Periodically alternating type heat management system and method and storage and transportation container system

Abstract

The invention provides a periodic alternation type heat management system which comprises a refrigerating and heating unit, the refrigerating and heating unit comprises at least two refrigerating and heating devices, each refrigerating and heating device is configured to generate hot fluid when running in a loading heating mode and generate cold fluid when running in an unloading refrigerating mode, and the running modes of the at least two refrigerating and heating devices are periodically alternated; and the fluid switching unit comprises a plurality of liquid inlet ports and liquid outlet ports and is configured to selectively communicate with the fluid passages of the corresponding refrigerating and heating devices according to the conduction state, and the switching period of the conduction state and the alternating period of the operation mode are kept synchronous. According to the invention, fluids at different temperatures can be ensured not to be mixed with each other in the exporting process, and the phenomenon of heat neutralization is avoided. The hot fluid and the cold fluid are conveyed to the corresponding target areas through the independent fluid channels respectively, so that heat and cold are reserved to the maximum extent, and the overall efficiency of refrigerating and heating is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of thermal management technology. Specifically, the present application relates to a periodic alternating thermal management system and method, a storage and transportation container system and a thermal management method thereof. Background Art

[0002] At present, green and environmentally friendly solid refrigerants have become a new type of refrigeration technology, and the research on solid refrigerants is becoming more and more extensive and in-depth. Among them, in the refrigeration device made of solid spring-loaded material (shape memory alloy), the driver will periodically apply stress and unload stress to the shape memory alloy, so that the shape memory alloy releases heat to heat up and absorbs heat to cool down. Therefore, in order to efficiently utilize the heat and cold generated by the shape memory alloy, pipes are usually set in the refrigeration and heating device and fluids are introduced. Through the circulation of the fluid, the heat or cold generated by the shape memory alloy is carried to the heat exchanger, thereby realizing cooling or heating of the external target environment.

[0003] Traditional fluid extraction solutions typically install two pipes at each end of a cooling and heating device, one serving as a fluid inlet and the other as a fluid outlet. When the shape memory alloy heats up, the first outlet removes the heated fluid, while the second inlet draws it in. When the shape memory alloy cools down, the introduced fluid cools, the second outlet drains the cooled fluid, and the first inlet draws it in again, repeating the cycle.

[0004] However, when traditional solutions derive heating and cooling fluids, it is difficult to completely isolate the two liquids at different temperatures, which will lead to heat neutralization, resulting in heat loss and ultimately reducing the overall efficiency of cooling and heating. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a periodic alternating thermal management system and method, a storage and transportation container system and its thermal management method to address the above technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a periodic alternating thermal management system, comprising:

[0007] A cooling and heating unit comprising at least two cooling and heating devices, each cooling and heating device being configured to generate a hot fluid when operating in a loading heating mode and to generate a cold fluid when operating in an unloading cooling mode, wherein the operating modes of the at least two cooling and heating devices alternate periodically;

[0008] The fluid switching unit includes a plurality of liquid inlet ports and liquid outlet ports, and is configured to selectively connect the fluid passages of the corresponding cooling and heating devices according to the conduction state, wherein the switching cycle of the conduction state is synchronized with the alternating cycle of the operating mode.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cooling and heating device is a solid-state spring-loaded cooling and heating device;

[0010] and / or, at least one of the hot fluid switching valve V1, the cold fluid switching valve V2, the cold fluid return valve V3, and the hot fluid return valve V4 is a three-way valve;

[0011] And / or, at least one of the heat energy utilization device and the cold energy utilization device is a heat exchanger.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present application provides a storage and transportation container system, comprising:

[0013] The container body is provided with at least two mutually isolated temperature-controlled partitions for storing items;

[0014] A cooling and heating unit comprising at least two cooling and heating devices, each cooling and heating device being configured to generate a hot fluid when operating in a loading heating mode and to generate a cold fluid when operating in an unloading cooling mode, wherein the operating modes of the at least two cooling and heating devices alternate periodically;

[0015] a fluid switching unit comprising a plurality of liquid inlet ports and a liquid outlet port, configured to selectively connect a fluid passage corresponding to a cooling or heating device according to a conduction state, wherein a switching cycle of the conduction state is synchronized with an alternating cycle of the operating mode;

[0016] a heat energy utilization device, disposed in the first temperature-controlled zone, configured to receive the hot fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit and release heat in the first temperature-controlled zone to achieve a heating function for the zone;

[0017] The cold energy utilization device is arranged in the second temperature-controlled zone and is configured to receive the cold fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit and release cold energy in the second temperature-controlled zone to achieve a cooling function for the area.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cooling and heating device with periodically alternating operating modes includes:

[0019] The cooling and heating device C1 is configured to operate in a loading heating mode to generate hot fluid in the first half of the cycle and to operate in an unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid in the second half of the cycle;

[0020] The cooling and heating device C5 is configured to operate in an unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid in the first half of the cycle, and to operate in a loading heating mode to generate hot fluid in the second half of the cycle.

[0021] In one embodiment, the fluid switching unit includes:

[0022] The thermal fluid switching valve V1 includes two thermal fluid inlet ports and one thermal fluid outlet port, and is configured to connect the thermal fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C1 in the first half of the cycle and connect the thermal fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C5 in the second half of the cycle;

[0023] The cold fluid switching valve V2 includes two cold fluid inlet ports and one cold fluid outlet port, and is configured to connect the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C5 in the first half of the cycle and to connect the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C1 in the second half of the cycle.

[0024] In one embodiment, the fluid switching unit further includes:

[0025] The cold fluid return valve V3 comprises a fluid inlet port and two fluid outlet ports, and is configured to direct the fluid discharged from the heat energy utilization device to the cooling and heating device C5 in the first half of the cycle, and to direct the fluid to the cooling and heating device C1 in the second half of the cycle;

[0026] The hot fluid return valve V4 includes a fluid inlet port and two fluid outlet ports, and is configured to conduct the fluid discharged from the cold energy utilization device to the cooling and heating device C1 in the first half of the cycle, and to the cooling and heating device C5 in the second half of the cycle.

[0027] In a third aspect, the present application provides a storage and transportation container system, comprising:

[0028] The container body is provided with at least one temperature-controlled partition inside for storing items;

[0029] A cooling and heating unit comprising at least two cooling and heating devices, each cooling and heating device being configured to generate a hot fluid when operating in a loading heating mode and to generate a cold fluid when operating in an unloading cooling mode;

[0030] a fluid switching unit, comprising a plurality of liquid inlet ports and a liquid outlet port, configured to selectively connect a fluid passage corresponding to the cooling and heating device by switching a conduction state when the operating mode of the cooling and heating device remains unchanged, wherein the conduction state includes a first conduction state and a second conduction state;

[0031] a zone heat exchanger, disposed in the temperature-controlled zone, configured to receive the hot fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit and release heat in the temperature-controlled zone in the first conduction state, and to receive the cold fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit and release cold energy in the temperature-controlled zone in the second conduction state, thereby achieving hot and cold switching of the zone;

[0032] The environmental heat exchanger is arranged outside the container body and is configured to receive the cold fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit in the first conduction state, and to receive the hot fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit in the second conduction state.

[0033] In one embodiment, the operating modes of the at least two cooling and heating devices are periodically alternated, and when the operating modes of the cooling and heating devices are alternately switched, the conduction state of the fluid switching unit is synchronously switched to ensure that the type of fluid received by the partitioned heat exchanger from the fluid switching unit remains unchanged, wherein the fluid type includes hot fluid and cold fluid.

[0034] In one embodiment, the cooling and heating device with periodically alternating operating modes includes:

[0035] The cooling and heating device C1 is configured to operate in a loading heating mode to generate hot fluid in the first half of the cycle and to operate in an unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid in the second half of the cycle;

[0036] The cooling and heating device C5 is configured to operate in an unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid in the first half of the cycle, and to operate in a loading heating mode to generate hot fluid in the second half of the cycle.

[0037] In one embodiment, the fluid switching unit includes:

[0038] The thermal fluid switching valve V1 includes two thermal fluid inlet ports and one thermal fluid outlet port, and is configured to connect the thermal fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C1 in the first half of the cycle and connect the thermal fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C5 in the second half of the cycle;

[0039] The cold fluid switching valve V2 includes two cold fluid inlet ports and one cold fluid outlet port, and is configured to connect the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C5 in the first half of the cycle and to connect the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C1 in the second half of the cycle.

[0040] In one embodiment, the fluid switching unit further includes:

[0041] The cold fluid return valve V3 comprises a fluid inlet port and two fluid outlet ports, and is configured to direct the fluid discharged from the heat energy utilization device to the cooling and heating device C5 in the first half of the cycle, and to direct the fluid to the cooling and heating device C1 in the second half of the cycle;

[0042] The hot fluid return valve V4 includes a fluid inlet port and two fluid outlet ports, and is configured to conduct the fluid discharged from the cold energy utilization device to the cooling and heating device C1 in the first half of the cycle, and to the cooling and heating device C5 in the second half of the cycle.

[0043] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a thermal management method for the storage and transportation container system in the above embodiment, comprising:

[0044] When the operating mode of the cooling and heating device remains unchanged, the fluid passage of the corresponding cooling and heating device is selectively connected by switching the conduction state of the fluid switching unit, so that the zone heat exchanger arranged in the temperature control zone receives the hot fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit in the first conduction state and releases heat in the temperature control zone, and receives the cold fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit in the second conduction state and releases cold energy in the temperature control zone, thereby realizing hot and cold switching of the area.

[0045] In one embodiment, it further includes:

[0046] In the first half of the cycle, the cooling and heating device C1 is controlled to operate in the loading heating mode to generate hot fluid, and the hot fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C1 is connected through the hot fluid switching valve V1 to establish a hot fluid supply path to the heat energy utilization device. At the same time, the cooling and heating device C5 is controlled to operate in the unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid, and the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C5 is connected through the cold fluid switching valve V2 to establish a cold fluid supply path to the cold energy utilization device.

[0047] In the second half of the cycle, the cooling and heating device C5 is controlled to switch to the loading heating mode to generate hot fluid, and the hot fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device C5 is switched through the hot fluid switching valve V1 to maintain the continuous heating supply of the heat energy utilization device, and the cooling and heating device C1 is synchronously controlled to switch to the unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid, and the cold fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device C1 is switched through the cold fluid switching valve V2 to maintain the continuous cooling supply of the cold energy utilization device.

[0048] In the above-mentioned cyclic alternating thermal management system, the cooling and heating unit includes at least two cooling and heating devices. The operating modes of these cooling and heating devices are cyclically alternating, so that at different times, there are always cooling and heating devices in different working modes, that is, one part produces hot fluid and the rest produces cold fluid. At the same time, the switching cycle of the conduction state of the fluid switching unit is synchronized with the alternating cycle of the operating mode of the cooling and heating device. Through this synchronous switching mechanism, it can be ensured that fluids of different temperatures will not mix with each other during the extraction process, avoiding the phenomenon of heat neutralization. The hot fluid and the cold fluid are respectively transported to the corresponding target area through independent fluid pathways, thereby retaining heat and cold to the greatest extent and improving the overall efficiency of cooling and heating. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1Schematic diagram of the operation of a cycle-alternating thermal management system in the first half of a cycle in one embodiment;

[0050] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the operation of the cycle-alternating thermal management system in the second half of a cycle in one embodiment;

[0051] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the operation of a cycle-alternating thermal management system in the first half of a cycle in another embodiment;

[0052] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the operation of a cycle-alternating thermal management system in the second half of a cycle in another embodiment;

[0053] Figure 5 A structural diagram of a storage and transportation container system in one embodiment;

[0054] Figure 6 A structural diagram of a storage and transportation container system in another embodiment;

[0055] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the operation of a periodic alternating thermal management system in one embodiment;

[0056] Figure 8 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the operation of the cycle-alternating thermal management system in the first half of the cycle when the hot end in the box is switched to the cold end;

[0057] Figure 9 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the operation of the cycle-alternating thermal management system in the second half of the cycle when the cold end in the box is switched to the hot end. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] In one embodiment, a cycle-alternating thermal management system is provided, comprising:

[0059] A cooling and heating unit includes at least two cooling and heating devices. Each cooling and heating device is configured to generate a hot fluid when operating in a loading heating mode and a cold fluid when operating in an unloading cooling mode. The operating modes of the at least two cooling and heating devices alternate periodically.

