Golden Mosquito LLC

FrykenFrost cooling machine pulled by a snowmobile while freezing wet ski tracks on a forest race course, with the text Golden Mosquito on the rear.

Pat – A movable cooling machine,

Patent Description (Translated). Read more about Golden Mosquito on the About page.
TITLE
FrykenFrost™ – A movable cooling machine, and a method, for cooling of solid material and or freezing of liquids in a treatment area of said cooling machine.

The calculations verifying the cooling performance are presented further down in this document.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION: CRYOGENIC COOLING MACHINE

1. TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a mobile cooling machine and a method for cooling solid materials and/or freezing liquids within a treatment area. The device is designed to form a sealed unit with the substrate to be cooled, facilitating the freezing of liquids and solids on surfaces such as wet ski trails, roads, mines, or surface water.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Outdoor preservation of cold, ice, and snow is a recurring challenge. Examples include environmental emergencies where oil or chemicals risk draining into water sources, or sporting events like ski races where melting snow compromises fair racing conditions. If a competition is cancelled, significant financial investments are at stake, impacting organizers, athletes, spectators, and local businesses.

Currently, organizers often store snow in large piles or refrigerated halls and distribute it shortly before a race—a labor-intensive process requiring heavy machinery. Alternatively, chemical salting is used to temporarily harden snow. Furthermore, mild winters cause structural issues for ice roads, gravel roads, and embankments, affecting military, forestry, and logging transport. In tunneling and mining, controlled temperature differentials are often required to induce rock cracking.

3. PRIOR ART

Existing methods for freezing surfaces with liquid nitrogen (e.g., EP0541867, FR2716907) typically involve unencapsulated spraying. These systems suffer from extremely high coolant consumption—often 100,000 liters of gas per 100 meters—because the cooling gas is not separated from the ambient air, causing it to dissipate rapidly.

A major technical obstacle is the Leidenfrost effect, where liquid coolant forms an insulating vapor layer upon contact with a warmer surface, preventing rapid heat transfer. Furthermore, unencapsulated systems pose safety risks to humans and animals. Existing machines also lack the ability to adapt to varying ground conditions or maintain optimal flow rates as cylinder pressure drops.

4. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is a machine that traps coolant gas within a sealed treatment area. This area can be located below, above, or to the side of the machine, allowing for continuous cooling during forward movement.

Mechanical Design

The machine can be self-propelled or towed (e.g., by a tractor, snowmobile, or boat). In its towed form, it functions as a long-drawn sleigh. For ski tracks, the machine uses friction members (skids) that also act as lateral insulation. Spring-loaded “insulating blades” at the front and rear seal the unit, allowing internal air pressure to exceed ambient pressure, which significantly increases the cooling effect.

The frame is constructed from cold-resistant materials like steel or aluminum. The cooling unit is height-adjustable and can be tilted horizontally or vertically via hydraulic pistons to cool tunnel walls or ceilings.

Insulation and Sealing

The casing is lined with expanded polystyrene, glass wool, or aerogel to confine the cold. Flexible curtains (insulating members) made of airtight, water-repellent fabric or inflatable seals slide against the surface. Internal parts are treated with a moisture-resistant nanoparticle coating to prevent ice buildup.

Cryogenic System and Control

The machine utilizes liquid nitrogen (–196°C) or dry ice (–78.5°C). Coolant is delivered via motorized valves (gas-taps) guided by internal temperature and pressure sensors. This allows for the optimization of the air pressure acting against porous materials like snow and soil, increasing molecular penetration.

Advanced Cooling Methods

  • Acoustic Vibration: Integrated speakers/vibrators emit infrasound and ultrasound to create turbulence and vibrate the cooling gas, effectively reducing the Leidenfrost effect.
  • Wind Cooling: Fans and directed nozzles create high-velocity air movement to maximize heat extraction.
  • Surface Preparation: The machine can include snow-cutting blades and water-flushing nozzles to produce snow or ice on-site. Localized heating (lasers, microwaves, or gas flames) can be used before rapid cooling to fracture rock or stabilize snow layers.

