Refrigerated container and method for temperature control thereof

Abstract

This invention provides a tank container and its temperature control method. The tank container includes a frame, a tank body, a refrigeration system, and a heat exchange system. The refrigeration system is filled with a refrigerant for heat exchange with the medium contained in the tank. A heater is installed within the refrigeration system to heat the refrigerant. The heat exchange system can exchange heat with the external environment to heat or cool the refrigerant, thereby heating or cooling the medium. The refrigerant is selectively heated by the heater or by the heat exchange system. By utilizing the heat exchange system, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the external environment and transfers it to the refrigerant to heat the medium, thus effectively utilizing heat from the external environment to heat the medium, effectively saving energy and reducing transportation costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transport container technology, and in particular to a tank container and its temperature control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the modern logistics industry, tank containers are increasingly used in the food and chemical industries. Some of the goods loaded in these containers have high temperature requirements, and in global transportation, the ambient temperature varies greatly. Some products have high temperature requirements, necessitating the tank containers themselves to have temperature control systems. For example, in long-distance transoceanic transportation, when the transport distance crosses the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the temperature varies significantly, and the transportation of volatile and dangerous goods sensitive to temperature changes is constantly increasing.

[0003] Currently, tank container heating is typically achieved using electric heating, while refrigeration is achieved using compressors to compress Freon. However, the continued use of electric heating results in high energy consumption, increasing transportation costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tank container to save energy and reduce transportation costs.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a tank container is provided, comprising a frame, a tank body, a refrigeration system, and a heat exchange system; the tank body is fixed within the frame; the refrigeration system is fixed to the outer wall of the tank body; the refrigeration system is filled with a refrigerant for exchanging heat with a medium contained in the tank body; a heater is provided within the refrigeration system to heat the refrigerant; the heat exchange system is fixed to the frame; the heat exchange system is filled with a refrigerant; the heat exchange system includes a compressor, a reversing module, a throttling module, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger; the second heat exchanger is used for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the external environment; the first heat exchanger has a refrigeration channel for refrigerant flow and a refrigeration channel for refrigerant circulation. The cooling channel is connected to the cooling system via a pipe; both ends of the cooling channel are connected to one interface of the reversing module and one end of the throttling module, respectively; both ends of the second heat exchanger are connected to one interface of the reversing module and the other end of the throttling module, respectively; the reversing module is connected to the compressor and can selectively deliver the compressed refrigerant in the compressor sequentially to the cooling channel of the first heat exchanger, the throttling module, and the second heat exchanger to heat the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger, or sequentially deliver it to the second heat exchanger, the throttling module, and the cooling channel of the first heat exchanger to cool the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger; wherein, the refrigerant is selectively heated by the heater or by the heat exchange system.

[0007] In some embodiments, the reversing module is a four-way valve; the two ports of the four-way valve are respectively connected to the outlet and inlet of the compressor, and the other two ports are respectively connected to the refrigeration channel of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, so as to selectively deliver the refrigerant compressed in the compressor to the refrigeration channel of the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger.

[0008] In some embodiments, the throttling module is configured as two groups, which are connected in series between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; each group of the throttling module includes a one-way valve and an expansion valve for regulating refrigerant pressure, which are arranged in parallel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heat exchange system further includes a first compensation valve and a second compensation valve; one end of the first compensation valve and one end of the second compensation valve are both connected to the compressor to receive refrigerant compressed in the compressor; the other end of the first compensation valve is connected between the first heat exchanger and the throttling module to regulate the temperature of the refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger to the throttling module; the other end of the second compensation valve is connected between the second heat exchanger and the throttling module to regulate the temperature of the refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger to the throttling module.

[0010] In some embodiments, the heat exchange system further includes a drying filter connected between the two sets of throttling modules.

