Multi-temperature storage system

Abstract

The invention provides a multi-temperature storage system comprising a storage structure (1) comprising a plurality of upright members (3), a plurality of horizontal members (5, 7) supported by the upright members (3) and forming a grid pattern, the grid pattern defining a plurality of grid cells and allowing containers (9) to be arranged in stacks (11) below the grid cells defined by the grid pattern, and a track structure (13) at the top of the horizontal members (5, 7), the track structure (13) being configured to allow a load handling device (31) to move through the storage structure (1) to retrieve containers (9) from the stacks (11); and a temperature control arrangement configured to maintain a first temperature region within the storage structure (1) at a first temperature and a second temperature region within the storage structure (1) at a second temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage system comprising regions configured to be maintained at different temperatures.

[0002] This application claims priority to UK Patent Application No. GB2005636.2, filed on 17 April 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] The claimed devices, methods, systems, and computer programs are designed to provide improvements related to storage systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a multi-temperature storage system. It also provides a method for controlling the temperature of the aforementioned multi-temperature storage system. Furthermore, it provides a controller for the aforementioned multi-temperature storage system. Additionally, it provides a computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for performing the steps of the above-described method. The invention also lists optional features. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The multi-temperature storage system will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments, wherein:

[0006] Figure 1 The storage structure and container are illustrated schematically;

[0007] Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 The track at the top of the storage structure shown;

[0008] Figure 3 schematically shown Figure 1 The loading and processing device is located at the top of the storage structure shown.

[0009] Figure 4 A single loading and handling unit is schematically shown, with its container lifting device in a lowered configuration;

[0010] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a single loading and handling unit is shown, with its container lifting device configured for raising and lowering.

[0011] Figure 6 A perspective view of a cross-section of a storage structure with a temperature control device is shown schematically.

[0012] Figure 7 schematically shown Figure 6 Different perspective views of the storage structure and temperature control device;

[0013] Figure 8 schematically shown Figure 6 and Figure 7 Different perspective views of the storage structure and temperature control device;

[0014] Figure 9 schematically shown Figures 6 to 8 The bottom side of the storage structure;

[0015] Figure 10 A perspective view schematically showing a storage structure with a temperature control device;

[0016] Figure 11 schematically shown Figure 10 A perspective view of the storage structure and temperature control device;

[0017] Figure 12 schematically shown Figure 10 and Figure 11 A perspective view of the temperature control device;

[0018] Figure 13 A perspective view schematically showing the storage structure and temperature control device; and

[0019] Figure 14 schematically shown Figure 13 A perspective view of the storage structure and temperature control device. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following embodiments represent preferred embodiments of how to implement a multi-temperature storage system, but these embodiments are not necessarily the only embodiments for achieving this purpose.

[0021] Figure 1 Storage structure 1 is shown, comprising upright members 3 and horizontal members 5 and 7 supported by the upright members 3. The horizontal members 5 are parallel to each other and extend parallel to the x-axis shown. The horizontal members 7 are parallel to each other and extend parallel to the y-axis shown, and extend transversely to the horizontal members 5. The upright members 3 are parallel to each other and extend parallel to the z-axis shown, and extend transversely to the horizontal members 5 and 7. The horizontal members 5 and 7 form a grid pattern defining a plurality of grid cells. In the illustrated embodiment, containers 9 are arranged in stacks 11 below the grid cells defined by the grid pattern, each grid cell having one stack 11 of containers 9.

[0022] Figure 2 A large-scale plan view of a portion of track structure 13 is shown, which forms Figure 1 Part of the storage structure 1 shown, and located in Figure 1The top of the horizontal members 5, 7 of the storage structure 1 shown. The track structure 13 may be provided by the horizontal members 5, 7 themselves (e.g., formed in or on the surface of the horizontal members 5, 7) or by one or more additional components mounted on top of the horizontal members 5, 7. The track structure 13 shown includes an x-direction track 17 and a y-direction track 19, i.e., a first set of tracks 17 extending in the x-direction and a second set of tracks 19 extending in the y-direction and traversing the first set of tracks 17. Tracks 17, 19 define an aperture 15 at the center of the grid cell. The aperture 15 is sized to allow the container 9 located below the grid cell to be raised and lowered through the aperture 15. The x-direction tracks 17 are arranged in pairs separated by channels 21, and the y-direction tracks 19 are arranged in pairs separated by channels 23. The channels 21, 23 shown are defined by paired flanges projecting upward (i.e., at least partially along the z-direction) from the surface of the tracks 17, 19. However, in other embodiments, the channels may have different definitions. In some embodiments, the channels may not be configured to separate adjacent tracks. Conversely, there may be continuous surfaces forming similar orbits, gaps between similar orbits with continuous surfaces, or similar orbits may be formed by separate surfaces with gaps between the separate surfaces.

[0023] Figure 3 It shows in Figure 1 Several loading and processing devices 31 move on top of the storage structure 1 shown. The loading and processing devices 31 (also referred to as machines 31 or robots 31) are equipped with sets of wheels to engage with corresponding x or y direction tracks 17, 19, enabling the robots 31 to travel through the track structure 13 and reach specific grid cells. The paired tracks 17, 19 shown allow the robots 31 to occupy (or pass through each other) adjacent grid cells without colliding with each other.

[0024] like Figure 4 Specifically shown, robot 31 includes a body 33, and one or more components enabling robot 31 to perform its intended functions are mounted in or on the body 33. These functions may include moving on track structure 13 through storage structure 1 and raising or lowering container 9 (e.g., raising or lowering from or to stack 11), such that robot 31 can retrieve or store container 9 at specific locations defined by a grid pattern.

[0025] The robot 31 shown includes first and second sets of wheels 35 and 37, which are mounted on the body 33 of the robot 31, enabling the robot 31 to move along tracks 17 and 19 in the x and y directions, respectively. Specifically, the two wheels 35 are set... Figure 4 The robot 31 is visible on its shorter side, and two other wheels 35 are located on the opposite shorter side of the robot 31 (this side and the other two wheels 35 are on...). Figure 4 (Not visible in the image). Wheels 35 engage with track 17 and are rotatably mounted on the body 33 of robot 31 to allow robot 31 to move along track 17. Similarly, two wheels 37 are provided. Figure 4 The robot 31 is visible on its longer side, and two other wheels 37 are located on the opposite longer side of the robot 31 (this side and the other two wheels 37 are on...). Figure 4 (Not visible in the image). Wheels 37 engage with track 19 and are rotatably mounted on the body 33 of robot 31 to allow robot 31 to move along track 19.

