Water cooler abstract
An improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration
system comprising first conduits interconnecting the water cooled
refrigeration system and the recycling water cooler and the ambient
water source for enabling the flow of water therebetween. Second
conduits interconnect the water cooled refrigeration system and
the recycling water cooler and the drain for enabling the flow of
water therebetween. A first and second valve is interposed in the
first and second conduits for enabling heated water discharged from
the water cooled refrigeration system to enter the recycling water
cooler to be cooled thereby and to be returned to the water cooled
refrigeration system when the first and second valves are disposed
in a first position. The first and second valves interconnect the
water cooled refrigeration system to the ambient water source and
to a drain for operating the water cooled refrigeration system in
a conventional manner when the first and second valves are disposed
in a second position.
Water cooler claims
What is claimed is:
1. An improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration
system located within a building structure,
the water cooled refrigeration system having a first input and
a first output, the water cooled refrigeration system transferring
heat from a refrigerated volume to ambient water entering the first
input from an ambient water source for discharging heated water
from the first output into a drain,
the improved recycling water cooler having a second input and a
second output, the recycling water cooler being located outside
of the building structure for transferring heat from the warm water
entering the second input to ambient air and to discharge cool water
from the second output,
the improved comprising in combination:
first conduit means interconnecting the first input of the water
cooled refrigeration system, the second output of the recycling
water cooler and the ambient water source for enabling the flow
of water therebetween;
second conduit means interconnecting the first output of the water
cooled refrigeration system, the second input of the recycling water
cooler and the drain for enabling the flow of water there between;
first valve means having a first and a second position interposed
in said first conduit means;
second valve means having a first and a second position interposed
in said second conduit means;
said first valve means and said second valve means having a first
position for interconnecting the first output to the second input
and for interconnecting the second output to the first input for
enabling heated water discharged from first output of the water
cooled refrigeration system to enter the second input of the recycling
water cooler to be cooled by ambient air and to be returned from
the second output into the first input of the water cooled refrigeration
system for saving ambient water thereby; and
said first and second valve means having a second position for
interconnecting the first input to the ambient water source for
discharging heated water from the first output into a drain for
operating the water cooled refrigeration system in a conventional
manner in the event of malfunction of the recycling water cooler.
2. An improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration
system as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said first and second
valve means is a three-way valve.
3. An improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration
system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first and second valve
means operate in unison.
4. An improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration
system as set forth in claim 1 including fluid couplings for interconnecting
the converter to the water cooled refrigeration system and the recycling
water cooler.
5. An improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration
system,
the water cooled refrigeration system having a first input and
a first output, the water cooled refrigeration system transferring
heat from a refrigerated volume to ambient water entering the first
input from an ambient water source for discharging heated water
from the first output into a drain,
the recycling water cooler having a second input and a second output,
the recycling water cooler transferring heat from the warm water
entering the second input for discharging cool water from the second
output,
the improved comprising in combination:
first conduit means interconnecting the first input of the water
cooled refrigeration system, the second output of the recycling
water cooler and the ambient water source for enabling the flow
of water therebetween;
second conduit means interconnecting the first output of the water
cooled refrigeration system, the second input of the recycling water
cooler and the drain for enabling the flow of water therebetween;
first valve means having a first and a second position interposed
in said first conduit means;
second valve means having a first and a second position interposed
in said second conduit means;
control means connected to said first valve means and said second
valve means for positioning said first and second valve means in
said first position for interconnecting the first output to the
second input and for interconnecting the second output to the first
input for enabling heated water discharged from first; output of
the water cooled refrigeration system to enter the second input
of the recycling water cooler to be cooled thereby and to be returned
from the second output into the first input of the water cooled
refrigeration system;
said control means positioning said first and second valve means
in said second position for interconnecting the first input to the
ambient water source for discharging heated water from the first
output into a drain for operating the water cooled refrigeration
system in a conventional manner;
sensor means for generating a signal indicative of a malfunction
of the recycling water cooler; and
said control means positioning said first and second valve means
in said second position for interconnecting the first input to the
ambient water source for discharging heated water from the first
output into a drain upon a signal indicative of a malfunction.
6. An improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration
system as set forth in claim 5 including
alarm means for generating an alarm signal upon a signal indicative
of a malfunction.
