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EP 1 153 251 B1 |
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EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
(45) |
Mention of the grant of the patent: |
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02.06.2004 Bulletin 2004/23 |
(22) |
Date of filing: 17.02.2000 |
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(86) |
International application number: |
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PCT/US2000/004169 |
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International publication number: |
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WO 2000/049345 (24.08.2000 Gazette 2000/34) |
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IMPROVEMENTS IN MULTIPLE ZONE REFRIGERATION
VERBESSERUNGEN BEI MEHRZONENKÜHLUNG
AMELIORATIONS APPORTEES A LA REFRIGERATION MULTIZONES
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Designated Contracting States: |
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AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE |
(30) |
Priority: |
18.02.1999 GB 9903593
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Date of publication of application: |
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14.11.2001 Bulletin 2001/46 |
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Proprietor: HUSSMANN CORPORATION |
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Bridgeton
Missouri 63044 (US) |
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Inventor: |
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- COTTER, Dennis
Glasgow G41 1BS (GB)
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(74) |
Representative: Moreland, David, Dr. et al |
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Cruikshank & Fairweather,
19 Royal Exchange Square Glasgow G1 3AE Glasgow G1 3AE (GB) |
(56) |
References cited: :
FR-A- 2 689 221 US-A- 3 350 896 US-A- 4 895 001 US-A- 5 065 591 US-A- 5 791 156
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US-A- 3 180 109 US-A- 4 723 414 US-A- 4 995 243 US-A- 5 743 098 US-A- 5 819 549
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Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
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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.
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).
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.
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).