[0026] Robot 31 also includes a container lifting device 39 configured to raise and lower container 9. The illustrated container lifting device 39 includes four reels or spools 41 connected at their lower ends to a container gripping assembly 43. The container gripping assembly 43 includes gripping devices configured to engage with features of container 9 (e.g., these may be located at corners of assembly 43, near the reels 41). For example, container 9 may have one or more holes on its upper side, with the gripping devices engaging with these holes. The gripping devices may be configured to hook under the edge or flange of container 9 and / or clamp or hold container 9. The reels 41 may be wound upwards or downwards as needed to raise or lower the gripping assembly.

[0027] like Figure 5 As can be seen, the body 33 of robot 31 includes a space or cavity for receiving the container 9, which has been raised by container lifting device 39. The cavity is sized sufficiently to allow the container 9 to be placed inside, enabling robot 31 to move across track structure 13 at the top of storage structure 1 without the bottom of container 9 getting stuck on track structure 13 or another part of storage structure 1. When robot 31 has reached its intended endpoint, container lifting device 39 controls reel 41 to lower container clamping assembly 43 and the corresponding container 9 from the cavity of lower portion 47 to the intended position. The intended position may be the stack 11 of containers 9 or the exit point of storage structure 1 (or, if robot 31 has moved and collected containers 9 for storage in storage structure 1, the entry point of storage structure 1). Although in the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower portions 45, 47 are separated by a physical separator, in other embodiments, the upper and lower portions 45, 47 may not be physically separated by specific parts or components of the body 33 of robot 31.

[0028] Figure 6A storage structure 1 having a temperature control device including a cooling device 51 is schematically shown. The cooling device 51 cools air to a specified temperature and guides the cooled air along a conduit 53 to one or more locations inside or adjacent to the storage structure 1. Air returns from the storage structure 1 to the cooling device 51 along a conduit 55, for example, for recooling and recirculation. The conduit 53 guiding the cooled air from the cooling device 51 to the storage structure 1 may be referred to as the outlet conduit 53, and the conduit 55 returning the air from the storage structure 1 to the cooling device 51 may be referred to as the return conduit 55.

[0029] from Figure 7 and Figure 8 As can be seen in more detail, the outlet conduit 53 includes multiple branches that branch off from a single outlet of the cooling device 51 and direct cooling air from the cooling device 51 to different areas within the storage structure 51. For example, one branch of the outlet conduit 53 can direct cooling air from the cooling device 51 via the outlet of the conduit 53 to the top of the stack 11 of containers 9. The cooling air can then descend to the bottom of the stack, cooling the products in the containers 9 within the stack. In some embodiments, multiple branches of the conduit 53 can be directed to the same area. For example, areas of the storage structure 1 that need to be maintained at particularly low temperatures or whose temperatures must be particularly stable (i.e., subject to minimal fluctuations) may have two or more branches of the conduit directed to the area, each with a corresponding outlet. For example, if a particular stack 11 needs to be kept at a low temperature, two or more branches of the conduit 53 can be directed to the top of the stack 11, with their outlets allowing cooling air to flow from the branches onto the stack 11. For example, four branches can direct air to the same stack, with each branch directing air to each of the four sides of stack 11 (although other arrangements are also possible, such as two branches to one side and two other branches to a different side). If needed, additional branches of duct 53 can direct cooling air to different heights within the same stack 11. For example, one or more branches can direct cooling air to the top of stack 11, and one or more additional branches can direct cooling air to locations below stack 11, such as midway below stack 11 or at or near the bottom of stack 11.

[0030] Similarly, such as Figure 9 As can be seen more clearly, the return conduit 55 may include multiple branches that collect air from different areas of the storage structure 1 and return the collected air to the cooling device 51. Similar to the outgoing conduit 53, the multiple branches of the return conduit 55 may converge to enter a single inlet of the cooling device 51. The return conduit 55 may preferably be located at or towards the bottom of the storage structure 1 (i.e., as shown in the image). Figure 6(as shown in the diagram, towards the negative end of the z-axis) to take advantage of the falling motion of cooling air from the outlet pipe 53.

[0031] To assist in exhausting air from outlet duct 53 and / or drawing air back into return duct 55, ducts 53, 55 may be equipped with one or more fans, pumps, or other flow aids to assist airflow in a desired direction. For example, a fan may be located at the outlet of one or more branches of outlet duct 53 to direct air out of the corresponding branch and into the desired area of ​​storage structure 1 (e.g., to the top of stack 11 of containers 9). This can advantageously allow the use of wind chill to cool the target cargo. Using wind chill may mean that cooling device 51 can cool the air to a higher temperature and still allow temperature control to achieve the desired cooling of the relevant cargo in storage structure 1. Similarly, a fan may be located at the inlet of one or more branches of return duct 55 to draw air out of the relevant area of ​​storage structure 1 and into the corresponding branch, toward cooling device 51. The flow aids may be speed-controlled, i.e., used to increase or decrease the flow rate level provided by the flow aids at different times, for example, depending on the products stored in stack 11 at a given time to adjust the provided cooling.

[0032] Figures 7 to 9 As can be seen, pipes 53 and 55 can have different diameters along their lengths (i.e., between the inlet / outlet at the cooling device 51 and the storage structure 1). This can advantageously help control the flow along pipes 53 and 55. For example, where pipes 53 and 55 branch into multiple branches or converge from multiple branches, the diameters of pipes 53 and 55 can be changed to help maintain the relevant pressure and flow rate along pipes 53 and 55 toward other branches or the cooling device 51.

[0033] One or more valves may be installed in pipes 53 and 55 to help control airflow along them. For example, in certain situations, it may be necessary to stop flow along a specific branch of outlet pipe 53, such as if a different branch requires more cooling air to reach a specific temperature in a target area of ​​the different branch within a certain period of time. The valve may be closed during this period and reopened if needed. The degree of opening of a given valve may be controllable to provide finer-grained flow and pressure control and / or allow some cooling capacity to be diverted from the first branch to the second branch without completely eliminating the cooling capacity of the first branch.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, cooling device 51 includes only a single outlet, to which conduit 53 is connected to guide cooling air from cooling device 51 to storage structure 1. In other embodiments, cooling device may include multiple outlets, with multiple different sections of conduit connected to these multiple outlets. This may be particularly useful in embodiments where the cooling device cools air to more than one temperature. For example, a single cooling device may be equipped with the necessary hardware (e.g., pumps, refrigerant, chambers, etc.) to generate air at a suitable temperature for cooling areas of storage structure 1 to a “freezing” temperature (e.g., at or below freezing, such as in the range of –30°C to 0°C) and to generate air at a suitable temperature for cooling areas of storage structure 1 to a “refrigerated” temperature (e.g., at or above freezing, such as in the range of 0°C to 10°C).

