Air diffuser for transporting evaporator of refrigeration unit

Abstract

The invention relates to an air diffuser for transporting an evaporator of a refrigeration unit, in particular to an air diffuser comprising a thermal barrier and a diffuser cover defining the shape of the diffuser, the diffuser comprising an inlet having a circular profile, an outlet having a rounded rectangular or elliptical profile, and a flow path extending in an upward direction from the inlet and into a substantially horizontal direction at an angle of substantially 90 DEG toward the outlet. An internal flow area of the flow path increases from the inlet toward the outlet. The one or more steering blades are configured at the outlet such that at least a curved portion of the steering blade extends at least partially into the flow path. The one or more steering blades have a varying shape in which a curved portion at the center transitions to a flat profile portion at a lateral end of the corresponding steering blade; and one or more guide vanes are configured at the outlet of the diffuser cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of evaporator air management systems for transport refrigeration units, and more particularly, to an air diffuser for an evaporator of a transport refrigeration unit. Background Art Summary of the Invention

[0002] An air diffuser for an evaporator of a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) is described herein. The diffuser includes a thermal barrier and a diffuser cover that defines the shape of the diffuser. The diffuser includes an inlet having a circular profile, an outlet having a rounded rectangular or oval profile, and a flow path that extends upwardly from the inlet and turns substantially at a 90° angle toward the outlet into a substantially horizontal direction, wherein the internal flow area of the flow path increases from the inlet toward the outlet; one or more turning vanes configured at the outlet such that at least a curved portion of the one or more turning vanes extends at least partially into the flow path, wherein the one or more turning vanes have a varying shape, wherein a curved portion at the center transitions to a flat profile portion at a lateral end of the corresponding turning vane; and one or more guide vanes configured at the outlet of the diffuser cover.

[0003] In one or more embodiments, the one or more turning vanes are configured to be parallel to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween such that the front ends of the one or more turning vanes are kept in a straight line, and the depth of the corresponding turning vanes extending into the flow path gradually increases from the lowermost turning vane among the one or more turning vanes toward the uppermost turning vane.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the one or more turning vanes are configured at the outlet such that a downwardly extending curved portion of the turning vanes extends at least partially into a turning portion of the flow path to redistribute incoming air as the incoming air flows through the turning portion of the flow path.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the flow path includes inwardly angled walls at the outlet of the diffuser.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the one or more turning vanes and the one or more guide vanes are arranged in a predetermined orientation to form finger protection at the outlet to prevent fingers or hands from being inserted into the diffuser via the outlet.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the one or more turning vanes are configured horizontally and the one or more guide vanes are configured vertically to form a grid.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, one or more turning vanes and one or more guide vanes are arranged in a predetermined geometric configuration selected from any of the following: the one or more turning vanes and the one or more guide vanes are oriented at a predetermined arbitrary angle; the one or more turning vanes and the one or more guide vanes form a hexagonal unit, and / or the one or more turning vanes and the one or more guide vanes are unevenly spaced relative to each other.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the ratio of the area of the inlet to the area of the outlet is in the range selected from 1.1 to 2.0.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the aspect ratio of the outlet is less than 4.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, one or more turning vanes and / or one or more guide vanes are integrated into the outlet of the diffuser to form a single structure.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, at least part of the flow path is formed by a one-piece molded part that includes any one of a diffuser cover, one or more turning vanes, one or more guide vanes, and / or a finger protection component.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, one or more turning vanes and / or one or more guide vanes are configured to be detachably attached to the diffuser.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, one or more turning vanes and / or one or more guide vanes and / or an inwardly angled wall are configured to form a frame for an auxiliary diffuser, wherein the auxiliary diffuser is configured to be attached at the outlet of the diffuser.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, one or more fans are constructed upstream of the outlet of the diffuser or at the inlet of the diffuser.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the one or more fans are selected from the group including axial fans, centrifugal fans, and / or mixed-flow or diagonal-flow fans.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the inlet of the diffuser is configured to accommodate one or more fans in series and / or in parallel.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the diffuser includes one or more turbulence control elements, and the one or more turbulence control elements include a wire mesh at a first predetermined region between one or more guide vanes and / or one or more turning vanes.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the diffuser includes one or more flow straightening elements, and the one or more flow straightening elements include a honeycomb structure at a second predetermined region between one or more guide vanes and / or one or more turning vanes.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the diffuser is configured to be constructed downstream of an evaporator coil or an evaporator fan associated with an evaporator, wherein the diffuser causes incoming air from the evaporator coil to flow in an upward direction from an inlet, turn into a substantially horizontal direction at a substantially 90° angle toward an outlet, and further flow out of the outlet in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0021] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, other aspects, embodiments, features, and techniques of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the subject matter disclosed and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the subject matter disclosed and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the subject matter disclosed.

