Stirling refrigeration system with a thermosiphon heat exchanger
AssigneesThe Coca-Cola Company, Global Cooling, Inc.
InventorsArthur G. Rudick, David M. Berchowitz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An enclosure for a refrigerated space. The enclosure may include a thermosiphon and a Stirling cooler. The thermosiphon may include a condenser end and an evaporator end. The ends may be connected by a small diameter pipe and a large diameter pipe. The Stirling cooler may drive the thermosiphon to cool the refrigerated space.
Claims53
An enclosure for a refrigerated space, comprising:
- a thermosiphon;
- said thermosiphon comprising a condenser end and an evaporator end;
- a small diameter pipe and a large diameter pipe connecting said condenser end and said evaporator end;
- and
- a Stirling cooler, said Stirling cooler driving said thermosiphon to cool said refrigerated space.
A refrigerator, comprising:
- an insulated frame;
- said insulated frame comprising a refrigerated space and a refrigeration deck area;
- and
- a removable refrigeration deck positioned within said refrigeration deck area;
- said removable refrigeration deck comprising a thermosiphon and a Stirling cooler.
A refrigeration deck for a refrigerated space, comprising:
- a plate;
- a Stirling cooler mounted to said plate;
- and
- a thermosiphon connected to said Stirling cooler.
A method to cool an enclosure with a thermosiphon having a phase change refrigerant therein, a condenser positioned adjacent to a cold end of a Stirling cooler, and an evaporator, said method comprising the steps of:
- removing heat from said phase change refrigerant at said condenser by said Stirling cooler so as to turn said phase change refrigerant to a liquid;
- flowing said phase change refrigerant to said evaporator;
- forcing air past said evaporator and into said enclosure so as to cool said enclosure;
- adding heat to said phase change refrigerant at said evaporator by said forced air so as to turn said phase change refrigerant to a vapor;
- and
- rising said phase change refrigerant to said condenser.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.