7. An improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration
system as set forth in claim 6 including a temperature sensor for
generating a signal indicative of an excessive temperature proximate
the second output of the recycling water cooler; and
said control means positioning said first and second valve means
in said second position for interconnecting the first input to the
ambient water source for discharging heated water from the first
output into a drain upon a signal indicative of an excessive temperature.
8. An improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration
system as set forth in claim 6 wherein the recycling water cooler
includes a compressor;
a pressure sensor for generating a signal indicative of an excessive
pressure in the compressor of the recycling water cooler; and
said control means positioning said first and second valve means
in said second position for interconnecting the first input to the
ambient water source for discharging heated water from the first
output into a drain upon a signal indicative of an excessive pressure.
9. An improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration
system as set forth in claim 6 wherein each of said first and second
valves is a three-way valve.
10. An improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration
system as set forth in claim 6 wherein said control means operates
said first and second valves in unison.
Water cooler description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to refrigeration and more particularly to
an improved recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration
system.
2. Background of the Invention
Refrigeration systems for domestic and commercial use may be found
in a wide variety of configurations. Although these refrigeration
systems appear in a variety of configurations, the refrigeration
systems operate on a common fundamental principal.
In general, heat is removed from a refrigerated volume such as
a closure or container and the removed heat is rejected or dissipated
into a heat sink that absorbs the heat removed from the refrigerator
volume. This transfer of heat is common to all refrigeration systems
regardless of the type of refrigeration system.
In many refrigeration systems, the heat sink may be an ambient
flow of air which is commonly referred to as an air cooled refrigeration
system or the heat sink may be an ambient flow of water which is
commonly referred to as a water cooled refrigeration system. In
an air cooled refrigeration system wherein an ambient flow of air
is used as the heat sink, heat is removed from the refrigerator
volume by an evaporator and is dissipated into ambient air flowing
through a condenser. In a water cooled refrigeration system wherein
an ambient flow of water is used as the heat sink, heat is removed
from the refrigerator volume and is dissipated into an ambient flowing
water source through a heat exchanger. Although both the air cooled
refrigeration systems and the water cooled refrigeration systems
function satisfactorily for various purposes, the water cooled refrigeration
systems are more efficient due to the greater capacity of water
to absorb heat relative to the capacity of ambient air to absorb
heat. Furthermore, the water cooled refrigeration systems are frequently
less complicated and smaller in size than a corresponding air cooled
refrigeration system.
With the higher efficiency of water cooled refrigeration system,
the water cooled refrigeration systems have found widespread use
in the art especially in commercial installations for various refrigeration
systems such as commercial refrigerators and commercial ice makers.
The shortage of potable water in some areas have resulted in a
substantial increase in the cost of potable water. Accordingly,
the use of flowing potable water for absorbing heat in a water cooled
refrigeration system has become a substantial cost to the operation
of water cooled refrigeration systems. Although these water cooled
refrigeration systems may at one time have been more economical
for operation than air cooled refrigeration systems, with the recent
rise in the cost of potable water, in many areas, the operation
of a water cooled refrigeration system is now more expensive than
a similar air cooled refrigeration system.
Therefore it is an object of this invention to provide an improved
recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration system for
the conservation of water.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved recycling
water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration system wherein the
water cooled refrigeration system may be operated in conjunction
with the recycling water cooler or may be operated independently
thereof as originally designed as a water cooled refrigeration system.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved recycling
water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration system which is low
cost and easy to install for converting a water cooled refrigeration
system.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved recycling
water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration system having an improved
control for automatically transferring the water cooled refrigeration
system from operating in conjunction with the recycling water cooler
back to an original water cooled refrigeration system upon the unlikely
event of failure of the recycling water cooler.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved recycling
water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration system which may be
readily and inexpensively installed to provide a significant conservation
of water.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved recycling
water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration system which may be
operated at a considerable savings to the water cooled refrigeration
system user.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved recycling
water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration system which may be
adapted to a wide variety of water cooled refrigeration systems.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of
the present invention. These objects should be construed as being
merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications
of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained
by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying
the invention with in the scope of the invention. Accordingly other
objects in a full understanding of the invention may be had by referring
to the summary of the invention, the detailed description describing
the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention
defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is defined by the appended claims with specific
embodiments being shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose
of summarizing the invention, the invention relates to an improved
recycling water cooler for a water cooled refrigeration system,
comprising first conduit means interconnecting the water cooled
refrigeration system and the recycling water cooler and an ambient
water source for enabling the flow of water therebetween. Second
conduit means interconnects the water cooled refrigeration system
and the recycling water cooler and a drain for enabling the flow
of water therebetween. A first and second valve means is interposed
in the first and second conduit means for enabling heated water
discharged from the water cooled refrigeration system to enter the
recycling water cooler to be cooled thereby and to be returned to
the water cooled refrigeration system when the first and second
valves are disposed in a first position. The first and second valve
means interconnect the water cooled refrigeration system to the
ambient water source and to the drain for operating the water cooled
refrigeration system in a conventional manner when the first and
second valve means are disposed in a second position.