[0060] The fluid switching unit includes a plurality of liquid inlet ports and a liquid outlet port, and is configured to selectively connect the fluid passages of the corresponding cooling and heating devices according to the conduction state. The conduction state switching cycle is synchronized with the operation mode alternation cycle.

[0061] Specifically, in a cooling and heating unit, the number of cooling and heating devices must be no less than two, which can be either an odd number or an even number. Each cooling and heating device has two operating modes: loading heating mode and unloading cooling mode. When the loading heating mode is running, pressure is applied to the material in the cooling and heating device for loading (the loading can be compression, tension or torsion). At this time, the material will release heat, and then the fluid medium in the device will absorb the heat released by the material and the temperature will rise, eventually forming a hot fluid; and when the unloading cooling mode is running, the pressure on the material in the device is released for unloading. The material will absorb heat and release cold, causing the fluid medium to absorb cold and lower its temperature, thereby forming a cold fluid. Optionally, the material is a solid spring-loaded material, and the corresponding cooling and heating device is a solid spring-loaded cooling and heating device. In actual operation, some cooling and heating devices are set to generate hot fluid in the loaded heating mode, and the other part generates cold fluid in the unloaded cooling mode. After a preset period of time, the working modes of the two types of devices are interchanged, that is, the original operation in the loaded heating mode is switched to the unloaded cooling mode, and the original operation in the unloaded cooling mode is switched to the loaded heating mode, and this cycle is repeated to achieve periodic alternating switching operation.

[0062] The fluid switching unit is electrically connected to the cooling and heating unit and is provided with multiple liquid inlet and outlet ports, each of which is electrically connected to a corresponding cooling and heating device. The fluid switching unit periodically switches its conduction state, and its switching cycle is synchronized with the operating mode alternation cycle of the cooling and heating device. That is, when the cooling and heating device's operating mode switches, the conduction state of the fluid switching unit also switches accordingly. For example, when cooling and heating device C1 switches from unloaded cooling mode to loaded heating mode, and when cooling and heating device C5 switches from loaded heating mode to unloaded cooling mode, the fluid switching unit immediately connects the fluid passage between the liquid outlet port of cooling and heating device C1 and the liquid inlet port of the heat energy utilization device, allowing the hot fluid generated by cooling and heating device C1 to be smoothly transported to the heat energy utilization device. At the same time, the connection between the heat energy utilization device and cooling and heating device C5 is disconnected, thereby ensuring that only hot fluid flows into the heat energy utilization device. Similarly, by coordinating the switching of the cooling and heating device's operating mode with the switching of the conduction state of the fluid switching unit, it is also possible to ensure that only cold fluid always flows into the cold energy utilization device.

[0063] In the above-mentioned cyclic alternating thermal management system, the cooling and heating unit includes at least two cooling and heating devices, and the operating modes of these cooling and heating devices are cyclically alternating, so that at different times, there are always cooling and heating devices in different working modes, that is, one part produces hot fluid and the other part produces cold fluid. At the same time, the switching cycle of the conduction state of the fluid switching unit is synchronized with the alternating cycle of the operating mode of the cooling and heating device. For example, when the cooling and heating device A is in the loading heating mode to produce hot fluid, the fluid switching unit will switch to the corresponding conduction state and guide the hot fluid from the liquid outlet port of device A to the area that needs heating; and when the cooling and heating device B is in the loading heating mode to produce hot fluid, the fluid switching unit will switch to the conduction state again and guide the hot fluid from the liquid outlet port of device B to the area that needs heating. Similarly, the same operation is performed for the transportation of cold fluid. Through this synchronous switching mechanism, it can be ensured that fluids of different temperatures will not mix with each other during the extraction process, avoiding the phenomenon of heat neutralization. Hot fluid and cold fluid are transported to the corresponding target areas through independent fluid pathways, thereby retaining heat and cold to the greatest extent and improving the overall efficiency of cooling and heating.

[0064] In one embodiment, a cooling and heating device with a periodically alternating operating mode includes:

[0065] The cooling and heating device C1 is configured to operate in a loading heating mode to generate hot fluid in the first half of the cycle and to operate in an unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid in the second half of the cycle;

[0066] The cooling and heating device C5 is configured to operate in an unloaded cooling mode to produce cold fluid in the first half of the cycle and to operate in a loaded heating mode to produce hot fluid in the second half of the cycle;

[0067] Among them, the first half cycle and the second half cycle constitute a complete cycle.

[0068] Specifically, cooling and heating devices C1 and C5 can sequentially switch between a loaded heating mode and an unloaded cooling mode based on a preset time period. A complete time period is divided into a first half and a second half. Both ends of the cooling and heating devices include a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port.

[0069] Please combine Figure 1 and Figure 2 , which fully presents the switching of the operating modes of the cooling and heating devices C1 and C5 within a time period. The cooling and heating devices C1 and C5 are exactly the same in structure and function. However, during operation, the operating modes of the two are in opposite states. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, in the first half of the cycle, C1 performs the loading heating mode, and C5 must be in the unloading cooling mode. On the contrary, when entering the second half of the cycle, as shown in the figure, Figure 2As shown, C1 switches to unloading cooling mode, and C5 switches to loading heating mode.

[0070] In one specific embodiment, a cooling and heating device includes a driver and a regenerator. Each regenerator is internally provided with a solid spring-loaded material, a fluid medium, and a flow cavity. The solid spring-loaded material is a solid material that can release or absorb heat during a phase change. It can be selected from shape memory alloys, natural rubber, synthetic polymers, plastic crystals, etc., and is preferably selected from nickel-titanium alloys, copper-aluminum-manganese alloys, nickel-manganese-titanium alloys, nickel-titanium-copper alloys, nickel-titanium-copper-cobalt alloys, and nickel-iron-gallium alloys. The cooling and heating device is manufactured by utilizing the principle that shape memory alloys release heat during the austenite-to-martensite phase change and absorb heat during the reverse phase change from martensite to austenite. The flow cavity can be the space formed by the inner wall of the regenerator and the outer wall of the solid spring-loaded material, or it can be a hole extending through the solid spring-loaded material to accommodate the flow of the fluid medium. The fluid medium is a heat-conducting fluid, generally a liquid with good thermal conductivity and a high specific heat capacity (C). The fluid medium can include water, alcohol, liquid metal, organic matter, etc.

[0071] The driver periodically loads the solid spring material for heating (applying pressure) and unloads it for cooling (releasing pressure). When the driver unloads the solid spring material within the heating and cooling device, it transforms from martensite to austenite. At this point, the solid spring material absorbs heat and releases cold, cooling down. The fluid in the regenerator also absorbs the cold released by the solid spring material and cools down. The cooled fluid then flows into the cold-retaining heat exchanger (cold water tank). Similarly, when the driver loads the solid spring material, it transforms from austenite to martensite. At this point, the solid spring material releases heat, and the fluid in the regenerator absorbs the heat released by the solid spring material, raising its temperature accordingly. The heated fluid then flows into the heat-retaining heat exchanger (hot water tank) for circulation and heat dissipation.

[0072] The motor in the driver can be a DC motor, a stepper motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, a servo motor, an AC synchronous motor, or a torque motor, etc., without limitation. The motor is used to drive and control a loading assembly thereon to apply pressure or tension to a solid-state spring-loaded material unit in a cooling and heating device, and to release the tension or pressure, thereby achieving loading and unloading of the solid-state spring-loaded material unit.

[0073] In one embodiment, the fluid switching unit includes a hot fluid switching valve V1 and a cold fluid switching valve V2, wherein:

[0074] Thermal fluid switching valve V1, comprising two thermal fluid inlet ports and one thermal fluid outlet port, is configured to connect the thermal fluid output path of cooling and heating device C1 during the first half of the cycle and to connect the thermal fluid output path of cooling and heating device C5 during the second half of the cycle;

[0075] The cold fluid switching valve V2 includes two cold fluid inlet ports and one cold fluid outlet port, and is configured to connect the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C5 in the first half of the cycle and to connect the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C1 in the second half of the cycle.

[0076] Specifically, the two thermal fluid inlet ports of the thermal fluid switching valve V1 are connected to the thermal fluid output pathways of the cooling and heating units C1 and C5, respectively. The thermal fluid outlet port is connected to the equipment or system that requires the thermal fluid. The thermal fluid switching valve V1 can flexibly select which thermal fluid to direct from different cooling and heating units to its output port, depending on the system's operating cycle. Optionally, the thermal fluid switching valve V1 utilizes a three-way valve structure, such as a solenoid three-way valve, though other types of three-way valves are also acceptable.

[0077] During a complete time cycle, during the first half of the cycle, cooling / heating device C1 operates in load-heating mode, generating thermal fluid. During this time, thermal fluid switching valve V1 connects the thermal fluid output path of cooling / heating device C1. In one embodiment, through internal valve core movement or channel switching, thermal fluid from C1 can smoothly enter the valve through one thermal fluid inlet port and exit through the thermal fluid outlet port, delivering it to a device or system requiring thermal energy. Simultaneously, the other thermal fluid inlet port connected to cooling / heating device C5 is closed, preventing cold fluid from C5 from entering the valve and preventing fluid mixing or misdirected delivery. Entering the second half of the cycle, cooling / heating device C5 switches to load-heating mode and begins generating thermal fluid. Thermal fluid switching valve V1 accordingly changes its connection state, closing the thermal fluid inlet port connected to C1 and simultaneously opening the thermal fluid inlet port connected to C5. This allows thermal fluid from C5 to enter the valve through this port and exit through the thermal fluid outlet port, providing the required thermal energy for subsequent devices or systems. Through this periodic switching, the thermal fluid switching valve V1 ensures that the thermal fluid can be output from the correct cooling and heating device according to the operating mode of the system.

[0078] The two cold fluid inlet ports of the cold fluid switching valve V2 are connected to the cold fluid output pathways of the cooling and heating unit C5 and the cooling and heating unit C1, respectively. The cold fluid outlet port is connected to a device or system that requires cold fluid. The cold fluid switching valve V2 can flexibly direct cold fluid from different cooling and heating units to its output ports, depending on the system's operating cycle. Optionally, the cold fluid switching valve V2 utilizes a three-way valve structure, such as a solenoid three-way valve. Other types of three-way valves are also acceptable.

[0079] During a complete time cycle, during the first half of the cycle, cooling and heating device C5 operates in unloaded cooling mode, generating cold fluid. During this time, cold fluid switching valve V2 connects the cold fluid output path of cooling and heating device C5. In one embodiment, through internal valve core movement or channel switching, cold fluid from C5 can smoothly enter the valve through one cold fluid inlet port and exit through the cold fluid outlet port, delivering it to the equipment or system requiring cold energy. Simultaneously, the other cold fluid inlet port connected to cooling and heating device C1 is closed, preventing hot fluid from C1 from entering the valve and preventing fluid mixing or misdirection. Entering the second half of the cycle, cooling and heating device C1 switches to unloaded cooling mode and begins generating cold fluid. Cold fluid switching valve V2 accordingly changes its connection state, closing the cold fluid inlet port connected to C5 and simultaneously opening the cold fluid inlet port connected to C1. This allows cold fluid from C1 to enter the valve through this port and exit through the cold fluid outlet port, providing the required cold energy for the subsequent equipment or system. Through this periodic switching, the cold fluid switching valve V2 ensures that the cold fluid can be output from the correct cooling and heating device according to the operating mode of the system.

