Binary-ice production device and method therefor

Abstract

A method for continuously producing a flowable, pumpable, cooled mass or cooling mass, in particular for use as foodstuffs and food products and/or for foodstuffs and food products made of a flowable base mass, including the following steps: filling a housing with the flowable base mass; cooling the flowable base mass by bringing it in contact with a heat exchanger device disposed in the housing while stirring the base mass so as to generate the pumpable, cooled mass or cooling mass, wherein, when a layer, and in particular an ice layer, forms on the heat exchanger device, cooling is interrupted as soon as the layer, and in particular the ice layer, reaches a predetermined thickness, and cooling is continued as soon as the layer drops below the predetermined thickness, wherein the base mass and/or the mass is moved radially outwardly along the heat exchanger surfaces during stirring, and a force is transmitted for stirring from outside the housing to the inside, without contact and without apertures through the housing. The invention further relates to an air conditioning method, to a cooling mass production device, to an energy system, and to a use therefor.

Claims

1. A method for continuously producing a flowable, pumpable, temperature-controlled cooled mass or cooling mass for use as foodstuffs and food products and/or for foodstuffs and food products made of a flowable base mass using a cooling mass production device including a housing, a heat exchanger device, stirring elements and a contactless force transmission unit, the method comprising the following steps: filling the housing with the flowable base mass; controlling the temperature of, and thereby cooling, the flowable base mass by bringing it in contact with the heat exchanger device disposed in the housing while stirring, by the stirring elements, the flowable base mass so as to generate the flowable, pumpable, temperature-controlled cooled mass or cooling mass, the flowable base mass and/or the flowable, pumpable, temperature-controlled cooled mass or cooling mass being moved radially outwardly along a surface of the heat exchanger device during stirring by the stirring elements, and a stirring force being transmitted from an outside of the housing to an inside of the housing without contact and without apertures through the housing; detecting whether a thickness of an ice layer formed on the surface of the heat exchanger device between the heat exchanger device and the stirring elements is less than, equal to, or greater than a predetermined layer thickness defined by a distance between a surface of the ice layer contacting the surface of the heat exchanger device and an opposite surface of the ice layer; based on the detecting, interrupting the controlling, and thereby cooling, when the thickness of the ice layer formed on the surface of the heat exchanger device between the heat exchanger device and the stirring elements is equal to or greater than the predetermined layer thickness, and based on the detecting, continuing the controlling, and thereby cooling, when the thickness of the ice layer formed on the surface of the heat exchanger device between the heat exchanger device and the stirring elements is less than the predetermined layer thickness, wherein the detecting is accomplished without contact of the stirring elements with the heat exchanger device and/or the ice layer.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein stirring takes place without contact with the heat exchanger device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is carried out in a slanted position.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein controlling the temperature, and thereby cooling, of the flowable base mass is carried out by controlling the temperature, and thereby cooling, the flowable base mass to a temperature in the range of plus/minus 5 degrees Celsius around the melting point or freezing point of the flowable base mass.

5. A method for providing air conditioning to a room, comprising: producing a latent energy storage system in which energy is stored in and/or removed from, by continuously producing a flowable, pumpable, temperature-controlled cooled mass or cooling mass using a cooling mass production device including a housing, a heat exchanger device, stirring elements and a contactless force transmission unit, continuously producing the flowable, pumpable, temperature-controlled cooled mass or cooling mass comprising: filling the housing with the flowable base mass; controlling the temperature of, and thereby cooling, the flowable base mass by bringing it in contact with the heat exchanger device disposed in the housing while stirring, by the stirring elements, the flowable base mass so as to generate the flowable, pumpable, temperature-controlled cooled mass or cooling mass, the flowable base mass and/or the flowable, pumpable, temperature-controlled cooled mass or cooling mass being moved radially outwardly along a surface of the heat exchanger device during stirring by the stirring elements, and a stirring force being transmitted from an outside of the housing to an inside of the housing without contact and without apertures through the housing; detecting whether a thickness of an ice layer formed on the surface of the heat exchanger device between the heat exchanger device and the stirring elements is less than, equal to, or greater than a predetermined layer thickness defined by a distance between a surface of the ice layer contacting the surface of the heat exchanger device and an opposite surface of the ice layer; based on the detecting, interrupting the controlling, and thereby cooling, when the thickness of the ice layer formed on the surface of the heat exchanger device between the heat exchanger device and the stirring elements is equal to or greater than the predetermined layer thickness; and based on the detecting, continuing the controlling, and thereby cooling, when the thickness of the ice layer formed on the surface of the heat exchanger device between the heat exchanger device and the stirring elements is less than the predetermined layer thickness; wherein the detecting is accomplished without contact of the stirring elements with the heat exchanger device and/or the ice layer; and cooling the room using the latent energy storage system.