[0011] In some embodiments, a suction regulating valve is connected between the inlet and outlet of the compressor to allow refrigerant at the compressor outlet to be introduced into the compressor inlet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second heat exchanger is an air-cooled heat exchanger; multiple second heat exchangers are provided in the heat exchange system to control the heat exchange power between the refrigerant and the external environment by controlling the number of operating second heat exchangers.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a temperature control method for a tank container is provided, comprising the steps of: acquiring the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank and the ambient temperature; when the ambient temperature is between a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold, and the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank is greater than a preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, controlling the heater to stop working, controlling the heat exchange system to work, so that the refrigerant transfers its cooling capacity to the coolant to cool the coolant; and cooling the medium inside the tank by heat exchange between the coolant and the medium inside the tank; when the ambient temperature is between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold, and the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank is less than the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, and the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank is less than... When the third temperature threshold is reached, the heater is controlled to stop working, and the heat exchange system is controlled to work, so that the refrigerant transfers heat to the coolant to heat the coolant; and the coolant exchanges heat with the medium in the tank to heat the medium in the tank; when the ambient temperature is between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold, the real-time temperature of the medium in the tank is less than the preset storage temperature of the medium in the tank, and the preset storage temperature of the medium in the tank is greater than the third preset storage temperature, the heat exchange system is controlled to stop working, and the heater is controlled to work to heat the coolant; wherein, the preset storage temperature of the medium in the tank is between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold, and the third temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold and less than the second temperature threshold.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the heat exchange system heats the refrigerant, the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank is monitored; after the heat exchange system has been operating for a preset time, if the real-time temperature is lower than the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, the heat exchange system is controlled to stop operating; and the heater is controlled to operate to heat the refrigerant.

[0015] In some embodiments, the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank, the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, and the ambient temperature are monitored; if the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank is lower than the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, and the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank is lower than the ambient temperature, the heater and the heat exchange system are both controlled to stop working, and the medium inside the tank is heated by the external environment; if the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank is higher than the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, and the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank is higher than the ambient temperature, the heater and the heat exchange system are both controlled to stop working, and the medium inside the tank is cooled by the external environment.

[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the present invention has at least the following advantages and positive effects:

[0017] In this invention, a heater can heat the refrigerant to heat the medium; a heat exchange system can heat or cool the refrigerant to heat or cool the medium. The refrigerant is selectively heated by the heater or by the heat exchange system. When the heat exchange system heats the refrigerant, the reversing module controls the refrigerant compressed in the compressor to be sequentially delivered to the refrigeration channel of the first heat exchanger, the throttling module, and the second heat exchanger, and then returns to the compressor through the reversing module, causing the refrigerant to condense, depressurize, and evaporate sequentially. The refrigerant evaporates in the second reversing module, absorbing heat from the external environment, and condenses in the first heat exchanger, transferring the heat to the refrigerant to heat it. By utilizing the operation of the heat exchange system, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the external environment and transfers the heat to the refrigerant to heat the medium, thereby effectively utilizing the heat from the external environment to heat the medium, effectively saving energy and reducing transportation costs.

[0018] Adding a reversing module to the existing heat exchange system does not change the position and structure of the original heat exchange system on the tank, making installation convenient and effectively saving costs. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the tank container of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the cooling system and heat exchange system of the tank container of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the cooling system and heat exchange system of the tank container of the present invention.

[0022] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0023] 1. Frame; 2. Tank; 3. Cooling system; 31. Heater; 32. Water pump; 33. Manual valve; 34. Expansion tank; 35. Flow switch; 36. Filter; 4. Heat exchange system; 41. Compressor; 42. Reversing module; 43. Throttling module; 431. Check valve; 432. Expansion valve; 44. First heat exchanger; 45. Second heat exchanger; 46. First compensation valve; 47. Second compensation valve; 48. Dryer filter; 49. Intake regulating valve; 51. Flow limiting module. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present invention can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the descriptions and illustrations herein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the present invention.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the tank container of the present invention.

[0027] See Figure 1 This embodiment provides a tank container, including a frame 1, a tank 2 fixed within the frame 1, a cooling system 3 fixed to the outer wall of the tank 2, and a heat exchange system 4 fixed to the frame 1. The heat exchange system 4 is filled with refrigerant, and the cooling system 3 is filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant in the heat exchange system 4 exchanges heat with the external environment and then exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the cooling system 3, transferring heat or cold to the refrigerant. The refrigerant exchanges heat with the medium contained in the tank 2 to heat or cool the medium inside the tank 2, enabling the tank container to adapt to a wider range of transportation temperature requirements.

[0028] The main body of tank 2 is cylindrical or conical, and the medium contained in tank 2 is generally a liquid medium.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the cooling system 3 and heat exchange system 4 of the tank container of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the cooling system 3 and heat exchange system 4 of the tank container of the present invention.

