Merchandiser including power-generating thermal recovery system
First Claim
1. A refrigerated merchandiser comprising:
- a case defining a product display area to support product, the case including case structure at least partially exposed to the product display area;
a refrigeration system at least partially coupled to the case to condition the product display area;
a heat source including a base coupled to the case structure within the product display area;
a heat guide supported by and extending outward from the base, the heat guide positioned to be directly exposed to and in communication with cold air within the product display area; and
wherein the heat source is further coupled to the heat guide by a thermal recovery device,wherein the heat guide is directly coupled to the thermal recovery device and forms a structural bridge between the thermal recovery device and the cold air in the product display area such that power is generated based on a temperature difference across the thermal recovery device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A refrigerated merchandiser including a case defining a product display area to support product and a refrigeration system at least partially coupled to the case to condition the product display area. The case includes case structure at least partially exposed to the product display area. The merchandiser also includes a heat guide that is in communication with cold air within the product display area, and a heat source that is coupled to the case structure within the product display area. The heat source is further coupled to the heat guide by a thermal recovery device. The heat guide forms a bridge between the thermal recovery device and the cold air in the product display area such that power is generated based on a temperature difference across the thermal recovery device.
13 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A refrigerated merchandiser comprising:
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a case defining a product display area to support product, the case including case structure at least partially exposed to the product display area; a refrigeration system at least partially coupled to the case to condition the product display area; a heat source including a base coupled to the case structure within the product display area; a heat guide supported by and extending outward from the base, the heat guide positioned to be directly exposed to and in communication with cold air within the product display area; and wherein the heat source is further coupled to the heat guide by a thermal recovery device, wherein the heat guide is directly coupled to the thermal recovery device and forms a structural bridge between the thermal recovery device and the cold air in the product display area such that power is generated based on a temperature difference across the thermal recovery device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A refrigerated merchandiser comprising:
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a case defining a product display area to support product, the case including a case frame having at least one mullion defining an opening to provide access to the product display area; a refrigeration system at least partially coupled to the case to refrigerate the product display area; and a light assembly coupled to the mullion and positioned to at least partially illuminate the product display area, the light assembly including an LED including a base coupled to the mullion within the product display area, a heat guide coupled to and extending outward from the base, the heat guide positioned to be directly exposed to and in communication with cold air within the product display area, and a thermal recovery device positioned between the LED and the heat guide to generate power based on a temperature difference between the LED and the heat guide, wherein the heat guide is directly coupled to the thermal recovery device, and wherein the generated power at least partially powers one or more components of the merchandiser. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A refrigerated merchandiser comprising:
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a case defining a product display area to support product, the case including case structure at least partially exposed to the product display area; a refrigeration system at least partially coupled to the case to condition the product display area; a light assembly including a base coupled to the case structure within the product display area and including an LED positioned to at least partially illuminate the product display area; a heat guide supported by and extending outward from the base, the heat guide positioned to be directly exposed to and in communication with cold air within the product display area; and a thermal recovery device positioned between the light assembly and the heat guide, the thermal recovery device directly coupled to the heat guide and configured to generate power based on a temperature difference between the LED and the heat guide to at least partially power the LED. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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Specification