[0080] In this embodiment, the hot fluid switching valve V1 and the cold fluid switching valve V2 work together in the system to precisely switch the hot and cold fluid output pathways of the cooling and heating units C1 and C5. This ensures that the hot / cold fluids are accurately delivered from the generating units to the equipment or systems requiring them, avoiding waste and misdirected delivery of hot / cold fluids. This collaborative operation ensures that the system can efficiently provide the required heat and cold energy at different operating stages, improving energy efficiency.

[0081] In one embodiment, the cycle-alternating thermal management system further includes a heat energy utilization device and a cold energy utilization device, wherein:

[0082] The heat energy utilization device is configured to receive and utilize the corresponding thermal fluid for heating through the thermal fluid switching valve V1;

[0083] The cold energy utilization device is configured to receive and utilize the corresponding cold fluid through the cold fluid switching valve V2 to provide cold energy.

[0084] Specifically, the heat energy utilization device is a key component in the system for receiving and utilizing thermal fluid for heat supply. Its core component is a heat exchanger, designed with specific fluid channels within it. Thermal fluid flows through these channels, exchanging heat with the air or other medium outside the heat exchanger. The heat energy utilization device is connected to the thermal fluid output pathways of cooling and heating devices C1 and C5 via thermal fluid switching valve V1. During a complete time cycle, during the first half of the cycle, thermal fluid switching valve V1 connects to the thermal fluid output pathway of cooling and heating device C1, allowing thermal fluid from C1 to enter the heat energy utilization device through valve V1. The thermal fluid flows within the heat exchanger, transferring the heat it carries to the medium outside the heat exchanger, thereby providing heat. After heat exchange, the fluid's temperature decreases and it is discharged from the heat energy utilization device, ready to flow back to the corresponding cooling and heating device. During the second half of the cycle, thermal fluid switching valve V1 connects to the thermal fluid output pathway of cooling and heating device C5, allowing thermal fluid from C5 to enter the heat energy utilization device through valve V1.

[0085] The cold energy utilization device is a key component in the system for receiving and utilizing cold fluid to provide cooling. Its core component is a heat exchanger, designed with specific internal fluid channels. Cold fluid flows through these channels, exchanging heat with the air or other medium outside the heat exchanger. The cold energy utilization device connects the cold fluid output path of heating and cooling device C5 to the cold fluid output path 2 of both heating and cooling devices C5 and C1 via cold fluid switching valve V2. At this point, cold fluid from C5 enters the cold energy utilization device through V2. As the cold fluid flows through the heat exchanger, it absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, lowering the ambient temperature and thus providing cooling. After heat exchange, the fluid temperature rises and is discharged from the cold energy utilization device, ready to flow back to the corresponding heating and cooling device. After entering the second half of the cycle, cold fluid switching valve V2 connects the cold fluid output path of heating and cooling device C1. At this point, cold fluid from C1 enters the cold energy utilization device through V2.

[0086] In this embodiment, the heat energy utilization device and the cold energy utilization device achieve continuous and stable reception and utilization of hot fluid and cold fluid with the help of precise regulation of the hot fluid switching valve V1 and the cold fluid switching valve V2, thereby achieving a continuous and uninterrupted supply of heat energy and cold energy, providing a solid guarantee for the stable operation of the system and efficient energy output.

[0087] In one embodiment, the fluid switching unit further includes a cold fluid return valve V3 and a hot fluid return valve V4, wherein:

[0088] The cold fluid return valve V3 includes a fluid inlet port and two fluid outlet ports and is configured to direct the fluid discharged from the heat energy utilization device to the cooling and heating device C5 in the first half of the cycle and to the cooling and heating device C1 in the second half of the cycle;

[0089] The hot fluid return valve V4 includes a fluid inlet port and two fluid outlet ports, and is configured to conduct the fluid discharged from the cold energy utilization device to the cooling and heating device C1 in the first half of the cycle, and to the cooling and heating device C5 in the second half of the cycle.

[0090] Specifically, the fluid inlet port of the cold fluid return valve V3 is connected to the fluid outlet port of the heat energy utilization device. These two fluid outlet ports are connected to a fluid inlet port of the cooling and heating devices C5 and C1, respectively. The cold fluid return valve V3 can flexibly direct the fluid discharged from the heat energy utilization device to different cooling and heating devices, depending on the system's operating cycle. Optionally, the cold fluid return valve V3 utilizes a three-way valve structure, such as a solenoid three-way valve. Of course, other types of three-way valves are also acceptable.

[0091] During a complete time cycle, during the first half of the cycle, cooling and heating unit C1 operates in loading and heating mode, generating hot fluid. After the heat energy utilization unit receives and uses this hot fluid for heat generation, the temperature of the discharged fluid decreases. At this point, the cold fluid return valve V3 directs the discharged fluid from the heat energy utilization unit to cooling and heating unit C5, which is operating in unloading and cooling mode. In C5, the fluid absorbs the cooling energy generated by the unit, further decreasing in temperature and transforming into cold fluid. In the second half of the cycle, cooling and heating unit C5 operates in loading and heating mode, generating hot fluid. The heat energy utilization unit receives and uses this hot fluid for heat generation, and then discharges the fluid. The cold fluid return valve V3 changes its conduction state accordingly, directing the fluid to cooling and heating unit C1. That is, after entering the valve through the fluid inlet port, the fluid flows out through the fluid outlet port connected to C1 and into C1. Through this periodic switching, the cold fluid return valve V3 ensures that the discharged fluid from the heat energy utilization unit is returned to the correct cooling and heating unit according to the system's operating mode, achieving fluid recycling.

[0092] The fluid inlet port of the thermal fluid return valve V4 is connected to the fluid outlet port of the cold energy utilization device. These two fluid outlet ports are connected to the other fluid inlet ports of the cooling and heating devices C1 and C5, respectively. The thermal fluid return valve V4 can flexibly direct the fluid discharged from the cold energy utilization device to different cooling and heating devices, depending on the system's operating cycle. Optionally, the thermal fluid return valve V4 utilizes a three-way valve structure, such as a solenoid three-way valve. Of course, other types of three-way valves are also acceptable.

[0093] During a complete time cycle, during the first half of the cycle, cooling / heating unit C5 operates in unloaded cooling mode, generating cold fluid. The cold energy utilization unit receives and uses this cold fluid for cooling, causing the temperature of the discharged fluid to rise slightly. At this point, the hot fluid return valve V4 directs the discharged fluid from the cold energy utilization unit to cooling / heating unit C1, which is in loaded heating mode. In C1, the fluid absorbs the heat generated by the unit, further increasing its temperature and transforming into hot fluid. In the second half of the cycle, cooling / heating unit C1 operates in unloaded cooling mode, generating cold fluid. The cold energy utilization unit receives and uses this cold fluid for cooling, before discharging the fluid. The hot fluid return valve V4 changes its conduction state accordingly, directing the fluid to cooling / heating unit C5. That is, after entering the valve through the fluid inlet port, the fluid flows out through the fluid outlet port connected to C5 and into C5. Through this periodic switching, the hot fluid return valve V4 ensures that the discharged fluid from the cold energy utilization unit is returned to the correct cooling / heating unit according to the system's operating mode, achieving fluid recycling.

[0094] In this embodiment, the cold fluid return valve V3 and the hot fluid return valve V4 work together in the system to ensure the rational circulation of the fluid in the system, so that the fluid can enter the corresponding cooling and heating device again for processing and utilization, thereby improving energy utilization efficiency and reducing energy waste.

[0095] In one embodiment, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In order to meet the more complex, large-scale and diverse needs for heat and cooling energy, a parallel configuration of multiple cooling and heating units is adopted. This design achieves efficient and orderly conduction connections between multiple cooling and heating units and heat and cooling energy utilization devices through the rational configuration of fluid switching units, greatly improving the performance of the system. For more details, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 . Figure 3 It shows the operating status of the system in the first half of the cycle. Figure 4 The figure shows the system's operating status in the second half of the cycle. In the system, the four cooling and heating units are connected in parallel. They may be physically located in different locations, but they are all connected to the inlet and outlet ports of the heat and cold energy utilization devices through the corresponding fluid switching units and the pipes connected to them.

[0096] This parallel design offers numerous advantages. First, when multiple cooling and heating units are connected in parallel, their cooling and heating capacities are combined, significantly increasing the system's total cooling and heating capacity. Second, the parallel setup allows the system to flexibly adjust the number of operating cooling and heating units based on actual demand. During low load periods, only some units can be activated to reduce energy consumption and operating costs; during peak load periods, all units can be activated to ensure the system's heating or cooling capacity meets demand. Third, because each cooling and heating unit is independent of each other, if one unit fails, the others can continue to operate, providing the necessary heating or cooling energy to the system. This redundant backup mechanism improves system reliability and availability, reduces the risk of system interruptions due to equipment failure, and ensures continuous and stable system operation.

[0097] In one embodiment, a periodic alternating thermal management method applied to the periodic alternating thermal management system in the above embodiment is further provided, comprising the following steps:

[0098] Step S102, in the first half of the cycle, controls the cooling and heating device C1 to operate in the loading heating mode to generate thermal fluid, and connects the thermal fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C1 through the thermal fluid switching valve V1 to establish a thermal fluid supply path to the heat energy utilization device.

[0099] Specifically, during the first half of the cycle, cooling / heating device C1 generates heat to generate thermal fluid. At this point, thermal fluid switching valve V1 switches to a state that connects the thermal fluid output path to cooling / heating device C1. This allows the thermal fluid flowing from cooling / heating device C1 to flow through the pre-set pipeline, through the channel opened by thermal fluid switching valve V1, and smoothly enter the subsequent delivery path to the thermal energy utilization device. This step successfully establishes a thermal fluid supply path from cooling / heating device C1 to the thermal energy utilization device.

[0100] Step S104, in the second half of the cycle, controls the cooling and heating device C5 to switch to the loading heating mode to generate thermal fluid, and switches the thermal fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device C5 through the thermal fluid switching valve V1 to maintain continuous heating of the thermal energy utilization device.

[0101] Specifically, during the second half of the cycle, cooling / heating device C5 generates heat to generate thermal fluid. At this point, thermal fluid switching valve V1 switches to a state that connects the thermal fluid output path to cooling / heating device C5 and simultaneously closes the connection to cooling / heating device C1. This allows the thermal fluid flowing from cooling / heating device C5 to flow along the pre-set pipeline, through the channel opened by thermal fluid switching valve V1, and smoothly enter the subsequent delivery path to the thermal energy utilization device. This step successfully establishes a thermal fluid supply path from cooling / heating device C5 to the thermal energy utilization device.

[0102] In this cyclical thermal management approach, the synchronized switching of the cooling and heating devices and the fluid switching valves ensures that fluids of different temperatures do not mix during the delivery process, thus avoiding heat neutralization. Furthermore, the hot fluids are delivered to the corresponding target areas through independent fluid pathways, maximizing heat retention and improving heating efficiency.

[0103] In one embodiment, the cycle-alternating thermal management method further includes the following steps:

[0104] Step S112: In the first half of the cycle, the liquid discharged from the cold energy utilization device is conducted to the cooling and heating device C1 through the hot fluid return valve V4.