[0023] In the drawings, like components and / or features may have the same reference numerals. Additionally, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference numeral with a second numeral used to distinguish the similar components. If only the first reference numeral is used in the specification, the description applies to any one of the similar components having the same first reference numeral regardless of the second reference numeral.

[0024] Figures 1A to 1D Exemplary views of an air diffuser for an evaporator of a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) are shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein, wherein Figure 1D is shown Figures 1A to 1C an enlarged view of a grille section of the air diffuser.

[0025] Figure 1E An exemplary internal view of the air diffuser is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0026] Figures 2A to 2C Exemplary views of the air diffuser installed downstream of an evaporator coil in an evaporator compartment of a TRU are shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0027] Figure 2D and 2EShows an exemplary representation depicting the direction of airflow in a TRU and a cargo space according to one or more embodiments of the present subject matter disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 Shows an exemplary representation of a TRU attached to a trailer moved by a truck according to one or more embodiments of the present subject matter disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 Shows an exemplary airflow path through a diffuser, depicting the function of turning vanes in the diffuser to turn the flow and generate a bonded jet at the outlet according to one or more embodiments of the present subject matter disclosure. Detailed Description

[0030] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the present subject matter disclosure depicted in the drawings. The embodiments are described in great detail to clearly convey the present subject matter disclosure. However, the amount of detail provided is not intended to limit the intended variations of the embodiments; rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present subject matter disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0031] Various terms are used herein. If a term used in a claim is not defined below, the broadest definition given to that term by persons in the relevant art, as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing, shall be given.

[0032] In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and the spatial orientation of various aspects of the components when depicting the device in the drawings. However, as those skilled in the art will recognize after a complete reading of the present subject matter disclosure, the components of the present invention described herein can be positioned in any desired orientation. Accordingly, the use of terms such as "above", "below", "upper", "lower", "first", "second", or other similar terms to describe the spatial relationships between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of various aspects of these components should be understood to correspondingly describe the relative relationships between the components or the spatial orientation of various aspects of these components, since the diffuser, fan, evaporator, TRU, and corresponding components described herein can be oriented in any desired direction.

[0033] A trailer refrigeration unit (TRU) is an essential component in the transportation industry and plays an important role in the preservation of goods and the control of temperature during transportation. A TRU typically consists of a refrigeration system and an air management system, all of which are contained within a single unit mounted on a trailer. One of the significant challenges associated with trailer refrigeration systems is the efficient management of airflow as the airflow transitions from the fan to the evaporator outlet and further into the cargo space of the trailer. This airflow path typically includes a 90-degree turn, resulting in high discharge velocities, aerodynamic losses, and poor outlet air jet behavior.

[0034] Existing solutions accelerate the air flow through the 90-degree turn, resulting in elevated discharge velocities and significant aerodynamic losses. These issues lead to a higher power demand for the fan, resulting in inefficiencies and increased energy consumption. Additionally, such high discharge velocities can lead to the generation of noise, which is undesirable. In addition to aerodynamic losses, existing solutions also result in poor exit jet behavior. The air jet tends to impinge on the top plate and spread laterally rather than being effectively distributed throughout the cargo space. This poor distribution affects the temperature control within the cargo space, potentially leading to temperature variations and product quality issues during transportation.

[0035] Accordingly, a solution is needed to effectively address the challenges of high discharge velocities, aerodynamic losses, and poor exit jet behavior commonly associated with existing air management systems associated with TRUs.