In a more specific embodiment of the invention, the water cooled
refrigeration system has a first input and a first output. The water
cooled refrigeration system transfers heat from a refrigerated volume
to ambient water entering the first input from an ambient water
source for discharging heated water from the first output into a
drain. The recycling water cooler has a second input and a second
output. The recycling water cooler transfers heat from the warm
water entering the second input and discharges cool water from the
second output. The improved converter comprises first conduit means
interconnecting the first input of the water cooled refrigeration
system, the second output of the recycling water cooler and the
ambient water source for enabling the flow of water therebetween.
Second conduit means interconnects the first output of the water
cooled refrigeration system, the second input of the recycling water
cooler and the drain for enabling the flow of water therebetween.
A first valve means having a first and a second position is interposed
in the first conduit means. A second valve means having a first
and a second position is interposed in the second conduit means.
A control means is connected to the first valve means and the second
valve means for positioning the first and second valve means in
the first position for interconnecting the first output to the second
input and for interconnecting the second output to the first input
for enabling heated water discharged from first output of the water
cooled refrigeration system to enter the second input of the recycling
water cooler to be cooled thereby and to be returned from the second
output into the first input of the water cooled refrigeration system.
The control means positions the first and second valve means in
the second position for interconnecting the first input to the ambient
water source for discharging heated water from the first output
into a drain for operating the water cooled refrigeration system
in a conventional manner.
In one embodiment of the invention, the improved converter includes
sensor means for generating a signal indicative of a malfunction
of the recycling water cooler. The control means positions the first
and second valve means in the second position for interconnecting
the first input to the ambient water source for discharging heated
water from the first output into a drain upon a signal indicative
of a malfunction. An alarm means generates an alarm signal upon
a signal indicative of a malfunction.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and
important features of the present invention in order that the detailed
description that follows may be better understood so that the present
contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional
features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form
the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated
by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific
embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying
or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes
of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled
in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from
the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,
reference should be made to the following detailed description taken
in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a prior art water cooled refrigeration
system located within a building structure;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the water cooled refrigeration system
of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a water cooled refrigeration system
of FIG. 1 located within a building structure interconnected with
the improved recycling water cooler of the present invention located
outside of the building structure;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the water cooled refrigeration system
interconnected with the improved recycling water cooler of FIG.
3;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the water cooled refrigeration system
interconnected with the improved recycling water cooler with a first
and a second valve being located in a first position for enabling
heated water discharged from the water cooled refrigeration system
to be cooled by the improved recycling water cooler;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the water cooled refrigeration system
interconnected with the improved recycling water cooler with the
first and second valves being located in a first position for enabling
the water cooled refrigeration system to operate in a conventional
manner;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged side sectional view of the recycling water
cooler of FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line 8--8 in FIG. 7; and
FIG. 9 is a sectional view along line 9--9 in FIG. 7.
Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout
the several Figures of the drawings.
DETAILED DISCUSSION
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a water cooled refrigeration system
10 located within a building structure defined by a wall 12. FIG.
2 is a block diagram of the water cooled refrigeration system 10
of FIG. 1. The water cooled refrigeration system 10 has a first
input 21 and a first output 22. The first input 21 is connected
by a conduit 24 to an ambient water source 26 such as a conventional
water line of potable water. The first output 22 is connected by
a conduit 28 to a drain 30.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the water cooled refrigeration system
10 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the water cooled refrigeration
system 10 is shown as water cooled refrigeration unit 32 connected
to a refrigerated volume shown as an ice maker 34. Although the
refrigerated volume is shown as an ice maker 34 it should be understood
by those skilled in the art that virtually any refrigerated volume
may be used with the present invention.