[0105] Specifically, during the first half of the cycle, cooling and heating unit C1 operates in load-heating mode. In this mode, the cold energy utilization device, driven by an external pump, drives the heated fluid inside to be discharged from its outlet port. The fluid then flows along a pre-set pipeline to the hot fluid return valve V4. Upon reaching this valve, since it has switched to a state of communication with cooling and heating unit C1, the fluid flows through the open valve channel and enters the return pipeline to cooling and heating unit C1. Once in cooling and heating unit C1, the fluid absorbs further heat and heats up, ultimately converting into hot fluid.

[0106] Step S114: In the second half of the cycle, the liquid discharged from the cold energy utilization device is conducted to the cooling and heating device C5 through the hot fluid return valve V4.

[0107] Specifically, during the second half of the cycle, cooling and heating unit C5 operates in load-heating mode. In this mode, the cold energy utilization device, driven by an external pump, drives the heated fluid inside to be discharged from its outlet port. The fluid then flows along a pre-set pipeline to the thermal fluid return valve V4. Upon reaching this valve, since it has switched to a state of communication with cooling and heating unit C5, the fluid flows through the open valve channel and enters the return pipeline to cooling and heating unit C5. Once in cooling and heating unit C5, the fluid absorbs further heat and heats up, ultimately converting into thermal fluid.

[0108] In one embodiment, a periodic alternating thermal management method applied to the periodic alternating thermal management system in the above embodiment is further provided, comprising the following steps:

[0109] Step S202, in the first half of the cycle, controls the cooling and heating device C5 to run the unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid, and connects the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C5 through the cold fluid switching valve V2 to establish a cold fluid supply path to the cold energy utilization device.

[0110] Specifically, during the first half of the cycle, cooling / heating unit C5 unloads refrigeration to produce cold fluid. At this point, cold fluid switching valve V2 switches to a state that connects the cold fluid output path to cooling / heating unit C5. This allows the cold fluid flowing from cooling / heating unit C5 to flow smoothly along the pre-set pipeline, through the channel opened by cold fluid switching valve V2, and into the subsequent delivery path to the cold energy utilization device. This step successfully establishes a cold fluid supply path from cooling / heating unit C5 to the cold energy utilization device.

[0111] Step S204, in the second half of the cycle, controls the cooling and heating device C1 to switch to the unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid, and switches the cold fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device C1 through the cold fluid switching valve V2 to maintain continuous cooling of the cold energy utilization device.

[0112] Specifically, during the second half of the cycle, cooling / heating device C1 unloads refrigeration to produce cold fluid. At this point, cold fluid switching valve V2 switches to a state that connects the cold fluid output path of cooling / heating device C1. This allows the cold fluid flowing from cooling / heating device C1 to flow smoothly along the pre-set pipeline, through the channel opened by cold fluid switching valve V2, and into the subsequent delivery path to the cold energy utilization device. This step successfully establishes a cold fluid supply path from cooling / heating device C1 to the cold energy utilization device.

[0113] In this cyclical thermal management approach, the synchronized switching of the cooling and heating devices and the fluid switching valves ensures that fluids of different temperatures do not mix during the delivery process, thus avoiding heat neutralization. Furthermore, the cold fluid is delivered to the corresponding target area through independent fluid pathways, thereby maximizing cooling capacity and improving cooling efficiency.

[0114] In one embodiment, the cycle-alternating thermal management method further includes the following steps:

[0115] Step S212: In the first half of the cycle, the liquid discharged from the heat energy utilization device is conducted to the cooling and heating device C5 through the cold fluid return valve V3.

[0116] Specifically, during the first half of the cycle, cooling and heating unit C5 operates in unloaded cooling mode. In this mode, the heat energy utilization device, driven by an external pump, drives the cooled fluid from its outlet port. The fluid then flows along a pre-set pipeline to the cold fluid return valve V3. Upon reaching this valve, since it has switched to a state of communication with cooling and heating unit C5, the fluid flows through the open valve channel and enters the return pipeline to cooling and heating unit C5. Once in cooling and heating unit C5, the fluid further absorbs cold air and cools down, ultimately converting into cold fluid.

[0117] Step S214: In the second half of the cycle, the liquid discharged from the heat energy utilization device is conducted to the cooling and heating device C1 through the cold fluid return valve V3.

[0118] Specifically, during the second half of the cycle, cooling and heating unit C1 operates in unloaded cooling mode. In this mode, the heat energy utilization device, driven by an external pump, drives the cooled fluid from its outlet port. The fluid then flows along a pre-set pipeline to the cold fluid return valve V3. Upon reaching this valve, since it has switched to a state of communication with cooling and heating unit C1, the fluid flows through the open valve channel and enters the return pipeline to cooling and heating unit C1. Once in cooling and heating unit C1, the fluid further absorbs cold air and cools down, ultimately converting into cold fluid.

[0119] In one embodiment, a periodic alternating thermal management method applied to the periodic alternating thermal management system in the above embodiment is further provided, comprising the following steps:

[0120] Step S302, in the first half of the cycle, controls the cooling and heating device C1 to operate in the loading heating mode to generate hot fluid, and connects the hot fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C1 through the hot fluid switching valve V1 to establish a hot fluid supply path to the heat energy utilization device, and synchronously controls the cooling and heating device C5 to operate in the unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid, and connects the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C5 through the cold fluid switching valve V2 to establish a cold fluid supply path to the cold energy utilization device.

[0121] Specifically, step S302 integrates step S102 and step S202, and its implementation method is the same as the above two steps, which will not be repeated here.

[0122] Step S304, in the second half of the cycle, controls the cooling and heating device C5 to switch to the loading heating mode to generate hot fluid, and switches the hot fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device C5 through the hot fluid switching valve V1 to maintain continuous heating of the heat energy utilization device, and synchronously controls the cooling and heating device C1 to switch to the unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid, and switches the cold fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device C1 through the cold fluid switching valve V2 to maintain continuous cooling of the cold energy utilization device.

[0123] Specifically, step S304 integrates step S104 and step S204, and its implementation method is the same as the above two steps, which will not be repeated here.

[0124] In this cyclical thermal management approach, the synchronized switching of the cooling and heating devices and the fluid switching valves ensures that fluids of different temperatures do not mix during the delivery process, thus avoiding heat neutralization. Hot and cold fluids are delivered to their respective target areas through independent fluid pathways, maximizing heat and cooling capacity and improving overall cooling and heating efficiency.

[0125] In one embodiment, the cycle-alternating thermal management method further includes the following steps:

[0126] Step S312: In the first half of the cycle, the liquid discharged from the cold energy utilization device is conducted to the cooling and heating device C1 through the hot fluid return valve V4, and the liquid discharged from the heat energy utilization device is conducted to the cooling and heating device C5 through the cold fluid return valve V3.

[0127] Specifically, step S312 integrates step S112 and step S212, and its implementation method is the same as the above two steps, which will not be repeated here.

[0128] Step S314, in the second half of the cycle, the liquid discharged from the cold energy utilization device is conducted to the cooling and heating device C5 through the hot fluid return valve V4, and the liquid discharged from the heat energy utilization device is conducted to the cooling and heating device C1 through the cold fluid return valve V3.

[0129] Specifically, step S314 integrates step S114 and step S214, and its implementation method is the same as the above two steps, which will not be repeated here.

[0130] In an actual operation scenario, please combine Figure 1In the first half of the cycle, cooling and heating device C1 is in load-heating mode. Driven by pump P2, fluid is pumped from the outlet of the cold water tank (serving as a cold energy utilization device). The fluid follows a predetermined pipeline, passing through the hot fluid return valve V4 into C1, where it absorbs heat, rapidly increasing in temperature. It then flows out of the hot fluid outlet. At this point, the hot fluid switching valve V1 connects to C1's hot fluid output path, allowing the heated hot fluid to flow smoothly into the inlet of the hot water tank (serving as a heat energy utilization device), where it circulates and continuously releases heat. As heat is released, the fluid temperature gradually decreases at the final outlet of the hot water tank. Subsequently, pump P1, located outside the hot water tank, directs the cooled fluid through the cold fluid return valve V3 to the cooling and heating device C5, which is currently unloading cooling. Within C5, the fluid further absorbs the released cold energy, causing its temperature to drop further. The fluid then flows out of C5's cold fluid outlet. At this point, the cold fluid switching valve V2 connects to the cold fluid output path of C5, transferring the cooled cold fluid from the cold water tank's inlet port to the cold water tank, where it circulates and releases cold energy. When the fluid reaches the cold water tank's outlet, its temperature gradually rises due to the continuous release of cold energy, completing the first half of the cycle.

[0131] Please combine Figure 2 In the second half of the cycle, the fluid at the outlet port of the cold water tank has released cold energy in the first half of the cycle, and its temperature is in an elevated state. At this time, the system adjusts the control strategy so that C1 unloads refrigeration and C5 loads heating. Under the action of pump P2, the heated fluid is transported to C5 through the hot fluid return valve V4. The fluid absorbs heat in C5, and its temperature further increases. It then flows into the hot water tank through the hot fluid switching valve V1. In the hot water tank, the fluid continues to circulate and releases heat. After the fluid completes heat release in the hot water tank, under the action of pump P1, the fluid is introduced into C1 through the cold fluid return valve V3. At this time, C1 is in a state of unloading refrigeration and releasing cold energy. The fluid absorbs cold energy in C1, and its temperature drops. It finally enters the cold water tank through the cold fluid return valve V3, completing the cycle of the second half of the cycle.

[0132] Optionally, the solenoid three-way valve can be set to switch once every half cycle. Furthermore, for the solenoid three-way valves at both ends of the same cooling or heating device, their on-times can be set to differ by 0.1-0.5 seconds, depending on the order in which the fluids enter. This time difference provides ample time for the fluids to exchange heat within the device, effectively reducing heat loss.

[0133] By connecting two cooling and heating devices to build a heating cycle and a cooling cycle loop, the heat in the system can be fully utilized, heat loss during the cooling and heating process can be reduced, and the cooling and heating efficiency can be greatly improved.

[0134] With the rapid development of industries such as fresh food e-commerce and pharmaceutical cold chain, the demand for cold chain transportation equipment is growing. Traditional refrigeration technologies include vapor compression refrigeration cycle refrigeration, absorption refrigeration, thermoelectric refrigeration, phase change material (paraffin, hydrated salt) refrigeration, liquid nitrogen and dry ice refrigeration, etc.

[0135] However, traditional cold chain containers typically only provide a single refrigeration function and cannot meet the transportation needs of items that require both heat preservation and cold preservation. For example, some biological preparations need to be stored at low temperatures, while other medicines need to be transported at a constant temperature. The existing solution is to use two separate cold chain containers for heat preservation and cold preservation respectively, which not only increases costs but also reduces transportation efficiency. In addition, some traditional refrigeration technologies can only be used for short-term cooling and cannot support long-term heat preservation, resulting in limited logistics and transportation cycles. Some refrigeration technologies also use refrigerants that are more harmful to the environment.

[0136] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application further provides a storage and transportation container system, comprising:

[0137] The container body is provided with at least two mutually isolated temperature-controlled partitions for storing items;

[0138] A cooling and heating unit comprising at least two cooling and heating devices, each cooling and heating device being configured to generate a hot fluid when operating in a loading heating mode and to generate a cold fluid when operating in an unloading cooling mode, wherein the operating modes of the at least two cooling and heating devices alternate periodically;

[0139] a fluid switching unit comprising a plurality of liquid inlet ports and a liquid outlet port, configured to selectively connect a fluid passage corresponding to a cooling or heating device according to a conduction state, wherein a conduction state switching cycle is synchronized with an alternating cycle of an operating mode;

[0140] a heat energy utilization device, disposed in the first temperature-controlled zone, configured to receive the hot fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit and release heat in the first temperature-controlled zone to achieve a heating function for the zone;

[0141] The cold energy utilization device is arranged in the second temperature control zone and is configured to receive the cold fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit and release the cold energy in the second temperature control zone to realize the cooling function for the area.

