Patent Publication Number: US-9885513-B2

Title: Specialty cooling features using extruded evaporator

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,957 filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled SPECIALTY COOLING FEATURES USING EXTRUDED EVAPORATOR, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,046,287, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present device generally relates to a refrigerator having a co-extruded evaporator, and more specifically, specialty cooling features incorporating and utilizing the co-extruded evaporator. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an appliance includes a co-extruded evaporator within the appliance and disposed in thermal communication with an interior compartment such that the co-extruded evaporator provides cooling to at least one interior compartment. The co-extruded evaporator has a main channel in fluid communication with a main cooling loop. At least one support channel is in direct thermal communication with the main channel. A wall of the main channel includes at least a portion of a wall of the at least one support channel. A plurality of co-extruded cooling fins are disposed proximate at least one of the main channel and the at least one support channel, where the plurality of cooling fins is typically in direct physical contact with and in thermal communication with at least one of the main channel and the at least one support channel. A coolant fluid is typically disposed in the main channel and the main cooling loop, which typically includes a compressor, a condenser, a pump, at least one expansion device, and the main channel in fluid communication with the coolant fluid. A thermally conductive media that is independent and maintained separate from the coolant fluid disposed in the main channel and the main cooling loop and selectively disposed in each at least one support channel, where the thermally conductive media is in direct contact and in thermal communication with the main channel and in thermal communication with the coolant fluid in the main channel. The thermally conductive media for each at least one support channel is most typically chosen from the group consisting of: (1) a support channel coolant, where the appliance also includes a second cooling loop in fluid communication with the selected at least one support channel, and where the second cooling loop is in thermal communication with at least one cooling module that provides cooling to an interior of the module; (2) a thermal storage material, where the thermal storage material is disposed within a volume defined by an interior surface and first and second ends of the selected at least one support channel, and where the thermal storage media is in thermal communication with the same interior compartment; and (3) a defrost fluid, where the appliance further includes a defrost circuit in fluid communication with the selected at least one support channel and a defrost-fluid pump, and where the defrost circuit is in thermal communication with a heat source. 
     In another aspect, an appliance includes a co-extruded evaporator disposed in thermal communication with and in thermal communication of an interior compartment of the appliance such that the co-extruded evaporator provides cooling to at least one interior compartment. The co-extruded evaporator has a main channel in fluid communication with a main cooling loop and a support channel in direct thermal communication with the main channel. A wall of the main channel includes at least a portion of a wall of the support channel. A plurality of first co-extruded cooling fins are typically disposed in direct physical contact and in thermal communication with the main channel and a plurality of second co-extruded cooling fins are typically disposed in direct physical contact and in thermal communication with the support channel. A coolant fluid is disposed in the main channel and the main cooling loop. The main cooling loop typically includes at least a compressor, a condenser, at least one expansion device, and the main channel in fluid communication with the coolant fluid. A thermally conductive media that is independent and (physically) maintained separately from the coolant fluid is disposed in the main channel and the main cooling loop. The thermally conductive media is selectively disposed in the support channel, and where the thermally conductive media is in direct contact and in thermal communication with the main channel and in thermal communication with the coolant fluid in the main channel. The thermally conductive media for each at least one support channel is generally chosen from the group consisting of: (1) a support channel coolant, where the appliance further includes a second cooling loop in fluid communication with the selected at least one support channel, and where the second cooling loop is in thermal communication with at least one cooling module that provides cooling to an interior of the module; (2) a thermal storage material, where the thermal storage material is disposed within a volume defined by an interior surface and first and second ends of the selected at least one support channel, and where the thermal storage media is in thermal communication with the same interior compartment; and (3) a defrost fluid, where the appliance further includes a defrost circuit in fluid communication with the selected at least one support channel and the defrost circuit is in fluid communication with a defrost-fluid pump and in thermal communication with a heat source. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a method for advanced cooling of an appliance that includes the steps of providing a co-extruded evaporator that includes a main channel, a support channel in thermal communication with the main channel, where an outer wall of the main channel includes at least a portion of an outer wall of the support channel, and a plurality of co-extruded cooling fins disposed proximate at least one of the main channel and the support channel. The plurality of cooling fins is in direct physical contact and in thermal communication with at least one of the main extruded channel and the support channel. The method also includes the step of disposing the co-extruded evaporator within an appliance having a main loop and at least one compartment. The co-extruded evaporator is proximate to and in thermal communication with the at least one compartment. The main cooling loop is in fluid communication with the main channel of the co-extruded evaporator. The main cooling loop includes at least a compressor, a condenser, at least one expansion device, and the main channel in fluid communication with a coolant fluid disposed in the main channel and the main cooling loop. In addition, the method includes the step of disposing a thermally conductive media within the support channel with the thermally conductive media is in direct contact and in thermal communication with the main channel, and in thermal communication with the coolant fluid in the main channel. The thermally conductive media for each at least one support channel is chosen from the group consisting of: (1) a support channel coolant, where the appliance further includes a second cooling loop in fluid communication with the selected at least one support channel, and where the second cooling loop is in thermal communication with at least one cooling module that provides cooling to an interior of the module; (2) a thermal storage material, where the thermal storage material is disposed within a volume defined by an interior surface and first and second ends of the selected at least one support channel, and where the thermal storage media is in thermal communication with the same interior compartment; and (3) a defrost fluid, where the appliance further includes a defrost circuit in fluid communication with the selected at least one support channel, and where the defrost circuit is in fluid communication with a defrost-fluid pump and in thermal communication with a heat source. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a refrigerator according to an aspect of the present disclosure that includes a co-extruded evaporator; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the co-extruded evaporator; 
         FIG. 3  is a first side view of the co-extruded evaporator of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a second side elevation view of the co-extruded evaporator of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a third side elevational view of the co-extruded evaporator of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the co-extruded evaporator of  FIG. 2  taken along line VI-VI in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a detail section view of a different embodiment of the co-extruded evaporator; 
         FIG. 7B  is a second detail section view of a different embodiment of the co-extruded evaporator; 
         FIG. 7C  is a third detail section view of another embodiment of the co-extruded evaporator; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of a second cooling loop using the co-extruded evaporator of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view of a thermal storage device using the co-extruded evaporator of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view of a defrost circuit using the co-extruded evaporator of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an orientation-free schematic view of the defrost circuit using a passive thermosyphon pump; and 
         FIG. 12  is a flow diagram of a method for advanced cooling of an appliance according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Referring to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , reference numeral  10  generally refers to an appliance  10  having a co-extruded evaporator  12  disposed within the appliance  10  and in thermal communication with at least one interior compartment  14  of the appliance  10 . The co-extruded evaporator  12  is configured to provide cooling to the at least one interior compartment  14 . The co-extruded evaporator  12  includes a main channel  16  that is in fluid communication with a main cooling loop  18  and at least one support channel  20  that is in fluid communication with the main channel  16 . A wall of the main channel  16  includes at least a portion of the wall of each at least one support channel  20 , such that the main channel  16  and each of the at least one support channels  20  have a common wall  22 . The co-extruded evaporator  12  also includes a plurality of co-extruded cooling fins  24  that are disposed proximate the main channel  16  or the at least one support channel  20 , or both. The plurality of co-extruded cooling fins  24  is in direct physical contact with, and in thermal communication with, either the main channel  16 , the at least one support channel  20 , or both. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , a coolant fluid  30  is disposed within the main channel  16  and the main cooling loop  18 . The main cooling loop  18  can include, but is not limited to, a compressor  32 , a condenser  34 , a pump  36 , and at least one expansion device  38 . The main channel  16  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  is configured to be in fluid communication with the coolant fluid  30 . A thermally conductive media  40  is disposed within the support channel  20 . The thermally conductive media  40  is independent and maintained separately from the coolant fluid  30  that is disposed within the main channel  16  and the main cooling loop  18 . The thermally conductive media  40  is selectively disposed within each at least one support channel  20 . Because of the common wall  22  of the main channel  16  and the at least one support channel  20 , the thermally conductive media  40  is in direct contact with and in thermal communication with the main channel  16 , and also in thermal communication with the coolant fluid  30  disposed within the main channel  16 . The thermally conductive media  40  disposed within each of the at least one support channels  20  can be, but is not limited to, a support channel coolant  50 , a thermal storage material  52 , or a defrost fluid  54 . As will be more fully described below, additional mechanical aspects can be disposed within the appliance  10  depending upon which thermally conductive media  40  is selected for each of the at least one support channel  20 . 