The ambient water source 26 shown as a conventional water line
flows into the first input 21 to furnish potable water to the ice
maker 34 and to the water cooled refrigeration unit 32 through a
conduit 36. The water cooled refrigeration unit 32 transfers heat
from the ice maker 34 to freeze the ambient water entering the first
input 21 to create ice thereby. In addition, the ambient water entering
the first input 21 is directed by the conduit 36 to absorb heat
removed from the ice maker 34 by the water cooled refrigeration
unit 32. The entering ambient water absorbs the heat removed from
the ice maker 34 and heat is removed as heated water from the first
output 22 into the drain 30. Although the use of potable water flowing
through conduit 36 and discharged from the first output 22 into
the drain 30 provide an efficient cooling for the water cooled refrigeration
system 10 the use of flowing potable water for absorbing heat in
a water cooled refrigeration unit 32 has become a substantial cost
to the operation of water cooled refrigeration systems 10. This
increase in cost of the operation of the water cooled refrigeration
systems 10 is due to the shortage of potable water in some areas
and the requirements to conserve potable water.
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the water cooled refrigeration system
10 of FIG. 1 located within a building structure defined by the
wall 12. The water cooled refrigeration system 10 is shown interconnected
with an improved recycling water cooler 40 located outside of the
building structure defined by the wall 12.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the water cooled refrigeration system
10 interconnected with the recycling water cooler 40 of FIG. 2.
The water cooled refrigeration system 10 in FIG. 3 operates identically
as the operation set forth in FIGS. 1 and 2. The recycling water
cooler 40 has a second input 41 and a second output 42. The recycling
water cooler 40 includes a heat exchanger 44 and an air cooled refrigeration
unit 46. The heat exchanger 44 of the recycling water cooler 40
removes heat from warm water entering the second input 41 and transfers
the heat to the air cooled refrigeration unit 46. The air cooled
refrigeration unit 46 transfers the heat to ambient air. After the
heat is removed from the warm water entering the second input 41
cool water is discharged from the second output 42. Preferably the
air cooled refrigeration unit 46 includes a compressor and a condenser
in combination with the heat exchanger 44 as will be explained in
greater detail hereinafter. A pump 48 is interposed at the second
output 42 for pumping the cool water therefrom.
The water cooled refrigeration system 10 is interconnected to the
recycling water cooler 40 by a converter 50 of the present invention.
The converter 50 is disposed in a case 52 which is affixable to
the water cooled refrigeration system 10 as shown in FIG. 3 or may
be affixed to any convenient location. The converter 50 includes
first conduit means 60 second conduit means 70 and first and second
valve means 81 and 82. The first conduit means 60 comprises conduits
61-63 interconnecting the first input 21 of the water cooled refrigeration
system 10 the second output 42 of the recycling water cooler 40
and the ambient water source 26. A fluid coupling 66 interconnects
conduit 61 with conduit 24 whereas a fluid coupling 68 interconnects
conduit 62 with the second output 42 of the recycling water cooler
40 for enabling rapid installation of the present invention on existing
water cooled refrigeration system 10. The first valve means 81 is
interposed in the first conduits 61-63 for enabling the flow of
water therebetween. The first valve means 81 is moveable between
a first position and a second position as will be described in greater
detail hereinafter.
The second conduit means 70 comprises conduits 71-73 interconnecting
the first output 22 of the water cooled refrigeration system 10
the second input 41 of the recycling water cooler 40 and the drain
30. A fluid coupling 76 interconnects conduit 71 with conduit 28
whereas a fluid coupling 78 interconnects conduit 72 with the second
input 4l of the recycling water cooler 40 for enabling rapid installation
of the present invention on existing water cooled refrigeration
system 10. The second valve means 82 is interposed in the second
conduits 71-73 for enabling the flow of water therebetween. The
second valve means 82 is moveable between a first position and a
second position as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the water cooled refrigeration system
10 interconnected with the recycling water cooler 40 through the
converter 50 with a control means 90 for controlling the position
of the first and second valves 81 and 82. FIG. 5 illustrates the
first and second valves 81 and 82 in a first position.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram similar to FIG. 5 with the first and
second valves 81 and 82 being shown in a second position. The control
means 90 controls the first and second valves 81 and 82 in unison.