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, storage structure 1 may be provided with several separate cooling devices. Each cooling device may have one or more outlets (for supplying cooling air to the corresponding storage structure 1 via outlet pipes) and one or more inlets (for receiving air from the corresponding storage structure 1), which, where appropriate, have corresponding pipes. The cooling devices may be located around the periphery of storage structure 1 (e.g., in...). Figures 6 to 9 In some embodiments, the cooling device may be located within the storage structure 1, or in other locations. For example, in some embodiments, one or more cooling devices may be located within the storage structure 1. For example, the cooling device may be located at the base of the stack 11 of containers 9, having an outlet duct for guiding cooling air from the cooling device to the top of the stack 11. In such embodiments, a return duct may not be necessary—the cooling device may have a top or side wall with an inlet and may also have a flow aid (e.g., a fan) to draw cooling air down to the stack 11 to cool the contents of containers 9, and then back into the cooling device for recooling and recirculation. In other embodiments, the cooling device may be located in other locations within the storage structure 1. For example, in some embodiments, the cooling device may be mounted on a mezzanine floor within the storage structure or on the storage structure itself. This can advantageously mean that the path of the cooling air from the cooling device to the goods to be cooled can be shortened, i.e., fewer outlet ducts are required. Generally, the location of any cooling device that supplies cooling air to the area of ​​the storage structure 1 can be selected to minimize the distance the cooling air must travel to the target area and / or the distance the cooling air must travel and return to the cooling device. Advantageously, this can minimize energy loss and / or temperature changes as cooling air travels along the duct, and / or minimize the duct length required to supply and recover cooling air. However, in some cases, it may be more energy-efficient to provide a larger cooling unit that is arranged to supply multiple areas via longer ducts.

[0036] In some cases, cooling devices may be placed in or near a space within or near the storage structure 1 that has been "deactivated" by another component (i.e., cannot be used to store containers 9), for example, containers 9 being guided to a picking station therein for adding or removing goods. For example, the cooling device may be located immediately below or above a picking station situated in a mezzanine within the storage structure 1. In such embodiments, containers 9 may still be stored in or above the storage structure 1, and retrieved from the storage structure 1 by a robot 31 or other means, such as at a conveyor and retrieval port on or beside the bottom of the storage structure 1. Providing multiple cooling devices can advantageously provide some redundancy, allowing it to be adapted for maintenance, emergency downtime, or other interruptions. For example, cooling devices may require periodic defrosting; the presence of a second cooling device can allow the first cooling device to be shut down to complete defrosting while still keeping one or more areas of the storage structure 1 within the permissible range of target temperature variation. In some embodiments, cooling devices may be provided that can be stored in one or more containers 9 and placed in appropriate locations within the storage structure 1 to achieve temperature control of the surrounding area.

[0037] The cooling equipment can be controllable, for example, in terms of throughput, temperature, or other variables. For instance, the output temperature of the cooling air from the cooling equipment can be changed, and / or the rate at which cooling air is exhausted from the cooling equipment or the rate at which returning air is drawn back into the cooling equipment can be changed (e.g., by a flow aid located at or inside the cooling equipment). This controllability allows a single cooling unit to be used to provide appropriate cooling for different areas of storage structure 1 at different times or in different configurations.

[0038] Pipes 53 and 55 may be insulated or otherwise surrounded by materials to help control radiation from and / or thermal conductivity through them. In some configurations, outlet pipe 53 may particularly benefit from good insulation, allowing as much of the cooling air benefit as possible to be delivered to the target area, i.e., the cooling benefit is not dissipated by radiation into the area surrounding pipe 53. In other configurations (e.g., where outlet pipe 53 has multiple outlets to different areas of storage structure 1), it may be necessary for outlet pipe 53 to radiate along its length, i.e., for the cooling benefit to diffuse along the length of pipe 53 to different portions of storage structure 1 through which pipe 53 passes. Such configurations can advantageously produce a more uniform temperature over a larger area of ​​storage structure 1.

[0039] Pipes 53 and 55 may pass through the storage structure 1 at different heights. For example, as described above, outlet pipe 53 may be directed to the top of the stack 11 of containers 9. However, outlet pipe 53 may additionally or alternatively be directed to other heights within the stack 11. Similarly, although in some configurations return pipe 55 may preferably be located at or towards the bottom of the storage structure 1 (e.g., because the direction of travel of cooling air from outlet pipe 53 is generally downward), in some cases it may be necessary for return pipe 55 to be at different heights or multiple different heights. Pipes 53 and 55 may preferably extend substantially along a row of the storage structure 1. For the robot 31 at the top of the storage structure 1, this row may be designated as the “moving” row of the storage structure 1. This can advantageously minimize additional constraints on the storage of containers 9 within the storage structure 1 when pipes 53 and 55 and / or cooling equipment are located inside the storage structure 1. In particular, robot 31 must travel a large number of grid cells in the direction of extension of the row, and its pipes 53, 55 can preferentially travel along the row, so that other rows are exposed for other robots 31 to access the containers 9 stored there.

[0040] In some embodiments, multiple outlets may be provided along a length of the outlet conduit 53. Different outlets on conduit 53 may belong to or define different temperature zones of the storage structure 1. For example, the coldest region may be defined by the conduit outlet closest to the corresponding cooling device; the next-coldest region may be defined by the conduit outlet second closest to the cooling device; and the warmest region may be defined by the conduit outlet furthest from the cooling device. In embodiments with multiple cooling devices and / or multiple branches of conduits, a region may be served and / or defined by more than one conduit outlet. For example, if multiple cooling devices are arranged along one side of the storage structure 1, their corresponding outlet conduits may extend parallel to each other into the storage structure 1 at corresponding distances into the storage structure 1 or at different distances into the storage structure 1 to define and serve the temperatures of different regions. In some embodiments, the cooling devices may be located within the storage structure 1, in which case the boundaries of different temperature zones may be defined as concentric shapes (e.g., quadrilaterals) extending outward from the cooling devices.

