Ice machine with a dual-circuit evaporator for hydrocarbon refrigerant
US10502472B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2016 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28F2210/10
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ice making machine having a refrigeration system designed for hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants, and particularly propane (R-290), that includes dual independent refrigeration systems and a unique evaporator assembly comprising of a single freeze plate attached to two cooling circuits. The serpentines are designed in an advantageous pattern that promotes efficiency by ensuring the even bridging of ice during freezing and minimizing unwanted melting during harvest by providing an even distribution of the heat load. The charge limitations imposed with flammable refrigerants would otherwise prevent large capacity ice maker from being properly charged with a single circuit. The ice making machine includes a single water circuit and control system to ensure the proper and efficient production of ice. Material cost is conserved as compared to a traditional dual system icemaker.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.