[0036] Reference Figures 1A to 3 , an air diffuser (also referred to as a nozzle) 100 for an evaporator system 200 of a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) 300 is disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the TRU 300 can be attached to a trailer 302 moved by a truck 304, as Figure 3 shown. In one or more embodiments, the air diffuser 100 can be formed of two components: a thermal barrier 110 (or the interface separating the evaporator and condenser sections of the unit) and a diffuser cover 102, which together define the shape of the diffuser 100. The diffuser section 100 can include an inlet 100-1, an outlet 100-2, and a flow path 100-3 connecting the inlet 100-1 and the outlet 100-2. Reference Figures 2A to 3 , the diffuser 100 can be constructed within the evaporator compartment 204 of the TRU 300 ( Figure 2B shown), behind a rear panel 208 that separates the transport cargo space 206 and the evaporator compartment 204 of the TRU 300. In one or more embodiments, the rear panel 208 can be formed to define an evaporator inlet (with or without a grille) 208-1 at the bottom and an evaporator outlet 208-2 at the top, through which the transport cargo space 206 is conditioned by the evaporator section 200 of the TRU 300. The evaporator system 200 can include an evaporator coil 202 constructed downstream of the evaporator inlet 208-1, wherein the diffuser inlet 100-1 is constructed downstream of the evaporator coil 202.

[0037] In addition, one or more fans 108 may also be configured upstream and / or downstream of the evaporator coil 202 to facilitate air flowing from the transported goods into the evaporator compartment 204, further facilitating air flow through the evaporator coil 202 to cool the air, and further supplying the cooled air to the transported goods via the diffuser 100. In one or more embodiments, the fan 108 may be selected from the group including axial fans, centrifugal fans, and / or mixed-flow or diagonal-flow fans. In addition, the inlet 100-1 of the diffuser 100 may be configured to accommodate the fans 108 in series and / or in parallel.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, referring to Figures 1A to 1E , the diffuser 100 may include an inlet 100-1 having a circular profile, an outlet 100-2 having a rounded rectangular or oval profile, and a flow path 100-3 extending upward from the inlet 100-1 and turning substantially horizontally toward the outlet 100-2 at a substantially 90° angle, such that the internal flow area of the flow path 100-3 increases or expands from the inlet 100-1 toward the outlet 100-2, thereby reducing the average air flow velocity while restoring the static pressure. However, in some embodiments, the inlets 100-1 and outlets 100-2 of the diffuser 100 may also have different profiles without any limitation. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the ratio of the area of the inlet 100-1 of the diffuser 100 to the area of the outlet 100-2 may be in the range selected from 1.1 to 2.0, but is not limited thereto. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the rounded rectangular or oval outlet 100-2 may have an aspect ratio less than 4, but is not limited thereto.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the diffuser 100 may include one or more turning vanes 104-1 to 104-N (collectively referred to herein as turning vanes 104), which are configured at the outlet 100-2 such that at least the curved portion of the turning vanes 104 extends at least partially into the flow path 100-3 of the diffuser 100. In addition, one or more guide vanes 106 having a flat or curved profile may also be configured at the outlet 100-2 of the diffuser 100. In addition, the flow path 100-3 may include a further inwardly angled wall (not shown) at the outlet 100-2 of the diffuser 100. In addition, the diffuser 100 may cause the incoming cold air from the evaporator coil 202 to flow in an upward direction from the inlet 100-1 and turn substantially horizontally toward the outlet 100-2 at a substantially 90° angle, as Figure 2E and Figure 4 shown, and further flow out of the outlet 100-2 in a substantially horizontal direction into the cargo space 206, as Figure 2D shown.