     Referring now to the illustrated embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , the co-extruded evaporator  12  is formed by extruding a single member that includes two main channels  16 , two support channels  20 , where each of the main channels  16  share a common wall  22  with one support channel  20 . A plurality of intermediate cooling fins  72  is coupled with and extends between the two support channels  20  thereby coupling one main and support channel  16 ,  20  to the other main and the support channel  16 ,  20 . In addition, a plurality of first and second outer cooling fins  74 ,  76  are disposed to each of the two main channels, and extend away from the plurality of intermediate cooling fins  72 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , the co-extruded evaporator  12  is configured in an undulating pattern to form the compact evaporator shape that can be disposed within the appliance  10 . A first end  90  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  includes a “U” shaped member  92  that couples the two main channels  16 , and the two support channels  20 . The “U” shaped member  92 , similar to the co-extruded evaporator  12 , can include a common wall  22  that separates the main and support channels  16 ,  20 . The second end  94  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  includes an input receptacle  96  coupled with one of the main channels  16  and its coupled support channel  20 . An output receptacle  98  is coupled to the other main channel  16  and its coupled support channel  20 . The input and output receptacles  96 ,  98  are configured such that the main cooling loop  18  can be coupled to the main channel  16  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  and the support channel  20  can remain independent from the main cooling loop  18  and the main channel  16 . 
     The co-extruded evaporator  12  can also be formed by co-extruding a single main channel  16  and a single support channel  20  that include a common wall  22  shared by the main and support channels  16 ,  20 , and where a plurality of co-extruded cooling fins  24  are disposed on the main and support channels  16 ,  20 . In such an embodiment, a single co-extruded piece can be formed in the shape described above and shown in  FIGS. 2-6 . Alternatively, in such an embodiment, two co-extruded members can be connected at one end by the “U” shaped member  92 , where the other ends of the two co-extruded members can include the input and output receptacles  96 ,  98 , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , the plurality of first and second outer cooling fins and the plurality of intermediate cooling fins  72  can each be extruded in single elongated fins. After being extruded, each of the first and second outer cooling fins and the intermediate cooling fin can be manipulated to form the pluralities of first and second outer cooling fins  74 ,  76  and the plurality of intermediate cooling fins  72  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-6 . The manipulation of the pluralities of first, second, and intermediate cooling fins can be accomplished by methods that include, but are not limited to, twisting, slicing, folding, rolling, and other manipulating methods. Manipulating the individual elongated fins serves to increase the surface area of the plurality of co-extruded cooling fins  24  by including the cross-sectional thickness of the plurality of co-extruded cooling fins  24 . This also provides additional passageways for air flow between the plurality of co-extruded cooling fins  24  and around the main and support channels  16 ,  20  to increase the cooling capacity of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . In alternate embodiments, each of the pluralities of the first and second outer cooling fins  74 ,  76  and the plurality of intermediate cooling fins  72  can include bent ridges to further increase the surface area of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . It should be understood that the exact configuration of and orientation of each of the pluralities of first  74  and second  76  outer cooling fins, and each of the plurality of intermediate cooling fins  72  can vary within different portions of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . 
