Thermal management for actively cooled handbags in last mile food delivery

Abstract

Systems and methods for thermal management are provided. In some embodiments, a vehicle for transporting one or more actively cooled handbags, the vehicle comprising: a central thermal discharge subsystem operable to discharge heat from the one or more actively cooled handbags; and an attachment mechanism for moving heat from the one or more actively cooled handbags to the central heat discharge subsystem.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 402,862, filed Aug. 31, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 429,764, filed Dec. 2, 2022; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 443,160, filed Feb. 3, 2023, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to temperature-controlled environments. Background Art

[0004] Currently, cold chain transportation for food, pharmaceuticals, or any product that requires temperature control for distribution is carried out by three-temperature or refrigerated trucks and vans, which are retrofitted with compressor-based systems that cool or freeze the entire segmented area of the truck and must continuously run to maintain the temperature inside the truck. Whether there is a gallon of milk or a pint of ice cream on the truck, you need to cool or freeze the entire space. It is necessary to penetrate from the outside into compressor-based refrigerated trucks and three-temperature trucks or vans in order to place the cooling platform of the compressor-based system inside the truck or van, which invalidates the warranty of the van or truck. In addition, in order to operate a three-temperature truck, you must use spacers between the temperature zones to maintain the temperature. The partitioning of the space requires you to divide the order with the goods into two or more zones. The compressor-based system consumes too much power of the system to be able to place the compressor-based system in or on a pure electric vehicle without significantly reducing the vehicle's driving range.

[0005] There is a need for improved systems and methods for thermal management. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Systems and methods for thermal management are provided. In some embodiments, a vehicle for transporting one or more actively cooled handbags, the vehicle comprising: a central heat rejection subsystem operable to reject heat from the one or more actively cooled handbags; and an attachment mechanism for moving heat from the one or more actively cooled handbags to the central heat rejection subsystem.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present disclosure and recognize additional aspects thereof after reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figures 1A to 1D Illustrates the utilization of a portable standalone refrigeration or freezing system in combination with integrated automated control and monitoring;

[0010] Figure 2 And Figure 3A And Figure 3B Illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an active cooler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 4 Illustrates a system including an active cooler according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 5 Illustrates an example of a handbag as discussed herein;

[0013] Figure 6 Illustrates that different types of handbags can be used in the form of a refrigerator or freezer;

[0014] Figure 7 Illustrates an exploded view of a handbag including a thermoelectric unit as discussed herein;

[0015] Figure 8 Illustrates a standard three-temperature truck for distribution;

[0016] Figure 9 Illustrates a distribution truck that does not require a refrigeration system or requires less refrigeration;

[0017] Figure 10 And Figure 11 Illustrates various ways in which ventilation ducts can be integrated into a handbag rack;

[0018] Figure 12 Illustrates a circuit wiring diagram in some embodiments;

[0019] Figure 13 Including a logic table for controlling individual handbags;

[0020] Figure 14 Illustrates a rack system and handbag placement according to some embodiments;

[0021] Figure 15 Illustrates a single truck and two zones created using traditional compressor cooling and the transportation process;

[0022] Figure 16 Illustrates an example use of the disclosed handbag in multi-temperature cold chain transportation;

[0023] Figure 17 It shows that using "on-demand" cooling can save energy and extend the driving range of a vehicle;

[0024] Figure 18 It shows that it is possible to place the entire order of all temperatures of a customer on one rack or section of a truck;

[0025] Figure 19 It shows a handbag lining that can be placed into a handbag to assist in carrying items into and out of a van, and is also capable of moving the handbag into and out of the van according to each order; and

[0026] Figure 20 It shows an example of converting an existing refrigerated truck into a three-temperature or multi-temperature truck. Detailed Description

[0027] The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information for enabling those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. After reading the following description in accordance with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the present disclosure and will recognize the applications of these concepts that are not specifically set forth herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.

[0028] Currently, cold chain transportation for food, pharmaceuticals, or any product that requires temperature control for distribution is carried out by three-temperature or refrigerated trucks and vans, which are retrofitted with compressor-based systems that cool or freeze the entire segmented area of the truck, and must run continuously to maintain the temperature inside the truck. Whether there is a gallon of milk or a pint of ice cream on the truck, you need to cool or freeze the entire space. It is necessary to penetrate the compressor-based refrigerated trucks and three-temperature trucks or vans from the outside in order to place the cooling platform of the compressor-based system inside the truck or van, which invalidates the warranty of the van or truck. In addition, in order to operate a three-temperature truck, you must use spacers between the temperature zones to maintain the temperature. The partitioning of the space requires you to divide the order with goods into two or more zones. The compressor-based system consumes too much power of the system to be able to place the compressor-based system in or on a pure electric vehicle without significantly reducing the driving range of the vehicle.

