Appliance refrigeration system with final condenser

Abstract

A refrigeration appliance, such as a refrigerator, includes a compression stage, a condenser stage, and an evaporation stage. The condenser stage includes a first condenser and a water-cooled final condenser operatively configured between the first condenser and the evaporation stage. A water source is in communication with the final condenser, which operates to reduce refrigerant temperature entering the evaporation stage to ambient temperature or lower.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A refrigeration appliance, comprising:
 a compression stage;   a condenser stage;   an evaporation stage;   said condenser stage further comprising a first condenser and a water-cooled final condenser, said final condenser operatively configured between said first condenser and said evaporation stage; and   a water source in communication with said final condenser;   wherein said final condenser operates to reduce refrigerant temperature entering the evaporation stage to ambient temperature or lower.   
     
     
         2 . The refrigeration appliance as in  claim 1 , wherein said water source comprises one of condensation, defrost drain water, or appliance make-up water. 
     
     
         3 . The refrigeration appliance as in  claim 1 , further comprising a water bath configured to receive water from said water source, said final condenser disposed at least partially in said water bath. 
     
     
         4 . The refrigeration appliance as in  claim 1 , wherein said final condenser comprises a heat exchanger configured for receipt of water applied directly thereto from said water source. 
     
     
         5 . The refrigeration appliance as in  claim 1 , further comprising an evaporative pad disposed adjacent to or within said final condenser, said evaporative pad configured for receipt of water from said water source. 
     
     
         6 . The refrigeration appliance as in  claim 1 , further comprising a mister disposed to disperse a water mist over said final condenser, said mister configured for receipt of water from said water source. 
     
     
         7 . The refrigeration appliance as in  claim 1 , further comprising a capillary tube connecting said final condenser to said evaporator. 
     
     
         8 . The refrigeration appliance as in  claim 7 , further comprising a pressure restriction device operatively configured between said first condenser and said final condenser. 
     
     
         9 . The refrigeration appliance as in  claim 8 , wherein said pressure restriction device comprises a tube with a length and inner diameter selected to reduce the saturation temperature of the refrigerant from the first condenser by 10 degrees Fahrenheit or more prior to the refrigerant entering the final condenser. 
     
     
         10 . The refrigeration appliance as in  claim 9 , wherein the pressure restriction device comprises a capillary tube having a length in a range of 0.5 to 2.0 inches, and an inner diameter in a range of 0.025 to 0.045 inches. 
     
     
         11 . The refrigeration appliance as in  claim 10 , wherein said pressure restriction device is configured as a component of said final condenser. 
     
     
         12 . The refrigeration appliance as in  claim 1 , wherein said appliance is a refrigerator. 
     
     
         13 . The refrigeration appliance as in  claim 12 , wherein said final condenser comprises a tubular member shaped to reside within a machinery compartment of said refrigerator. 
     
     
         14 . A refrigeration system for a household appliance, comprising:
 a compression stage;   a condenser stage;   an evaporation stage;   said condenser stage further comprising a first condenser and a water-cooled final condenser, said final condenser operatively configured between said first condenser and said evaporation stage; and   a water source in communication with said final condenser;   wherein said final condenser operates to reduce refrigerant temperature entering the evaporation stage to ambient temperature or lower.   
     
     
         15 . The refrigeration system as in  claim 14 , further comprising a water bath configured to receive water from said water source, said final condenser disposed at least partially in said water bath. 
     
     
         16 . The refrigeration system as in  claim 14 , wherein said final condenser comprises a tubular heat exchanger through which the refrigerant flows, said heat exchanger externally cooled by water from said water source. 
     
     
         17 . The refrigeration system as in  claim 14 , further comprising a capillary tube connecting said final condenser to said evaporator, and further comprising a pressure restriction device operatively configured between said first condenser and said final condenser. 
     
     
         18 . The refrigeration system as in  claim 17 , wherein said pressure restriction device comprises a tube with a length and inner diameter selected to reduce the saturation temperature of the refrigerant from the first condenser by 10 degrees Fahrenheit or more prior to the refrigerant entering the final condenser.