An adaptive temperature controlled beer transportation system

Abstract

The application relates to the field of beer transportation, in particular to a beer transportation system with self-adaptive temperature control. The system comprises an intelligent temperature control host, an air volume distributor and multiple passive storage and transportation units. The intelligent temperature control host is provided with a main air supply interface and a main return air interface, and is connected with corresponding interfaces of the air volume distributor through an air supply dry pipe and a return air dry pipe respectively. The air volume distributor adopts a multi-channel modular structure, the import end of the air volume distributor is connected with the air supply dry pipe through a quick clamping joint, and the export end is provided with a plurality of parallel branches. An electric regulating valve is installed at the end of each branch, and a quick joint is arranged at the outlet of the electric regulating valve. The system adopts a one-master multi-slave distributed architecture, the high-cost temperature regulation function and the low-cost goods storage function are decoupled in physics and function, and a centralized intelligent temperature control host provides on-demand distribution of accurate temperature control services for multiple dispersed passive storage and transportation cargo holds through a special air volume distribution device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of beer transportation, and in particular to an adaptive temperature control beer transportation system. Background Technology

[0002] In beer logistics, especially in the transportation of draft beer, which is extremely sensitive to temperature, maintaining a constant and uniform low-temperature environment during transportation is crucial for preserving product quality. Currently, the industry standard solution is to use integrated refrigerated containers or refrigerated trucks, where each transport unit has its own independent refrigeration system, temperature sensor, and control system. This fully integrated "one-to-one" model constitutes the current mainstream technology. In addition, to meet the transportation needs of different batches, some smaller-scale solutions also exist, which equip each individual insulated cargo box (such as a beer keg storage container) with a separate compressor refrigeration module and battery pack.

[0003] While the aforementioned existing technologies offer some temperature control capabilities, their inherent limitations are quite apparent. First, the integrated refrigerated trucks or containers, designed for individual transport, are expensive to manufacture and structurally complex. Their large size and fixed capacity make them inflexible in adapting to scenarios with frequent fluctuations in transport volume, leading to severe energy consumption and resource waste during periods of low transport volume. Second, the approach of equipping each small cargo box with an independent refrigeration module, while improving flexibility to some extent, results in redundant investment in the refrigeration system and extremely high unit costs. Furthermore, the simultaneous operation of multiple independent refrigeration units leads to significant overall energy consumption and noise, and the limited temperature control accuracy of each unit makes refined management difficult. The root of these problems lies in the fact that existing technologies rigidly bind the high-cost function of "temperature control" with the low-cost function of "cargo storage," creating an irreconcilable contradiction between system flexibility, economy, and energy efficiency. Therefore, the industry urgently needs a new transportation solution that can provide high-precision temperature control while achieving low cost and flexible deployment. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to overcome at least one deficiency of the existing technology and provide an adaptive temperature control beer transportation system. The system adopts a distributed architecture with one master and multiple slaves. By physically and functionally decoupling the high-cost temperature control function from the low-cost cargo storage function, a centralized intelligent temperature control host provides on-demand precise temperature control services to multiple dispersed passive storage and transportation compartments through a dedicated airflow distribution device. This significantly reduces the total system cost and energy consumption while achieving transportation flexibility and temperature control accuracy far exceeding traditional solutions.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses an adaptive temperature control beer transportation system. The system includes an intelligent temperature control unit, an airflow distributor, and multiple passive storage and transportation units. The intelligent temperature control unit has a main air supply interface and a main return air interface, which are connected to the corresponding interfaces of the airflow distributor via insulated air supply and return ducts, respectively. The airflow distributor adopts a multi-channel modular structure, with its inlet end connected to the air supply duct via a quick-clamp connector, and its outlet end having several parallel branches. Each branch is equipped with an electric regulating valve, and the outlet of the electric regulating valve is equipped with a quick-connect connector. Each branch electric regulating valve is connected to the programmable controller within the intelligent temperature control unit via a fieldbus, receiving control commands from the programmable controller in real time and feeding back valve position signals. The passive storage and transportation unit adopts a polyurethane integral foam insulation structure. The passive storage and transportation unit has an air inlet and a return air inlet on both sides, and the interface type matches the quick connector of the air volume distributor. The air inlet is connected to the corresponding branch of the air volume distributor through a pressure-resistant insulated hose, and the return air inlet is connected to the branch of the return air main pipe through a pressure-resistant insulated hose, forming an airflow circulation path. Each storage and transportation unit is equipped with multiple temperature sensors connected to the intelligent temperature control host.