[0041] One or more components of the multi-temperature storage system, including temperature control devices, may be located under a floor. For example, in some embodiments, return pipe 55 may be located under a false floor, which may, for example, serve as a base for container 9 in stack 11. The false floor may include holes that allow air to pass through it to the inlet of return pipe 55. Alternatively or additionally, holes in the false floor may allow air to pass through it from the outlet of outlet pipe 53. For example, in some embodiments, both outlet pipe 53 and return pipe 55 may be located under a false floor. This can advantageously mean that more space within storage structure 1 can be used to store container 9, and that movement of container 9 within storage structure 1 is less restricted. Different types of holes may be provided in the false floor for different types of pipes 53, 55. For example, it may be advantageous for outlet pipe 53 to have a larger hole, while it may be advantageous for return pipe 55 to have a smaller hole, and vice versa.

[0042] Figure 10 Another embodiment of the storage structure 1, including a temperature control device comprising a cooling unit 61, is schematically shown. Pipes 63, 65 are configured to guide cooling fluid (e.g., liquid nitrogen, ethylene glycol, or other suitable substance) from the cooling unit 61 to one or more areas of the storage structure 1, and then return to the cooling unit 61 for recooling and recirculation. The illustrated arrangement is similar to... Figures 6 to 9 The arrangement shown in the diagram includes an outlet pipe 63 that carries cooling fluid from the cooling device 61 to the storage structure 1, and a return pipe 65 that carries fluid from the storage structure 1 back to the cooling device 61.

[0043] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in more detail, the fittings 63 and 65 may be located, at least a portion of their length, within components of the storage structure 1, for example, within the upright member 3 supporting the horizontal members 5 and 7. Figure 11 In the middle, the side of the upright member 3 has been removed to show the pipes 63 and 65 inside the upright member 3; Figure 12 In this configuration, the upright member 3 has been completely removed to expose more of the pipes 63 and 65. Placing the pipes 63 and 65 within the components of the storage structure 1 advantageously minimizes the degree of restriction on the access and storage of the container 9 by the pipes 63 and 65. For example, the pipes 63 and 65 located within the upright member 3 should not restrict the vertical movement of the container 9 within the stack 11 of the storage structure 1.

[0044] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12In the illustrated embodiments, fittings 63 and 65 include straight portions and helical portions. Typically, fittings 63 and 65 can be provided in any shape or configuration to achieve a specific temperature control objective. In particular, the outlet fitting 63 may preferably be provided with shaped portions. For example, a helical portion that concentrates the total amount of cooling fluid in a specific area may be provided in an area requiring greater cooling. In other embodiments, portions of different shapes may be provided, and multiple portions of different shapes may exist in an arrangement. For example, in some arrangements, it may be necessary to have one or more straight portions, helical portions, serrated portions, tortuous or oscillating portions, and / or other portions in the same arrangement of fittings 63 and 65.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet pipe 63 and the return pipe 65 form a set of continuous closed loops through which cooling fluid flows from and returns to the cooling device 61. The outlet pipe 63 can be considered to "begin" at the cooling device 61 and "end" at the point furthest from the cooling device 61 in the corresponding loop, or at some other point (e.g., where the fluid reaches its highest temperature). Beyond that point (in the direction of fluid flow around the corresponding closed loop), the pipe can be considered as the return pipe 65 returning the fluid to the cooling device 61. The temperature of the fluid in the outlet pipe 63 is generally expected to be lower than the temperature of the fluid in the return pipe 65. As the fluid in the outlet pipe 63 passes through the areas to be cooled in the storage structure 1, it radiates cooling to these areas and its own temperature rises. The continuous closed loops may include only a single path or may include multiple paths or branches, similar to... Figures 6 to 9 The branches described in the context are all closed loops. For example, in the case of a row of upright members 3 of storage structure 1, the outlet pipe 63 can supply multiple branches, each branch passing through a corresponding upright member 3 of storage structure 1 and connecting to a common return pipe 65 to return to cooling device 61. It is expected that the majority of the cooling fluid leaving cooling device 61 and traveling along the closed loop formed by outlet pipe 63 and return pipe 65 will return to cooling device 61. In contrast, it is expected that because outlet pipe 53 and return pipe 55 form an "open" loop rather than a "closed" loop, some cooling fluid leaving cooling device 51 and traveling along outlet pipe 53 may not return to cooling device 51, or may only return to cooling device 51 later. In other words, it is expected that cooling fluid traveling along the closed loop defined by outlet pipe 63 and return pipe 65 will not leak out of the closed loop, while it is expected that some cooling fluid traveling along the open-loop outlet pipe 53 may leak out of the open loop, i.e., may not immediately enter the open-loop return pipe 55.

[0046] Similar to Figures 6 to 9In the embodiments, pipes 53, 55 can be selected along the paths of fittings 63, 65 to minimize the cooling device 61 and specific portions of outlet fitting 63 (e.g., where fluid is concentrated to provide greater cooling to shaped portions, e.g.). Figure 11 and Figure 12 The distance between the spiral portions shown, and / or minimizing other distances (e.g., the length of the return tube 65). The relative positions of the outlet tube 63 and the return tube 65 can be selected to minimize their influence on each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the return tube 65 is substantially located at the center of the upright member 3, and the spiral portion of the outlet tube 63 can be coiled around the return tube 65 such that the outlet tube 63 is closest to the outer surface of the upright member 3, and therefore closest to the goods stored in the container 9 (which require cooling through the outlet tube 63). This can advantageously improve the cooling effect provided by the tubes 63, 65.

[0047] In some specific embodiments, a smaller cooling device may be located at one or more points around the closed loop, such as at the point furthest from the cooling device 61, within the upright member 3, or at other locations within the storage structure 1 (e.g., in a container 9 placed in a suitable location within the storage structure 1), such that the fluid is recooled midway through the closed loop, for example, the fluid is returned to the cooling device 61.

[0048] Similar to Figures 6 to 9 The cooling devices 51 and pipes 53, 55 described in the context of the present invention may be configured to supply different closed loops of the pipes 63, 65. For example, a first cooling device 61 may be located in a row adjacent to the storage structure 1 to supply cooling fluid to one or more closed loops along that row of the storage structure 1; a second cooling device 61 may be located in the next row adjacent to the storage structure 1 to supply cooling fluid to one or more closed loops along that row of the storage structure 1, and so on. Alternatively or additionally, one or more cooling devices 61 may be provided on each side of the storage structure 1 to provide cooling fluid to the corresponding closed loop. This can advantageously help reduce the distance the cooling fluid travels before reaching the target cooling area.

