CN101720416A - Refrigerating device and method for maintaining a constant predetermined temperature in its refrigerating chamber - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kind of refrigerating plant (10), comprise at least one first refrigerating chamber (22) and at least one second refrigerating chamber (24), they are isolated from each other by thermal baffle (26); At least one refrigeration machine (34), described refrigeration machine comprises cooling system, and described cooling system is connected to the outside of described refrigerating plant (10), is used for by will be from the first main hot-fluid (Q of described first refrigerating chamber (22) _H1) be dissipated to the outside of described refrigerating plant (10) and described first refrigerating chamber (22) is cooled to first temperature (T1); Refrigeration machine is used for by the second main hot-fluid (Q that dissipates _H2) and described second refrigerating chamber (24) is cooled to second temperature (T2); And heat transfer unit (36; 40), be used for secondary hot-fluid (Q from described second refrigerating chamber (24) _AUX) be transferred in the described refrigerating chamber (22) or vice versa, so that described second temperature (T2) is retained to the constant target temperature (T2 of pre-qualification. with being controlled _Soll).

Description

Refrigerating device and method for maintaining a constant predetermined temperature in its refrigerating chamber

technical field

The present invention relates to a refrigeration device and a method for maintaining a constant predefined temperature in a refrigerator compartment of said refrigeration device.

Background technique

Refrigerators for refrigeration appliances, in particular for domestic refrigeration appliances, are usually compression refrigerators with a compressor. Due to the on and off cycles of the compressor required for this type of refrigerator, a maximum temperature variation of +/- 8K within the refrigeration unit, ie in the refrigerator compartment of the refrigeration unit, is generated. This means that a constant temperature is not achieved in the cold room. These temperature fluctuations can lead to damage to corresponding products stored in the refrigerator, such as pharmaceuticals or food. Such damage can, for example, damage the internal structure of the food product and have a negative effect on the quality of the food product. Such temperature fluctuations are especially detrimental to tasty foods such as fish, meat and fruit, so that the shelf life of the foods is considerably shortened.

Domestic refrigeration appliances are known to have a cold room in which a compression refrigerator cools the cold room to a temperature of about 0° C., thereby improving the preservation of specialized food products. However, it has become clear that with these domestic refrigerators the temperature in the cold room varies by about +/- 2.5K, which is not suitable for the preservation of sensitive foods.

In addition, thermoelectric refrigerators are also known which allow good internal temperature regulation. However, these refrigerators have a very low performance index or low efficiency, resulting in high power consumption and thus disadvantages related to environmental considerations.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a refrigeration device and a method that make it possible to combine the good performance of a compression refrigerator with the improved temperature regulation of a thermoelectric refrigerator without increasing the overall energy compared to conventional refrigeration devices or methods consumption, thereby maintaining the predefined cooling temperature as precisely as possible and ensuring reliable long-term storage of the product.

This object is achieved by a refrigeration device with the features of claim 1 .

The refrigerating device of the present invention is provided with: at least one first refrigerating room and at least one second refrigerating room separated by a thermal insulation partition; A system for cooling the first refrigerated compartment to a first temperature by dissipating the first main heat flow from the first refrigerated compartment to the outside of the refrigeration device; for cooling the first refrigerated compartment by dissipating the second main heat flow a refrigerator for cooling the second refrigerating chamber to a second temperature; and a heat transfer unit that transfers the secondary heat flow from the second refrigerating chamber to the first refrigerating chamber or vice versa in a controlled manner , so as to maintain the second temperature at a predefined target temperature.

The refrigeration device of the present invention embodies a hybrid refrigeration device, enabling the good performance of conventional refrigerators, especially compression refrigerators, to be combined with the improved temperature regulation of thermoelectric refrigerators, without increasing the overall energy consumption. Furthermore, the refrigeration device of the invention allows to maintain the predefined cooling temperature very precisely, ie to keep it constant, and thus ensures a longer and more reliable lifetime of the stored products.

The (secondary) heat transfer unit is preferably an active thermoelectric heat transfer unit, but is not limited thereto. The thermoelectric heat transfer unit is located in or on the partition, and passes through the partition, or is arranged at any given position on or inside the refrigeration device, such as a side wall, a rear wall or a door, and can A clear heat transfer of the secondary heat flow between the corresponding cold storage compartments is achieved. Significant or controlled heat transfer of the secondary heat flow means that the amount, duration and direction of the heat transfer of the secondary heat flow can be precisely controlled. The partition, like the other walls delimiting the refrigerator compartment, is preferably made of thermally insulating material.

