen zu werden.

12. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 1, beinhaltend Steuerungstafelinstrumente zum Überwachen des Betriebs der Tiefkühleinheit (R).

13. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Gehäuse eine Anbringungsbasis (56) aufweist, die ein Kondensatoreinheitsgestell (20) zum Stützen der mehreren Kompressoren (21) bildet, wobei die Kompressoren (21) Teil eines geschlossenen Dampfphasentiefkühlsystems sind, das Flüssigkeits- und Saugleitungsverbindungen (27; 30) beinhaltet.

14. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 13, die einen Kondensator (12) als ein Teil des geschlossenen Dampfphasentiefkühlsystems beinhaltet.

15. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 14, wobei der Kondensator (12) Teil eines ersten Wärmeaustauschers ist, der auf der Anbringungsbasis (56) gestützt wird und der Kondensatorkühlmittel aufweist.

16. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 15, wobei die Anbringungsbasis (56) des Kondensators (12) auf dem Kondensatoreinheitsgestell (20) angebracht ist.

17. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 15, wobei das Kondensatorkühlmittel eine externe Flüssigkeitskühlquelle umfasst, die aus einer Klasse gewählt ist, die aus einem Fluidkühlturm, einem Kühlmittelkältesystem, einer Kaltgrundwasserversorgung, einem eigenen Tiefkühlsystem oder einem luftgekühlten Wärmeaustauscher besteht.

18. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 13, wobei der Kondensator (12) von dem Gehäuse entfernt angeordnet ist und das Kondensatoreinheitsgestell (20) des selben entweder wassergekühlt oder luftgekühlt ist.

19. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 14, wobei die Wärmeübertragungskühlspulen der zugeordneten Befestigungsstände (33; 133) Verdampferspulen als Teil des geschlossenen Dampfphasentiefkühlkreises umfassen und zwischen den Kondensator (12) an der Hochdruckseite und den mehreren Kompressoren (21) an der Niederdruckseite angeschlossen sind.

20. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 14, beinhaltend einen Verdampferkühlungswärmeaustauscher, der eine Verdampferspule als Teil des geschlossenen Dampfphasentiefkühlsystems aufweist.

21. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 20, wobei die Wärmeübertragungskühlspule einen flüssigkeitsgekühlten Wärmeaustauscher als Teil eines Kühlmittelsystems mit glykolartiger Flüssigkeit umfasst, das eine Kühlphase aufweist, in der die Kühlschleife mit dem Verdampfungskühlungswärmeaustauscher verbunden ist.

22. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 1 in Verbindung mit den mehreren zugeordneten Tiefkühlbefestigungsständen (33; 133), wobei die mehreren Kompressoren (21) durch Kühlschleifen mit der Wärmeübertragungskühlschleife jedes Befestigungsstandes (33; 133) verbunden sind.

23. Kombination wenigstens zwei separater, eng benachbarter zugeordneter tiefgekühlter Befestigungsstände (33; 133), die sich zur Verwendung in einem Ladengeschäft eignen, wobei jeder Befestigungsstand einen Schrank mit einer oberen Wandfläche aufweist, der eine Produktzone und eine Wärmeübertragungskühlspule (29; 129) zum Tiefkühlen seiner Produktzone mit einer Tiefkühleinheit (R) aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Tiefkühleinheit (R) ein Gehäuse mit einem Anbringungsprofil, das so konstruiert ist, dass es innerhalb der Aufstandsfläche der oberen Wand wenigstens einer der tiefgekühlten Befestigungsstände (33; 133) aufgenommen werden kann, und das dazu angeordnet ist, bestimmte Tiefkühlkomponenten eines geschlossenen Tiefkühlkreises zu stützen, der mehrere Dampfphasenspiralkompressoren (21) beinhaltet, die wahlweise unterschiedliche Kapazität haben, und eine eng gekoppelte Kühlschleife (27, 30) umfasst, die angeschlossen ist, um den Tiefkühlbedarf der Wärmeübertragungskühlspulen (29; 129) sämtlicher zugeordneter tiefgekühlter Befestigungsstände (33; 133) zu versorgen.

24. Kombination nach Anspruch 23, wobei die Tiefkühleinheit (R) ein horizontales Basisanbringungsprofil aufweist und wenigstens zwei horizontal angeordnete Kompressoren (21) aufnimmt, und wobei der tiefgekühlte Befestigungsstand (33; 133) benachbart zu einem anderen tiefgekühlten Befestigungsstand (33; 133) frei steht, wobei die Tiefkühleinheit (R) derart aufgenommen ist, dass sie mit ihrem horizontalen Basisprofil an die obere Wand des einen tiefgekühlten Befestigungsstandes (33; 133) anstößt.