[0031] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the cooling system 3 is filled with a refrigerant, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the medium contained in the tank 2. The pipes of the cooling system 3 are fixed to the outer wall of the tank 2. The refrigerant can be a liquid such as water. In this embodiment, the refrigerant is ethylene glycol. In some embodiments, the refrigerant is heat transfer oil, which gives the refrigerant a higher temperature range.

[0032] In this embodiment, the cooling system 3 includes a heater 31, a water pump 32, a hand valve 33, and an expansion tank 34 connected in sequence via pipelines to the top of the pipelines of the cooling system 3 via a connector. The pipelines of the cooling system 3 have a circuitous circulation section, and the sequential section is located on the outer peripheral wall of the tank 2 for heat exchange with the medium inside the tank 2.

[0033] Heater 31 is an electric heater used to heat the refrigerant so that heat can be transferred to the medium inside the tank 2 through the refrigerant, thereby heating the medium inside the tank 2.

[0034] The water pump 32 is used to drive the refrigerant to circulate between the pipelines and various components of the cooling system 3, so as to achieve continuous heat exchange between the refrigerant and the medium.

[0035] The hand valve 33 is used to cut off the flow of refrigerant in the cooling system 3, and is used to block the flow of refrigerant in the cooling system 3 in special circumstances such as when the cooling system 3 stops working or when the tank container is being repaired.

[0036] The expansion tank 34 stores refrigerant and is located within and fixed above the frame 1. When the refrigerant in the pipes of the cooling system 3 changes due to temperature variations, the refrigerant in the expansion tank 34 is replenished into the pipes of the cooling system 3 through the pipes to compensate for the volume change of the refrigerant in the pipes during the temperature change process, thus preventing excessive pressure in the pipes due to refrigerant contraction.

[0037] In this embodiment, a flow switch 35 and a filter 36 are also connected in series on the pipeline of the cooling system 3.

[0038] See again Figure 2 and Figure 3 The heat exchange system 4 is fixed inside the frame 1 and located outside the tank 2. The heat exchange system 4 includes a compressor 41, a reversing module 42, a throttling module 43, a first heat exchanger 44, and a second heat exchanger 45. The outlet and inlet of the compressor 41 are connected to the reversing module 42. The first heat exchanger 44, the throttling module 43, and the second heat exchanger 45 are connected in series via pipelines, with each end of the pipeline connected to an interface of the reversing module 42.

[0039] In this embodiment, the refrigerant filled in the heat exchange system 4 is Freon.

[0040] In this embodiment, compressor 41 is a liquid injection compressor to increase the cooling capacity of compressor 41.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 44 is a plate heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger 44 has a cooling channel for the flow of the refrigerant and a cooling channel for the flow of the refrigerant; the cooling channel is connected to the cooling system 3 via a pipe. Specifically, the first heat exchanger 44 is connected to the two free ends of the pipe of the cooling system 3 via the cooling channel, so that the first heat exchanger 44 and the heater 31 are connected in series in the pipe of the cooling system 3. The two ends of the cooling channel of the first heat exchanger 44 are respectively connected to the reversing module 42 and the throttling unit. The refrigerant and the cooling medium exchange heat in the first heat exchanger 44 to transfer the cold or heat of the refrigerant to the cooling medium, and the cooling medium transfers the cold or heat of the refrigerant to the medium inside the tank 2.

[0042] The second heat exchanger 45 is used for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the external environment to absorb the cold or heat from the external environment. One end of the second heat exchanger 45 is connected to the throttling module 43, and the other end is connected to the reversing module 42.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 45 is an air-cooled heat exchanger; multiple second heat exchangers 45 are provided in the heat exchange system 4 so that the heat exchange power between the refrigerant and the external environment can be controlled by the number of second heat exchangers 45 in operation, thereby controlling the temperature of the refrigerant and controlling the temperature of the medium inside the tank 2.

[0044] In this embodiment, multiple second heat exchangers 45 are connected in series, and the heat exchange power of the refrigerant is controlled by controlling the operation of the fan in the second heat exchanger 45.

[0045] In some embodiments, a plurality of second heat exchangers 45 are arranged in parallel, and the heat exchange power of the refrigerant is controlled by controlling the operation of the fan of the second heat exchanger 45 or cutting off the flow of refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 45.