[0006] Furthermore, each parallel branch of the air volume distributor adopts an independent air duct structure.

[0007] Furthermore, each branch electric regulating valve uses a linear electric actuator to drive the valve plate, which can achieve linear and precise adjustment of the air volume.

[0008] Furthermore, the temperature sensors of the passive storage and transportation unit are arranged in an equally spaced matrix topology on the top, side, and bottom walls inside the unit.

[0009] As an optional technical solution, the signals from each temperature sensor are led out through waterproof connectors and then connected to the data acquisition module inside the intelligent temperature control host via shielded cables. This data acquisition module is connected to the programmable controller.

[0010] As another optional technical solution, each temperature sensor in the passive storage and transportation unit is connected to a wireless transmission module; the wireless transmission module has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, and correspondingly, the intelligent temperature control host is equipped with a data acquisition module with a wireless receiving device, which supports the simultaneous reception of temperature data from multiple storage and transportation units.

[0011] During system operation, the programmable controller within the intelligent temperature control unit collects data from various temperature sensors via a communication protocol and calculates the required airflow for each branch based on the data, outputting analog signals to control the opening of the electric regulating valves. Simultaneously, the controller communicates with the variable frequency drive via a fieldbus to adjust the refrigeration system's output capacity according to the total load demand. This connection method ensures independent and precise temperature control for each storage and transportation unit, and the system can flexibly expand the number of storage and transportation units according to transportation needs.

[0012] Compared to existing technologies, this system adopts a standardized interface design, allowing for flexible configuration of the number of storage and transportation units based on the scale of transportation. This design enables the system to maintain high temperature control accuracy while offering high flexibility and reliability, making it particularly suitable for the transportation needs of multiple batches of small-volume draft beer.

[0013] The beneficial effects listed above are not exhaustive of all advantages. Other potential beneficial effects and detailed technical implementation methods will be further disclosed in the embodiments or other descriptive sections of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0014] A better understanding of various aspects of this disclosure will be achieved by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The positions, dimensions, and extents of the structures shown in the drawings, etc., do not always represent actual positions, dimensions, and extents. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a hardware connection block diagram of one embodiment disclosed in this application, wherein the temperature sensor is wiredly connected to the intelligent temperature control host.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a structural connection block diagram of another embodiment disclosed in this application, wherein the temperature sensor is wirelessly connected to the intelligent temperature control host. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure more complete and to fully illustrate the scope of protection of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide further additional embodiments.

[0017] It should be understood that the same reference numerals denote the same elements in all the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the dimensions of certain features may be modified in the drawings.

[0018] It should be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. All terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail; however, where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of this specification.

[0019] Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this specification include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “containing” used in this specification indicate the presence of the claimed feature but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term “and / or” used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. Example

[0020] See attached document Figure 1 The adaptive temperature control beer transportation system involved in this embodiment includes an intelligent temperature control host 1, an air volume distributor 2, and multiple passive storage and transportation units 3. The intelligent temperature control host 1 is connected to the air volume distributor 2 through an insulated air supply duct and a return air duct. The air volume distributor 2 is connected to each passive storage and transportation unit 3 through multiple parallel branches to form a closed-loop airflow circulation path, so as to realize adaptive temperature control during beer transportation.

[0021] Furthermore, the intelligent temperature control unit 1 is equipped with a main air supply interface and a main return air interface, which are connected to the insulated air supply main pipe and return air main pipe respectively using a DN100 flange connection method. The flange sealing surface uses a rubber gasket to ensure airtightness. It integrates a programmable controller 101, which is a prior art technology and adopts a 32-bit processor architecture to execute temperature control algorithms and logic operations.

[0022] The main air supply interface is connected to the centrifugal fan inside the main unit. The centrifugal fan is existing technology and uses a backward blade design to provide stable air pressure. The main return air interface is connected to the plate heat exchanger inside the main unit. The heat exchanger is existing technology and uses a stainless steel corrugated plate structure to enhance heat exchange efficiency.