[0029] An alternative to compressor-based cooling is to use passive cooling products (such as gel packs or dry ice) to cool the products packaged in boxes or handbags, which is a very expensive process in terms of both labor and materials. Using both compressors and passive cooling and freezing causes great damage to the environment due to the refrigerant, materials, or the continuous operation of the trucks and compressors to maintain the temperature.

[0030] Retrofitting a transport vehicle with a thermoelectrically active cooling and refrigerating handbag with on-demand cooling and a sustainable refrigerant does not require penetration of the van / truck and has a minimal impact on the driving range of an electric vehicle.

[0031] The ability to use mobile and transportable containers using thermoelectric cooling to be placed in transport vehicles (e.g., vans, box trucks, cars, trains, airplanes, ships) includes the ability to use the same containers to transport between physical centers (such as MFCs), stores, and mobile vehicles all the way to residences, apartments, or business premises. This will also include all IoT capabilities to command, control, and monitor the temperature of each container during transportation. In some embodiments, this is used in EV vehicles or combustion engine vehicles and the power of the vehicle and / or a battery pack rechargeable through the vehicle is used to power our handbags.

[0032] Last-mile food delivery requires the use of a van or similar vehicle for temperature-controlled transportation of perishable food. To achieve temperature control, a refrigerated or frozen handbag installed inside a van (e.g., a cargo van) or a box truck can be used.

[0033] These handbags use an active heat pump to extract heat from an enclosed chamber and discharge it into the surrounding ambient temperature environment. When such a handbag is in an enclosed space such as a delivery van, hot air can be removed from the van to improve the operating performance of the handbag.

[0034] These handbags require electricity during transportation to maintain the food safety requirements of perishable consumer goods. The electrical system required to reach (and / or maintain) the correct temperature should meet certain expectations for the operation of the handbag.

[0035] Figures 1A to 1D The utilization of a portable standalone refrigerated or frozen system in combination with integrated automated control and monitoring is shown.

[0036] Figure 2 And Figure 3A And Figure 3B An example embodiment of an active cooler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 4 A system including an active cooler according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] For more details, interested readers may refer to the following items: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 953,771, entitled THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATED / FROZEN PRODUCT STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION COOLER; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 135,420, entitled THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATED / FROZEN PRODUCT STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION COOLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0199353A1; and International Patent Application No. PCT / US2020 / 067172, entitled THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATED / FROZEN PRODUCT STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION COOLER, now International Patent Publication No. WO 2021 / 134068. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0039] Figure 5 An example of a handbag as discussed herein is shown. Figure 6 It is shown that different types of handbags can be used in the form of a refrigerator or freezer. Figure 7 An exploded view of a handbag including a thermoelectric unit as discussed herein is shown.

[0040] Figure 8 A standard three-temperature truck for distribution is shown. This may include several different cooling systems that must be carried along, whether currently needed or not.

[0041] Figure 9 A distribution truck that does not require a refrigeration system or requires less refrigeration is shown. In this embodiment, the handbag provides an appropriate temperature for various foods. This can make the truck more efficient in many ways. It also increases configurability. If the entire truck needs to reach a specific temperature, this can be easily achieved compared to a standard truck. These trucks may include charging capabilities or other amenities.

[0042] Figure 10 and Figure 11Shows various ways in which ventilation ducts can be integrated into the handbag rack. Additional heat in the handbags can be removed by actively ducting the heat - exhausted air to the external environment. A central ventilation fan provides the air flow to the outside. Flexible ducts can be used to connect individual handbags to the central ventilation fan. This connection can involve a spring - loaded mechanism to push the handbag against a compressible gasket and seal the duct to the exhaust of the handbag. When the handbag position is unoccupied, dampers can be used to reduce the air flowing back into the van.

[0043] The ducts can also be integrated into the support structure of the rack to reduce the space occupied by the ducts. The support beams of the rack can be made in a hollow form, and the ducts can pass through these hollow channels.

[0044] To further improve the air exchange with the outside, vents can be included in the sides of the van to improve the air entry from the outside. These vents can be angled to increase the amount of air entering when the van is accelerating. The rear can include additional vents to enhance the turbulence and air mixing inside the van.