[0040] Those skilled in the art should understand that the enlarged internal flow area of the diffuser 100 and the larger outlet 100-2 of the diffuser 100 can minimize internal and expansion aerodynamic losses. In addition, the turning vanes 104 can facilitate the redistribution of the airflow through the turning section of the diffuser 100 while reducing aerodynamic losses and reducing the average air discharge velocity, thereby enhancing airflow uniformity, adjusting the outlet airflow angle, and guiding the airflow back to the cargo space 206. Therefore, the turning vanes 104 can turn the airflow in the diffuser 100 and generate a bonded jet at the outlet 100-2 of the diffuser 100, as Figure 2E and 4 shown. In addition, the guide vanes 106 and / or the inwardly angled wall can allow for the generation of a uniform air jet that leaves the diffuser 100 and enters the cargo space 206, such that the airflow can reach the end of the cargo space 206 and further recirculate uniformly within the cargo space 206, as Figure 2D shown.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the turning vanes 104-1 to 104-N can be configured to be parallel to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween, such that the leading edges of the turning vanes 104 remain in a straight line, and the depth of the corresponding turning vanes 104 extending into the flow path 100-3 gradually increases from the bottommost turning vane 104-A of the turning vanes towards the topmost turning vane 104-N. For example, the depth of the turning vane 104-2 can be higher than the depth of the bottommost turning vane 104-1. In addition, the depth of the topmost turning vane 104-N can be higher than the depth of the turning vane 104-2. Similarly, the depth of the turning vanes 104-t to 104-N gradually increases from the bottommost turning vane 104-1 of the turning vanes towards the topmost turning vane 104-N.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, at least one turning vane 104 may include a flat portion 104-A at the front side and a downwardly extending curved portion 104-B at the rear side, wherein the turning vane 104 merges from a curved arc at the center of the rear side towards a flat or straight edge at the lateral end of the front side of the turning vane 104. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, at least one turning vane 104 may have a downwardly extending curved profile 104-B that merges from a curved arc at the center of the rear side towards a flat or straight edge at the lateral end of the front side of the turning vane 104-1. For example but not limited to, the bottommost turning vane 104-1 may have a downwardly extending curved profile 104-B, and the remaining turning vanes 1042 to 104-N may include a front flat portion 104-A and a downwardly extending curved portion 104-B at the rear side, such that the downwardly extending curved portions 104-B of all the turning vanes 104 may at least partially extend into the turning portion of the flow path 100-3 to redistribute the incoming air as the incoming air flows through the turning portion of the flow path 100-3.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the turning vanes 104 and the guide vanes 106 may be arranged in a predetermined orientation to form a finger guard at the outlet 100-2, thereby preventing fingers or hands from being inserted into the diffuser 100 via the outlet 100-2. For example, in one or more embodiments, the turning vanes 104 may be configured horizontally, and the guide vanes 106 may be configured vertically to form a grid that serves as a finger guard while generating a uniform air jet from the diffuser 100 into the cargo space 206.

[0044] In one or more embodiments (not shown), the turning vanes 104 and the guide vanes 106 may be arranged in a predetermined geometric configuration. For example, in one or more embodiments, the turning vanes 104 and the guide vanes 106 may be oriented at a predetermined arbitrary angle. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the turning vanes 104 and the guide vanes 106 may also form hexagonal cells. Moreover, in one or more embodiments, the turning vanes 104 and the guide vanes 106 may be unevenly spaced relative to each other.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the turning vanes 104 and / or the guide vanes 106 may be integrated into the outlet 100-2 of the diffuser 100 to form a single structure. However, in one or more embodiments (not shown), the turning vanes 104 and / or the guide vanes 106 may be detachably attached to the diffuser cover 102 of the diffuser 100. In such embodiments, the turning vanes 104 and / or the guide vanes 106 and / or the inwardly angled walls may be configured to form a frame for an auxiliary diffuser. The auxiliary diffuser may be configured to be attached to the outlet 100-2 of the diffuser 100.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, diffuser 100 may include one or more turbulence control elements (not shown), including but not limited to wire mesh or solid mesh, which are configured at a first predetermined region between guide vanes 106 and / or turning vanes 104. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, diffuser 100 may include one or more flow straightening elements (not shown), including but not limited to a honeycomb structure, which are configured at a second predetermined region between guide vanes 106 and / or turning vanes 104. The flow straightening elements and the turbulence control elements may help minimize turbulence in the air flow jet exiting diffuser 100 and ensure a uniform air flow jet enters cargo space 206.

[0047] Accordingly, the present invention (diffuser) overcomes the disadvantages, limitations, and deficiencies associated with high discharge velocities, aerodynamic losses, and poor exit jet behavior, which are typically associated with existing air management systems for TRUs.