[0046] In this embodiment, the reversing module 42 is a four-way valve; the two ports of the four-way valve are connected to the outlet and inlet of the compressor 41, respectively, and the other two ports are connected to the refrigeration channel of the first heat exchanger 44 and the second heat exchanger 45, respectively. By switching the four-way valve, the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 41 can be selectively delivered to the refrigeration channel of the first heat exchanger 44 or the second heat exchanger 45, and the refrigerant delivered from the refrigeration channel of the corresponding second heat exchanger 45 or the first heat exchanger 44 can be delivered to the compressor 41 for compression.

[0047] In some embodiments, the reversing module 42 may be other structures formed by multiple pipelines and valves that can change the flow direction.

[0048] In this embodiment, the throttling module 43 is used to regulate the pressure of the refrigerant. The throttling module 43 includes a one-way valve 431 arranged in parallel and an expansion valve 432 for regulating the refrigerant pressure. The throttling module 43 is used to reduce the pressure of the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant to a low-temperature, low-pressure mist refrigerant.

[0049] In this embodiment, the throttling module 43 is configured as two sets, which are connected in series between the first heat exchanger 44 and the second heat exchanger 45. The one-way valve 431 and the expansion valve 432 of the same set of throttling modules 43 allow the refrigerant to flow in opposite directions. When the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve 432 of one set of throttling modules 43, the refrigerant can only pass through the one-way valve 431 of the other set of throttling modules 43.

[0050] The reversing module 42 is connected to the compressor 41 and can selectively deliver the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 41 to the refrigeration channel of the first heat exchanger 44, the throttling module 43 and the second heat exchanger 45 in sequence to heat the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 44, or deliver it to the second heat exchanger 45, the throttling module 43 and the refrigeration channel of the first heat exchanger 44 in sequence to cool the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 44.

[0051] In this embodiment, when the heat exchange system 4 heats the refrigerant, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 41 in the four-way valve passes sequentially through the refrigeration channel of the first heat exchanger 44, the throttling module 43, and the second heat exchanger 45, causing the refrigerant to condense in the first heat exchanger 44, depressurize in the throttling module 43, and evaporate in the second heat exchanger 45. The refrigerant transfers heat to the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 44 to heat it, and absorbs heat from the external environment in the second heat exchanger 45. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, compressed by the compressor 41 from the four-way valve, transfers heat to the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 44. In the first heat exchanger 44, the refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The low-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure mist refrigerant in the throttling module 43. The low-temperature, low-pressure mist refrigerant absorbs heat from the external environment in the second heat exchanger 45 and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant returns to the compressor 41 through the four-way valve and is compressed by the compressor 41 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0052] After absorbing heat from the external environment, the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 45 returns to the compressor 41 through the four-way valve. After being compressed by the compressor 41, it is delivered to the first heat exchanger 44.

[0053] When the heat exchange system 4 cools the refrigerant, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 41 in the four-way valve passes through the refrigeration channels of the second heat exchanger 45, the throttling module 43 and the first heat exchanger 44 in sequence, so that the refrigerant condenses in the second heat exchanger 45, depressurizes in the throttling module 43 and evaporates in the first heat exchanger 44, and transfers the cooling capacity to the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 44 to cool the refrigerant. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, compressed by the compressor 41 from the four-way valve, transfers heat to the external environment in the second heat exchanger 45 to absorb the cold energy from the external environment. In the second heat exchanger 45, the refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The low-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure mist refrigerant in the throttling module 43. The low-temperature, low-pressure mist refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat transfer fluid in the first heat exchanger 44 and transfers the cold energy to the heat transfer fluid, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant returns to the compressor 41 through the four-way valve and is compressed by the compressor 41 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0054] See Figure 2 In this embodiment, the heat exchange system 4 further includes a first compensation valve 46 and a second compensation valve 47; one end of the first compensation valve 46 and one end of the second compensation valve 47 are both connected to the compressor 41 to receive the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 41. In this embodiment, one end of the first compensation valve 46 and the second compensation valve 47 are both liquid injection solenoid valves.

[0055] The other end of the first compensation valve 46 is connected between the first heat exchanger 44 and the throttling module 43 to regulate the temperature of the refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger 44 to the throttling module 43. During the heating of the refrigerant in the heat exchange system 4, opening the first compensation valve 46 allows the high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor 41 to mix with the low-temperature refrigerant exiting from the first heat exchanger 44, thereby regulating the refrigerant temperature and preventing the refrigerant temperature in the pipeline from becoming too low.