25. Kombination nach Anspruch 23, wobei die Tiefkühleinheit (R) ein vertikales Anbringungsprofil aufweist und wenigstens zwei vertikal angeordnete Kompressoren (21) aufnimmt.

26. Kombination nach Anspruch 23, wobei das Gehäuse die Anbringungsbasis (56) zum Stützen der bestimmten Tiefkühlkomponenten und Endwände (55) beinhaltet, die mit Rohranschlüssen für die eng gekoppelte Kühlschleife versehen sind, und wobei das Gehäuse auch eine Abdeckung (57) zum Einschließen der gesamten Anbringungsbasis (56) zwischen den Endwänden (55) beinhaltet, um dadurch die Tiefkühlkomponenten darin einzuschließen.

27. Kombination nach Anspruch 23, wobei das Gehäuse dazu konstruiert und angeordnet ist, eine schallschluckende Barriere zu bilden.

28. Kombination nach Anspruch 23, beinhaltend einen Kondensator (12) als ein Teil des geschlossenen Dampfphasentiefkühlkreises der Tiefkühleinheit (R).

29. Kombination nach Anspruch 28, wobei der Kondensator Teil eines ersten Wärmeaustauschers ist, der an dem Gehäuse gestützt wird, und Kondensatorkühlmittel beinhaltet.

30. Kombination nach Anspruch 29, wobei das Kondensatorkühlmittel eine externe Kühlquelle umfasst, die aus einer Klasse gewählt ist, die aus einem Fluidkühlturm, einem Kühlmittelkältesystem, einer Kaltgrundwasserversorgung, einem eigenen Tiefkühlsystem oder einem luftgekühlten Wärmeaustauscher besteht.

31. Kombination nach Anspruch 28, wobei der Kondensator (12) von dem Gehäuse entfernt angeordnet ist und entweder wassergekühlt oder luftgekühlt ist.

32. Kombination nach Anspruch 28, wobei die Wärmeaustauscherkühlspulen der tiefgekühlten Befestigungsstände (33) Verdampferspulen als Teil des geschlossenen Dampfphasentiefkühlkreises umfassen und zwischen den Kondensator (12) an der Hochdruckseite und die mehreren Kompressoren (21) an der Niederdruckseite geschaltet sind.

33. Kombination nach Anspruch 28, beinhaltend einen Verdampfungskühlungswärmeaustauscher, der eine Verdampferspule als Teil des geschlossenen Dampfphasentiefkühlkreises aufweist, und in dem Wärmeaustauscherkühlspulen der tiefgekühlten Befestigungsstände (33; 133) flüssiggekühlte Wärmeaustauscher als Teil eines Kühlsystems mit glykolartiger Flüssigkeit umfasst, das eine Kühlphase aufweist, in der seine Kühlschleife in Wärmeaustauschbeziehung mit der Verdampferspule verbunden ist.

34. Tiefkühleinheit (R) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Gehäuse ein Befestigungsstandanbringungsprofil aufweist, das dazu konstruiert ist, innerhalb der Aufstandsfläche eines der zugeordneten Befestigungsstände (33; 133) aufgenommen zu werden.

35. Kombination nach Anspruch 23, wobei das Gehäuse ein Befestigungsstandanbringungsprofil aufweist, das dazu konstruiert ist, innerhalb der Aufstandsfläche eines der zugeordneten Befestigungsstände (33; 133) aufgenommen zu werden.

Revendications

1. Unité de réfrigération (R) en association avec plusieurs installations réfrigérées associées intimement adjacentes (33 ; 133) appropriée pour une utilisation dans un magasin commercial, chacune desdites installations (33 ; 133) ayant une zone de produit et un serpentin de refroidissement de transfert de chaleur (29 ; 129) pour la réfrigération de celle-ci, caractérisée en ce que ladite unité de réfrigération (R) comprend un logement avec un profil de montage d'installation construit pour être logé à l'intérieur de l'emprise au sol d'au moins une desdites installations associées (33 ; 133) et étant agencé pour supporter des composants de réfrigération sélectionnés d'un circuit de réfrigération fermé pour fournir les besoins en réfrigération de toutes les installations associées (33 ; 133), lesdits composants comprennent plusieurs compresseurs de phase vapeur (21) et une boucle de refroidissement intimement couplée (27 ; 30) reliée aux serpentins de refroidissement de transfert de chaleur (29 ; 129) de toutes les installations associées (33 ; 133).

2. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle deux desdits plusieurs compresseurs (21) sont des compresseurs à spirale.

3. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle deux desdits plusieurs compresseurs (21) sont des compresseurs à volute ayant des capacités différentes.

4. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ladite unité (R) a un profil de montage horizontal logeant côte à côte des compresseurs disposés horizontalement.

5. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle ladite une installation associée (33 ; 133) est indépendante à l'intérieur du magasin commercial, et l'unité de réfrigération (R) est logée par-dessus la partie supérieure de ladite installation associée (33 ; 133) avec son profil horizontal contigu à la paroi supérieure de celle-ci.

6. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ladite unité de réfrigération (R) a un profil de montage vertical logeant des compresseurs disposés verticalement.

7. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle une desdites installations associées (33 ; 133) peut être positionnée contre une structure de mur vertical du magasin commercial, et l'unité de réfrigération (R) est logée par-dessus la partie supérieure de ladite installation associée (33 ; 133) avec son profil vertical contigu à cette structure de mur.

8. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ledit logement comprend une base de montage (56) et des parois d'extrémité (55) reliées à celle-ci pour loger les composants de réfrigération sélectionnés et pour monter les raccords de tuyauterie de la boucle de refroidissement intimement couplée (27 ; 30).

9. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle ledit logement comprend des moyens de couvercle (57) pour recouvrir entièrement la base de montage (56) entre les parois d'extrémité (55) afin d'y enfermer les composants de réfrigération.

10. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 9, dans laquelle le logement est construit et agencé pour fournir une barrière insonorisante.

11. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle ledit logement est construit et agencé pour loger de façon interne des raccords de tuyauterie s'étendant de façon externe à celui-ci à travers au moins une paroi d'extrémité (55) pour être raccordé aux serpentins de refroidissement de transfert de chaleur (29 ; 129) pour toutes les installations associées (33 ; 133)

12. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 1, comprenant une instrumentation de tableau de commande pour contrôler le fonctionnement de l'unité de réfrigération (R).

13. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ledit logement comprend une base de montage (56) formant un rayon de groupe condenseur (20) pour supporter lesdits plusieurs compresseurs (21), lesdits compresseurs (21) faisant partie d'un système de réfrigération de phase vapeur fermé qui comprend des raccords de conduite de liquide et d'aspiration (27 ; 30).

14. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 13, qui comprend un condenseur (12) en tant que partie du système de réfrigération de phase vapeur fermé.

15. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 14, dans laquelle ledit condenseur (12) fait partie d'un premier échangeur de chaleur supporté par la base de montage (56) et ayant des moyens de refroidissement de condenseur.

16. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 15, dans laquelle la base de montage (56) dudit condenseur (12) est montée sur le rayon de groupe condenseur (20).

17. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 15, dans laquelle lesdits moyens de refroidissement de condenseur comprennent une source de refroidissement de liquide externe prise dans le groupe constitué par une tour de refroidissement de liquide, un système refroidisseur de liquide caloporteur, une alimentation en eau souterraine froide, un système de réfrigération spécial ou un échangeur de chaleur refroidi à l'air.

18. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 13, dans laquelle ledit condenseur (12) est situé de façon éloignée des logement et rayon de groupe condenseur (20) de celle-ci et est refroidi soit par eau, soit par air.

19. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 14, dans laquelle les serpentins de refroidissement de transfert de chaleur des installations associées (33 ; 133) comprennent des serpentins évaporateurs en tant que partie du circuit de réfrigération de phase de vapeur fermé et sont raccordés entre ledit condenseur (12) sur le côté supérieur et lesdits plusieurs compresseurs (21) sur le côté inférieur.

20. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 14, qui comprend un échangeur de chaleur à refroidissement par évaporation d'eau ayant un serpentin évaporateur en tant que partie du système de réfrigération de phase vapeur fermé.

21. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 20, dans laquelle ledit serpentin de refroidissement de transfert de chaleur comprend un échangeur de chaleur refroidi par liquide en tant que partie d'un système de réfrigérant liquide de type glycol ayant une phase de refroidissement dans laquelle la boucle de refroidissement est raccordée à l'échangeur de chaleur à refroidissement par évaporation d'eau.

22. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 1, en association avec lesdites plusieurs installations de réfrigération associées (33 ; 133), lesdits plusieurs compresseurs (21) étant raccordés par l'intermédiaire de boucles de refroidissement à la boucle de refroidissement de transfert de chaleur de chaque installation (33 ; 133).