[0142] Specifically, see Figure 5 and 6, the temperature control zone can be divided into a heat preservation zone (i.e., the first temperature control zone) and a cold preservation zone (i.e., the second temperature control zone), which are separated by a heat insulation material to effectively block the heat transfer between the two areas. The heat energy utilization device is arranged in the heat preservation zone, for example, it can be close to the inner wall of the heat preservation zone and evenly spiraled along the inner wall. The cold energy utilization device is placed in the cold preservation zone, and its layout is similar to that of the heat energy utilization device. It can be close to the inner wall of the cold preservation zone and evenly spiraled on the inner wall. Among them, the heat energy utilization device can specifically adopt a heat preservation heat exchanger 102, whose structure is designed in the form of a pipeline. When the hot fluid flows in the pipeline of the heat preservation heat exchanger 102, it can fully exchange heat with the ambient air or stored items in the heat preservation zone, and release the heat it carries to the heat preservation zone, thereby ensuring that the heat preservation zone remains at the required high temperature state. A fluid pump is connected to the outlet pipeline of the heat preservation heat exchanger 102 to discharge the fluid in the heat preservation heat exchanger 102. The cold energy utilization device can specifically be a cold heat exchanger 104, which can also be designed as a pipeline structure. Cold fluid circulates within the pipeline of the cold heat exchanger 104, exchanging heat with the ambient air or stored items within the cold storage area, releasing cold energy and thus maintaining the desired low temperature environment in the cold storage area. A fluid pump is connected to the outlet pipeline of the cold heat exchanger 104 to discharge the fluid from the cold heat exchanger 104.

[0143] The fluid switching unit is connected to the cooling and heating unit via piping, and further connected to the heat energy utilization device and the cold energy utilization device via piping. To enhance the system's maintainability and flexibility, the fluid switching unit and the cooling and heating unit utilize a packaged, integrated design, forming a removable modular structure 106. During installation and maintenance, the piping at each end of the module simply needs to be plugged into the corresponding liquid inlet and outlet ports of the heat energy utilization device and the cold energy utilization device, significantly reducing installation time and maintenance costs. A cooling and heating unit must contain at least two cooling and heating units. Each cooling and heating unit has two operating modes: a loading heating mode and an unloading cooling mode. In the loading heating mode, pressure is applied to the material within the cooling and heating unit, causing it to absorb heat, which in turn causes the fluid medium within the unit to increase in temperature, ultimately forming a hot fluid. In the unloading cooling mode, pressure is released from the material within the unit, causing it to absorb cold energy, which in turn causes the fluid medium to decrease in temperature, ultimately forming a cold fluid. In actual operation, some cooling and heating devices are set to generate hot fluid in the loaded heating mode, and the other part generates cold fluid in the unloaded cooling mode. After a preset period of time, the working modes of the two types of devices are interchanged, that is, the original operation in the loaded heating mode is switched to the unloaded cooling mode, and the original operation in the unloaded cooling mode is switched to the loaded heating mode, and this cycle is repeated to achieve periodic alternating switching operation.

[0144] The fluid switching unit is electrically connected to the cooling and heating unit and is provided with multiple liquid inlet and outlet ports, each of which is electrically connected to a corresponding cooling and heating device. The fluid switching unit periodically switches its conduction state, and its switching cycle is synchronized with the operating mode alternation cycle of the cooling and heating device. That is, when the cooling and heating device's operating mode switches, the conduction state of the fluid switching unit also switches accordingly. For example, when cooling and heating device C1 switches from unloaded cooling mode to loaded heating mode, and when cooling and heating device C5 switches from loaded heating mode to unloaded cooling mode, the fluid switching unit immediately connects the fluid passage between the liquid outlet port of cooling and heating device C1 and the liquid inlet port of the heat energy utilization device, allowing the hot fluid generated by cooling and heating device C1 to be smoothly transported to the heat energy utilization device. At the same time, the connection between the heat energy utilization device and cooling and heating device C5 is disconnected, thereby ensuring that only hot fluid flows into the heat energy utilization device. Similarly, by coordinating the switching of the cooling and heating device's operating mode with the switching of the conduction state of the fluid switching unit, it is also possible to ensure that only cold fluid always flows into the cold energy utilization device.

[0145] In actual applications, solid-state spring-loaded materials are loaded and unloaded within a cycle, and the heat released during loading is the same as the heat absorbed during unloading. When the system only needs to achieve a single cooling or heating function, there is usually no need to pay special attention to the specific values of heat released during the heating process or the heat absorbed during the cooling process. However, in scenarios where both cold and heat preservation functions need to be achieved, since the cooling process (i.e., the endothermic process) is more difficult to control heat compensation than the heating process (i.e., the exothermic process), the cooling temperature is set as the most important variable of concern, and the heating temperature is adaptively adjusted on the basis of ensuring that the required cooling temperature is reached. The following is a detailed description of different working conditions:

[0146] Working condition 1: The actual temperature in the heat preservation zone is higher than the set temperature.

[0147] To meet the low temperature requirement of the cold zone, the refrigeration and heating device will release a relatively large amount of heat during operation, causing the actual temperature of the hot zone to be higher than the preset value. To solve this problem, the following embodiments are proposed:

[0148] In an optional embodiment, a valve opening adjustment operation is performed on the thermal fluid switching valve V1 to reduce its opening so as to reduce the flow rate of the thermal fluid delivered to the thermal energy utilization device. Since the flow rate of the thermal fluid is related to the heat release rate, after the flow rate is reduced, the heat released by the thermal fluid in the thermal energy utilization device is reduced, and ultimately the temperature of the heat preservation zone is reduced.

[0149] In another optional embodiment, the cyclic alternating thermal management system is further equipped with a compensating heat exchanger. The compensating heat exchanger is provided with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. The liquid inlet is the inlet channel for fluid entering the compensating heat exchanger, and the liquid outlet is the outlet channel for fluid flowing out of the compensating heat exchanger. The liquid inlet of the compensating heat exchanger is selectively connected to the liquid inlet of the heat energy utilization device and the liquid inlet of the cold energy utilization device, respectively, via a first two-way valve and a second two-way valve arranged in parallel. The liquid outlet of the compensating heat exchanger is selectively connected to the liquid outlet of the heat energy utilization device and the liquid outlet of the cold energy utilization device, respectively, via a third two-way valve and a fourth two-way valve arranged in parallel.

[0150] The layout of the compensating heat exchanger is relatively flexible. It can be placed outside the container according to actual needs, or it can be installed in the heat preservation area or the cold preservation area. During the operation of the system, by precisely controlling the switching status of each two-way valve, specifically opening the first two-way valve 1# and the fourth two-way valve 4#, and closing the second two-way valve 2# and the third two-way valve 3#, a new fluid branch is constructed. Through this branch, the lower temperature fluid discharged from the cold energy utilization device is introduced into the compensating heat exchanger, and then this part of the low-temperature fluid is transported to the heat preservation heat exchanger and fully mixed with the hot fluid medium therein to achieve heat neutralization and balance. The specific introduction flow rate of the lower temperature fluid can be precisely controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the electromagnetic two-way valve, thereby ensuring that the temperature of the hot fluid medium in the heat preservation area can be stably maintained within the preset range.

[0151] Working condition 2: The actual temperature in the heat preservation zone is lower than the set temperature.

[0152] In this case, after the cold keeping temperature is met, the hot keeping temperature will be insufficient, that is, too little heat is released. For convenience, a heater can be added to the hot keeping area for temperature compensation.

[0153] In addition, in another embodiment, the heating temperature can be set as the most important variable, and the cooling temperature can be adaptively adjusted on the basis of ensuring that the required heating temperature is reached. The following is a detailed description of different working conditions:

[0154] Working condition three: The actual temperature in the cold storage area is lower than the set temperature.

[0155] To solve this problem, the following embodiments are proposed:

[0156] In an optional embodiment, the valve opening adjustment operation is performed on the cold fluid switching valve V2 to reduce its opening so as to reduce the flow rate of the cold fluid delivered to the cold energy utilization device. Since the flow rate of the cold fluid is related to the cold energy release rate, after the flow rate is reduced, the cold energy released by the cold fluid in the cold energy utilization device is reduced, and finally the temperature of the cold preservation zone is reduced.

[0157] In another optional embodiment, a compensating heat exchanger is added to the periodic alternating thermal management system. The structure and connection relationship of the compensating heat exchanger have been described in detail in the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here. During the operation of the system, by precisely controlling the switching status of each two-way valve, specifically opening the second two-way valve 2# and the third two-way valve 3#, and closing the first two-way valve 1# and the fourth two-way valve 4#, a new fluid branch is constructed. Through this branch, the higher temperature fluid discharged from the heat energy utilization device is introduced into the compensating heat exchanger, and then this part of the high-temperature fluid is transported to the cold preservation heat exchanger and fully mixed with the cold fluid medium therein to achieve heat neutralization and balance. The specific introduction flow rate of the higher temperature fluid can be precisely controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the electromagnetic two-way valve, thereby ensuring that the temperature of the cold fluid medium in the cold preservation area can be stably maintained within the preset range.

[0158] In one embodiment, the cooling and heating device is a solid-state spring-loaded cooling and heating device; the system further includes:

[0159] A first temperature sensor is provided in the first temperature control zone and is configured to collect the temperature in the first temperature control zone;

[0160] A second temperature sensor is provided in the second temperature control zone and is configured to collect the temperature in the second temperature control zone;

[0161] The driver is electrically connected to the solid-state spring card cooling and heating device and is configured to change the frequency of loading heating or unloading cooling of the solid-state spring card cooling and heating device by adjusting the driving frequency to adjust the temperature in the temperature control zone.

[0162] Specifically, a temperature sensor is installed in each temperature-controlled zone. When the actual temperature reaches the preset target, the driver's drive frequency is dynamically adjusted based on the real-time temperature data, thereby regulating the operating frequency of the solid-state spring-loaded cooling and heating device to load heating or unload cooling. This can promptly compensate for temperature fluctuations caused by changes in the external environment or internal system factors, keeping the system temperature stable near the target value, effectively resisting external interference and ensuring stable operation of the entire system at a constant temperature.

[0163] In one embodiment, the storage and transportation container system is a logistics box. Equipped with Bluetooth, infrared, or other communication devices, the box can receive temperature commands from a user terminal and automatically adjust the internal temperature to the user-set target value. The box can also automatically identify the items within and, based on the items' current state, automatically adjust the temperature to the appropriate level according to pre-set rules.

[0164] In one embodiment, a thermal management method for the storage and transportation container system in the above embodiment is also provided, comprising the following steps:

[0165] Step S402, in the first half of the cycle, controls the cooling and heating device C1 to run the loading heating mode to generate hot fluid, and connects the hot fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C1 through the hot fluid switching valve V1, establishes a hot fluid supply path to the heat energy utilization device, so that the heat energy utilization device uses the hot fluid to release heat in the first temperature control zone, and synchronously controls the cooling and heating device C5 to run the unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid, and connects the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C5 through the cold fluid switching valve V2, establishes a cold fluid supply path to the cold energy utilization device, so that the cold energy utilization device uses the cold fluid to release cold in the second temperature control zone.