The refrigerator with a heat dissipation system connected to the outside of the refrigeration device is preferably a compression refrigerator. However, the invention is not limited to this type of refrigerator. The refrigerating machine is connected to a heat dissipation system, which is connected to the environment, so that the first refrigerated compartment is also cooled to a first predefined temperature by dissipating heat flow to the environment. Preferably, the refrigerator is also capable of cooling the second refrigerated compartment to a second predefined temperature. The refrigerator together with the thermoelectric heat transfer unit can preferably cool the corresponding cold storage compartment to predefined different or identical temperatures and keep these temperatures constant. This is achieved by means of a (thermoelectric) heat transfer unit which absorbs in a controlled manner a secondary heat flow from the corresponding cold room whose temperature is kept constant. In addition, the refrigerators and the thermoelectric heat transfer units can be operated alternately with each other so that one of the two refrigerators can dissipate the additional heat generated by the other refrigerator. This minimizes the temperature rise when one of the two refrigerators is shut down. Thermal bridges between the cold storage compartments also allow the heat flow between the cold storage compartments to be controlled such that temperature fluctuations are minimized.

Advantageously, the thermoelectric heat transfer unit has at least one Peltier element and at least one heat exchanger system, wherein the heat exchanger system is provided, for example, with heat sinks as heat exchange for each Peltier element. device components. In at least one of the refrigerated compartments this results in a lower temperature than in the other refrigerated compartments.

Advantageously, the Peltier element is directly attached to one of the heat exchanger elements and connected to the other heat exchanger element via a heat conducting layer or heat conducting element. In this way, the Peltier elements are located in the partitions or side walls, which enable heat transfer between the cold storage compartments. The term thermally conductive here means that the thermal conductivity of the element is significantly higher than the thermal conductivity of the surrounding material or thermal insulation material.

Advantageously, the refrigerator is adapted to dissipate the heat additionally generated by the (thermoelectric) heat transfer unit, which prevents the temperature rise in the refrigerating chamber into which the heat is transferred by the thermoelectric heat transfer unit.

Advantageously, the refrigeration device of the invention comprises control means for controlling the heat transfer unit and/or the refrigerator. In this case, the refrigerator and the heat transfer unit can eg be controlled such that when the heat transfer element is in operation, the refrigerator operates, which makes it possible to keep a predefined temperature constant, especially in the second cold room. By means of the control device, the temperature in each refrigerating chamber can also be pre-defined or pre-selected, and the transmission direction and magnitude of the secondary heat flow can also be controlled. The control device interacts with sensors in the refrigerator compartment, in particular temperature sensors.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a method having the features of claim 16 .

The method for keeping a predefined temperature constant in a refrigerating chamber of a refrigerating device, wherein said refrigerating device is provided with at least two separate refrigerating chambers, said method comprising the following steps:

a) cooling the first refrigerated compartment to a first temperature T1 by dissipating a first main heat flow from the first refrigerated compartment to the outside of the refrigeration unit;

b) cooling the second refrigerated compartment to a second temperature T2; and

c) maintaining at least the second temperature T2 inside the second refrigerating chamber 24 at a constant, predefined target temperature in such a way that when the second temperature T2 deviates from the target temperature, then the The secondary heat flow from the first refrigerating chamber, which is preferably significantly smaller than the first main heat flow, is transferred in a controlled manner via a predefined transfer path to the second refrigerating chamber and/or vice versa until the second temperature T2 is equal to the target temperature.

Basically, the same advantages can be obtained with the method of the invention explained above with reference to the refrigeration device of the invention.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are presented in the dependent claims, which are supported by the ensuing description and the figures.

Description of drawings

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing description of preferred exemplary embodiments together with the attached drawings. The figures show:

Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a refrigeration device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, comprising means for keeping a predefined temperature constant;

2 is a graph showing changes in temperature with respect to time in a refrigerating chamber of a conventional domestic refrigerating device equipped with a compression refrigerating machine and changes in temperature characteristics of the refrigerating device of the present invention with respect to time; and

Figure 3 shows a partial sectional view of a refrigeration device according to a second embodiment of the invention, comprising the main components of the device for keeping a predefined temperature constant.