[0049] Although the illustrated embodiments include multiple closed loops (in the specific embodiment shown, each upright member 3 of the storage structure 1 has one closed loop), each closed loop having a corresponding outlet fitting 63 and return fitting 65, in other embodiments, fewer closed loops or even a single closed loop may be preferred, along which fluid flows to the relevant area of ​​the storage structure 1. In such embodiments, a small cooling device along the closed loop may be particularly preferred, which reduces the temperature of the fluid as it flows around the closed loop, but this may not be necessary depending on the temperature control objectives.

[0050] Figure 13 Another embodiment of the storage structure 1 with a temperature control device is shown. (Compared to...) Figures 10 to 12 The embodiments in the example are similar, Figure 13 The embodiments include a cooling device 61 that supplies cooling fluid to an outlet pipe 63. The outlet pipe 63 directs the cooling fluid to a target area of ​​the storage structure 1, as described in the context of other embodiments. The fluid returns from the area of ​​the storage structure 1 to the cooling device 61 via a return pipe 65.

[0051] exist Figure 13 In one embodiment, in addition to passing under the upright member 3, the branch of the outlet tube 63 includes a tortuous portion within a cover support 67 on which the stack 11 of the container 9 rests in the storage structure 1. Figure 14 schematically shown Figure 13 In this embodiment, only one row of the storage structure 1 is shown, and the cover is removed from the cover support 67 to expose the tortuous portion of the outlet pipe 63 below. Advantageously, the support 67 with the tortuous portion of the pipe concentrates the cooling capacity at the bottom of the grid cells (where the container 9 would be if there were stacks 11 in these particular grid cells).

[0052] exist Figures 10 to 14 In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet tube 63 appears at the top of the cooling device 61 and enters the top of the storage structure 1, then descends within the upright member 3 to the support member 67. However, in other embodiments, the outlet tube 63 may exit the cooling device 61 and / or enter the storage structure 1 at other points. Similarly, the return tube 65 may exit the storage structure 1 at any suitable point and may enter the cooling device 61 at any suitable point. The points of entry and exit from the cooling device 61 and the storage structure 1 can be selected to achieve specific temperature control objectives.

[0053] Although there are multiple supports 67 in the illustrated embodiment (one support per grid cell in the illustrated embodiment), there may be more or fewer supports in other embodiments. In the case of fewer supports, each support may extend through one or more grid cells. For example, in some cases, it may be preferred to have one support extending along one row of the storage structure 1, one support extending along and through two rows of the storage structure 1, or another arrangement (e.g., one support covering an area of ​​2 grid cells by 2 grid cells, for a total of 4 grid cells). In some embodiments, only one support may extend through the entire storage structure 1. The tortuous portion of the tube 63 in each support may extend substantially to the entire area of ​​the upper portion of the support so that the cooling effect is distributed throughout the entire area of ​​the support. Each support may have its own closed loop of tubes 63, 65, or may share a loop with one or more other supports (e.g., via branches). In some embodiments, additional temperature control components may be disposed within the support. For example, one or more heating components may be disposed inside the support below the tube 63. This can help offset any negative effects that may arise from cooling the floor area of ​​the storage structure 1. It may also include insulation to isolate the heating element from the pipe 63, minimizing their mutual influence. In some embodiments, the support may be (or form part of) a floor comprising multiple layers including the pipe 63 at or near the top, followed by one or more layers of insulation (moving downwards), and then the heating element, which may be embedded in structural components such as a concrete layer supporting the weight of the storage structure 1, any robot 31 mounted thereon, any containers 9 stored therein, and / or other nearby objects. In some embodiments, one or more cooling devices may be disposed within the support. This can advantageously reduce the distance between the cooling devices and the tortuous portion of the pipe 63 at the bottom of the stack 11 of containers 9 within the support, thereby improving the system's temperature control capabilities.

[0054] Similar to pipes 53 and 55, fittings 63 and 65 may be provided with insulation or other surrounding materials to help control radiation from and / or thermal conductivity through fittings 63 and 65. In some configurations, outlet fitting 63 may particularly benefit from good insulation, ensuring that as much of the cooling fluid benefit as possible is delivered to the target area, i.e., the cooling benefit does not dissipate to other areas around fitting 63 before reaching the target area. For example, outlet fitting 63 may be insulated along some or all of its length between the cooling device and the spiral section (and / or between spiral sections) to minimize cooling radiation from outlet fitting 63 to non-target areas. Return fitting 65 may also be insulated along at least a portion of its length to minimize heating of outlet fitting 63 by nearby return fittings 65.

[0055] Similar to pipes 53 and 55, fittings 63 and 65 may be equipped with one or more pumps or other flow aids to assist fluid flow in a desired direction. For example, a pump may be located in and / or at the inlet or outlet of one or more branches of the outlet fitting 63 to direct fluid into the corresponding branch and into the desired area of ​​the storage structure 1. The flow aid may be speed-controlled, i.e., increasing or decreasing the flow rate level provided by the flow aid.

[0056] Similar to pipes 53 and 55, fittings 63 and 65 may have different diameters along their lengths (i.e., between the inlet / outlet at the cooling device 61 and the storage structure 1, respectively). This can advantageously help control the flow along fittings 63 and 65. For example, in the case where fittings 63 and 65 branch into multiple branches or converge from multiple branches, the diameters of fittings 63 and 65 can be varied to help maintain the relevant pressure and flow rate along fittings 63 and 65 toward other branches or the cooling device 61.

[0057] One or more valves may be provided in fittings 63, 65 to help control fluid flow along fittings 63, 65. For example, in certain situations, it may be necessary to stop flow along a specific branch leading out of fitting 63, for instance, if a different branch requires more cooling fluid to reach a specific temperature over a period of time. The valve may be closed during this period and reopened if needed. The degree of opening of a given valve may be controllable to provide finer-grained flow and pressure control and / or allow some cooling capacity to be diverted from the first branch to a second branch without completely eliminating the cooling capacity of the first branch. Multiple branches may direct cooling fluid to the same or different areas.

[0058] Similar to cooling device 51, cooling device 61 may include one or more outlets to which multiple different portions of a pipe can be connected. This may be particularly useful in embodiments where the cooling device cools fluid to more than one temperature. For example, a single cooling device may be provided with the necessary hardware (e.g., pumps, refrigerant, chambers, etc.) to generate fluid at a suitable temperature for cooling an area of ​​storage structure 1 to a “freezing” temperature (e.g., at or below the freezing point, such as in the range of –30°C to 0°C) and to generate fluid at a suitable temperature for cooling an area of ​​storage structure 1 to a “refrigerated” temperature (e.g., at or above the freezing point, such as in the range of 0°C to 10°C). As described above, in some embodiments, multiple cooling devices 61 may be arranged within and / or around a storage structure 1 to achieve specific temperature control objectives.