[0166] Specifically, during the first half of the cycle, cooling / heating device C1 generates heat. At this point, the heat fluid switching valve V1 switches to the hot fluid output path connected to cooling / heating device C1. This allows the hot fluid flowing out of cooling / heating device C1 to flow through the pre-set pipeline, through the channel opened by the heat fluid switching valve V1, and smoothly enter the subsequent transport path to the heat energy utilization device, ultimately reaching the heat energy utilization device. The heat energy utilization device uses the hot fluid to release heat within the first temperature-controlled zone. Simultaneously, cooling / heating device C5 unloads cooling to generate cold fluid. At this point, the cold fluid switching valve V2 switches to the cold fluid output path connected to cooling / heating device C5. This allows the cold fluid flowing out of cooling / heating device C5 to flow through the pre-set pipeline, through the channel opened by the cold fluid switching valve V2, and smoothly enter the subsequent transport path to the cold energy utilization device, ultimately reaching the cold energy utilization device. The cold energy utilization device uses the cold fluid to release cooling within the second temperature-controlled zone.

[0167] Step S404, in the second half of the cycle, controls the cooling and heating device C5 to switch to the loading heating mode to generate hot fluid, and switches the hot fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device C5 through the hot fluid switching valve V1, maintaining the heat energy utilization device to continuously supply heat in the first temperature control zone, and synchronously controls the cooling and heating device C1 to switch to the unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid, and switches the cold fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device C1 through the cold fluid switching valve V2, maintaining the cold energy utilization device to continuously supply cold in the second temperature control zone.

[0168] Specifically, during the second half of the cycle, cooling / heating unit C5 loads heating to generate hot fluid. At this point, hot fluid switching valve V1 switches to a hot fluid output path connected to cooling / heating unit C5 and simultaneously closes the connection with cooling / heating unit C1. This allows the hot fluid flowing from cooling / heating unit C5 to flow through the pre-set pipeline, through the channel opened by hot fluid switching valve V1, and smoothly enter the subsequent transport path to the heat energy utilization device, ultimately reaching the heat energy utilization device, maintaining continuous heating within the first temperature-controlled zone. Simultaneously, cooling / heating unit C1 unloads cooling to generate cold fluid. At this point, cold fluid switching valve V2 switches to a cold fluid output path connected to cooling / heating unit C1. This allows the cold fluid flowing from cooling / heating unit C1 to flow through the pre-set pipeline, through the channel opened by cold fluid switching valve V2, and smoothly enter the subsequent transport path to the cold energy utilization device, ultimately reaching the cold energy utilization device, maintaining continuous cooling within the second temperature-controlled zone.

[0169] In one embodiment, the process involves taking the cooling temperature as the primary variable of interest, first ensuring that it reaches the desired value, and then adaptively adjusting the heating temperature. Based on the above embodiment, the thermal management method also includes the following steps:

[0170] Step S412: adjusting the driving frequency by the driver to change the unloading cooling frequency of the solid-state spring-loaded cooling and heating device so that the second temperature control zone reaches the preset cold-keeping temperature;

[0171] Step S414: After the second temperature-controlled zone reaches the preset cold-keeping temperature, determine whether the temperature of the first temperature-controlled zone reaches the preset hot-keeping temperature;

[0172] Step S416: If the temperature of the first temperature-controlled zone is higher than the preset heat preservation temperature, the valve opening of the hot fluid switching valve V1 is reduced to reduce the flow rate of the hot fluid delivered to the heat energy utilization device, or the first two-way valve and the fourth two-way valve are opened, and the second two-way valve and the third two-way valve are closed to deliver the cold fluid in the cold energy utilization device to the heat energy utilization device through the compensating heat exchanger;

[0173] Step S418: If the temperature of the first temperature-controlled zone is lower than the preset heat preservation temperature, the heater is started to perform auxiliary heating until the temperature of the first temperature-controlled zone reaches the preset heat preservation temperature.

[0174] Specifically, the driver frequency is adjusted to change the unloading cooling frequency of the solid-state spring-loaded cooling and heating device, so that the second temperature-controlled zone first reaches the preset cold-keeping temperature. The system then determines whether the temperature of the first temperature-controlled zone has reached the preset heat-keeping temperature. If it exceeds the preset value, the opening of the thermal fluid switching valve V1 is reduced, reducing the flow rate of the thermal fluid delivered to the heat energy utilization device. Alternatively, the first two-way valve 1# and the fourth two-way valve 4# are opened, while the second two-way valve 2# and the third two-way valve 3# are closed, creating a new fluid branch. This branch directs the low-temperature fluid discharged from the cold energy utilization device into the compensating heat exchanger, where it is then transported to the heat-keeping heat exchanger to mix with the thermal fluid medium therein, achieving heat neutralization. If the temperature of the first temperature-controlled zone falls below the preset value, the heater is activated to provide auxiliary heating until the temperature reaches the preset heat-keeping temperature.

[0175] In one embodiment, the process involves taking the heating temperature as the primary variable of interest, first ensuring that it reaches the desired value, and then adaptively adjusting the cooling temperature. Based on the above embodiment, the thermal management method further includes the following steps:

[0176] Step S422: adjusting the driving frequency by the driver to change the loading and heating frequency of the solid-state spring-loaded cooling and heating device so that the first temperature-controlled zone reaches a preset heat preservation temperature;

[0177] Step S424: After the first temperature-controlled zone reaches the preset heat preservation temperature, determine whether the temperature of the second temperature-controlled zone reaches the preset cold preservation temperature;

[0178] Step S426: If the temperature of the second temperature-controlled zone is lower than the preset cold-keeping temperature, the valve opening of the cold fluid switching valve V2 is reduced to reduce the flow rate of the cold fluid delivered to the cold energy utilization device, or the second two-way valve and the third two-way valve are opened, and the first two-way valve and the fourth two-way valve are closed to deliver the hot fluid in the heat energy utilization device to the cold energy utilization device through the compensating heat exchanger.

[0179] Specifically, the driver frequency is adjusted to change the loading and heating frequency of the solid-state spring-loaded cooling and heating device, causing the first temperature-controlled zone to reach the preset heat preservation temperature. The system then determines whether the temperature of the second temperature-controlled zone has reached the preset cold preservation temperature. If it is below the preset value, the opening of the cold fluid switching valve V2 is reduced, reducing the flow rate of the cold fluid delivered to the cold energy utilization device. Alternatively, the second two-way valve 2# and the third two-way valve 3# are opened, while the first two-way valve 1# and the fourth two-way valve 4# are closed, creating a new fluid branch. This branch directs the high-temperature fluid discharged from the heat energy utilization device into the compensating heat exchanger, where it is then transported to the cold preservation heat exchanger to mix with the cold fluid medium therein, achieving heat neutralization. If the temperature of the first temperature-controlled zone is below the preset value, the heater is activated to provide auxiliary heating until the temperature reaches the preset heat preservation temperature.

[0180] With the rapid development of industries such as fresh food e-commerce and pharmaceutical cold chain, the demand for cold chain transportation equipment is growing. Traditional refrigeration technologies include vapor compression refrigeration cycle refrigeration, absorption refrigeration, thermoelectric refrigeration, phase change material (paraffin, hydrated salt) refrigeration, liquid nitrogen and dry ice refrigeration, etc.

[0181] However, traditional cold chain boxes can usually only achieve a single refrigeration function. To meet the heat preservation transportation needs, the insulation box needs to be replaced, resulting in idle resources.

[0182] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application further provides a storage and transportation container system, comprising:

[0183] The container body is provided with at least one temperature-controlled partition inside for storing items;

[0184] A cooling and heating unit comprising at least two cooling and heating devices, each cooling and heating device being configured to generate a hot fluid when operating in a loading heating mode and to generate a cold fluid when operating in an unloading cooling mode;

[0185] a fluid switching unit comprising a plurality of liquid inlet ports and a liquid outlet port, configured to selectively connect a fluid passage corresponding to the cooling and heating device by switching a conduction state when the operating mode of the cooling and heating device remains unchanged, wherein the conduction state includes a first conduction state and a second conduction state;

[0186] The zone heat exchanger is disposed in the temperature-controlled zone and is configured to receive the hot fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit and release heat in the temperature-controlled zone in a first conduction state, and to receive the cold fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit and release cold energy in the temperature-controlled zone in a second conduction state, thereby achieving hot and cold switching in the zone;

[0187] The environmental heat exchanger is arranged outside the container body and is configured to receive the cold fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit in a first conduction state, and to receive the hot fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit in a second conduction state.

[0188] Specifically, the partition heat exchanger can be designed as a pipe structure, close to the inner wall of the temperature control zone, and evenly spiraled along the inner wall. The environmental heat exchanger is also designed in the form of a pipe, close to the outer wall of the container body, and evenly spiraled on the outer wall. When the hot fluid flows in the pipe of the partition heat exchanger, it can exchange heat with the ambient air or stored items in the temperature control zone, and release the heat it carries to the temperature control zone to ensure that it reaches the required high temperature state. At this time, a cold fluid flows in the environmental heat exchanger to release cold energy. By switching the conduction state of the fluid switching unit, the cold fluid circulates in the pipe of the cold-keeping heat exchanger, exchanges heat with the ambient air or items in the temperature control zone, releases cold energy, and achieves the low-temperature environment required for the temperature control zone. At this time, a hot fluid flows in the environmental heat exchanger to release heat.

[0189] The fluid switching unit is connected to the cooling and heating unit through a pipeline, and is further connected to the partition heat exchanger and the environmental heat exchanger through a pipeline. In addition, a fluid pump is provided at the liquid outlet port of the partition heat exchanger and the environmental heat exchanger. Among them, in a cooling and heating unit, the number of cooling and heating devices must be no less than two. Each cooling and heating device has two operating modes: loading heating mode and unloading cooling mode. When the loading heating mode is running, pressure is applied to the material in the cooling and heating device to load it. At this time, the material will absorb heat, and then the temperature of the fluid medium in the device will rise after absorbing heat, and finally form a hot fluid; and when the unloading cooling mode is running, the pressure on the material in the device is released to unload it, and the material will absorb cold energy, causing the temperature of the fluid medium to decrease after absorbing cold energy, thereby forming a cold fluid. In actual operation, some cooling and heating devices are set to generate hot fluid in the loaded heating mode, and the other part generates cold fluid in the unloaded cooling mode. After a preset period of time, the working modes of the two types of devices are interchanged, that is, the original operation in the loaded heating mode is switched to the unloaded cooling mode, and the original operation in the unloaded cooling mode is switched to the loaded heating mode, and this cycle is repeated to achieve periodic alternating switching operation.

[0190] The fluid switching unit is equipped with multiple inlet and outlet ports, each of which is electrically connected to a corresponding cooling or heating device. The unit operates in two modes: a first state and a second state. In the first state, the zoned heat exchanger receives the hot fluid and releases heat in the temperature-controlled zone, while the ambient heat exchanger receives the cold fluid. In the second state, the zoned heat exchanger receives the cold fluid and releases cold air in the temperature-controlled zone, while the ambient heat exchanger receives the hot fluid, thus achieving hot / cold switching.

[0191] In a practical application scenario, Figure 3-Figure 4 、 Figure 8-Figure 9 The conduction of the solenoid valve of the first cooling and heating unit (including two cooling and heating devices) is used as an example to illustrate

[0192] Reference Figure 3 When the inside of the original box is the hot end, in the first half of the cycle, the solenoid valves 1 and 2 of the 1# hot end (located on the left) are turned on, and the solenoid valves 1 and 3 of the 1# cold end (located on the right) are turned on; the solenoid valves 1 and 3 of the 5# hot end (located on the left) are turned on, and the solenoid valves 1 and 2 of the 5# cold end (located on the right) are turned on.