23. Combinaison d'au moins deux installations réfrigérées associées intimement adjacentes et distinctes (33 ; 133) appropriée pour une utilisation dans un magasin commercial, chacune de ces installations a une armoire avec une surface de paroi supérieure et ayant une zone de produit et un serpentin de refroidissement de transfert de chaleur (29 ; 129) pour la réfrigération de sa zone de produit avec une unité de réfrigération (R) caractérisée en ce que l'unité de réfrigération (R) comprend un logement avec un profil de montage construit afin d'être logé à l'intérieur de l'emprise au sol de la paroi supérieure d'au moins une desdites installations réfrigérées (33 ; 133) et étant agencé pour supporter des composants de réfrigération sélectionnés d'un circuit de réfrigération fermé comprenant plusieurs compresseurs à volute de phase vapeur (21) ayant facultativement des capacités différentes, et une boucle de refroidissement intimement couplée (27, 30) raccordée pour fournir les besoins en réfrigération des serpentins de refroidissement de transfert de chaleur (29 ; 129) de toutes les installations réfrigérées associées (33 ; 133).

24. Combinaison selon la revendication 23, dans laquelle ladite unité de réfrigération (R) a un profil de montage de base horizontal et loge au moins deux compresseurs disposés horizontalement (21), et ladite installation réfrigérée (33 ; 133) est indépendante adjacente à une autre installation réfrigérée associée (33 ; 133), l'unité de réfrigération (R) étant logée avec son profil de base horizontal contigu à la paroi supérieure de ladite une installation réfrigérée (33 ; 133).

25. Combinaison selon la revendication 23, dans laquelle ladite unité de réfrigération (R) a un profil de montage vertical et loge au moins deux compresseurs disposés verticalement (21).

26. Combinaison selon la revendication 23, dans laquelle ledit logement comprend la base de montage (56) pour supporter les composants de réfrigération sélectionnés et des parois d'extrémité (55) pourvue de raccords de tuyauterie pour la boucle de refroidissement intimement couplée, et ledit logement comprend également un couvercle (57) pour recouvrir entièrement la base de montage (56) entre les parois d'extrémité (55) afin d'y enfermer les composants de réfrigération.

27. Combinaison selon la revendication 23, dans laquelle le logement est construit et agencé pour fournire une barrière insonorisante.

28. Combinaison selon la revendication 23, qui comprend un condenseur (12) en tant que partie du circuit de réfrigération de phase vapeur fermé de ladite unité de réfrigération (R).

29. Combinaison selon la revendication 28, dans laquelle ledit condenseur fait partie d'un premier échangeur de chaleur supporté par le logement et comprend un moyen de refroidissement de condenseur.

30. Combinaison selon la revendication 29, dans laquelle ledit moyen de refroidissement de condenseur comprend une source de refroidissement externe prise dans le groupe constitué par une tour de refroidissement de liquide, un système refroidisseur de liquide caloporteur, une alimentation en eau souterraine froide, un système de réfrigération spécial ou un échangeur de chaleur refroidi à l'air.

31. Combinaison selon la revendication 28, dans laquelle ledit condenseur (12) est situé de façon éloignée du logement et est refroidi soit par eau, soit par air.

32. Combinaison selon la revendication 28, dans laquelle les serpentins de refroidissement de transfert de chaleur des installations réfrigérées (33) comprennent des serpentins évaporateurs en tant que partie du circuit de réfrigération de phase vapeur fermé et sont raccordés entre ledit condenseur (12) sur le côté supérieur et lesdits plusieurs compresseurs (21) sur le côté inférieur.

33. Combinaison selon la revendication 28, qui comprend un échangeur de chaleur de refroidissement par évaporation d'eau ayant un serpentin évaporateur en tant que partie du circuit de réfrigération de phase vapeur fermé, et dans laquelle lesdits serpentins de refroidissement de transfert de chaleur desdites installations réfrigérées (33 ; 133) comprennent des échangeurs de chaleur refroidis par liquide en tant que partie d'un système de réfrigérant liquide de type glycol ayant une phase de refroidissement dans laquelle sa boucle de refroidissement est raccordée en relation d'échange de chaleur au serpentin d'évaporation d'eau.

34. Unité de réfrigération (R) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le logement a un profil de montage d'installation construit pour être logé à l'intérieur de l'emprise au sol d'une desdites installations associées (33 ; 133).

35. Combinaison selon la revendication 23, dans laquelle le logement a un profil de montage d'installation construit pour être logé à l'intérieur de l'emprise au sol d'une desdites installations associées (33 ; 133).

Drawing