5. SAFETY AND SENSING SYSTEMS

The machine utilizes a sophisticated suite of sensors:

  • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Measures substrate density, ice thickness, snow depth, and detects sub-surface obstacles.
  • Thermal Sensors/IR Cameras: Monitor surface temperature and detect living beings to initiate emergency stops.
  • Surface Sensor: A spring-loaded wheel measures ground hardness behind the machine to automatically adjust speed or coolant flow.
  • GPS Navigation: Continuously maps the treatment area and records all operational data for future verification.

Warning Systems: The machine features flashing hazard lights, acoustic warnings, and red laser illumination to mark a safety zone around the vehicle.

6. APPLICATIONS AND VERSATILITY

The cooling unit is highly adaptable for various use cases:

  • Sports: Stabilizing ski trails, slalom slopes, and hockey rinks.
  • Environment: Freezing algal blooms, chemicals, or oil spills on water for easier mechanical collection (using a pontoon version).
  • Infrastructure: Stabilizing railway embankments, road culverts, and military runways during thaws or after heavy rainfall.
  • Agriculture: Freezing soil to control pests (fungi, nematodes, etc.) or hardening soft ground for timber harvesting.
  • Civil Engineering: Freezing ground in mines or tunnels to facilitate rock cracking and structural stabilization.

7. DETAILED COMPONENT LIST

  1. Cooling Machine: The main insulated enclosure.
  2. Insulating Member: Flexible curtains/seals.
  3. Insulating Blade: Spring-suspended seals at front/rear.
  4. Track-blade: Specialized inserts for sealing ski tracks.
  5. Nozzle: Distribution of liquid/gas coolant.
  6. Gas Cylinder: Cryogenic storage.
  7. Gas-tap: Motorized flow control (1–100%).
  8. Container: For dry ice sublimation (basic cooling).19/21. Spreader & Flanges: For distributing dry ice pellets.
  9. Friction Member: Skids, wheels, or pontoons.27/29. Surface Sensor & Pressure Wheel: Measuring freezing results.
  10. Thermal Sensor: IR camera for safety and temperature monitoring.
  11. Sound-maker: Warning signals and infra/ultrasound vibration.
  12. Display: Real-time digital map showing obstacles and status.
  13. Ground Radar (GPR): Sub-surface texture and depth analysis.49/51/53. Snow-making System: Nozzles, pumps, and gas-taps for on-site snow production.
  14. Fan/Compressor: Positive pressure and air circulation.
  15. Speaker/Vibrator: Mitigation of Leidenfrost effect and ground compression.
  16. Snow-cutter: Smoothing and increasing surface contact.

8. OPERATIONAL PROCESS

The Central Control Unit (CCU) manages parallel program sections that process GPS data, sensor feedback, and radar imagery. This data is stored in a mass memory to evaluate surface characteristics and determine required interventions. The driver monitors the status via a cabin display, allowing for the real-time optimization of cooling capacity and vehicle speed (typically 1–5 km/h).

Technical Specification – Cryogenic Cooling Module for Ski Tracks and Winter Surfaces

(With Integrated Analysis of Chamber Length, Heat Transfer, and Operational Speed)

1. System Overview

The cooling machine is a ground-interfacing, sealed cryogenic module designed for rapid cooling and surface freezing of highly compressed snow and soil. The system operates by expanding Liquid Nitrogen ($LN_2$) into gas within a sealed chamber gliding directly against the substrate. Controlled overpressure and forced gas circulation ensure maximum heat extraction and uniform surface freezing, even in wet conditions and positive ambient temperatures.

