Patent ID: 6014866
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: B60H,F25D

Abstract:
A system for maintaining the temperature of food and beverage products located at a warehouse distribution complex comprising:a plurality of remote temperature control zones located within the warehouse distribution complex;a refrigeration center connected in fluid communication to said temperature control zones;said refrigeration center including a primary refrigeration unit which employs a compressible, primary refrigerant;a source of a secondary fluid which is chilled by said primary refrigerant to provide a refrigerated secondary fluid;a fluid distribution center for storing said secondary fluid and distributing said secondary fluid to said temperature control zones;a plurality of main supply lines and main return lines connected in fluid communication between said distribution center and said temperature control zones for supplying and returning said secondary fluid to said distribution center;a plurality of pumps connected in said main supply lines for selectively delivering said secondary fluid to one of said temperature control zones as the need requires to maintain a desired temperature at a corresponding temperature control zone;a cargo temperature control zone included in said plurality of temperature control zones which includes a parking area; a plurality of delivery vehicles having cargo containers in which said product is contained for delivery parked at said parking area; andat least one air handling unit located at said cargo temperature control zone through which said secondary fluid passes in a heat exchange relationship with air to create a refrigerated air flow which is distributed into said cargo container of said vehicle for cooling said product.