Retrofit energy efficiency device and system to modify, manipulate and optimize airflow in vertical open-case refrigeration units

Abstract

A method and apparatus for a retrofit energy device and system to modify, manipulate and optimize airflow in vertical open-case refrigeration units. An open refrigerated display case includes a refrigerated display area comprising one or more shelves, an air outlet and an air inlet opening into the display area and spaced from one another, and a duct configured to direct air flow out of the air outlet across the display area and toward the air inlet to form an air curtain across the display area, each one or more shelves provided

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An open refrigerated display case comprising:
 a refrigerated display area comprising one or more shelves;   an air outlet and an air inlet opening into the display area and spaced from one another; and   a duct configured to direct air flow out of the air outlet across the display area and toward the air inlet to form an air curtain across the display area, each one or more shelves provided with an airflow device attached in front of an outflow point of the air curtain.   
     
     
         2 . A refrigeration system comprising:
 a display case having an open front for allowing access thereto and being capable of having a plurality of shelves arranged therein;   cooling means arranged along the top of a refrigeration system;   first air passage means arranged for receiving air passing through the cooling means and carrying refrigerated air therefrom to the display case; and   means for establishing an air curtain, said air curtain extending substantially vertically across the opening in said display case,   wherein one or more of the plurality of shelves is provided with an airflow device attached in front of an outflow point of the air curtain.   
     
     
         3 . A system comprising:
 an airflow device attached in front of an outflow of an air curtain of a refrigeration unit that reduces energy waste and warm air infiltration by directing a flow downward, using an airflow speed similar to that of the refrigeration unit.   
     
     
         4 . A system comprising:
 a refrigeration unit; and   a retrofit solution system attached to one or more individual shelves of the refrigeration unit that creates separation between an interior cavity of the individual shelf and an air curtain flow and ambient air, creating an efficient seal.   
     
     
         5 . A system comprising:
 an open refrigerated display; and   one or more airflow devices that creates separation of cold air inside one or more shelves and warm ambient air without creating a physical barrier between a product on the one or more shelves and an exterior of the open refrigerated display.   
     
     
         6 . A retrofit airflow device designed to attach to the inside or outside of an open case refrigeration unit, the airflow device comprising a housing containing single or multiple crossflow impellers, an electrical motor, a flow conditioner such as a honeycomb and electrical connectors, each of these components replaceable for easy maintenance or repair, whose air flow speed can be modified to match various specifications, the airflow devices designed to connect to another housing in parallel to run longer lengths of vertical open case refrigeration units which may be installed in an interconnected configuration. 
     
     
         7 . A retrofit air flow device which has been designed to be easily modified to attach to any pen case refrigeration shelves.