[0048] While the subject matter disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the subject matter disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the subject matter disclosure without departing from its scope. Accordingly, the subject matter disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but the subject matter disclosure includes all embodiments within the scope of the subject matter disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0049] In interpreting this specification, all terms should be construed in the broadest manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprising" and "including" should be construed to refer to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the recited elements, components, or steps may be present, used, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly recited. When the specification or claims refer to at least one item selected from the group consisting of A, B, C... and N, the text should be construed to require only one element from the group, rather than A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. An air diffuser for an evaporator of a transport refrigeration unit (TRU), the diffuser comprising: a thermal barrier and a diffuser cover that together define a flow path for the diffuser, the diffuser including an inlet having a circular profile, an outlet having a rounded rectangular or elliptical profile, and a flow path extending in an upward direction from the inlet and turning into a substantially horizontal direction at a substantially 90° angle toward the outlet, wherein an internal flow area of ​​the flow path increases from the inlet toward the outlet; one or more turning vanes configured at the outlet such that at least a curved portion of the turning vane extends at least partially into the flow path, wherein the one or more turning vanes have a varying shape wherein a curved portion at the center transitions to a flat profile portion at a lateral end of the corresponding turning vane; and One or more guide vanes are configured at the outlet of the diffuser cover.

2. The diffuser according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more turning blades are configured to be parallel to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween, so that the front ends of the one or more turning blades are maintained in a straight line, and the depth of the cascade turning blades extending into the flow path gradually increases from the bottommost turning blade toward the topmost turning blade among the one or more turning blades.

3. A diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein The one or more turning vanes are configured at the outlet such that a downwardly extending curved portion of the turning vane extends at least partially into the turning portion of the flow path to redistribute the incoming air as it flows through the turning portion of the flow path.

4. The diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The flow path at the outlet of the diffuser includes inwardly angled walls.

5. The diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The one or more turning vanes and the one or more guide vanes are arranged in a predetermined orientation to form a finger guard at the outlet to prevent fingers or hands from being inserted into the diffuser through the outlet.

6. The diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The one or more turning blades are configured horizontally and the one or more guide blades are configured vertically to form a grid.

7. The diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The one or more turning blades and the one or more guide blades are arranged in a predetermined geometric configuration selected from any one of: The one or more turning blades and the one or more guide blades are oriented at predetermined arbitrary angles; The one or more turning blades and the one or more guide blades form a hexagonal unit, and / or The one or more turning vanes and the one or more guide vanes are unevenly spaced relative to each other.

8. The diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: A ratio of an area of ​​the inlet to an area of ​​the outlet is within a range selected from 1.1 to 2.

0.

9. The diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The outlet has an aspect ratio of less than 4.

10. The diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The one or more turning vanes and / or the one or more guide vanes are integrated into the outlet of the diffuser forming a single structure.

11. A diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein At least a portion of the flow path is formed from a single-piece molded portion including any of the diffuser cover, the one or more turning vanes, the one or more guide vanes, and / or a finger guard.

12. The diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The one or more turning vanes and / or the one or more guide vanes are configured to be removably attached to the diffuser.

13. A diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein The one or more turning vanes and / or the one or more guide vanes and / or the inwardly angled wall are configured to form a frame for an auxiliary diffuser, wherein the auxiliary diffuser is configured to be attached at an outlet of the diffuser.

14. The diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: One or more fans are configured upstream of the outlet of the diffuser or at the inlet of the diffuser.

15. The diffuser according to claim 14, wherein: The one or more fans are selected from the group consisting of axial flow fans, centrifugal fans and / or mixed flow or diagonal flow fans.

16. The diffuser according to any one of claims 14 and 15, wherein The inlet of the diffuser is configured to accommodate the one or more fans connected in series and / or in parallel.

17. The diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein The diffuser includes one or more turbulence control elements including a wired screen at a first predetermined area between the one or more guide vanes and / or the one or more turning vanes.

18. The diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein The diffuser comprises one or more flow straightening elements comprising a honeycomb structure at a second predetermined area between the one or more guide vanes and / or the one or more turning vanes.

19. A diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein The diffuser is configured to be configured downstream of an evaporator coil or an evaporator fan associated with the evaporator, wherein the diffuser causes incoming air from the evaporator coil to flow in an upward direction from the inlet, turn into a substantially horizontal direction at a substantially 90° angle toward the outlet, and further flow out of the outlet in a substantially horizontal direction.

Images