Accordingly, when the first valve 81 is in the first position, the
second valve 82 is likewise in the first position as shown in FIG.
5. Conversely, when the first valve 81 is in the second position,
the second valve 82 is likewise in the second position as shown
in FIG. 6.
When the first and second valves 81 and 82 are disposed in the
first position as shown in FIG. 5 the first input 21 of the water
cooled refrigeration system 10 is connected to the second output
42 of the recycling water cooler 40 and the first output 42 of the
water cooled refrigeration system 10 is connected to the second
input 41 of the recycling water cooler 40. In addition, when the
first and second valves 81 and 82 are disposed in the first position,
heated water discharged from the first output 22 of the water cooled
refrigeration system 10 enters the second input 41 of the recycling
water cooler 40 to be cooled thereby. The cooled water discharged
from the second output 42 of the recycling water cooler 40 is returned
to the first input 21 of the water cooled refrigeration system 10.
Accordingly, the flowing water for cooling of the water cooled refrigeration
system 10 is continuously recirculated to conserve potable water
thereby.
The control means 90 includes a temperature input 91 a first pressure
input 92 a second pressure input 93 a valve actuator 94 and an
alarm 95 for detecting a malfunction in the recycling water cooler
40. The control means 90 automatically transfers the water cooled
refrigeration system 10 to operate in a conventional manner in the
event of a malfunction of the recycling water cooler 40.
In the event of a malfunction of the recycling water cooler 40
the heat exchanger 44 will not receive the proper cooling and the
water cooled refrigeration system 10 will likewise malfunction.
A malfunction of the recycling water cooler 40 will result in an
increase in the temperature within the heat exchanger 44 and accordingly
an increase in the temperature of the water discharged from the
second output 42. A malfunction of the recycling water cooler 40
will result also in an increase in the pressure on the high pressure
side of the compressor internal the recycling water cooler 40.
The converter 70 is provided with a temperature sensor 96 for generating
a signal indicative of the temperature within the heat exchanger
44. In addition, the converter 70 is provided with a first pressure
sensor 98 for generating a signal indicative of the pressure on
the high pressure side of the compressor internal the recycling
water cooler 40. The temperature sensor 96 is connected by an electrical
connector 101 to the temperature input 91 internal the control means
90 whereas the first pressure sensor 98 is connected by an electrical
connector 102 to the pressure input 92 internal the control means
90.
In the event of a malfunction of the recycling water cooler 40
the temperature sensor 96 and/or the pressure sensor 98 will provide
a signal to the temperature input 91 and/or the pressure input 92
of the control means 90. Upon the control means 90 receiving a signal
at the temperature input 91 and/or the pressure input 92 the valve
actuator 94 will actuate the first and second valves 81 and 82 into
the second position by electrical connectors 111 and 112 as shown
in FIG. 6.
When the first and second valves 81 and 82 are disposed in the
second position as shown in FIG. 6 the first input 21 of the water
cooled refrigeration system 10 is connected to the ambient water
source 26. The ambient water source 26 flows into the first input
21 of the water cooled refrigeration system 10 to furnish water
to the water cooled refrigeration unit 32. The ambient water entering
the first input 21 absorbs heat removed by the water cooled refrigeration
unit 32. The ambient water entering the first input 21 absorbs heat
and the heat is removed as heated water discharged from the first
output 22 into the drain 30. When the first and second valves 81
and 82 are disposed in the second position as shown in FIG. 6 the
water cooled refrigeration system 10 operates in a conventional
manner as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
The converter 70 is provided with a second pressure sensor 99 for
generating a signal indicative of the pressure on the high pressure
side of the compressor internal the water cooled refrigeration system
10. In the event of a malfunction of the compressor internal the
water cooled refrigeration system 10 the pressure sensor 99 will
provide a signal to the second pressure input 93 of the control
means 90 to terminate operation of the water cooled refrigeration
system 10 and the recycling water cooler 40.
Upon the control means 90 receiving a signal at the temperature
input 91 and/or the first pressure input 92 the alarm 94 will activate
to alert an operator of the malfunction of the recycling water cooler
40. However, the water cooled refrigeration system 10 will continue
to operate in a conventional manner while repairs are undertaken
on the recycling water cooler 40. Upon the control means 90 receiving
a signal at the second pressure input 93 the alarm 94 will activate
to alert an operator of the malfunction of the water cooled refrigeration
system 10 and the control means 90 will terminate operation of the
water cooled refrigeration system 10 and the recycling water cooler
40.