Detailed ways

Fig. 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a refrigeration device 10 according to the invention, wherein the refrigeration device 10 is, for example, a domestic refrigerator and/or freezer. The refrigeration device 10 includes a housing 12 . The housing 12 includes an outer panel 14 , an insulating layer 16 , and an inner panel 18 . A refrigerating room is provided in the casing 12, and a first refrigerating room 22 and a second refrigerating room 24 (constant temperature refrigerating room 24) of the refrigerating rooms can be seen in FIG. 1 . The first and second refrigerated compartments 22 , 24 are isolated from each other by an insulating partition 26 . Baffles 26 extend between side walls 28 of refrigeration unit 10 . The partition 26 likewise has the thermal insulation layer 16 . The partition 26 includes a first side 30 facing the first refrigerating compartment 22 and a second side 32 facing the second refrigerating compartment 24 . The partition 26 can also achieve a tight seal with the door of the refrigeration unit 10 via a sealing lip (not shown). In this case, the cold rooms can be arranged such that the cold room with the slightly higher temperature is arranged above the cold room with the slightly lower temperature, so that the heat flow from the bottom up that cannot be prevented affects the preservation of the stored products. Deadline has no effect. The second refrigerating room 24 preferably has a smaller volume than the first refrigerating room 22 .

The refrigeration device 10 is also provided with a refrigerator 34, which in this case is a compression refrigerator, but the invention is not limited to this refrigerator. The refrigerator 34 includes a cooling system connected to the outside of the refrigeration device 10, so as to cool the first refrigerator compartment ₂₂ to the first temperature T1. Only the evaporator 38 of the compression refrigerator 34 is shown in the drawing. The evaporator 38 is arranged in one of the side walls 28 of the cooling device 12 in the region of the first refrigerator compartment 22 .

Furthermore, the refrigeration device 10 is equipped with a refrigerator for cooling the second cold room 24 to a second temperature T2 by dissipating the second main heat flow _OH2 . In this exemplary embodiment, the refrigerator used to cool the first refrigerated compartment 22 to the first temperature T1 and the refrigerator used to cool the second refrigerated compartment 24 to the second temperature T2 are separate refrigerators. However, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator (here: 34 ) for cooling the first refrigerated compartment 22 to the first temperature T1 and a refrigerator (here: 34 ) for cooling the second refrigerated compartment 24 to the second temperature T2 The refrigerator of can also be the same refrigerator (for example, refrigerator 34).

Furthermore, the refrigeration device 10 is equipped with a (secondary) heat transfer unit 36 for the controlled transfer of the secondary heat flow Q _AUX from the second cold room 24 into the first cold room 22 or vice versa in order to transfer the second temperature T2 Constantly maintained at a predefined target temperature T2 _Soll . The heat transfer unit 36 is a thermoelectric heat transfer unit 36 in the present exemplary embodiment.

The thermoelectric heat transfer unit 36 is provided with at least one Peltier element 40 . A Peltier element is an element that produces a temperature difference in the presence of an electric current or a current in the presence of a temperature difference. In this component, two metals with different conduction band energies are in contact with each other. If current is directed through two contact points, one behind the other, thermal energy is absorbed at one contact point. Therefore, a drop in temperature occurs at this point of contact. At another point of contact, thermal energy is emitted. Therefore, an increase in heat occurs at this point of contact. If in this case the warm side is cooled, for example via a heat exchanger element, the cold side cools down evenly. Instead of Peltier elements, any other heat transfer system can be used, which fulfills the same function or is suitable for transferring heat from one point to another.

The direction of transport of the heat transfer element 36 can be reversed, which in the case of the Peltier element 40 can be achieved by simply reversing the polarity of the current supplying the Peltier element 40 with electrical energy.

The heat transfer unit 36 includes a heat exchanger system for exchanging heat energy between the first refrigerating room 22 and the second refrigerating room 24 . In this case, the heat exchanger system is provided with at least two heat exchanger elements 42, 44, a first heat exchanger element 42 of which is assigned to the first cold room 22 and a second heat exchanger element of which 44 is assigned to the second refrigerator compartment 24 . More specifically, the first heat exchanger element 42 is disposed on the first side 30 of the partition 26 and the second heat exchanger element 44 is disposed on the second side 32 of the partition 26 . This means that the first heat exchanger element 42 and the second heat exchanger element 44 are thus arranged on both sides of the partition 26 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , a heat conductor 46 is arranged in the partition 26 with a high thermal conductivity relative to the partition 26 , wherein the heat conductor forms a predefined, locally defined thermal bridge 46 in the partition 26 or At least the majority of thermal bridge 46 is formed. Also, the thermoelectric heat transfer units 36 , 40 are arranged in the region where the thermal bridge 46 is located. The secondary heat flow Q _AUX can be conveyed away via the heat bridge 46 by means of the heat transfer units 36 , 40 . The Peltier element 40 is arranged on the first heat exchanger element 42 such that the Peltier element 40 is arranged in the partition 26 . The first heat exchanger element 42 is arranged on the warm side of the Peltier element 40 . A heat conductor 46 is arranged in the partition 26 between the Peltier element 40 and the second heat exchanger element 44 . A heat conductor 46 extends from the second heat exchanger element 44 extending in the partition 26 to the Peltier element 40 . The Peltier element 40 is thus arranged between or on the heat exchanger elements 42 , 44 and in the partition 26 and is connected in a thermally conductive manner to the heat exchanger elements 42 , 44 via a heat conductor 46 . In this case, the heat conductor 46 serves as a type of extension of the cold side of the Peltier element 40 . The heat conductor 46 has a cross-section along its heat transfer direction defined relative to the thickness of the partition 26 which is preferably smaller or significantly smaller than the corresponding cross-sections of the first and second heat exchange elements 42 , 44 in the same direction. . Small pieces of aluminum or the like can be used, for example, as heat conductors.