     As shown in the embodiment as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-6 , the co-extruded evaporator  12  can be made of materials, typically, thermally conductive materials, that include, but are not limited to, aluminum, copper and other extrudable metal materials. Similarly, the “U” shaped member  92  can be made of the same material as the co-extruded evaporator  12 . In other alternate embodiments, the “U” shaped member  92  can be made of materials that include, but are not limited to, metals, plastics, or other thermally conductive materials. The input and output receptacles  96 ,  98  can be made of materials that include, but are not limited to, metals, plastics, or other material that is capable of receiving and directing the coolant fluid  30  and the thermally conductive media  40 , having various temperature ranges, through the main channel  16  and the support channel  20 , respectively, to facilitate the cooling features disposed within the appliance  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-7C , in various embodiments, the configuration of the main and the at least one support channel  20  can be extruded into different configurations not limited to but include in these shown so long as at least two channels share at least one common wall. As shown in  FIG. 7A , a single main channel  16  and a single support channel  20  can be co-extruded, and include the common wall  22  shared by the main and support channels  20 . The first and second outer cooling fins  74 ,  76  can be co-extruded proximate the main and support channels  16 ,  20 , respectively, and extend outwardly away from the common wall  22 . 
     As shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the co-extruded evaporator  12  can include the main channel  16  and two support channels  20 , where the main channel  16  shares a common wall  22  with each of the two support channels  20 . In addition, in such an embodiment, the pluralities of first and second outer cooling fins  74 ,  76  extend from the main channel  16  and from each of the two support channels  20 . In this embodiment, the two support channels  20  can include the same thermally conductive media  40 , or can contain two different thermally conductive media  40 . Because of the common wall  22  configuration, the thermally conductive media  40  disposed within the two support channels  20  is in fluid communication with the main channel  16  and thermal communication with the coolant fluid  30  disposed within the main channel  16 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7C , in the illustrated embodiment, the co-extruded evaporator  12  can include a first main channel  60  and three support channels  20 , where the common wall  22  is disposed between the main channel  16  and each of the three support channels  20 . In this embodiment, a thermally conductive media  40  is disposed within each of the three support channels  20 . Various combinations of the thermally conductive media  40 , as discussed above, can be disposed in each of the three support channels  20 . The thermally conductive media  40  in each of the support channels  20  is separated from the thermally conductive media  40  within the other two support channels  20 . The thermally conductive media  40  in each of the support channels  20  is in fluid communication with the main channel  16  at the common walls  22  and is also in thermal communication with the coolant fluid  30  disposed within the main channel  16 . In alternate embodiments, the co-extruded evaporator  12  can include additional support channels  20 , and additional main channels  16 , depending on the various cooling functions that are contained within the appliance  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , in the illustrated embodiment, a support channel coolant  50  is disposed within the support channel  20 . In this embodiment, a second cooling loop  110  is coupled with the support channel  20  at the input and output receptacles  96 ,  98 . In this embodiment, the input and output receptacles  96 ,  98  are configured to receive and direct the support channel  20  coolant through the support channel  20  and the second cooling loop  110  while not allowing the coolant fluid  30  in the main cooling loop  18  to come into contact with the support channel coolant  50  and the second cooling loop  110 . The second cooling loop  110  can include a cooling pump  112  that forces the support channel coolant  50  through the support channel  20  and the second cooling loop  110 . The cooling pump  112  is typically the only device for moving support channel coolant  50  within the second cooling loop. Typically, the second coolant loop is free of a condenser and a compressor and cooling capacity is received by the support channel coolant solely through thermal conduction across the shared wall  22 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 8 , in the illustrated embodiment, the condenser  34  of the main cooling loop  18  decreases the temperature of the coolant fluid  30  within the main cooling loop  18 . The pump  36  of the main cooling loop  18  directs the cooled coolant fluid  30  through the input receptacle  96  and into the main channel  16  of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . The cooled coolant fluid  30  within the main channel  16  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  provides cooling to the interior compartment  14 . In addition, the cooled coolant fluid  30  within the main channel  16  also provides cooling to the support channel coolant  50  disposed within the support channel  20 . In this manner, the main channel  16  and the coolant fluid  30  within the main channel  16  functions as a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger  114  to cool the support channel coolant  50  in the second cooling loop  110 , whereby the support channel coolant  50  disposed within the support channel  20  is cooled by the coolant fluid  30  in the main channel  16 . The cooling pump  112  of the support channel  20  can direct the cooled support channel coolant  50  through the second cooling loop  110  to a cooling module  116 , where the second cooling loop  110  and the support channel coolant  50  provide cooling to an interior  118  of the cooling module  116 , resulting in the temperature of the support channel coolant  50  being increased as cooling is transferred from the support channel coolant  50  to the interior  118  of the cooling module  116 . The support channel coolant  50  is then directed back to the co-extruded evaporator  12  so that the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger  114  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  can again decrease the temperature of the support channel coolant  50 . 