FIG. 7-8 are enlarged views illustrating the recycling water cooler
40 of FIG. 3 including the heat exchanger 44 and the air cooled
refrigeration unit 46. The recycling water cooler 40 comprises an
insulated lower container 120 having a bottom wall 121 and sidewalls
122-125 with a removable cover 126 for accessing an interior 127
of the lower container 120. The air cooled refrigeration unit 46
is enclosed within an upper container 130 having an upper aperture
131 and lower apertures 132.
The heat exchanger 44 comprises a heat exchanger coil 140 disposed
within the interior 127 of the lower container 120 and extends between
the second input 41 and the second output 42. The heat exchanger
coil 140 defines a serpentine path within the interior 127 of the
lower container 120. A thermally conductive liquid 145 such as water
is disposed within the interior 127 of the lower container 120 and
in thermal contact with the heat exchanger coil 140. The serpentine
path of the heat exchanger coil 140 increases the surface area of
the heat exchanger coil 140 in contact with the thermally conductive
liquid 145 to increase the transfer of heat therebetween. The temperature
sensor 96 is disposed within the interior 127 of the lower container
120 and in thermal contact with the thermally conductive liquid
145 for generating the signal indicative of the temperature within
the heat exchanger 44.
The air cooled refrigeration unit 46 comprises an evaporator coil
150 a compressor 160 and a condenser coil 170 for circulating a
refrigerant 180. The evaporator coil 150 has a serpentine path extending
between a first and a second end 151 and 152. The compressor 160
is located within the upper container 130 and includes an input
161 and an output 162. The first pressure sensor 98 is secured proximate
to the output 162 of the compressor 160 for generating the signal
indicative of an excess pressure at the output 162 of the compressor
160.
The condenser coil 170 has a serpentine path extending between
a first and a second end 171 and 172. The condenser coil 170 is
located within the upper container 130 adjacent the upper aperture
131. A fan 190 provides a forced air flow from the lower apertures
132 to pass across the condenser coil 170 to exit from the upper
aperture.
The input 161 of the compressor 160 is connected to the second
end 152 of the evaporator coil 150 whereas the output 162 of the
compressor 160 is connected to the first end 171 of the condenser
coil 170. The second end 172 of the condenser coil 170 is connected
through a pressure differential valve 200 to the first end 151 of
the evaporator coil 150.
The heat from the warm water entering the second input 41 of the
heat exchanger 40 is transferred to the thermally conductive liquid
145 within the interior 127 of the lower container 120. After the
heat is removed from the warm water entering the second input 41
of the heat exchanger 40 cool water is discharged from the second
output 42. The heat absorbed by the thermally conductive liquid
145 from the heat exchanger 40 is absorbed by the evaporator coil
150 for transfer to the refrigerant 180. The refrigerant 180 is
drawn into the input 161 of the compressor 160 whereat the refrigerant
180 is compressed by the compressor 160.
The compressed refrigerant 180 is discharged from the output 162
of the compressor 160 into the condenser 170. The forced air flow
across the condenser coil 170 transfer heat from the refrigerant
180 to ambient air. The cooled refrigerant 180 passes through the
pressure differential valve 200 to enter the first end 151 of the
evaporator coil 150 to again absorb heat from the thermally conductive
liquid 145 within the interior 127 of the lower container 120.
The present invention provides an improved converter 70 for coupling
a water cooled refrigeration system 10 with the recycling water
cooler 40 for the conservation of water. The converter 70 enables
the water cooled refrigeration system 10 to be operated in conjunction
with the recycling water cooler 40 or may be operated independently
thereof as originally designed as a water cooled refrigeration system
10. The converter 70 automatically transfers the water cooled refrigeration
system 10 from operating in conjunction with the recycling water
cooler 40 to operate as a conventional water cooled refrigeration
system 10 upon the unlikely event of failure of the recycling water
cooler 40. The converter 70 is low cost and easy to install in a
wide variety of water cooled refrigeration systems and provides
a considerable savings to the user of a water cooled refrigeration
system.
The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended
claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this
invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain
degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure
of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that
numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination
and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention. |