In this embodiment, the heat transfer unit 36, 40 arranged in the region of the thermal bridge 46 is at the same time a refrigerator for cooling the second cold room 24 to the second temperature T2 (or at least can be used as such a refrigerator). machine), as detailed below. The refrigerator 34 is provided with a heat sink for dissipating at least a portion of the waste heat generated during the operation of the heat transfer unit 36 .

The refrigeration device 10 includes a control device for controlling the heat transfer unit 36 and/or the refrigerator 34 . Temperature sensors (not shown in the figure) for detecting the temperature in the respective refrigerated compartments 22, 24 are connected to the control means. The temperature in the respective cold room 22 , 24 can also be correspondingly predefined or set and adjusted by means of the control device. In addition, the refrigerating device 10 has an electrical connector not shown in the figure, which is used to supply power to the refrigerating machine, the thermoelectric heat transfer unit 36 , the control device and additional electrical components of the refrigerating device 10 .

With the refrigeration unit 10, the number of components is controlled by the refrigeration compartment and power requirements of the refrigeration unit. Thus, an additional refrigerator may be provided for cooling the second refrigerating chamber 24 . Multiple thermoelectric heat transfer devices 36 may be provided for multiple compartments to generate multiple different temperatures in corresponding refrigeration compartments. The components of the thermoelectric heat transfer unit 36 may be configured such that they allow heat to be transferred into a refrigerated compartment having a lower temperature than other refrigerated compartments, such as a freezer compartment. In this way, heat can definitely be transferred into the cold storage compartment, so that frost formation can be prevented in the cold storage compartment. Optionally, the components of the thermoelectric heat transfer unit can be arranged in such a way that they allow heat to be transferred into each refrigerated compartment or allow a change in the direction of the heat transfer, so that the refrigerated compartment can also be exactly supplied with heat if required. This not only serves to keep the corresponding temperature constant in the associated refrigerator compartment but also enables, for example, a defrosting function or avoids the formation of frost.

The mode of operation of the refrigeration device 10 of the present invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 . This refrigerating device 10 enables the method of the invention to be implemented to keep a predefined temperature constant in at least one cold room of the cold device 10 provided with at least two cold rooms 22 , 24 separated from each other.

FIG. 2 shows a graph showing the temperature change over time in a refrigerator compartment of a conventional domestic refrigerator equipped with a compression refrigerator and the temperature behavior over time of the refrigerator 10 according to the invention.

The refrigerated compartments 22, 24 are cooled by means of a compression refrigerator 34 to a predefined temperature T1 at which the food is kept. For this purpose, the heat inside the first refrigerating chamber 22 is dissipated to the outside of the refrigerating device 10 by means of the main heat flow Q _H1 via the evaporator 38 and the cooling system by means of the compression refrigerating machine 34 . Due to the periodic turning off and on of the compressor of the compression refrigerator 34 , temperature variations occur as shown in FIG. 2 . This means that the compression refrigerator 34 ensures that the temperature T1 can be kept changing "roughly (coarsely)" by adjusting the first main heat flow Q _H1 , that is to say at about +/- 8K relative to the first target temperature T1 _Soll within a pre-defined temperature fluctuation range.