[0056] The other end of the second compensation valve 47 is connected between the second heat exchanger 45 and the throttling module 43 to regulate the temperature of the refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger 45 to the throttling module 43. During the cooling process of the heat exchange system 4, opening the second compensation valve 47 allows the high-temperature refrigerant compressed in the compressor 41 to mix with the low-temperature refrigerant coming out of the second heat exchanger 45, thereby regulating the temperature of the refrigerant and preventing the temperature of the refrigerant in the pipeline from becoming too low.

[0057] See Figure 3 In this embodiment, flow limiting modules 51 are respectively provided between the first heat exchanger 44 and the throttle valve 43, and between the second heat exchanger 45 and the throttle valve 43. The flow limiting module includes two flow direction valves connected in parallel, with the flow directions of the two flow direction valves being opposite. When using the heat exchange system 4 for cooling or heating, different flow direction valves are opened.

[0058] See again Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the heat exchange system 4 also includes a drying filter 48 connected between two sets of throttling modules 43, and sight glasses connected in series with the drying filter 48 and respectively disposed at both ends of the drying filter 48.

[0059] In this embodiment, a suction regulating valve 49 is connected between the inlet and outlet of the compressor 41 to introduce the refrigerant at the outlet of the compressor 41 into the inlet of the compressor 41, so as to avoid excessive pressure in the compressor 41. At the same time, it can make the refrigerant obtain a higher temperature when compressed again in the compressor 41, so as to widen the temperature of the refrigerant coming out of the compressor 41, thereby making the heat exchange system 4 have a wider temperature regulation range.

[0060] In this embodiment, an oil-gas separator is provided between the inlet of the compressor 41 and the four-way valve.

[0061] In this embodiment, both the heat exchange system 4 and the cooling system 3 are connected to a control module. Each component or module in the heat exchange system 4 and the cooling system 3 is electrically connected to the control module and is controlled by the control module.

[0062] In this embodiment, the heating power of heater 31 is greater than the heating power of heat exchange system 4. When the heating and storage temperature of the medium is lower than a preset value, the heat exchange system 4 is used for heating; when the heating and storage temperature of the medium is higher than the preset value, heater 31 is used for heating.

[0063] In this invention, heater 31 can heat the refrigerant to heat the medium; the heat exchange system can heat or cool the refrigerant to heat or cool the medium. The refrigerant is selectively heated by heater 31 or by heat exchange system 4. When heat exchange system 4 heats the refrigerant, reversing module 42 controls the refrigerant compressed in compressor 41 to be sequentially delivered to the refrigeration channel of first heat exchanger 44, throttling module 43, and second heat exchanger 45, and then returns to compressor 41 through reversing module 42, causing the refrigerant to condense, depressurize, and evaporate sequentially. The refrigerant evaporates in the second reversing module, absorbing heat from the external environment, and condenses in the first heat exchanger 44, transferring the heat to the refrigerant to heat it. By utilizing the operation of heat exchange system 4, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the external environment and transfers the heat to the refrigerant to heat the medium, thereby effectively utilizing heat from the external environment to heat the medium, effectively saving energy and reducing transportation costs.

[0064] Adding a reversing module 42 to the existing heat exchange system 4 does not change the position and structure of the original heat exchange system 4 on the tank 2. It is easy to install and can effectively save costs.

[0065] The reversing module 42 is a four-way valve. The addition of the four-way valve will not interfere with or affect the original structure and position of the tank container. Only the four-way valve needs to be added to the pipeline. The four-way valve is small in size and does not occupy the position of other components on the tank container.

[0066] In conjunction with the above description, the present invention also provides a temperature control method for tank containers, comprising the following steps:

[0067] The real-time temperature of the medium inside tank 2 and the ambient temperature are collected.

[0068] When the ambient temperature is between the first and second temperature thresholds, and the real-time temperature of the medium in tank 2 is greater than the preset storage temperature of the medium in tank 2, the heater 31 is controlled to stop working, and the heat exchange system 4 is controlled to work, so that the refrigerant transfers its cooling capacity to the coolant and cools the coolant; and the medium in tank 2 is cooled by exchanging heat between the coolant and the medium in tank 2.