[0059] Although cooling devices 51 and 61 are shown as monolithic blocks in the illustrated embodiments, cooling devices can actually include separate, interconnected parts located in different locations. For example, a cooling device may include an air handling unit located inside a building or in another space containing the corresponding storage structure 1, housing one or more components of the cooling device (e.g., fluid pumps); and a cooling unit located outside the building, connected (e.g., via ductwork) to the air handling unit to allow air or other fluids to flow between the air handling unit and the cooling unit. Other types of devices (e.g., dehumidifiers) may similarly comprise monolithic blocks or separate, interconnected parts. Several types of devices can be interconnected.

[0060] In some embodiments, temperature, humidity, and / or other sensors may be disposed within the storage structure 1 to monitor atmospheric conditions within the storage structure 1. Data from the sensors can be used to determine whether more or less cooling or other atmospheric control or input is required, and to accordingly influence the function of one or more components of the storage system, such as cooling devices 51, 61, and any flow aids. For example, in Figure 13 In this structure, a temperature sensor 71 is mounted on the upright member 3 of the storage structure 1 and measures the temperature in its vicinity. Data from the temperature sensor 71 can be used to determine how best to supply cooling fluid to a target area of ​​the storage structure 1 to achieve a desired temperature or other environmental conditions in that area. For example, the data can be used to determine how much cooling fluid to supply to an area of ​​the storage structure 1, and / or the rate at which the cooling fluid is supplied to that area, and / or the target temperature at which the cooling fluid is supplied to that area. Temperature, humidity, and / or other sensors may be additionally or alternatively disposed on or within the container 9, for example, mounted inside the container 9, to allow for more location-specific temperature measurements. It is anticipated that such sensors will move with their respective containers 9, which could advantageously allow the temperature of goods stored within the respective containers 9 to be tracked as the goods move, for example, as goods move along the supply chain from the source to the distributor, and then to the end user.

[0061] The controller can be configured to control one or more controllable aspects of the storage system, such as cooling equipment (e.g., the temperature of the output cooling fluid), the speed of any flow devices in the system (e.g., in pipes 53, 55, fittings 63, 65, or the cooling equipment), the degree of opening of any valves in the system (e.g., in pipes 53, 55, fittings 63, 65, or the cooling equipment), and / or any other controllable aspect of the system. These controllable aspects of the control system enable the system to maintain different areas of the multi-temperature storage system at a desired temperature regardless of external changes, such as changes in ambient temperature, or changes in fluid flow at a specific location due to the movement of one or more robots 31 across the top of the storage structure 1. The controller can act based on input from one or more of the aforementioned sensors, such as temperature sensors that measure the temperature in a specific area of ​​the storage structure 1, or temperature sensors that measure the temperature of the fluid output from the air handling unit of the cooling equipment.

[0062] For example, the controller may include one or more processors or other data processing components (“processing devices”) configured to generate and send instructions to control other components directly or indirectly connected to the data processing components. For example, other components may be wirelessly connected to the data processing components via one or more wireless transceivers. The data processing components may be further configured to receive data in the form of temperature, humidity, or other readings from one or more sensors and process that data to determine instructions to be sent to other components. The controller may include one or more storage devices (e.g., RAM or other memory) where data can be stored for processing. The controller may be configured to operate substantially autonomously without human input. However, the controller may include a manual override feature to allow a person to control one or more components via the controller.

[0063] Although cooling from cooling equipment is described in the preceding paragraphs, heating may alternatively or additionally be supplied to one or more areas of storage structure 1 from heating equipment, depending on the relative temperatures to be maintained between the areas of storage structure 1 and any ambient temperature. In this case, the "cooling fluid" mentioned above (e.g., Figures 6 to 9 Air in the context of the embodiments, or Figures 10 to 14 In the context of the embodiments, ethylene glycol or liquid nitrogen, or similar terms, may be replaced with "heating fluid" as appropriate. Both cooling and heating fluids can be referred to as temperature-controlled fluids. Similarly, both cooling and heating devices can be referred to as temperature-controlled devices. A temperature-controlled device may be one embodiment of an environmental control device. Other environmental control devices may include humidity control devices.

[0064] In some embodiments, a multi-temperature storage system may use an "open" temperature control device (e.g., Figures 6 to 9 The air and duct embodiments shown) and the "closed" temperature control device (e.g. Figures 10 to 14 (See the illustrated fluid and piping embodiment). For example, a first area of ​​storage structure 1 may be served by an air and piping temperature control device, while a second area of ​​storage structure 1 may be served by a fluid and piping temperature control device. For example, the system may be arranged such that a first large area is maintained at a first temperature by an "open" temperature control device, and a second smaller area (e.g., within the larger first area) is maintained at a second lower temperature by a "closed" temperature control device and / or, in place of an "open" temperature control device. Typically, a "closed" temperature control device may be guided more precisely than an "open" temperature control device. In other arrangements, the second temperature may be higher than the first temperature.

[0065] Different temperature zones within storage structure 1 can be defined and / or maintained by solid partitions (e.g., fixed walls or movable baffles controlled by the aforementioned controller or otherwise, separating different zones of storage structure 1) and / or by fluid partitions (e.g., walls or curtains of air or another fluid or one or more fluids flowing at, for example, high rates and / or pressures in a given direction to prevent air of one temperature from passing between zones of different temperatures), i.e., minimizing heat exchange between different temperature zones. For example, a substantially vertical wall for high-velocity air can prevent air from traveling horizontally into adjacent zones of storage structure 1. Similarly, a substantially horizontal wall for high-velocity air can prevent air from traveling vertically into adjacent zones of storage structure 1. Other orientations of separating air curtains or other partitions are also possible, allowing zones of different temperatures within storage structure 1 to be separated horizontally, vertically, and / or otherwise.

[0066] In some embodiments, the partition or other components may be made of or include temperature-controlled substances (e.g., phase change materials and / or insulating materials) that can be controlled at a specific temperature to provide cooling in the vicinity of the partition or other components.

[0067] In some embodiments, the partition can be constructed using containers 9 arranged vertically and / or horizontally adjacent to each other. In this case, containers 9 may contain temperature-controlling materials (e.g., phase change materials and / or insulating materials) to further aid in temperature control of the areas separated by containers 9.