[0023] Based on this, the air volume distributor 2 adopts a multi-channel modular structure. Its inlet end is connected to the air supply main pipe through a quick-clamping connector 201. The quick-clamping connector 201 uses a stainless steel cam lever mechanism to achieve a quick sealing connection and has a safety locking device. The outlet end has several parallel branches. The internal air duct cross-section of each branch is circular and the diameter is uniformly 80 mm to ensure uniform airflow distribution. Each branch end is equipped with an electric regulating valve 202. In the specific structure, the valve body of the electric regulating valve 202 can be made of 304 stainless steel and the valve seat uses a polytetrafluoroethylene sealing ring. The valve outlet is equipped with a quick connector. The quick connector adopts a plug-in design and has an EPDM rubber sealing ring to ensure airtight connection. Each branch electric regulating valve 202 is connected to the programmable controller 101 in the intelligent temperature control host 1 through a fieldbus, such as the Modbus RTU protocol using the RS485 physical layer. It receives 4-20mA analog control commands from the programmable controller 101 in real time and feeds back 0-10V valve position signals, thereby realizing independent and precise adjustment of the air volume of each branch.

[0024] In this embodiment, the passive storage and transportation unit 3 adopts a polyurethane integral foam insulation structure. For example, an insulation layer with a thickness of 80 mm and a density of 45 kg / m³ can be used to provide good thermal insulation performance. The passive storage and transportation unit 3 is provided with an air inlet and a return air inlet on both sides. The quick connector type of the interface is matched with the quick connector of the air volume distributor 2. It adopts the same plug-in sealing design and has a rotating locking ring. The air inlet is connected to the corresponding branch of the air volume distributor 2 through a pressure-resistant insulated hose, that is, connected to the corresponding quick connector. The pressure-resistant insulated hose is composed of an inner EPDM rubber tube, a middle polyurethane foam insulation layer and an outer stainless steel braided mesh. It can withstand a working pressure of 0.6 MPa and reduce heat loss. The return air inlet is connected to the branch of the return air main pipe through a similar pressure-resistant insulated hose to form an airflow circulation path. Each storage and transportation unit is equipped with multiple PT1000 temperature sensors 301. These temperature sensors 301 are arranged in an equally spaced matrix topology on the top, side, and bottom walls of the unit. Specifically, nine sensors are arranged in a 3×3 array on the top wall, six sensors in a 2×3 array on each of the side walls, and nine sensors in a 3×3 array on the bottom wall. The sensor mounting holes are sealed with epoxy resin to comprehensively monitor the temperature distribution inside the unit. The signals from the temperature sensors 301 can be led out through IP67-rated waterproof connectors and connected to the 24-bit high-precision data acquisition module 102 within the intelligent temperature control host 1 via a twisted-pair shielded cable. The shielded cable uses a copper wire braided shield and an aluminum foil composite shield to reduce interference. The data acquisition module 102 is connected to the programmable controller 101 via a PCI bus, thereby transmitting the temperature data to the controller for processing. As attached Figure 2As shown, in an exemplary scenario, each temperature sensor 301 is connected to a wireless transmission module 302 based on the LoRaWAN protocol. The wireless transmission module 302 has a built-in 18650 rechargeable lithium battery 301. The wireless transmission module 302 is existing technology and adopts a low-power design, entering a sleep mode during non-transmission periods. The intelligent temperature control host 1 is equipped with a data acquisition module 102 with a multi-channel wireless receiver 103, supporting the simultaneous reception of temperature data from at least 32 storage and transportation units. The wireless communication adopts frequency hopping technology and time division multiple access mechanism to avoid data collisions and ensure transmission reliability. Furthermore, each parallel branch of the airflow distributor 2 adopts an independent air duct structure. Each air duct is separated by a 2.5 mm thick 304 stainless steel partition. The partition and the housing are continuously welded and sealed to avoid mutual airflow interference and ensure the independence of airflow adjustment for each storage and transportation unit.