[0069] In this embodiment, when the heat exchange system 4 cools the refrigerant, the heater 31 is controlled to be in a stopped working state. The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 41 passes through the reversing module 42 and then sequentially through the cooling channels of the second heat exchanger 45, the throttling module 43, and the first heat exchanger 44, causing the refrigerant to condense, depressurize, and evaporate sequentially. The cold energy is transferred to the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 44 to cool the refrigerant. The medium in the tank 2 is cooled by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the medium in the tank 1.

[0070] When the ambient temperature is between the first and second temperature thresholds, the real-time temperature of the medium in tank 2 is less than the preset storage temperature of the medium in tank 1, and the preset storage temperature of the medium in tank 2 is less than the third temperature threshold, the heater 31 is controlled to stop working, and the heat exchange system 4 is controlled to work, so that the refrigerant transfers heat to the coolant and heats the coolant; and the medium in tank 2 is heated by heat exchange between the coolant and the medium in tank 2.

[0071] In this embodiment, when the heat exchange system 4 heats the refrigerant, the heater 31 is controlled to stop working, and the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 41 passes through the reversing module 42 and then sequentially through the refrigeration channel of the first heat exchanger 44, the throttling module 43, and the second heat exchanger 45, so that the refrigerant condenses, depressurizes, and evaporates in sequence, and transfers heat to the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 44 to heat the refrigerant; and heats the medium in the tank 2 by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the medium in the tank 2.

[0072] When the ambient temperature is between the first and second temperature thresholds, the real-time temperature of the medium in tank 2 is less than the preset storage temperature of the medium in tank 2, and the preset storage temperature of the medium in tank 2 is greater than the third preset storage temperature, the heat exchange system 4 is controlled to stop working, and the heater 31 is controlled to work to heat the refrigerant.

[0073] In this embodiment, when the heater 31 heats the refrigerant, the compressor 41, the first heat exchanger 44, and the second heat exchanger 45 are stopped; the heater 31 is then activated to heat the refrigerant.

[0074] The preset storage temperature of the medium inside tank 2 is between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold, and the third temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold and less than the second temperature threshold.

[0075] In this embodiment, while the heat exchange system 4 heats the refrigerant, the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank 2 is monitored. After the heat exchange system 4 has been operating for a preset time, if the real-time temperature is lower than the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank 2, the heat exchange system 4 is controlled to stop operating; and the heater 31 is controlled to operate to heat the refrigerant. Specifically, if the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank 2 is lower than the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank 2 during the preset operating time of the heat exchange system 4, the heater 31 is used for heating.

[0076] Monitor the real-time temperature of the medium in tank 2, the preset storage temperature of the medium in tank 2, and the ambient temperature; if the real-time temperature of the medium in tank 2 is lower than the preset storage temperature of the medium in tank 2, and the preset storage temperature of the medium in tank 2 is lower than the ambient temperature, control the heater 31 and the heat exchange system 4 to stop working, and use the external environment to heat the medium in tank 2.

[0077] Monitor the real-time temperature of the medium in tank 2, the preset storage temperature of the medium in tank 2, and the ambient temperature; if the real-time temperature of the medium in tank 2 is greater than the preset storage temperature of the medium in tank 2, and the preset storage temperature of the medium in tank 2 is greater than the ambient temperature, control the heater 31 and the heat exchange system 4 to stop working, and use the external environment to cool the medium in tank 2.

[0078] When the ambient temperature is below the first temperature threshold or above the second temperature threshold, both the heat exchange system 4 and the heater 31 will not operate and will send an alarm signal. When the ambient temperature is too high or too low, both the heat exchange system 4 and the cooling system 3 will not operate.

[0079] In one embodiment, when the refrigerant or heat transfer fluid is tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), the system will fail to operate and trigger a system fault alarm when the ambient temperature exceeds 60°C.