6. A method for providing air conditioning to a room, comprising: producing a heat storage system in which heat is buffered in and/or extracted from, by continuously producing a flowable, pumpable, temperature-controlled cooled mass or cooling mass using a cooling mass production device including a housing, a heat exchanger device, stirring elements and a contactless force transmission unit, continuously producing the flowable, pumpable, temperature-controlled cooled mass or cooling mass comprising: filling the housing with the flowable base mass; controlling the temperature of, and thereby cooling, the flowable base mass by bringing it in contact with the heat exchanger device disposed in the housing while stirring, by the stirring elements, the flowable base mass so as to generate the flowable, pumpable, temperature-controlled cooled mass or cooling mass, the flowable base mass and/or the flowable, pumpable, temperature-controlled cooled mass or cooling mass being moved radially outwardly along a surface of the heat exchanger device during stirring by the stirring elements, and a stirring force being transmitted from an outside of the housing to an inside of the housing without contact and without apertures through the housing; detecting whether a thickness of an ice layer formed on the surface of the heat exchanger device between the heat exchanger device and the stirring elements is less than, equal to, or greater than a predetermined layer thickness defined by a distance between a surface of the ice layer contacting the surface of the heat exchanger device and an opposite surface of the ice layer; based on the detecting, interrupting the controlling, and thereby cooling, when the thickness of the ice layer formed on the surface of the heat exchanger device between the heat exchanger device and the stirring elements is equal to or greater than the predetermined layer thickness; and based on the detecting, continuing the controlling, and thereby cooling, when the thickness of the ice layer formed on the surface of the heat exchanger device between the heat exchanger device and the stirring elements is less than the predetermined layer thickness; wherein the detecting is accomplished without contact of the stirring elements with the heat exchanger device and/or the ice layer; and cooling the room using the heat storage system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an ice slurry production device;

(2) FIG. 2 schematically shows a section of an ice slurry production device in another cross-sectional view;

(3) FIG. 3 schematically shows an exploded illustration of the ice slurry production device of FIG. 2;

(4) FIG. 4 schematically shows another cross-sectional view of the ice slurry production device of FIG. 3;

(5) FIG. 5 schematically shows a perspective view of a heat exchanger device of an ice slurry production device;

(6) FIG. 6 schematically shows a top view onto the heat exchanger device of FIG. 5;

(7) FIG. 7 schematically shows a perspective view of another heat exchanger device of an ice slurry production device;

(8) FIG. 8 schematically shows a top view onto the heat exchanger device of FIG. 7;

(9) FIG. 9 schematically shows a side view of an ice slurry production device;

(10) FIG. 10 schematically shows a front view and a side view of a section of the ice slurry production device of FIG. 9;

(11) FIG. 11 schematically shows a partially exploded side view of the ice slurry production device of FIG. 10;

(12) FIG. 12 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of another ice slurry production device;

(13) FIG. 13 schematically shows another cross-sectional view of the ice slurry production device; and

(14) FIG. 14 schematically shows a perspective view of a heat exchanger device of the ice slurry production device of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(15) FIGS. 1 to 14 show different embodiments of a heat exchanger device 100 in different views and levels of details. Identical or similar components are denoted by identical reference numerals. A detailed description of components that were already described is dispensed with.

(16) The cooling mass production device 100 for producing a cooling mass, and in particular ice slurry, from a liquid base mass, ice slurry brine or sugar water comprises means for carrying out a method for producing a temperature-controlled mass, cooling mass, ice slurry from a base mass 10, such as an ice slurry brine or sugar water, wherein a housing 110 is filled with the liquid base mass 10, such as an ice slurry brine, the liquid base mass 10, such as the ice slurry brine, is cooled by bringing it into contact with a heat exchanger device 200 disposed in the housing 110 while stirring the base mass 10, such as the ice slurry brine or the sugar water, so as to generate the temperature-controlled mass, the cooling ice, or the ice slurry or the sugar ice, wherein, when an ice layer forms on the heat exchanger device 200, cooling is interrupted as soon as the ice layer reaches a predetermined thickness, and cooling is continued as soon as the ice layer drops below the predetermined thickness.