If the second refrigerated compartment 24 is for example to be cooled to a temperature T2 which is lower than the temperature T1 in the first refrigerated compartment 22, the corresponding temperature T2 _Soll is predefined via the control device. The voltage is then applied to the Peltier element 40 or the supply circuit of the Peltier element 40 is closed. The first heat exchanger element 42 ensures that the cold side of the Peltier element 40 becomes even cooler. In this case, the temperature in the second cold room 24 is lowered to the temperature T2 = T2 _Soll . In this case, the heat from the refrigerated compartment 24 is initially dissipated by the second main heat flow Q _H2 via the heat conductor 46 in the direction of the first refrigerated compartment 22 . The heat flow here emerges from the second refrigerated compartment 24 in the direction of the first refrigerated compartment 22 . The heat generated on the warm side of the Peltier element 40 and the heat occurring in the first cold room 22 is dissipated via the evaporator 38 and the cooling system of the compression refrigerator 34 . Due to this heat dissipation, a predetermined temperature T2 _Soll is set in the second refrigerator compartment 24 . Although in this embodiment the compression refrigerator 34 is used to cool the second refrigerated compartment to the temperature T1, it is also possible to "roughly" cool the second refrigerated compartment 24 to the temperature T2 by means of the compression refrigerator 34 . Also, if desired, the thermoelectric heat transfer unit 36 can be used exclusively for cooling to the temperature T2, which modification is preferred especially when the second refrigerated compartment 24 has a smaller volume. Compression refrigerator 34 and heat transfer unit 36 are also used together for cooling to temperature T2.

The second temperature T2 in the second cold room 24 is now constantly kept at the predefined target temperature T2 _Soll , since by means of the heat transfer unit 36 or its Peltier element 40 , preferably significantly less than the first main heat flow Q _H1 and/or the secondary heat flow Q _AUX of the second primary heat flow Q _H2 are transferred from the first cold room 22 via a predefined transfer path 46 (here thermal bridge 46) into the second cold room 24 and/or or vice versa. This situation is of course only required when the second temperature T2 deviates (significantly) from the target temperature T2 _Soll , and continues until the second temperature T2 is within the framework of a very small error width of preferably about +/-0.2K from the target temperature T2. Temperature T2 _Soll corresponds. In this case, temperature regulation is effected by means of the control device.

Because in this embodiment the second refrigerated compartment 24 should be cooler than the first refrigerated compartment 22 (i.e. T2<T1), the secondary heat flow Q _AUX for cooling the refrigerated compartment 24 will thus generally follow the direction of the first refrigerated compartment 22 direction flow.

If the temperature in the second cold storage compartment 24 drops to a predefined temperature T2 , ie T2 = T2 _Soll , the Peltier element 40 initially does not have to still supply current anymore. This means that the evaporator 38 only still has to draw heat from the first refrigerated compartment 22 .

In order to keep the temperature T2 at least constant at the target temperature T2 _Soll , if the temperature T2 is higher than T2 _Soll , the thermoelectric heat transfer unit 36 can on the one hand transfer a specific (here: thermoelectric) secondary heat energy (quantity) We through the secondary The heat flow Q _AUX is supplied from the second refrigerated compartment 24 into the first refrigerated compartment 22 so that the temperature increase in the second refrigerated compartment 24 is attenuated. If the second temperature T2 is higher than the target temperature T2 _Soll , the secondary energy We is thus supplied via the first cold room 22 .

On the other hand, however, if the temperature T2 is lower than T2 _Soll , the thermoelectric heat transfer unit 36 also enables definite heat transfer from the first refrigerated compartment 22 to the second refrigerated compartment 24 through the secondary heat flow Q _AUX . The secondary energy We is thus supplied from the second cold room 24 . This attenuates too large a temperature drop in the second refrigerating chamber 24 . This can be achieved by a controlled reversal of the polarity of the current supplied to the Peltier element 40 and by controlling the power and/or the opening duration of the Peltier element 40 .

The power and regulation of the compression refrigerator 34 is designed so that the waste heat generated during operation of the Peltier element 40 is dissipated together with the heat in the first cold room 22 . This also makes it possible to keep the temperature T1 constant in the first cold room 22 , ie to keep the temperature T1 preferably within a temperature fluctuation range of +/−0.2 K relative to the predefined temperature T1 _Soll . In this case, a constant temperature difference is obtained between the first refrigerated compartment 22 and the second refrigerated compartment 24 . The refrigerator 34 is also adapted to dissipate the first main heat flow Q _H1 and the second main heat flow Q _H2 together outside the refrigeration device, eg if the temperature T2 _Soll has been predefined to the temperature T1 during cooling.

The secondary heat flow Q _AUX transferred into the first refrigerating chamber 22 is partially or completely dissipated to the outside of the refrigeration device 10 through the first main heat flow Q _H1 , so that the first temperature T1 remains substantially unchanged through the secondary heat flow Q _AUX .

