Microprocessor-controlled beverage dispenser

摘要

A microprocessor-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 or refrigeration system, including a heat exchanger. The beverage lines may be connected to a beverage supply for dispensing a desired beverage. Valves and pressure sensors in the refrigerant line are engaged with a microprocessor. 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 beverage cooling dispensing system for dispensing chilled beverages comprising:
a refrigerant reservoir containing a supply of refrigerant; a cold plate in fluid communication with said refrigerant reservoir, wherein refrigerant lines extend through said cold plate; an accumulator; a compressor; a refrigerant condenser; a thermal expansion valve positioned between said refrigerant reservoir and said cold plate to adjust the flow of refrigerant depending on the temperature of the cold plate; a liquid line valve and a beverage evaporator valve for controlling the flow of refrigerant through the system; and a processor, wherein the processor receives set point readings from a first transducer upstream of the evaporator valve and downstream of the cold plate and a second transducer on the low side of the compressor and downstream of the accumulator and controls the operation of the compressor, the liquid line valve, and the evaporator valve responsive to signals from the two transducers, wherein the processor, in response to a high set point from the first transducer, will energize the compressor and open the liquid line valve and the evaporator valve and responsive to an intermediate set point from the first transducer will close the liquid line valve and the evaporator valve and in response to a low set point from the second transducer, de-energizes the compressor and monitors the first transducer for the high set point; wherein, the processor does not perform a delay in the control response to the signals received from said first and second transducers.