(17) The cooling mass production device 100 comprises corresponding means, which include the heat exchanger device 200. The means further include a regulating device. The means moreover include a stirring device 500. The means additionally include an inclination regulating unit 400. The means further include a conveying device 600. The cooling mass production device 100 is disposed on a floor or a support base 20, which can also be designed as a weighing device. The inclination regulating unit 400 can be used to bring the cooling mass or ice slurry production device 100 into a slanted position, or to incline it, with respect to the support base 20, as is shown in FIG. 1. An angle of inclination 410, at which the cooling mass production device 100 is inclined with respect to the support base 20, can be set by way of the inclination regulating unit 400. The angle of inclination 410 is calculated here from a slanted position of the housing 110 of the cooling mass production device 100, or an axis A of the cooling mass production device 100, with respect to the support base 20. The inclination regulating unit 400 comprises at least one adjustable inclination element 420, which can be extended. The inclination element 420 is designed as an extendable pedestal 421 here. The support base 20 is preferably part of the inclination regulating unit 400. For the cooling mass production device 100 to rest on a supporting structure, the inclination regulating unit 400 comprises appropriate pedestals 21, which can also be designed as weighing feet.

(18) In addition to the base mass 10, and in particular the ice slurry brine or the sugar water, the heat exchanger device 200 is also disposed, at least partially, in the container 110. The heat exchanger device 200 comprises a flow or feed 210 for a heating or refrigerating agent (in short: a refrigerant), a drain or return 220 for the refrigerant, and multiple heat exchanger plates 230 that are fluidically connected to the flow 210 and the return 220. The refrigerant can flow through the heat exchanger plates 230. So as to achieve optimal flow, the heat exchanger plates 230 have an interior space, which is surrounded by two end-face side walls and a wall disposed in the manner of a lateral face thereto, and the interior space is fluidically connected both to the flow 210 and to the return 220. For the formation of an appropriate through-flow, various flow guide means 235 are disposed in the interior space so as to implement a particular flow field, for example. The flow 210 and the return 220 are disposed eccentrically relative to the heat exchanger plates 230. The flow 210 and the return 220 extend in the axial direction A. The housing 110 further comprises a supply point 111 and a draw-off point 112. As is indicated by the arrows at 111 and 112, the supply of base mass 10, such as ice slurry brine or sugar water, or the removal of cooling ice or ice slurry, takes place accordingly.

(19) The base mass 10 is supplied to the container or the housing 110 via the supply point 111. For this purpose, the base mass 10 is supplied to the housing 110 via a level regulating unit 700. The level regulating unit 700 comprises a first brine container 710 and a second brine container 720. A saturated base mass 10 is stocked in the first brine container 710, for example a saturated salt solution. The second brine container 720 holds the base mass 10 having a desired base mass concentration, for example a 0.5 to 3.5% salt solution (volume % or mass %). So as to obtain the desired concentration value, the concentration in the second brine container 720 is detected. If the concentration exceeds the desired concentration value, the base mass 10 is diluted, for example by feeding in base mass 10 having a lower concentration, or water. If the concentration is below the desired concentration value, the base mass 10 is concentrated, for example by supplying base mass 10 having a higher concentration, preferably using the saturated base mass 10 from the first brine container 710. If a desired concentration is present, the base mass 10 from the second brine container 720 is supplied to the container 110. Supply takes place in keeping with the level regulating unit 700. In addition to regulating the concentration of the base mass 10, this unit regulates, in particular, the base mass 10 in the second brine container 720, as well as other parameters. For example, the level regulating unit 700 also regulates a fill level of the base mass 10 in the container 110. For example, this is done by way of a float gauge measurement, visually or using other means. So as to produce ice slurry from the base mass 10, the base mass 10 is cooled, and more particularly pre-cooled, in the container 110. For this purpose, the level regulating unit 700 includes a refrigeration controller or a corresponding refrigeration circuit. The base mass 10 is cooled by bringing it in contact with heat exchanger surfaces of the heat exchanger plates 230. To produce ice slurry, it is necessary to mix base mass 10 and crystallized or frozen base mass 10. This is done by way of the stirring device 500. The stirring device 500 comprises a stirring drive 510. The stirring drive 510 comprises a stirring shaft 520 and a stirring motor 530 driving the stirring shaft 520. The stirring shaft 520 is disposed centrically relative to the heat exchanger plates 230. For this purpose, the heat exchanger plates 230 each have a central through-passage 231, through which the stirring shaft 520 extends. Projecting radially outwardly, the stirring shaft 520 comprises stirring elements 540, which are designed to mix or stir the base mass 10, or the ice slurry, or the mixture of both. The stirring elements 540 are disposed in the intermediate spaces 232 between the heat exchanger plates 230. The stirring elements 540 have a paddle design, so that the base mass 10 or the ice slurry is moved radially outwardly away from the stirring shaft 520 in the direction of the container wall 110b. The base mass mixture that is richer in ice is preferably transported radially outwardly. The base mass mixture containing less ice, or the base mass 10, follows in through the through-passages 231 of the heat exchanger plates 230. In this way, efficient mixing is achieved. Moreover, improved mixing takes place due to the slanted position of the container 110, and thus of the heat exchanger device 100 and the stirring device 500. Mixing is supported by the action of gravity. So as to additionally convey the ice slurry or the base mass 10, the appropriate conveying device 600 is provided. This is integrated into the stirring device 500 in the embodiments shown here, in particular by the shape of the stirring elements 540. The conveying device 600 is also partially integrated into the inclination regulating unit 400 since the slanted position supports conveying of the ice slurry or of the base mass 10. Due to the slanted position and the lower density of the ice slurry compared to the base mass 10, the ice slurry moves from the lowest point, where the supply point 111 is located, toward a higher location. The draw-off point 112 is formed at the higher location. The slanted position ensures that the ice slurry, or depending on the slanted position an ice slurry mixture having a lower content of base mass 10, is present at the draw-off point 112 and can be drawn off there. So as to accelerate the ice slurry production process, drawn-off ice slurry or ice slurry mixture can be recirculated to the supply point 111 and re-supplied to the container 10. The slanted position can be adjusted for this purpose, for example.