[0045] Another method of removing heat from the handbags is to use a liquid cooling circuit. The handbag waste heat exchanger can be made of a flat plate that mates with a liquid cold plate, which remains stationary in the van. A radiator or a refrigerant cryogenic circuit can be used to cool the liquid.

[0046] Figure 12 Shows the circuit wiring diagram in some embodiments. Multiple batteries are shown in parallel with a connector (e.g., Anderson connector) to the rest of the circuit. There is a shunt between the battery and the distribution block that is connected to a current / voltage monitoring system. The system also includes multiple relays and a battery charger.

[0047] Figure 13 Includes a logic table for controlling individual handbags. An example is shown with eight handbags. The first row shows the following situation: Cool all handbags to the target temperature. Required at startup. The next row shows: Once the target temperature is reached, cut off power to all handbags and close the lids. The third row shows: If the lid of the selected handbag is open and the temperature is below the threshold temperature, power on the selected handbag. Calculate the time to cool to the threshold temperature and apply power until the threshold temperature is reached.

[0048] Figure 14 Shows a rack system and handbag placement according to some embodiments.

[0049] In some embodiments, a power distribution system: a plurality of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries sized to meet the power requirements of a plurality of thermoelectric handbags; a power cable sized for a rated power; a power connector; a shunt; a power distribution block having a polar connection point; a current and voltage monitoring system; a polar relay; and / or an active thermoelectric handbag.

[0050] In some embodiments, the power distribution system includes a heating system that monitors the battery temperature and provides heat to the battery to improve normal use in cold environments.

[0051] In some embodiments, the power distribution system includes an insulating material to capture heat during use and allow for a higher ambient differential temperature in a selected area for battery placement when not in use.

[0052] In some embodiments, the power distribution system includes a heating element and / or a fan appropriately placed relative to the battery system, and wherein current is supplied through the heating element to maintain a circulating air with a higher differential ambient temperature.

[0053] In some embodiments, the power distribution system includes a processor and tuning logic for optimizing the charging time and power distribution during: conditioning the handbag by cooling the temperature of the active handbag to a desired target temperature; maintaining the temperature during an idle state; and maintaining a threshold temperature during active use.

[0054] In some embodiments, a shelving system includes a handbag docking connector, power distribution wiring, and an expandable shelving for improving access to the handbags.

[0055] In some embodiments, the power distribution system includes: a polar rechargeable lithium-ion battery sized to meet the power requirements of a polar thermoelectric handbag; a power cable sized for a rated power; a power connector; a shunt; a power distribution block having a polar connection point; a current and voltage monitoring system; a polar relay; and an active thermoelectric handbag.

[0056] In some embodiments, the system further includes a heating system that monitors the battery temperature and provides heat to the battery to improve normal use in cold environments.

[0057] In some embodiments, the system further includes an insulating material to capture heat during use and allow for a higher ambient differential temperature in a selected area for battery placement when not in use.

[0058] In some embodiments, the system further includes a heating element and a fan appropriately placed relative to the battery system, and wherein current is supplied through the heating element to maintain a circulating air with a higher differential ambient temperature.

[0059] In some embodiments, the system further includes a processor and tuning logic for optimizing charging time and power distribution during the following scenarios: regulating the handbag by cooling the temperature of the active handbag to a desired target temperature; maintaining the temperature during an idle state; and maintaining a threshold temperature during active use.

[0060] In some embodiments, the shelving system includes handbag docking connectors, power distribution wiring, and / or expandable shelving for improving access to the handbags.

[0061] In some embodiments, it is necessary to insulate the truck, penetrate the exterior, operate multiple compressor systems inside and outside the truck, place support structures to support the weight of the cooling system, and place partition spacers to separate multiple zones. Figure 15 A single truck and two zones created using traditional compressor cooling and transportation processes are shown.

[0062] Figure 16 An example use of the disclosed handbags is shown. Using these handbags allows for multi-temperature cold chain transportation and the retrofitting of electric or gas-powered vehicles.

[0063] In some embodiments, an "on-demand" system only allows cooling of things that need to be cooled at the required temperature when cooling is needed, all of which are limited to actively cooling the handbags. By using "on-demand" cooling, each handbag or order can be powered off after each stop, thus saving energy and extending the vehicle's driving range. Figure 17 This example can be seen in. This example uses some assumptions, such as: power per handbag SS (W) = 85W (low power operation, maintaining < 10°F); power per handbag at full power = 135W; total energy usage (kW-hr) = 3.9kW; EV truck kWh / mi* = 2.0; estimated reduction in total actual driving range (miles) = 2.0.