The power and regulation of the thermoelectric heat transfer unit and of the refrigerator and of the heat transfer unit can be modified if required. For example, the power of the refrigerator can be designed such that the refrigerator operates permanently. The power of the refrigerator can also be designed such that the temperature in the refrigerator is the same. It is also possible to generate electric current through the temperature difference between the refrigerator compartments by means of the thermoelectric heat transfer unit. This current can in turn be used for specific components of the thermoelectric heat transfer unit and/or of the refrigeration device.

Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view showing a refrigeration device 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein said refrigeration device 10 is a domestic refrigerator and/or freezer, wherein the same reference numerals as shown in Figure 1 are used for the same components. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

In the refrigeration device 10 according to the second embodiment, the thermoelectric heat transfer unit 36 is arranged in the side wall 28 such that the first heat exchanger element 42 is arranged in the area of the second refrigerating chamber 24 in the side wall 28 , And the second heat exchanger element 44 is arranged within the side wall 28 in the region where the first refrigerating compartment 22 is located. This means that the first heat exchanger element 42 and the second heat exchanger element 44 are respectively arranged above or below the partition 26 within the side wall 28 . The first heat exchanger element 42 is arranged on the warm side of the Peltier element 40 so that the Peltier element 40 is located in the side wall 28 . The elongated heat conductor 46 is arranged as a thermal bridge in the side wall 28 between the Peltier element 40 and the second heat exchanger element 44 . A heat conductor 46 extends from the second heat exchanger element 44 extending in the side wall 28 to the Peltier element 40 . In this case, the heat conductor 46 serves as a type of extension of the cold side of the Peltier element 40 . In this embodiment as well, the temperature T2 inside the second refrigerating room 24 can be set lower than the temperature T1 inside the first refrigerating room 22 . The second refrigerating room 24 can even be used as a freezing room, while the first refrigerating room 22 is only used as a refrigerating room. For this purpose, an evaporator 38 can be arranged within the second refrigeration compartment 24, as shown in FIG. 3 .

The mode of operation of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. In this case, heat can also be transferred from the first refrigerated compartment 22 , ie, the refrigerated compartment, into the second refrigerated compartment 24 , ie, into the freezer compartment, by means of the secondary heat flow Q _AUX . In this case, a defined heat energy (quantity) We can be delivered into the second refrigerator compartment 24 so that frost formation in this freezer compartment 24 can be prevented. It should be clear that the heat transfer by means of the thermoelectric heat transfer unit 36 preferably involves only a small amount of heat to keep the temperature constant, so that if heat is transferred to the freezer compartment 24, the temperature within the freezer compartment 24 remains generally The temperature inside the cold room 22 is maintained below that in which case heat will be transported away from the cold room 24 .

Optionally, the individual components of the (thermoelectric) refrigerator 36 can be arranged and controlled such that they transfer heat into each refrigeration compartment 22, 24, in particular by means of the secondary heat flow Q _AUX , or the direction of the heat transfer can be changed , so that the refrigerated compartments 22, 24 can be explicitly cooled or heated. In particular, the components may be arranged to achieve heat transfer as in the first embodiment, ie preferably from the second cold room 24 into the first cold room 22 . In this case, the heat flow does not pass through the partition 26 , but enters the side wall 28 via the heat conductor 46 . Optionally, various components of the thermoelectric heat transfer unit 36 may also be arranged on the rear wall or inside the door of the refrigeration device.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the number of components can also be controlled by the requirements of the refrigerated compartment or the power of the refrigerated device. Thus, a plurality of thermoelectric heat transfer devices may be provided for a plurality of compartments, thereby generating, for example, a plurality of different temperatures in corresponding cold storage compartments.

The power and regulation of the (thermoelectric) heat transfer unit and of the refrigerator can be designed as required. For example, the power of a refrigerator can be set so that it runs permanently. The power of the refrigerating machine can also be set so that the temperature in each refrigerating chamber is the same. Electric current can also be generated thermoelectrically by the temperature difference between the individual refrigerator compartments. This current can in turn be used for specific components of the thermoelectric heat transfer unit.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Within the framework of the protection scope of the claims, the refrigeration device of the present invention and the method of the present invention can also adopt embodiments other than those described above. In particular, the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 may be the same or different. The dissipation of the first main heat flow Q _H1 and/or the second main heat flow Q _H2 can in particular be effected intermittently. The controlled delivery of the secondary heat flow Q _AUX can take place permanently or intermittently.

The reference signs in the claims, the description and the drawings serve only for a better understanding of the invention and do not limit the scope of protection.