(20) FIG. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the ice slurry production device 100. Here, the composition is schematically illustrated. The container 110 has three maintenance openings 113. The set angle of inclination is approximately 10. The container 110 is filled almost to the rim. Two different fill levels are indicated, which can be set by way of the level regulating unit 700. The stirring shaft 520 is mounted on an end-face wall or end face 110a of the container 110 near the supply point 111. The stirring motor 530 is provided on the opposite side. It is located outside the container 110. A magnetic coupling 520 is provided for driving the stirring shaft 520, without penetration or through-passage, on the appropriate end wall or end face 110a of the container 110, which is on the draw-off point side here. It is possible to drive the stirring shaft 520 from the outside by way of this, without penetration, and thus without sealing of the end face 110a. As a result of the slanted position, a pressure exerted by the base mass 10, or the ice slurry, on the end face 110a is lower than in the horizontal position.

(21) FIG. 2 schematically shows a section of the cooling mass production device 100 in another cross-sectional view. The level regulating unit 700 is not shown here. As in FIG. 1, the insulated container or the housing 110 is designed as a thin-walled, approximately cylindrical container 110 having two end faces 110a that curve slightly to the outside. The container 110 accordingly extends along the axial direction A. The central axis of the container 110 and the central axis of the stirring shaft 520 are formed concentrically with respect to each other. The stirring shaft 520 is coupled to the stirring motor 530 by way of the magnetic coupling 550. Since no opening is required in the corresponding end face as a result of the magnetic coupling 550, the arrangement of the magnetic coupling 550 and of the stirring shaft 520 can be freely selected, which is to say these may also be provided on the lower-lying end face. The heat exchanger plates 230 are designed as circular ring-shaped plates and project radially outwardly from an imaginary central axis. The imaginary central axis of the heat exchanger plates 230 is disposed concentrically with respect to the central axis of the stirring shaft 520 and of the container 110. The heat exchanger plates 230 are disposed at identical distances from each other in the axial direction A. Radially, the heat exchanger plates 230 are disposed at identical distances from the side wall 110b of the container 110. The stirring elements 540 are disposed between the heat exchanger plates 230 so as to project radially outward. The stirring elements 540 are formed at identical distances from each other in the axial direction A and have substantially identical designs. The stirring elements 540 are disposed at a distance from the heat exchanger plates 230 for contactless stirring. The stirring elements 540 are formed at a distance from the side wall 110b of the container 110 in the axial direction A.