[0064] It is possible to place an entire order of all temperatures of a customer on a rack or section of a truck using temperature-controlled handbags placed on a shelf, and the shelf has been retrofitted with contact power that can power the handbags during transportation or when stopped. Figure 18 This is shown in. The contact power can be operated by a separate rechargeable battery system or the vehicle battery system.

[0065] The handbag liner can be placed into the handbag to assist in transporting items into and out of the van, and in addition, the handbag can be moved into and out of the van according to each order. The liner will be used in multiple areas where multiple handbags of an order need to be delivered to areas such as office buildings or apartment buildings on a trolley or cart, or when the distance from the delivery vehicle to the unloading point is a long distance. Figure 19 Such an example is shown.

[0066] Convert a refrigerated (Refer) truck into a three-temperature or multi-temperature truck. With the handbag, you can convert an existing refrigerated truck into a three-temperature or multi-temperature truck by placing power contacts, and by using a frozen handbag, you can operate the frozen handbag in a cryogenic refrigerated truck without adding a compressor system. Divide the truck into sections with partitions or spacers and keep the truck open, which allows customers to use existing assets. Figure 20 Such an example is shown.

[0067] In some embodiments, the system uses water and CO 2 Cooling and freezing handbags. In some embodiments, portable active cooling handbags can be used for picking, staging, loading onto a vehicle, and delivering to the customer's door. In some embodiments, contact or wireless charging locations are used for handbags in shelves and racks. In some embodiments, there is no need to penetrate the exterior of the vehicle. In some embodiments, IOT is used to maintain cold chain documentation. In some embodiments, IOT is used to power on and off the handbag when delivering an order to reduce the power for "cooling on demand". In some embodiments, an entire order at any temperature required for food safety can be stored in a section of the vehicle without partitions or spacers.

[0068] In some embodiments, the integrated contact can allow for direct connection and / or securely docking an independent battery module / attaching the independent battery module to a container for a self-powered application.

[0069] These embodiments can potentially be used (but are not limited to): robotic warehouse / shelf systems where manual insertion / removal of containers is not feasible and / or not desired; manual systems that require minimal employee interaction time; mobile delivery platforms for expanding the safe delivery range; remotely deployed loading / unloading platforms / racks. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, these general automated warehouse / shelf locations can be maintained at room temperature.

[0070] Some embodiments feature optional security features to enable remote unattended unloading and / or loading. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a secure local / remote loading and unloading platform may provide access control to the tote itself, as contrasted with or in addition to access control to the contents of the tote. In some embodiments, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a shelving implementation with docking / locking tracks is used. More details can be found in patent application PCT / US2021 / 054515 filed on October 12, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle for transporting one or more actively cooled handbags, the vehicle comprising: a central heat rejection subsystem operable to reject heat from the one or more actively cooled handbags; and an attachment mechanism for moving heat from the one or more actively cooled handbags to the central heat rejection subsystem.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the central heat rejection subsystem comprises one or more of the following: a central ventilation fan capable of providing an air flow to the exterior of the vehicle; and a liquid cooling circuit.

3. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the attachment mechanism for moving the heat comprises a flexible duct.

4. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the attachment mechanism for moving the heat comprises one or more compressible gaskets that seal the duct to a heat discharge port of one of the one or more actively cooled handbags.

5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the attachment mechanism for moving the heat comprises one or more spring-loaded mechanisms to facilitate connection of the one or more actively cooled handbags.

6. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: one or more dampers that reduce air backflow into the vehicle when the handbag position is unoccupied.

7. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a support structure operable to support the one or more actively cooled handbags; wherein the attachment mechanism for moving heat from the one or more actively cooled handbags to the central heat rejection subsystem is integrated into the support structure.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the support structure comprises hollow channels through which the duct can pass.

9. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: one or more dampers that reduce air backflow into the vehicle when the handbag position is unoccupied.

10. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: one or more vents for improving air entry from the exterior.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the one or more vents are angled to increase the amount of air entering when the vehicle is traveling faster.

12. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: one or more additional vents at the rear of the vehicle for enhancing turbulence and / or air mixing inside the vehicle.

13. The vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the liquid cooling circuit comprises a liquid cold plate that remains stationary in the vehicle and is operable to cooperate with the one or more actively cooled handbags.

14. The vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the liquid cooling circuit uses a radiator and / or a refrigerant cryogenic circuit for cooling.

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