List of reference signs

10 refrigeration unit

12 shell

14 outer panel

16 insulation layer

18 inner panel

22 The first cold room

24 Second cold room

26 Partition

28 side wall

30 first side

32 second side

34 refrigerator

36 heat transfer unit

38 Evaporator

40 Peltier elements

42 The first heat exchanger element

44 Second heat exchanger element

46 heat conductor

Q _H1 first main heat flow

Q _H2 second main heat flow

Q _AUX auxiliary heat flow

We heat energy

Claims (29)

1. a refrigerating plant (10) comprises

At least one first refrigerating chamber (22) and at least one second refrigerating chamber (24), they are isolated from each other by thermal baffle (26);

At least one refrigeration machine (34), described refrigeration machine comprises cooling system, and described cooling system is connected to the outside of described refrigerating plant (10), is used for by will be from the first main hot-fluid (Q of described first refrigerating chamber (22) _H1) be dissipated to the outside of described refrigerating plant (10) and described first refrigerating chamber (22) is cooled to first temperature (T1);

Refrigeration machine is used for by the second main hot-fluid (Q that dissipates _H2) and described second refrigerating chamber (24) is cooled to second temperature (T2); And

Heat transfer unit (36; 40), be used for secondary hot-fluid (Q from described second refrigerating chamber (24) _AUX) be transferred in the described refrigerating chamber (22) or vice versa, so that described second temperature (T2) is retained to the constant target temperature (T2 of pre-qualification. with being controlled _Soll).

2. refrigerating plant according to claim 1 (10), it is characterized in that the refrigeration machine (34) that is used for described first refrigerating chamber (22) is cooled to described first temperature (T1) is same refrigeration machine (34) with the refrigeration machine that is used for described second refrigerating chamber (24) is cooled to described second temperature (T2).

3. refrigerating plant according to claim 1 (10), it is characterized in that the refrigeration machine (34) that is used for described first refrigerating chamber (22) is cooled to described first temperature (T1) is different refrigeration machines with the refrigeration machine that is used for described second refrigerating chamber (24) is cooled to described second temperature (T2).

4. according to the arbitrary or a plurality of described refrigerating plant of aforementioned claim (10), it is characterized in that, pre-heat bridge (46) that determine, partial restriction is set in described dividing plate (26); Described heat transfer unit (36; 40) in the zone at described heat bridge (46) place, be provided with, and described secondary hot-fluid (Q _AUX) can pass through described heat transfer unit (36; 40) be transmitted via described heat bridge (46).

5. refrigerating plant according to claim 3 (10) is characterized in that, being used for the refrigeration machine that described second refrigerating chamber (24) is cooled to described second temperature (T2) is the heat transfer unit (36 of setting in the zone at described heat bridge (46) place; 40).

6. according to the arbitrary described refrigerating plant of aforementioned claim (10), it is characterized in that the heat transfer direction of described heat transfer unit (36) is reversible.

7. according to the arbitrary or a plurality of described refrigerating plant of aforementioned claim (10), it is characterized in that described heat transfer unit (36) is thermoelectric heat transfer unit (36).

8. refrigerating plant according to claim 7 (10) is characterized in that, described thermoelectric heat transfer unit (36) is provided with at least one peltier-element (40).

9. according to the arbitrary or a plurality of described refrigerating plant of aforementioned claim (10), it is characterized in that, described heat transfer unit (36) is provided with heat exchanger system (42,44), is used for the thermal energy exchange between described first refrigerating chamber (22) and described second refrigerating chamber (24).

10. refrigerating plant according to claim 9 (10), it is characterized in that, described heat exchanger system is provided with at least two heat exchanger components (42,44), described first refrigerating chamber (22) is given in first heat exchanger component (42) configuration wherein, and described second refrigerating chamber (24) is given in second heat exchanger component (44) configuration wherein.

11. refrigerating plant according to claim 10 (10), it is characterized in that, described peltier-element (40) is provided with between described heat exchanger component (42,44) or on them and in described dividing plate (26), and described peltier-element is connected to described heat exchanger component (42,44) in the mode of heat conduction.

12. refrigerating plant according to claim 11 (10), it is characterized in that, one heat carrier (46) is provided with in described dividing plate (26), described heat carrier has with respect to the higher thermal conductivity of described dividing plate (26), most of the described heat bridge between described heat carrier (46) formation described first refrigerating chamber (42) and described second refrigerating chamber (44); And described peltier-element (40) is connected to described heat exchanger component (42,44) via this heat carrier (46).

13. refrigerating plant according to claim 12 (10), it is characterized in that, described heat carrier (46) is provided with a cross section at its heat that limits with respect to the thickness of described dividing plate (26) on by direction, this cross section less than or be significantly less than the corresponding cross section of described first and second heat exchanger components (42,44) on same direction.