(22) FIG. 3 schematically shows an exploded illustration of the cooling mass production device 100 of FIG. 2. The heat exchanger device 200 is preferably integrated with the stirring device 500, so that both can be inserted into the container 110 together during installation. A cover 114 of the container 110, which is designed as a removable end wall 110a, is preferably likewise integrated with the heat exchanger device 200 and/or the stirring device 500. Due to the magnetic coupling 550, the end wall 110 is designed without openings in the axial direction in the region of the stirring shaft 520.

(23) FIG. 4 schematically shows another cross-sectional view of the cooling mass production device 100 of FIG. 3. The view does not show the stirring device 500. The container 110 has a substantially hollow-cylindrical design. The heat exchanger plates 230 are disposed at radially constant distances from the side wall 110b of the container 110. The heat exchanger plates 230 have the central through-passage 231 for the stirring shaft 520. The central axis of the through-passage 231 is concentric with respect to the center axis of the container 110. The interior space of the heat exchanger plates 230 has a flow field. The flow field is also defined by welds, depressions or other flow guide means 235 of the heat exchanger surfaces in the direction of the interior space. A slot 233 for a lateral installation of the stirring shaft 540 into the through-passage 231 extends radially outwardly from the central through-passage 231. The feed 210 and the drain 220 are disposed between a radially outer edge of the heat exchanger plate 230 and the side wall 110b of the container 110. The feed 210 and the drain 220 extend in the axial direction A.

(24) FIG. 5 schematically shows a perspective view of another heat exchanger device 200 of the cooling mass production device 100. In the embodiment shown here, the heat exchanger plates 230 have no slot 233. The stirring shaft 520 is inserted axially through the through-passages 231 here. The flow 210 and the return 220 are partially accommodated in the heat exchanger plates 230. The heat exchanger plates 230 have appropriate receptacles 234 for this purpose, as is shown in FIG. 6.

(25) FIG. 6 schematically shows a top view onto the heat exchanger device 200 of FIG. 5. The receptacles 234 for the flow 210 and the return 220 are formed on an outer edge of the heat exchanger plate 230, wherein these interrupt the edge. A feed 210 and/or return 220 received there protrudes over the edge in the direction of the side wall 110b of the container 110. A fluidic connection of the interior space of the heat exchanger plate 230 to the feed 210 or the drain 220 is thus established without external connecting means, but is integrated.

(26) FIG. 7 schematically shows a perspective view of another heat exchanger device 200 of a cooling mass production device 100. Having a composition that is otherwise identical to that of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 5 and 6, the embodiment according to FIG. 7 includes receptacles 234 that do not interrupt the edge, but are designed as eccentric through-passages in the heat exchanger plate 230. A feed 210 or drain 220 received there does not protrude radially over the edge of the heat exchanger plate P33.

(27) Thus, the radial distance from the heat exchanger plates 230 to the side wall 110b of the container 110 must be dimensioned smaller.

(28) FIG. 8 schematically shows a top view onto the heat exchanger device 200 of FIG. 7. The two receptacles 234 designed as through-passages penetrate the heat exchanger plate 230, wherein the cross-section of the receptacle 234 is located completely inside the corresponding cross-section of the heat exchanger plate 230. One embodiment of the cooling mass production device 100 including the heat exchanger device 200 according to FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 9.

(29) FIG. 9 schematically shows a side view of the cooling mass production device 100 including the heat exchanger device 200 of FIG. 8. The feed 210 and the return 220 do not extend in the radial direction laterally from the heat exchanger plates 230, but penetrate these. In this way, a uniform distance is achieved in the radial direction between the heat exchanger plates 230 and the housing 110. The composition shown in FIG. 9 essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. The cooling mass production device 100 has a more compact design, comprising a container 110 having two maintenance openings 113. The heat exchanger device 200 comprises nine heat exchanger plates 230. The stirring device 500 comprises ten stirring elements 540. The end face, or the end faces, facing the stirring shaft 520 is or are designed without openings since the stirring shaft 520 is coupled, or can be coupled, to the stirring motor 530 via the magnetic coupling 550 without making contact.

(30) FIG. 10 schematically shows a front view and a side view of a section of the cooling mass production device 100 of FIG. 9, this however comprises a heat exchanger device 200 which has a slot 233 for installing the stirring shaft 520 and in which the flow 210 and the return 220 are disposed radially laterally from the heat exchanger plates 230. FIG. 11 schematically shows a partially exploded side view of the cooling mass production device 100 of FIG. 10. The relatively large radial distance between the heat exchanger plates 230 and the container 110 is apparent here, which corresponds at least to the width in the radial direction of the feed 210 or the drain 220. The stirring shaft 520 is coupled in a contactless manner to the stirring motor 530 by way of the magnetic coupling 550. In one embodiment, the stirring shaft 520 can be axially divided into stirring shaft segments. The segments can be joined to form a complete shaft using appropriate couplings, for example magnetic couplings as well.

