Hybrid multi-evaporator central cooling system for modular kitchen

A distributed refrigeration appliance system constructed and arranged for use in a residential kitchen and other locations associated with a dwelling comprising:

• a plurality of separate refrigeration appliance modules each having:
• an insulated cabinet having at least one compartment and an opening for access to the interior of the cabinet and the at least one compartment;
• at least one insulated door for covering and uncovering an opening in the insulated cabinet;
• at least one temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the module;
• and
• at least one temperature selector for selecting an operating temperature for the refrigeration appliance module;
• a single, continuously operating variable capacity central cooling unit for chilling refrigerant comprising a variable speed compressor, a condenser, a variable speed condenser fan and a controller;
• a plurality of satellite stations each comprising an evaporator, a variable speed evaporator fan and an adjustable expansion device with feedback based on load for adjusting the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator;
• insulated supply and return ducts connecting each of the refrigeration appliance modules to one of the satellite stations;
• refrigerant lines connecting the central cooling unit and the plurality of satellite stations to supply refrigerant from the central cooling unit to the plurality of satellite stations, and to return refrigerant to the central cooling unit from the satellite stations;
• a control circuit connecting the temperature sensors and temperature selectors for the plurality of refrigeration appliance modules, and the evaporator fans and expansion devices for the plurality of satellite stations with the controller, the controller including:
• a first portion to adjust the capacity of the central cooling unit in response to the aggregate cooling load of the plurality of refrigeration appliance modules in order to supply sufficient refrigerant to the respective satellite stations to cool the plurality of refrigeration appliance modules to the respective selected operating temperatures, and
• a second portion to adjust the volume of refrigerant directed to respective ones of the satellite stations and the speed of the respective evaporator fans to maintain the selected operating temperature in the respective refrigerating modules.