[0068] The location of the baffles defining different temperature zones and the volume of the zones defined by the baffles can be selected to accommodate and optimize fluid flow caused by changes in air pressure as the container 9 moves around the storage structure 1. For example, as the container 9 moves around the storage structure 1 by the robot 31, air can be displaced from one part of the storage structure 1 to another, creating a relatively low-pressure zone at the location where the container 9 was previously. Placing baffles to accommodate not only the target temperature zone but also buffer zones on one or more sides of that zone can advantageously mean that the relatively low-pressure zone can be filled by cooled air within the space defined by the baffle, rather than by warmer air from areas outside the partitioned zone. For example, the baffles can enclose additional volumes of space on the side of the storage structure 1 from which cooled air is extracted to fill the low-pressure zone left by the movement of the container 9.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, one or more separate dedicated chambers for cooling air may be provided with suitable conduits to direct air to the storage structure 1 in the event of low-pressure areas. Thus, one or more dedicated chambers can provide a cooling air reservoir that can fill gaps left by the movement of container 9 within the storage structure 1. This improves the efficiency of the multi-temperature storage system by minimizing the mixing of cooling air with warmer ambient air. One or more flow aids may be configured to facilitate the flow of cooling fluid between the reservoir formed by the dedicated chambers and the target area of ​​storage structure 1.

[0070] In some embodiments, one or more generally vertically oriented baffles may be disposed between adjacent grid cells in one or more top layers of the storage structure 1. This can advantageously reduce horizontal airflow at or toward the top of the storage structure 1, which may help define a temperature-varying layer at or toward the top of the storage structure 1. This can advantageously minimize the mixing of air from above the storage structure 1 (which may be warmer due to the presence and movement of the robot 31) and air from within the storage structure 1. When viewed from above, one or more generally vertically oriented baffles may be shown defining a cellular pattern in or near the top layer of the storage structure 1.

[0071] In some embodiments, the outlet pipe 53 or fitting 63 can direct temperature control fluid directly to one or more containers within the storage structure 1 to achieve a specific temperature control target regarding the contents of the containers. Specifically, the outlet pipe 53 or fitting 63 can direct temperature control fluid directly into, or near, or on the bottom or side of the container. This can advantageously minimize turbulence or mixing of fluids at different temperatures before the fluid at the target temperature reaches the container, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the multi-temperature storage system.

[0072] In some embodiments, the fluid flow rate can be optimized to balance energy efficiency and cooling efficiency, i.e., to maintain a given area of ​​the multi-temperature storage system at a corresponding target temperature in the most energy-efficient manner. For example, in some embodiments, if the fluid flow rate through the multi-temperature storage system increases, it may be possible to achieve the desired target temperature at the cooling device with a relatively low cooling effort, which may be more energy-efficient than a cooling device with a lower fluid flow rate through the multi-temperature storage system and a higher cooling effort. As described above, the controller can utilize one or more sensors to monitor these parameters and calculate the optimal set of commands to achieve the target temperature. This can be a continuous process (e.g., adapting to the movement of containers within storage structure 1 and corresponding changes in fluid flow within storage structure 1). Flow aids can be positioned at any location (e.g., on, within, or near storage structure 1) to help achieve the desired temperature control target and / or other objectives. For example, in some specific embodiments, one or more fans can be configured to respectively facilitate horizontal fluid flow (e.g., from one side of storage structure 1 to the other) or vertical flow (e.g., downward or upward through storage structure 1) from any flow aid connected to any cooling device, pipe, or fitting.

[0073] Despite Figures 6 to 9 The specific implementation described in the context is from the perspective of providing cooling "air," but other fluids may be used instead. For example, depending on the goods stored in storage structure 1 and whether there are expected people or other products occupying the space around the storage system, a fluid with a different composition than air may be used, such as a fluid with greater thermal conductivity. In some embodiments, a fluid mixture that typically contains more carbon dioxide than air may be used.

[0074] In addition, a single multi-temperature storage system (such as Figures 6 to 9 As described in the context and / or as in Figures 10 to 14 (As described in the context) Several different types of fluids, such as air, refrigerant, ethylene glycol, water, and / or others, can be used in different locations to achieve local temperature control objectives and / or provide redundancy to minimize the impact of failure of one or more cooling devices or other components in the multi-temperature storage system. For example, depending on the temperature control objectives and / or how the controller determines how to provide the required temperature control, a first fluid may be used in a first region of the multi-temperature storage system, a second fluid may be used in a second region of the multi-temperature storage system, and so on.

[0075] While the primary objective of a multi-temperature storage system is to provide temperature control within the storage structure, additional or necessary components of the system may be used for localized control of other environmental parameters, such as humidity, air cooling, and radiation levels (possibly in conjunction with additional components such as dehumidifiers or radiation shielding materials or components). These additional components can be integrated into other systems or components—for example, a dehumidifier can be integrated into a cooling system—or can be provided as a separate system. These additional components can be controlled independently of other systems or components, or in conjunction with them, for example, through a shared controller controlling two or more components. For example, maintaining a target relative humidity within the storage structure can help maximize the efficiency of the multi-temperature storage system. This can further allow for control over the physical location of the dew point within storage structure 1. An active or passive drainage system for condensation can be located within storage structure 1 near the dew point to help ensure that the target relative humidity can be achieved. For example, a desiccant can be placed near the dew point or elsewhere within storage structure 1 to absorb condensate. One or more humidity sensors can be located near the desiccant or other drainage systems to determine when to activate the active drainage system or when the desiccant needs to be replaced, further maximizing the efficiency of the multi-temperature control system. Accordingly, the storage structure 1 may be provided with one or more desiccant storage locations, in which desiccant can be placed and stored to provide localized moisture absorption.

[0076] One or more thermostats can be incorporated into a multi-temperature storage system to help achieve the desired temperature in various zones. For example, one or more of the aforementioned valves can be controlled by one or more thermostats.

[0077] In some embodiments, one or more robots 31 may be equipped with temperature control devices (e.g., phase change materials and / or one or more flow aids) to provide localized cooling in the immediate vicinity of the robot 31. For example, the robot 31 may propel cooling air downwards into the storage structure 1. The robot 31 may be directed to a specific grid cell to perform this operation. The robot 31 may propel cooling air downwards into the storage structure 1 when stationary or moving on the storage structure 1.

[0078] In some embodiments, one or more packages of phase-change material may be installed at specific locations (e.g., on the side or top of storage structure 1) to provide localized cooling. The packaged phase-change material may be combined with one or more flow aids to help propel cooling air from the vicinity of the packaged phase-change material into the storage structure 1 at the target location.