[0193] Reference Figure 4 When the inside of the original box is the cold end, in the second half of the cycle, the solenoid valves 1 and 3 of the 1# hot end (located on the left) are turned on, and the solenoid valves 1 and 2 of the 1# cold end (located on the right) are turned on; the solenoid valves 1 and 2 of the 5# hot end (located on the left) are turned on, and the solenoid valves 1 and 3 of the 5# cold end (located on the right) are turned on.

[0194] Reference Figure 8 If you need to switch the hot end in the box to the cold end, in the first half of the cycle, adjust the conduction state of the solenoid valve: the solenoid valves 1 and 3 of the 1# cold end (located on the left) are turned on, and the solenoid valves 1 and 2 of the 1# hot end (located on the right) are turned on; the solenoid valves 1 and 2 of the 5# cold end (located on the left) are turned on, and the solenoid valves 1 and 3 of the 5# hot end (located on the right) are turned on.

[0195] Reference Figure 9 If you need to switch the cold end in the box to the hot end, in the second half of the cycle, adjust the conduction state of the solenoid valve: the solenoid valves 1 and 2 of the 1# cold end (on the left) are turned on, and the solenoid valves 1 and 3 of the 1# hot end (on the right) are turned on; the solenoid valves 1 and 3 of the 5# cold end (on the left) are turned on, and the solenoid valves 1 and 2 of the 5# hot end (on the right) are turned on. At this point, the entire cold and hot end switching process is completed.

[0196] By switching the electromagnetic three-way valve, the zoned heat exchanger can be flexibly switched between cold and hot heat exchanger modes. This multi-functional switching design expands the use cases of the logistics box and effectively avoids idle resources.

[0197] In one embodiment, the operating modes of at least two cooling and heating devices alternate periodically, and when the operating modes of the cooling and heating devices alternate, the conduction state of the fluid switching unit is switched synchronously to ensure that the type of fluid received by the partitioned heat exchanger from the fluid switching unit remains unchanged, wherein the fluid type includes hot fluid and cold fluid.

[0198] Specifically, in actual operation, some cooling and heating devices are set to generate hot fluid in the loaded heating mode, and the rest are set to generate cold fluid in the unloaded cooling mode. After a preset period of time, the working modes of the two types of devices are interchanged, that is, the original operation in the loaded heating mode is switched to the unloaded cooling mode, and the original operation in the unloaded cooling mode is switched to the loaded heating mode, and so on, to achieve periodic alternating switching operation. At the same time, the fluid switching unit also periodically switches the conduction state, and its switching cycle is synchronized with the operating mode alternation cycle of the cooling and heating device. In other words, when the operating mode of the cooling and heating device is switched, the conduction state of the fluid switching unit will also switch accordingly. In this way, it is ensured that the type of fluid (including hot fluid and cold fluid) received by the partitioned heat exchanger from the fluid switching unit remains unchanged.

[0199] In one embodiment, a thermal management method for the storage and transportation container system in the above embodiment is also provided, comprising the following steps:

[0200] Step S502, when the operating mode of the cooling and heating device remains unchanged, the fluid passage corresponding to the cooling and heating device is selectively connected by switching the conduction state of the fluid switching unit, so that the zone heat exchanger arranged in the temperature control zone receives the hot fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit in the first conduction state and releases heat in the temperature control zone, and receives the cold fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit in the second conduction state and releases coldness in the temperature control zone, thereby realizing hot and cold switching of the area.

[0201] Specifically, while the cooling and heating device's operating mode remains unchanged, the fluid switching unit operates in two modes: a first conduction state and a second conduction state. In the first conduction state, the zoned heat exchanger receives hot fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit and releases heat within the temperature-controlled zone; at the same time, the ambient heat exchanger receives cold fluid. In the second conduction state, the zoned heat exchanger receives cold fluid and releases cooling energy within the temperature-controlled zone, while the ambient heat exchanger receives hot fluid. By switching between these two conduction states, the hot / cold switching function is achieved.

[0202] In one embodiment, the thermal management method further comprises the following steps:

[0203] Step S512, in the first half of the cycle, the cooling and heating device C1 is controlled to run the loading heating mode to generate hot fluid, and the hot fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C1 is connected through the hot fluid switching valve V1 to establish a hot fluid supply path to the heat energy utilization device, and the cooling and heating device C5 is synchronously controlled to run the unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid, and the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C5 is connected through the cold fluid switching valve V2 to establish a cold fluid supply path to the cold energy utilization device.

[0204] Specifically, the specific implementation of step S512 has been described in detail in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0205] Step S514, in the second half of the cycle, controls the cooling and heating device C5 to switch to the loading heating mode to generate hot fluid, and switches the hot fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device C5 through the hot fluid switching valve V1 to maintain continuous heating of the heat energy utilization device, and synchronously controls the cooling and heating device C1 to switch to the unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid, and switches the cold fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device C1 through the cold fluid switching valve V2 to maintain continuous cooling of the cold energy utilization device.

[0206] Specifically, the specific implementation of step S514 has been described in detail in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0207] Based on the same inventive concept, in one embodiment, a storage and transportation container system is further provided, comprising:

[0208] The container body is provided with at least one temperature-controlled partition inside for storing items;

[0209] A cooling and heating unit comprising at least two cooling and heating devices, each cooling and heating device being configured to generate a hot fluid when operating in a loading heating mode and to generate a cold fluid when operating in an unloading cooling mode, wherein the operating modes of the at least two cooling and heating devices alternate periodically;

[0210] a fluid switching unit comprising a plurality of liquid inlet ports and a liquid outlet port, configured to selectively connect a fluid passage corresponding to a cooling or heating device according to a conduction state, wherein a conduction state switching cycle is synchronized with an alternating cycle of an operating mode;

[0211] A first heat exchanger is disposed outside the container body and comprises a liquid inlet port and a liquid outlet port, wherein the liquid inlet port is connected to the hot fluid outlet port of the fluid switching unit, and the liquid outlet port is connected to a fluid inlet port of the fluid switching unit;

[0212] A second heat exchanger is disposed outside the container body, wherein its liquid inlet port is connected to the cold fluid outlet port of the fluid switching unit, and its liquid outlet port is connected to another fluid liquid inlet port of the fluid switching unit;

[0213] The third heat exchanger is arranged in the temperature control zone and includes a liquid inlet port and a liquid outlet port. Its liquid inlet port is selectively connected to the liquid inlet port of the first heat exchanger and the liquid inlet port of the second heat exchanger respectively through a first two-way valve and a second two-way valve arranged in parallel; its liquid outlet port is selectively connected to the liquid outlet port of the first heat exchanger and the liquid outlet port of the second heat exchanger respectively through a third two-way valve and a fourth two-way valve arranged in parallel.

[0214] Specifically, the third heat exchanger effectively dissipates both heat and cold and is located within the temperature-controlled area. The remaining first and second heat exchangers are located outside the container, similar to the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. When the third heat exchanger is heating, the first two-way valve (1#) and the second two-way valve (2#) are open, while the third two-way valve (3#) and the fourth two-way valve (4#) are closed. The second heat exchanger on the cold side operates in the external space to dissipate cold air, while the first heat exchanger on the hot side is inoperative. Similarly, when the third heat exchanger is cooling, the third two-way valve (3#) and the fourth two-way valve (4#) are open, while the first two-way valve (1#) and the second two-way valve (2#) are closed. The first heat exchanger on the hot side operates in the external space to dissipate cold air, while the second heat exchanger on the cold side is inoperative.

[0215] In one embodiment, a cooling and heating device with a periodically alternating operating mode includes:

[0216] The cooling and heating device C1 is configured to operate in a loading heating mode to generate hot fluid in the first half of the cycle and to operate in an unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid in the second half of the cycle;

[0217] The cooling and heating device C5 is configured to operate in an unloaded cooling mode to produce cold fluid in the first half of the cycle and to operate in a loaded heating mode to produce hot fluid in the second half of the cycle;

[0218] Among them, the first half cycle and the second half cycle constitute a complete cycle.

[0219] In one embodiment, the fluid switching unit includes:

[0220] Thermal fluid switching valve V1, comprising two thermal fluid inlet ports and one thermal fluid outlet port, is configured to connect the thermal fluid output path of cooling and heating device C1 during the first half of the cycle and to connect the thermal fluid output path of cooling and heating device C5 during the second half of the cycle;

[0221] The cold fluid switching valve V2 includes two cold fluid inlet ports and one cold fluid outlet port, and is configured to connect the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C5 in the first half of the cycle and to connect the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device C1 in the second half of the cycle.

[0222] In one embodiment, the fluid switching unit further comprises:

[0223] The cold fluid return valve V3 includes a fluid inlet port and two fluid outlet ports and is configured to direct the fluid discharged from the heat energy utilization device to the cooling and heating device C5 in the first half of the cycle and to the cooling and heating device C1 in the second half of the cycle;

[0224] The hot fluid return valve V4 includes a fluid inlet port and two fluid outlet ports, and is configured to conduct the fluid discharged from the cold energy utilization device to the cooling and heating device C1 in the first half of the cycle, and to the cooling and heating device C5 in the second half of the cycle.

[0225] In one embodiment, a thermal management method for the storage and transportation container system in the above embodiment is further provided, characterized by comprising:

[0226] When the third heat exchanger needs to supply heat, the first two-way valve and the second two-way valve are opened, the third two-way valve and the fourth two-way valve are closed, and the first heat exchanger stops working at the same time;

[0227] When the third heat exchanger needs to supply cooling, the third two-way valve and the fourth two-way valve are opened, the first two-way valve and the second two-way valve are closed, and the second heat exchanger stops working.

[0228] Specifically, the third heat exchanger effectively dissipates both heat and cold and is located within the temperature-controlled area. The remaining first and second heat exchangers are located outside the container, similar to the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. When the third heat exchanger is heating, the first two-way valve (1#) and the second two-way valve (2#) are open, while the third two-way valve (3#) and the fourth two-way valve (4#) are closed. The second heat exchanger on the cold side operates in the external space to dissipate cold air, while the first heat exchanger on the hot side is inoperative. Similarly, when the third heat exchanger is cooling, the third two-way valve (3#) and the fourth two-way valve (4#) are open, while the first two-way valve (1#) and the second two-way valve (2#) are closed. The first heat exchanger on the hot side operates in the external space to dissipate cold air, while the second heat exchanger on the cold side is inoperative.

Claims

1. A periodic alternating thermal management system, characterized in that: include: A cooling and heating unit comprising at least two cooling and heating devices, each cooling and heating device being configured to generate a hot fluid when operating in a loading heating mode and to generate a cold fluid when operating in an unloading cooling mode, wherein the operating modes of the at least two cooling and heating devices alternate periodically; The fluid switching unit includes a plurality of liquid inlet ports and liquid outlet ports, and is configured to selectively connect the fluid passages of the corresponding cooling and heating devices according to the conduction state, wherein the switching cycle of the conduction state is synchronized with the alternating cycle of the operating mode.

2. The periodic alternating thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling and heating device with periodically alternating operating modes includes: The cooling and heating device (C1) is configured to operate in a loading heating mode to generate hot fluid in the first half of the cycle and to operate in an unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid in the second half of the cycle; a cooling and heating device (C5) configured to operate in an unloaded cooling mode to generate cold fluid during the first half of the cycle and to operate in a loaded heating mode to generate hot fluid during the second half of the cycle; The first half cycle and the second half cycle constitute a complete cycle.