     In addition, as illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , a third cooling loop  120  can be coupled with the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  and the second cooling loop  110  such that the support channel  20  is in fluid communication with the secondary and third cooling loops  110 ,  120 . A first valve  122  can be disposed in the second cooling loop  110  proximate the output receptacle  98  such that the first valve  122  is in fluid communication with the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  and the second and third cooling loops  110 ,  120 . The first valve  122  is further configured to selectively control the flow of the support channel coolant  50  from the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  into the second and third cooling loops  110 ,  120 , depending upon the need for cooling in the various cooling functions of the appliance  10 . A second valve  124  can be disposed proximate the input receptacle  96  where the second valve  124  is in fluid communication with the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  and the second and third cooling loops  110 ,  120 . The second valve  124  is further configured to selectively control the flow of the support channel coolant  50  from the second and third cooling loops  110 ,  120  through the input receptacle  96  and into the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . In various embodiments, any number of cooling loops can be included in the appliance depending on the number of channels having at least one shared wall and included in the co-extruded evaporator. 
     As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the cooling pump  112  can be disposed proximate the second valve  124  and the input receptacle  96 , such that the cooling pump  112  can work in conjunction with the first and second valves  122 ,  124  to direct the flow of the support channel coolant  50  through the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  and into either the second or third cooling loop  110 ,  120 , or both. In alternate embodiments, the second and third cooling loop  110 ,  120  can each include separate and dedicated cooling pumps  112  to provide for the flow of the support channel coolant  50  through the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  and the second and third cooling loops  110 ,  120 . 
     As further illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the third cooling loop  120  includes a recycle function, whereby the cooling pump  112  directs the support channel coolant  50  from the output receptacle  98  through the third cooling loop  120  and back to the input receptacle  96 , whereby the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger  114  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  can further decrease the temperature of the support channel coolant  50  for later use in providing cooling to the interior  118  of the cooling module  116  of the second cooling loop  110 . In alternate configurations, the third cooling loop  120  can include a separate dedicated cooling module  116 , whereby the third cooling loop  120  and the support channel coolant  50  provide cooling to a dedicated cooling module  116  of the third cooling loop  120 . 
     Referring now to the embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the second cooling loop  110  can include a thermal storage channel  130  where the thermal storage material  52  is disposed all or at least partially within the thermal storage channel  130 . In this embodiment, the thermal storage channel  130  is defined by an inner surface  132  of the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). The output receptacle  98  includes a first cap  134  and the input receptacle  96  includes a second cap  136  configured to seal the ends of the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . In this manner, the thermal storage material  52  is contained within the thermal storage channel  130  and is also kept separate from the coolant fluid  30  disposed within the main channel  16  and the main cooling loop  18 . The support channel  20  and the main channel  16  are both in thermal communication with the same interior compartment  14 . 
     In this embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the condensing function of the main channel  16  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  and the coolant fluid  30  disposed within the main channel  16 , as discussed above, provides cooling to the thermal storage channel  130  and the thermal storage material  52  contained therein. In this manner, cooling is stored within the thermal storage material  52  and the temperature of the thermal storage material  52  is decreased. The cooling stored within the thermal storage material  52  can be used to provide cooling to the interior compartment  14  disposed proximate the co-extruded evaporator  12 . In this manner, the thermal storage material  52  within the thermal storage channel  130  can act as a passive unpowered evaporator  138  for the interior compartment  14 . 