[0079] It is conceivable that any one or more variations described in the preceding paragraphs can be implemented in the same embodiment of the multi-temperature storage system.

[0080] The aforementioned features provide a multi-temperature storage system with different zones that can be maintained at different temperatures and / or other environmental conditions, depending on, for example, the goods to be stored in these zones. More specifically, by providing local temperature control, the system advantageously allows for the storage of goods at different temperatures using a single storage structure 1. Local temperature control can be implemented in different ways in different parts of the grid. The system enables efficient use of a single site on which a large storage structure 1 can be constructed (utilizing the efficiency of constructing fewer large structures rather than more smaller structures), which is adapted to different temperature requirements. While one embodiment may involve a multi-temperature storage system with “refrigerated” and “frozen” zones, other embodiments may include more zones. For example, depending on their specific properties, different goods can be advantageously stored at temperatures such as 20°C, 15°C, 10°C, 5°C, 0°C, -5°C, -10°C, -15°C, 20°C, -25°C, etc. This allows the same storage structure 1 to optimally store individual goods based on their specific requirements, which can advantageously increase the time period during which products can be stored. This could be particularly useful for food, medicine, plants, and other temperature-sensitive goods.

[0081] In this document, the phrase "keeping the region at a certain temperature" and similar / derived terms are intended to indicate keeping the relevant region within an acceptable range of a specified temperature. For example, it may involve keeping the region within a temperature range around a specified single temperature, such as ±a°C, ±b% (where a and b are values ​​to be specified), or another acceptable measurement range.

[0082] In this paper, the term "motion in the direction of n" (and related wording), where n is one of x, y, and z, is intended to indicate motion substantially along or parallel to the n-axis in any direction (i.e. towards the positive end of the n-axis or towards the negative end of the n-axis).

[0083] In this document, the term "connection" and its derivatives are intended to include the possibilities of direct and indirect connections. For example, "x connects to y" is intended to include the possibility that x is directly connected to y without any intermediate components, and the possibility that x is indirectly connected to y with one or more intermediate components. When a direct connection is intended, the terms "directly connected," "directly connected," or similar terms will be used. Similarly, the term "support" and its derivatives are intended to include the possibilities of direct and indirect contact. For example, "x supports y" is intended to include the possibility that x directly supports and directly contacts y without any intermediate components, and the possibility that x indirectly supports y with one or more intermediate components contacting x and / or y. The term "installation" and its derivatives are intended to include the possibilities of direct and indirect installation. For example, "x is installed to y" is intended to include the possibility that x is directly installed to y without any intermediate components, and the possibility that x is indirectly installed to y with one or more intermediate components.

[0084] In this article, the word "includes" and its derivatives are intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive. For example, "x includes y" is intended to include the possibility that x includes one and only one y, several y's, or one or more y's and one or more other components. When intended to be exclusive, "x consists of y" will be used, meaning that X includes only Y and excludes other components.

Claims

1. A multi-temperature storage system, comprising: The storage structure (1) includes several upright members (3), several horizontal members (5, 7) supported by the upright members (3) and forming a grid pattern, the grid pattern defining several grid cells and allowing containers (9) to be arranged in a stack (11) below the grid cells defined by the grid pattern, and a track structure (13) on top of the horizontal members (5, 7), the track structure (13) being configured to allow a loading processing device (31) to move through the storage structure (1) to remove containers (9) from the stack (11); A temperature control device including a controller, the controller including a processing unit configured to generate and send instructions to control the temperature control device to maintain a first temperature zone within the storage structure (1) at a first temperature and to maintain a second temperature zone within the storage structure (1) at a second temperature different from the first temperature, the temperature control device including a temperature control device (61) and fittings (63, 65) providing a closed loop, temperature control fluid being configured to flow along the closed loop from the temperature control device (61) to the first temperature zone within the storage structure (1) and from the first temperature zone within the storage structure (1) back to the temperature control device (61); the fittings (63, 65) including an outlet fitting (63) configured to transport the temperature control fluid to the first temperature zone and a return fitting (65) configured to transport the temperature control fluid out of the first temperature zone. The feature is that the first temperature region and the second temperature region are separated by a partition to minimize the heat exchange between the first temperature region and the second temperature region at different temperatures; Wherein, at least a portion of the tubing (63, 65) is located within components of the storage structure (1), including within one or more of the upright members (3), such that the tubing does not restrict the vertical movement of the container (9) within the stack (11); and The fittings (63, 65) include one or more formed portions for concentrating temperature-controlled fluid in areas requiring greater cooling; and The multi-temperature storage system is configured such that at least the first temperature region of the storage structure (1) employs a closed-loop fluid temperature control device, and at least one region of the storage structure (1) employs an open-loop air temperature control device.

2. The multi-temperature storage system according to claim 1, comprising an air curtain and / or a solid partition.

3. The multi-temperature storage system according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising an additional temperature control device (51) configured to supply temperature control fluid via a fluid carrier (53) to at least one of the first temperature region and the second temperature region.

4. The multi-temperature storage system according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a flow aid configured to assist the flow of the temperature-controlled fluid to the first temperature region of the storage structure (1).

5. The multi-temperature storage system according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is configured to generate instructions and send the instructions to the flow aid.

6. The multi-temperature storage system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The closed loop provided by the fittings (63, 65) includes multiple branches.

7. The multi-temperature storage system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The fittings (63, 65) include flow control valves configured to control the flow of temperature-controlled fluid along the fittings (63, 65).

8. The multi-temperature storage system according to claim 7, wherein, The controller is configured to generate instructions and send the instructions to the flow control valve.

9. The multi-temperature storage system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The fittings (63, 65) include a shaped portion configured to concentrate temperature-controlled fluid in the first temperature region.

10. The multi-temperature storage system of claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a sensor configured to monitor atmospheric conditions within the first temperature region.

11. The multi-temperature storage system according to claim 10, wherein, The controller is configured to receive data from the sensor and generate the instructions based on the received data.

12. The multi-temperature storage system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, At least a portion of the tubular components (63, 65) are located inside the components of the storage structure (1).

13. The multi-temperature storage system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the multi-temperature storage system further comprises a dehumidifier.

14. A method for controlling the temperature of a multi-temperature storage system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: Temperature control fluid is supplied to the first temperature region to maintain the first temperature region at the first temperature; as well as Retrieve the temperature control fluid from the first temperature zone.

15. The method for controlling the temperature of a multi-temperature storage system according to claim 14, comprising determining, based on data received from one or more sensors, how optimally to provide temperature control fluid to the first temperature region.

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