3. The periodic alternating thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fluid switching unit includes: a thermal fluid switching valve (V1) comprising two thermal fluid inlet ports and one thermal fluid outlet port, configured to connect to the thermal fluid output path of the cooling and heating device (C1) in the first half of the cycle and to connect to the thermal fluid output path of the cooling and heating device (C5) in the second half of the cycle; The cold fluid switching valve (V2) includes two cold fluid inlet ports and one cold fluid outlet port, and is configured to connect to the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device (C5) in the first half of the cycle, and to connect to the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device (C1) in the second half of the cycle.

4. The periodic alternating thermal management system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The system further comprises: a heat energy utilization device configured to receive and utilize corresponding heat fluid for heat supply through the heat fluid switching valve (V1); a cold energy utilization device configured to receive and utilize corresponding cold fluid for cooling through the cold fluid switching valve (V2); The fluid switching unit further includes: a cold fluid return valve (V3), comprising a fluid inlet port and two fluid outlet ports, configured to direct the fluid discharged from the heat energy utilization device to the cooling and heating device (C5) in the first half of the cycle, and to direct the fluid to the cooling and heating device (C1) in the second half of the cycle; The hot fluid return valve (V4) includes a fluid inlet port and two fluid outlet ports, and is configured to conduct the fluid discharged from the cold energy utilization device to the cooling and heating device (C1) in the first half of the cycle, and to conduct it to the cooling and heating device (C5) in the second half of the cycle.

5. The periodic alternating thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple cooling and heating units, which are arranged in parallel and are respectively connected to the heat energy utilization device and the cold energy utilization device through their corresponding fluid switching units.

6. A periodic alternating thermal management method applied to the periodic alternating thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: include: In the first half of the cycle, the cooling and heating device (C1) is controlled to operate in a loading heating mode to generate thermal fluid, and the thermal fluid output path of the cooling and heating device (C1) is connected through the thermal fluid switching valve (V1) to establish a thermal fluid supply path to the thermal energy utilization device; In the second half of the cycle, the cooling and heating device (C5) is controlled to switch to the loading heating mode to generate thermal fluid, and the thermal fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device (C5) is switched through the thermal fluid switching valve (V1) to maintain continuous heating of the thermal energy utilization device.

7. The periodic alternating thermal management method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: In the first half of the cycle, the liquid discharged from the cold energy utilization device is conducted to the cooling and heating device (C1) through the hot fluid return valve (V4); In the second half of the cycle, the liquid discharged from the cold energy utilization device is conducted to the cooling and heating device (C5) through the hot fluid return valve (V4).

8. A periodic alternating thermal management method applied to the periodic alternating thermal management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: include: In the first half of the cycle, the cooling and heating device (C5) is controlled to operate in an unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid, and the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device (C5) is connected through the cold fluid switching valve (V2) to establish a cold fluid supply path to the cold energy utilization device; In the second half of the cycle, the cooling and heating device (C1) is controlled to switch to the unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid, and the cold fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device (C1) is switched through the cold fluid switching valve (V2) to maintain continuous cooling of the cold energy utilization device.

9. A storage and transportation container system, characterized in that: include: The container body is provided with at least two mutually isolated temperature-controlled partitions for storing items; A cooling and heating unit comprising at least two cooling and heating devices, each cooling and heating device being configured to generate a hot fluid when operating in a loading heating mode and to generate a cold fluid when operating in an unloading cooling mode, wherein the operating modes of the at least two cooling and heating devices alternate periodically; a fluid switching unit comprising a plurality of liquid inlet ports and a liquid outlet port, configured to selectively connect a fluid passage corresponding to a cooling or heating device according to a conduction state, wherein a switching cycle of the conduction state is synchronized with an alternating cycle of the operating mode; a heat energy utilization device, disposed in the first temperature-controlled zone, configured to receive the hot fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit and release heat in the first temperature-controlled zone to achieve a heating function for the zone; The cold energy utilization device is arranged in the second temperature-controlled zone and is configured to receive the cold fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit and release cold energy in the second temperature-controlled zone to achieve a cooling function for the area.

10. The storage and transportation container system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The system further comprises: The compensating heat exchanger comprises a liquid inlet port and a liquid outlet port, wherein the liquid inlet port is selectively connected to the liquid inlet port of the heat energy utilization device and the liquid inlet port of the cold energy utilization device through a first two-way valve and a second two-way valve arranged in parallel; the liquid outlet port is selectively connected to the liquid outlet port of the heat energy utilization device and the liquid outlet port of the cold energy utilization device through a third two-way valve and a fourth two-way valve arranged in parallel; and / or, The heater is disposed in the first temperature-controlled zone and is configured to perform temperature compensation in the first temperature-controlled zone.

11. A thermal management method applied to the storage and transportation container system according to any one of claims 9-10, characterized in that: include: In the first half of the cycle, the cooling and heating device (C1) is controlled to operate in a loading heating mode to generate a hot fluid, and the hot fluid output path of the cooling and heating device (C1) is connected through the hot fluid switching valve (V1) to establish a hot fluid supply path to the heat energy utilization device, so that the heat energy utilization device uses the hot fluid to release heat in the first temperature control zone; and the cooling and heating device (C5) is synchronously controlled to operate in an unloading cooling mode to generate a cold fluid, and the cold fluid output path of the cooling and heating device (C5) is connected through the cold fluid switching valve (V2) to establish a cold fluid supply path to the cold energy utilization device, so that the cold energy utilization device uses the cold fluid to release cold energy in the second temperature control zone; In the second half of the cycle, the cooling and heating device (C5) is controlled to switch to the loading heating mode to generate hot fluid, and the hot fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device (C5) is switched through the hot fluid switching valve (V1), so as to maintain the continuous heating of the heat energy utilization device in the first temperature control zone, and the cooling and heating device (C1) is synchronously controlled to switch to the unloading cooling mode to generate cold fluid, and the cold fluid output path connected to the cooling and heating device (C1) is switched through the cold fluid switching valve (V2), so as to maintain the continuous cooling of the cold energy utilization device in the second temperature control zone.

12. The thermal management method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The cooling and heating device is a solid-state spring-loaded cooling and heating device; the method further comprises: Adjusting the driving frequency by the driver to change the unloading cooling frequency of the solid-state spring card cooling and heating device so that the second temperature control zone reaches the preset cold keeping temperature; After the second temperature-controlled zone reaches the preset cold-keeping temperature, determining whether the temperature of the first temperature-controlled zone reaches the preset hot-keeping temperature; If the temperature of the first temperature-controlled zone is higher than the preset heat preservation temperature, the valve opening of the hot fluid switching valve (V1) is reduced to reduce the flow rate of the hot fluid delivered to the heat energy utilization device, or the first two-way valve and the fourth two-way valve are opened, and the second two-way valve and the third two-way valve are closed to deliver the cold fluid in the cold energy utilization device to the heat energy utilization device through the compensating heat exchanger; If the temperature of the first temperature-controlled zone is lower than the preset heat preservation temperature, the heater is started to perform auxiliary heating until the temperature of the first temperature-controlled zone reaches the preset heat preservation temperature.

13. The thermal management method according to claim 11, wherein: The cooling and heating device is a solid-state spring-loaded cooling and heating device; the method further comprises: Adjusting the driving frequency by the driver to change the loading and heating frequency of the solid-state spring card cooling and heating device so that the first temperature control zone reaches a preset heat preservation temperature; After the first temperature-controlled zone reaches the preset heat preservation temperature, determining whether the temperature of the second temperature-controlled zone reaches the preset cold preservation temperature; If the temperature of the second temperature-controlled zone is lower than the preset cold-keeping temperature, the valve opening of the cold fluid switching valve (V2) is reduced to reduce the flow rate of the cold fluid delivered to the cold energy utilization device, or the second two-way valve and the third two-way valve are opened, and the first two-way valve and the fourth two-way valve are closed to deliver the hot fluid in the heat energy utilization device to the cold energy utilization device through the compensating heat exchanger.

14. A storage and transportation container system, characterized in that: include: The container body is provided with at least one temperature-controlled partition inside for storing items; A cooling and heating unit comprising at least two cooling and heating devices, each cooling and heating device being configured to generate a hot fluid when operating in a loading heating mode and to generate a cold fluid when operating in an unloading cooling mode; a fluid switching unit, comprising a plurality of liquid inlet ports and a liquid outlet port, configured to selectively connect a fluid passage corresponding to the cooling and heating device by switching a conduction state when the operating mode of the cooling and heating device remains unchanged, wherein the conduction state includes a first conduction state and a second conduction state; a zone heat exchanger, disposed in the temperature-controlled zone, configured to receive the hot fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit and release heat in the temperature-controlled zone in the first conduction state, and to receive the cold fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit and release cold energy in the temperature-controlled zone in the second conduction state, thereby achieving hot and cold switching of the zone; The environmental heat exchanger is arranged outside the container body and is configured to receive the cold fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit in the first conduction state, and to receive the hot fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit in the second conduction state.

15. The storage and transportation container system according to claim 14, characterized in that: The operating modes of the at least two cooling and heating devices are periodically alternated, and when the operating modes of the cooling and heating devices are alternately switched, the conduction state of the fluid switching unit is synchronously switched to ensure that the type of fluid received by the partitioned heat exchanger from the fluid switching unit remains unchanged, wherein the fluid type includes hot fluid and cold fluid.

16. A thermal management method for a storage and transportation container system according to any one of claims 14-15, characterized in that: include: When the operating mode of the cooling and heating device remains unchanged, the fluid passage of the corresponding cooling and heating device is selectively connected by switching the conduction state of the fluid switching unit, so that the zone heat exchanger arranged in the temperature control zone receives the hot fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit in the first conduction state and releases heat in the temperature control zone, and receives the cold fluid delivered by the fluid switching unit in the second conduction state and releases cold energy in the temperature control zone, thereby realizing hot and cold switching of the area.

17. A storage and transportation container system, characterized in that: include: The container body is provided with at least one temperature-controlled partition inside for storing items; A cooling and heating unit comprising at least two cooling and heating devices, each cooling and heating device being configured to generate a hot fluid when operating in a loading heating mode and to generate a cold fluid when operating in an unloading cooling mode, wherein the operating modes of the at least two cooling and heating devices alternate periodically; a fluid switching unit comprising a plurality of liquid inlet ports and a liquid outlet port, configured to selectively connect a fluid passage corresponding to a cooling or heating device according to a conduction state, wherein a switching cycle of the conduction state is synchronized with an alternating cycle of the operating mode; a first heat exchanger, disposed outside the container body, comprising a liquid inlet port and a liquid outlet port, wherein the liquid inlet port is connected to the hot fluid outlet port of the fluid switching unit, and the liquid outlet port is connected to a fluid inlet port of the fluid switching unit; a second heat exchanger, disposed outside the container body, with its liquid inlet connected to the cold fluid outlet of the fluid switching unit, and its liquid outlet connected to another fluid inlet of the fluid switching unit; The third heat exchanger is arranged in the temperature control zone and includes a liquid inlet port and a liquid outlet port. Its liquid inlet port is selectively connected to the liquid inlet port of the first heat exchanger and the liquid inlet port of the second heat exchanger respectively through a first two-way valve and a second two-way valve arranged in parallel; its liquid outlet port is selectively connected to the liquid outlet port of the first heat exchanger and the liquid outlet port of the second heat exchanger respectively through a third two-way valve and a fourth two-way valve arranged in parallel.

18. A thermal management method for a storage and transportation container system according to any one of claim 17, characterized in that: include: When the third heat exchanger needs to supply heat, the first two-way valve and the second two-way valve are opened, the third two-way valve and the fourth two-way valve are closed, and the first heat exchanger stops working at the same time; When the third heat exchanger needs to supply cooling, the third two-way valve and the fourth two-way valve are opened, the first two-way valve and the second two-way valve are closed, and the second heat exchanger stops working.

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