     As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , a defrost circuit  150  that includes the defrost fluid  54  can be coupled with the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  at the input and output receptacles  96 ,  98 , such that the defrost circuit  150  is in fluid communication with the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . In this embodiment, the defrost circuit  150  includes a reservoir  152  for storing the defrost fluid  54  and a heat source  154  disposed in thermal communication with the reservoir  152 , such that the heat source  154  can increase the temperature of the defrost fluid  54  within the reservoir  152 . The defrost circuit  150  can also include a defrost pump  156  for directing the flow of the defrost fluid  54  from the reservoir  152 , through the input receptacle  96 , and into the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . The defrost pump  156  can work in conjunction with a defrost valve  158  configured to be in fluid communication with the defrost circuit  150  and the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12 , such that the defrost valve  158  works with the pump  36  to direct the flow of the defrost fluid  54  into the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . The defrost pump  156  is typically the only device for moving defrost fluid  54  within the defrost circuit  150 . Typically, the defrost circuit is free of a dedicated heat source and the defrost fluid is warmed by a heat source external to the defrost circuit  150 . 
     As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , a defrost cycle is initiated to remove frozen water that has accumulated on an outer surface  162  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Once initiated, the defrost cycle can selectively activate the defrost pump  156  to direct the defrost fluid  54  from the reservoir  152  that has been heated by the heat source  154  through the defrost valve  158  and into the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  via the input receptacle  96 , then through the output receptacle  98  and back to the reservoir  152  so that the defrost fluid  54  can be reheated and pumped back to the support channel  20  until the defrost circuit is completed. The defrost fluid  54  within the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  increases the temperature of the co-extruded evaporator  12  above the freezing point of water, thereby increasing the temperature of the frozen water disposed on the outer surface  162  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  to a point above the freezing point of water. As a consequence, the frozen water on the outer surface  162  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  changes to liquid water and falls from the outer surface  162  of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . At the end of the defrost cycle, the defrost pump  156  is deactivated and the defrost fluid  54  is returned to the reservoir  152  for later use in a subsequent defrost cycle. The defrost circuit  150  can also include a water collector to receive and direct the liquid water that has fallen from the outer surface  162  of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , which shows no particular orientation, the defrost pump  156  of the defrost circuit  150  can include a passive thermosyphon pump  170  to allow heated defrost fluid  172 , which is less dense than cooler defrost fluid  174 , to passively flow above the cooler defrost fluid  174  and upward into the defrost circuit  150  and into the support channel  20 . In this manner, the passive thermosyphon pump  170  directs the heated defrost fluid  172  into the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . The passive thermosyphon pump  170  also includes the defrost valve  158  for controlling the flow of the defrost fluid  54  into the input receptacle  96 , through the support channel  20 , out through the output receptacle and back to the passive thermosyphon pump  170 , where the defrost fluid can be reheated and recycled through the defrost circuit  150  until the defrost cycle is completed. 
     In addition, the heat source  154  can include the heat given off by the mechanical aspects of the appliance  10 , whereby the heat from the mechanical aspects of the appliance  10  is recycled to heat the defrost fluid  54  within the defrost circuit  150 . Further, the heat source  154  of the defrost circuit  150  can be located external to the appliance  10 , or the reservoir  152  and the heat source  154  of the defrost circuit  150  can be disposed external to the appliance  10 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 7A-7C , as discussed above, the co-extruded evaporator  12  can be extruded to include more than one support channel  20 . Where more than one support channel  20  is included, more than one of the functions discussed above can be served by the support channels  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . By way of example, and not limitation, where two support channels  20  are present, as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the two support channels  20  can serve any two of the secondary cooling, thermal storage, and defrost functions discussed above and as shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . Alternatively, the two support channels  20  could serve the same or similar functions discussed above. 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 7C , where three support channels  20  are present, each of the support channels  20  can be dedicated to support any one of the secondary cooling, thermal storage, and defrost functions discussed above and shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . In the embodiments where multiple support channels  20  are included in the co-extruded evaporator  12 , the mechanical aspects described above need to be included in the appliance  10  to serve the multiple functions present in the appliance  10 . 