2. Mechanical Construction

  • Frame: Aluminum or stainless steel, dimensioned for thermal gradients from –180°C to +5°C.
  • Runners/Skis: Dual longitudinal runners for primary contact, side sealing, and preventing gas lift. Material: UHMW-PE or anodized aluminum.
  • Flexible Seals: Spring-loaded front and rear hatches follow the terrain. Internal curtains and profile-adapted seals for classic ski tracks ensure minimal gas leakage without deforming track geometry.

3. Cryogenic Cooling System

  • Medium: Liquid Nitrogen ($LN_2$), boiling point –196°C. Effective cooling capacity: $\approx 300\text{ kJ/kg}$.
  • Expansion: Pressure-regulated distribution (2–5 bar) with multiple expansion nozzles directed at baffle plates to ensure full gas phase before snow contact.
  • Circulation: High-velocity axial fans create a forced flow (downwards at the front, horizontal across the surface, upwards at the rear) to eliminate the Leidenfrost effect.
  • Pressure Control: Operating overpressure of 20–200 Pa to prevent warm air ingress.

4. Thermal Performance & Consumption

Reference Case: Compressed snow, density $500\text{ kg/m}^3$, Temp $+1^\circ\text{C}$, 30% liquid water content.

4.1 Energy Requirements ($Q_{tot}$)

  • Scenario A (Deep Stabilization, 20 mm): $\approx 783\text{ MJ/km}$ ($783\text{ kJ/m}$)
  • Scenario B (Surface Hardening, 7 mm): $\approx 274\text{ MJ/km}$ ($274\text{ kJ/m}$)

4.2 Nitrogen Consumption ($m_{N2} = Q_{tot} / q_{N2}$)

  • Scenario A: $\approx 2,600\text{ kg/km}$ (Cost: approx. $1,000\text{–}1,300\text{ USD/km}$)
  • Scenario B: $\approx 915\text{ kg/km}$ (Cost: approx. $350\text{–}450\text{ USD/km}$)

5. Speed and Efficiency Analysis

The relationship between cooling power ($P$) and speed ($v$) is defined as: $v = P / Q_{per\_meter}$.

DepthLN2​ FlowCooling PowerSpeed (5 m unit)Time per km
20 mm45 kg/min~225 kW~1.0 km/h60 min
7 mm45 kg/min~225 kW~3.0 km/h20 min

Note: Increasing chamber length to 10 m doubles the speed capacity ($v \propto L_c$).

6. Thermodynamics of the Chamber Length

The cooling performance is determined by contact time ($t_{exp}$) and contact area ($A$).

  • Contact Time: $t_{exp} = L_c / v$
  • Heat Transfer: $P_{max} \approx h \cdot b \cdot L_c \cdot \Delta T$

(where $h = 200\text{ W/m}^2\text{K}$ for forced convection)

A minimum chamber length of 5 meters is recommended to achieve operational speeds of 1–3 km/h while ensuring uniform hardness across the 1.5 m width.

7. Logistics and Implementation

  • Towing Vehicle: The choice of prime mover (tractor, snow groomer, or utility vehicle) should be scaled to the nitrogen load and track length.
  • Standardization: The module utilizes standard mechanical hitches and vehicle power take-offs (electrical or hydraulic) for fan operation.
  • Environment: Nitrogen is inert and eco-friendly, returning to the atmosphere (78% $N_2$) without chemical residue or salt damage.

8. Summary

The cooling machine acts as a mobile cryogenic heat exchanger. This mathematical proof confirms that the system can effectively “flash-freeze” wet surfaces into a durable ice matrix at industrial speeds. It offers a superior, sustainable alternative to chemical salting for professional sports and winter infrastructure.

This movable cooling machine patent is part of Golden Mosquito’s broader portfolio of protected innovations. Learn more about our patents for other technical solutions, or the Subscriber Access Only page via the Subscribe page. Subscribee to understand our mission and development process.

For practical applications and case studies, see our Technology overview and Blog, where we explain how these inventions contribute to climate resilience and advanced cooling systems.

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