Temperature-controlled beverage dispenser

摘要

A temperature-controlled beverage dispenser is disclosed, which provides a cold plate having disposed therein beverage lines and refrigerant lines. The refrigerant lines may be connected to a cooling system, such as a heat exchanger, which is configured to remove heat from the cold plate. The beverage lines may be connected to a beverage supply for dispensing a desired beverage. Valves and a pressure sensor in the refrigerant line are connected to a microprocessor. At regular intervals, the microprocessor closes the valves, waits a short time, and then takes a pressure reading, which corresponds to a temperature. If the temperature falls below a desired value, then the cooling system is shut off. This permits the microprocessor to closely control the temperature of the beverage being dispensed.

主权项

1. A method of controlling temperature in a cooling system having a compressor, a cold plate, and a refrigerant supply line, the method comprising the steps of:
i) activating the cooling system; ii) restricting flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant supply line; iii) waiting a first time span until a refrigerant pressure is stabilized; iv) measuring the refrigerant pressure at a cold plate while leaving the cooling system operational; v) unrestricting flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant supply line; repeating steps of ii) to v) sequentially and periodically; and vi) if the refrigerant pressure is lower than a first predetermined pressure, then restricting flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant supply line and waiting a second time span while the compressor is operating.