     As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , another aspect of the appliance  10  includes a method  200  for advanced cooling of an appliance  10  that includes the steps of: ( 202 ) providing the co-extruded evaporator  12 , as described above, having the main channel  16 , the support channel  20  in thermal communication with the main channel  16 , the plurality of co-extruded cooling fins  24  that are disposed proximate and in thermal communication with either the main cooling channel, the support channel  20 , or both, and where the main channel  16  and support channel  20  share the common wall  22 ; ( 204 ) disposing the co-extruded evaporator  12  within the appliance  10  proximate the main cooling loop  18  and the at least one interior compartment  14 , where the main channel  16  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  is in thermal communication with at least one of the at least one interior compartment  14 , the main cooling loop  18  and the coolant fluid  30 , and where the main cooling loop  18  can include, but is not limited to, a compressor  32 , a condenser  34 , a pump  36 , and at least one expansion device  38 ; and ( 206 ) selectively disposing a thermally conductive media  40  within the support channel  20 . The thermally conductive media  40  within the support channel  20  is in direct and thermal communication with the main channel  16  and in thermal communication with the coolant fluid  30  in the main channel  16 . As discussed above, and as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 8-10 , the thermally conductive media  40  disposed within the support channel  20  can include a support channel coolant  50 , a thermal storage material  52  and a defrost fluid  54 . 
     According to step  208  of the method  200 , and as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , where the support channel coolant  50  is disposed within the support channel  20 , the second cooling loop  110  is disposed in the appliance  10  and is also in fluid communication with the support channel  20 . The second cooling loop  110  is in thermal communication with the interior  118  of the cooling module  116 , where the second cooling loop  110  and the support channel coolant  50  are configured to provide cooling to the interior  118  of the cooling module  116 . 
     As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , and as discussed above, the cooling pump  112  is in fluid communication with the second cooling loop  110  and selectively controls the flow of the support channel coolant  50  through the support channel  20  and the second cooling loop  110 . The main channel  16  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  and the coolant fluid  30  disposed within the main channel  16  make up the liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger  114  for the second cooling loop  110  to decrease the temperature of the support channel coolant  50  in order to provide cooling to the at least one cooling module  116 . 
     According to step  210  of the method  200 , and as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , where the thermally conductive media  40  disposed within the support channel  20  is the thermal storage material  52 , the thermal storage material  52  is disposed within the thermal storage channel defined by the inner surface  132  of the support channel  20  and the first and second caps  134 ,  136  of the input and output receptacles  96 ,  98 . In this manner, the thermal storage material  52  is in thermal communication with the main channel  16  and the interior compartment  14 . In this embodiment, and as discussed above, the main channel  16  of the co-extruded evaporator  12  and the coolant fluid  30  disposed within the main channel  16  provide cooling to, and decrease the temperature of, the thermal storage material  52 . The thermal storage material  52 , being in thermal communication with the interior compartment  14 , can provide passive and unpowered cooling to the interior compartment  14 . 
     According to step  212  of the method  200 , and as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , where the thermally conductive media  40  is the defrost fluid  54 , the defrost circuit  150  is disposed in the appliance  10  and is in fluid communication with the support channel  20 . The defrost pump is also in fluid communication with the defrost circuit  150  to selectively control the flow of the defrost fluid  54  from the reservoir  152  into the support channel  20  of the co-extruded evaporator  12 . The heat source  154  is also disposed proximate the defrost circuit  150  to increase the temperature of the defrost fluid  54 . 
     As shown in the illustrations of  FIGS. 7A-10 , and as discussed above, the co-extruded evaporator  12  can include multiple support channels  20 , each of which can be dedicated to any one of the secondary cooling, thermal storage and defrost functions discussed above. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described device and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the device disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. Where two components are disclosed as including a common wall, those components are directly joined such that the common wall is part of each component. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 
     The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.