14., it is characterized in that described refrigeration machine (34) is provided with heat abstractor according to the arbitrary or a plurality of described refrigerating plant of aforementioned claim (10), at least a portion of described heat transfer unit (36) used heat that operating process produced that is used for dissipating.

15., it is characterized in that described refrigerating plant (10) is provided with the control device that is used to control described heat transfer unit (36) and/or described refrigeration machine (34) according to the arbitrary or a plurality of described refrigerating plant of aforementioned claim (10).

16. a method that is used for keeping the pre-temperature constant that limits in the refrigerating chamber (24) of refrigerating plant (10), wherein said refrigerating plant (10) is provided with at least two independent refrigerating chambers (22,24), said method comprising the steps of:

A) by will be from the first main hot-fluid (Q of described first refrigerating chamber (22) _H1) be dissipated to the outside of described refrigerating plant (10) and described first refrigerating chamber (22) is cooled to first temperature (T1);

B) described second refrigerating chamber (24) is cooled to second temperature (T2); And

C) second temperature (T2) to described second refrigerating chamber of major general (24) remains on the target temperature (T2 of constant pre-qualification _Soll), the mode that is realized is, in described second temperature (T2) from described target temperature (T2 _Soll) when departing from, will from described first refrigerating chamber (22), preferably be significantly less than the first main hot-fluid (Q _H1) secondary hot-fluid (Q _AUX) be transferred in described second refrigerating chamber (24) and/or vice versa via the transmission path (46) of pre-qualification, equal described target temperature (T2 until described second temperature (T2). with being controlled _Soll).

17. method according to claim 16 is characterized in that, in step b), by means of the described first main hot-fluid (Q _H1) realize that described second refrigerating chamber (24) is cooled to described second temperature (T2).

18. method according to claim 16 is characterized in that, in described step b), by will be from the second main hot-fluid (Q of described second refrigerating chamber (24) _H2) be dissipated to the outside of described refrigerating plant (10) and described second refrigerating chamber (24) is cooled to described second temperature (T2).

19. method according to claim 16 is characterized in that, the described second main hot-fluid (Q _H2) at least a portion and the described first main hot-fluid (Q _H1) combination, and be introduced to the outside of described refrigerating plant (10) then with the described first main hot-fluid.

20. method according to claim 19 is characterized in that, in described step b), by will be from the second main hot-fluid (Q of described second refrigerating chamber (24) _H2) be dissipated in described first refrigerating chamber (22) and described second refrigerating chamber (24) is cooled to described second temperature (T2).

21. according to the arbitrary described method of claim 16 to 20, it is characterized in that, by regulating the described first main hot-fluid (Q _H1) and described first temperature (T1) is remained in the thick temperature fluctuation range of pre-qualification.

22. method according to claim 21 is characterized in that, by means of by described first and described second refrigerating chamber (22,24) between supply the secondary energy temperature difference that (We) produced via the path (46) of pre-qualification and realize described secondary hot-fluid (Q _AUX) the transmission that is controlled,

Be lower than described target temperature (T2 in described second temperature (T2) _Soll) time, described secondary energy (We) is provided to described second refrigerating chamber (24), and/or

Be higher than described target temperature (T2 in described second temperature (T2) _Soll) time, described secondary energy (We) is provided to described first refrigerating chamber (22).

23. method according to claim 22 is characterized in that, the described secondary energy (We) that is supplied is a thermoelectric power.

24., it is characterized in that described first temperature (T1) is identical with described second temperature (T2) according to the arbitrary described method of claim 16 to 23.

25., it is characterized in that described first temperature (T1) is different with described second temperature (T2) according to the arbitrary described method of claim 16 to 23.

26., it is characterized in that the described first main hot-fluid (Q according to the arbitrary described method of claim 16 to 25 _H1) and/or the described second main hot-fluid (Q _H2) dissipated discontinuously.

27., it is characterized in that described secondary hot-fluid (Q according to the arbitrary described method of claim 16 to 26 _AUX) for good and all transmitted in the mode that is controlled.

28., it is characterized in that described secondary hot-fluid (Q according to the arbitrary described method of claim 16 to 26 _AUX) transmitted discontinuously in the mode that is controlled.

29. according to the arbitrary described method of claim 16 to 28, it is characterized in that, be transferred to the described secondary hot-fluid (Q in described first refrigerating chamber (22) _AUX) by the described first main hot-fluid (Q _H1) partially or even wholly be dissipated to the outside of described refrigerating plant (10), so that described first temperature (T1) is not basically by described secondary hot-fluid (Q _AUX) change.

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