(31) FIG. 12 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of another cooling mass production device 100. The cooling mass production device 100 is designed larger than in the previous exemplary embodiment and accordingly comprises more heat exchanger plates 230, which additionally have a larger heat exchanger surface, and accordingly more stirring elements 540. The inclination regulating unit 400 comprises a pivot bearing 425, one end of which rotatably mounts the container 110. A linear actuator 426, which is flexibly connected to the container 110, is formed at an axial distance therefrom. The angle of inclination 410 can be adjusted by displacing the linear actuator 426. Since the stirring motor can be arranged freely due to the magnetic coupling and, as a result, the end face is free of through-passages, an inclination is freely selectable since no seals are provided, which, in a slanted position, might experience higher loading from a fluid pressing on the end face.

(32) FIG. 13 schematically shows another cross-sectional view of the cooling mass production device 100. The stirring shaft 520 is disposed in the central through-passage 231 of the heat exchanger plate 230. The feed 210 and the drain 220 are disposed at a radial lateral distance from the heat exchanger plate 230 between the heat exchanger plate 230 and the side wall 110b of the container 110. The stirring element 540 extends radially from the stirring shaft 520. The stirring element 540 has a propeller-like or paddle design here. The profile of the stirring element 540 has an S-shaped cross-section. In addition, the stirring element 540 has a changed curvature in the axial direction A, so as to cause additional conveying in a further direction, this being the axial direction. In this way, the conveying device 600 is integrated into the stirring device 500. Conveying thus takes place radially along the heat exchanger surfaces. As a result of the S-shaped curvature and the centrifugal forces, conveying takes place radially outwardly in the direction of the side wall 110b of the container 110. In addition, conveying takes place in the axial direction A due to the axial curvature of the stirring element 540. As a result, three-dimensional mixing and/or conveying takes place, which is additionally supported by the slanted position of the axis A or of the housing 110.

(33) FIG. 14 schematically shows a perspective view of the heat exchanger device 200 of the cooling mass production device 100 of FIG. 13. The flow 210 and the return 220 extend radially outside the heat exchanger plates 230. The interior of the heat exchanger plates 230 has a flow field. The flow field has circular arc-like walls as flow guide means 235, which extend from an inner side of the heat exchanger plate 230 to the opposite side. A flow path is thus defined for the refrigerant in the interior space. In addition, protrusions or depressions are provided in the interior space, which cause improved swirling of the refrigerant in the interior space. In this way, more effective heat transmission is achieved.

(34) The device is suitable for a wide variety of application purposes. For example, the device can also be used with substance mixtures that separate in predetermined temperature ranges, for example a gas-liquid mixture into a liquid phase and a gaseous phase. The device is thus used with substance separation in sewage treatment plants, for example.

(35) It goes without saying that a number of additional embodiments exist, although the above abstract and the detailed description of the figures describe only one exemplary embodiment. Rather, the detailed description above will be useful to a person skilled in the art as suitable instructions for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment. The above-described features of the invention can, of course, be used not only in the described combination, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(36) 10 base mass (ice slurry brine, sugar water)

(37) 20 support base

(38) 21 pedestal

(39) 100 cooling mass production device

(40) 110 housing (container)

(41) 110a end face

(42) 110b side wall(s)

(43) 111 supply point

(44) 112 draw-off point

(45) 113 maintenance opening

(46) 114 cover

(47) 200 heat exchanger device

(48) 210 flow/feed

(49) 220 return/drain

(50) 230 heat exchanger plate

(51) 231 through-passage

(52) 232 intermediate space

(53) 233 slot

(54) 234 receptacle

(55) 235 flow guide means

(56) 400 inclination regulating unit

(57) 410 angle of inclination

(58) 420 inclination element

(59) 421 pedestal

(60) 425 pivot bearing

(61) 426 linear actuator

(62) 500 stirring device

(63) 510 stirring drive

(64) 520 stirring shaft

(65) 530 stirring motor

(66) 540 stirring element

(67) 550 magnetic coupling

(68) 600 conveying device

(69) 700 level regulating unit

(70) 710 brine container (first)

(71) 720 brine container (second)

(72) A axis, axial direction