[0080] Although the invention has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is illustrative and exemplary, and not restrictive. Since the invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tank container, characterized in that, include: frame; The tank body is fixed within the frame; A cooling system is fixed to the outer wall of the tank; the cooling system is filled with a refrigerant for exchanging heat with the medium contained in the tank; a heater is provided in the cooling system to heat the refrigerant. and A heat exchange system is fixed to the frame; the heat exchange system is filled with refrigerant; the heat exchange system includes a compressor, a reversing module, a throttling module, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger; the second heat exchanger is used for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the external environment; the first heat exchanger has a refrigerant carrying channel for heat exchange and a refrigerant flow channel; the refrigerant carrying channel is connected to the refrigerant system via a pipe; both ends of the refrigerant channel are respectively connected to one interface of the reversing module and one end of the throttling module; both ends of the second heat exchanger are respectively connected to one interface of the reversing module and the other end of the throttling module; the reversing module is connected to the compressor and can selectively deliver the refrigerant compressed in the compressor sequentially to the refrigerant channel of the first heat exchanger, the throttling module, and the second heat exchanger to heat the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger, or sequentially deliver it to the second heat exchanger, the throttling module, and the refrigerant channel of the first heat exchanger to cool the refrigerant in the first heat exchanger; The refrigerant is selectively heated by the heater or by the heat exchange system; the throttling module includes a one-way valve and an expansion valve arranged in parallel; the refrigerant flows through the one-way valve and the expansion valve of the same throttling module in opposite directions; The heat exchange system further includes a first compensation valve and a second compensation valve; one end of the first compensation valve and one end of the second compensation valve are both connected to the compressor so as to receive the refrigerant compressed in the compressor. The other end of the first compensation valve is connected between the first heat exchanger and the throttling module to regulate the temperature of the refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchanger to the throttling module; the other end of the second compensation valve is connected between the second heat exchanger and the throttling module to regulate the temperature of the refrigerant flowing from the second heat exchanger to the throttling module.

2. The tank container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reversing module is a four-way valve; the two ports of the four-way valve are respectively connected to the outlet and inlet of the compressor, and the other two ports are respectively connected to the refrigeration channel of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, so as to selectively deliver the refrigerant compressed in the compressor to the refrigeration channel of the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger.

3. The tank container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The throttling module is configured in two groups, and the two groups of throttling modules are connected in series between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

4. The tank container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange system also includes a drying filter connected between the two sets of throttling modules.

5. The tank container according to claim 1, characterized in that, A suction regulating valve is connected between the inlet and outlet of the compressor to allow refrigerant at the compressor outlet to be introduced into the compressor inlet.

6. The tank container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second heat exchanger is an air-cooled heat exchanger; multiple second heat exchangers are provided in the heat exchange system so as to control the heat exchange power between the refrigerant and the external environment by the number of second heat exchangers in operation.

7. A temperature control method for a tank container according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Including the following steps: The real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank and the ambient temperature are collected. When the ambient temperature is between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold, and the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank is greater than the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, the heater is controlled to stop working, the heat exchange system is controlled to work, so that the refrigerant transfers its cooling capacity to the coolant and cools the coolant; and the medium inside the tank is cooled by exchanging heat between the coolant and the medium inside the tank. When the ambient temperature is between the first and second temperature thresholds, the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank is less than the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, and the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank is less than the third temperature threshold, the heater is controlled to stop working, the heat exchange system is controlled to work, so that the refrigerant transfers heat to the coolant and heats the coolant; and the medium inside the tank is heated by heat exchange between the coolant and the medium inside the tank. When the ambient temperature is between the first temperature threshold and the second temperature threshold, the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank is less than the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, and the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank is greater than the third preset storage temperature, the heat exchange system is controlled to stop working, and the heater is controlled to work to heat the refrigerant. The preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank is between a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold, and the third temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold and less than the second temperature threshold.

8. The temperature control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the heat exchange system heats the refrigerant, the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank is monitored; after the heat exchange system has been operating for a preset time, if the real-time temperature is lower than the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, the heat exchange system is controlled to stop operating; the heater is then controlled to operate to heat the refrigerant.

9. The temperature control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Monitor the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank, the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, and the ambient temperature; if the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank is lower than the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, and the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank is lower than the ambient temperature, control the heater and the heat exchange system to both stop working, and use the external environment to heat the medium inside the tank. The system monitors the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank, the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, and the ambient temperature. If the real-time temperature of the medium inside the tank is greater than the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank, and the preset storage temperature of the medium inside the tank is greater than the ambient temperature, the system controls both the heater and the heat exchange system to stop working, and uses the external environment to cool the medium inside the tank.

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