[0025] In addition, each branch electric regulating valve 202 uses a linear electric actuator to drive the valve plate movement. This linear electric actuator is existing technology. It achieves linear displacement of the valve plate by driving a ball screw through a stepper motor. The valve plate is made of reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene material and has a stainless steel guide rod, which can achieve linear and precise adjustment of air volume. This is because the linear actuator can provide a displacement output with a positioning accuracy of 0.1 mm, thereby accurately controlling the valve opening.

[0026] Subsequently, during system operation, the programmable controller 101 calculates the required airflow based on feedback data from the temperature sensors 301 of each storage and transportation unit using a fuzzy PID control algorithm. This fuzzy PID control algorithm dynamically adjusts the opening command values ​​of each branch electric regulating valve 202 by comparing the deviation and rate of change between the real-time temperature values ​​of each sensor and the set target temperature, and sends control commands to the corresponding electric regulating valve 202 via the fieldbus. The valve opening continuously changes within the range of 0%-100%, thereby changing the airflow supplied to the storage and transportation unit within the range of 50-500 cubic meters per hour, achieving temperature control within the accuracy range of 2-8℃±0.5℃. Simultaneously, the return air returns to the intelligent temperature control host 1 through the return air main duct, passes through the heat exchanger, and is precisely regulated by adjusting the refrigerant flow before circulating again, completing closed-loop control.

[0027] This transportation system is particularly suitable for medium- and long-distance cold chain transportation between breweries and distributors. In practical applications, the storage and transportation unit carrying the beer is placed inside the truck bed. The intelligent temperature control unit 1 is fixed behind the cab, and the airflow distributor 2 is installed on the side wall of the truck bed. All piping connections can be completed within 10 minutes via a quick-connect system. Compared to traditional transportation systems that use a single-body cooling system, this system solves the problem of uneven temperature in different locations through independent zone temperature control. Compared to independent refrigerated box solutions using compressor refrigeration, this system reduces energy consumption through centralized cooling and distributed airflow. Simultaneously, real-time temperature feedback control prevents temperature fluctuations, making it especially suitable for transporting temperature-sensitive craft beers. Ultimately, through independent airflow control and closed-loop temperature monitoring, the system ensures that the beer temperature is uniform and stable during transportation, preventing temperature fluctuations from affecting beer quality and improving transportation reliability.

[0028] It should be noted that in the description of this embodiment, structures, component connections, control logic, or technical details not described in detail, such as but not limited to common fasteners, sealing materials, universal interfaces, standard communication protocols, conventional circuit designs, and basic control algorithms, are all common knowledge or existing technology known to those skilled in the art and can be implemented without further explanation. Those skilled in the art can select and implement the above-mentioned undisclosed contents according to actual needs and in combination with existing technology.

Claims

1. An adaptive temperature-controlled beer transport system, characterized in that, The system includes an intelligent temperature control unit, an air volume distributor, and multiple passive storage and transportation units. The intelligent temperature control unit has a main supply air interface and a main return air interface, which are connected to the corresponding interfaces of the air volume distributor through insulated supply air ducts and return air ducts, respectively. The air volume distributor adopts a multi-channel modular structure. Its inlet end is connected to the supply air duct through a quick-clamp connector, and its outlet end has several parallel branches. Each branch end is equipped with an electric regulating valve, and the outlet of the electric regulating valve is equipped with a quick connector. Each branch electric regulating valve is connected to the programmable controller in the intelligent temperature control unit through a fieldbus, receiving control commands from the programmable controller in real time and feeding back valve position signals. The passive storage and transportation unit adopts a polyurethane integral foam insulation structure. The passive storage and transportation unit has an air inlet and a return air inlet on both sides, and the interface type matches the quick connector of the air volume distributor. The air inlet is connected to the corresponding branch of the air volume distributor through a pressure-resistant insulated hose, and the return air inlet is connected to the branch of the return air main pipe through a pressure-resistant insulated hose, forming an airflow circulation path. Each storage and transportation unit is equipped with multiple temperature sensors connected to the intelligent temperature control host.

2. The adaptive temperature-controlled beer transport system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each parallel branch of the air volume distributor adopts an independent air duct structure.

3. The adaptive temperature-controlled beer transport system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each branch electric regulating valve uses a linear electric actuator to drive the valve plate movement.

4. The adaptive temperature-controlled beer transport system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensors of the passive storage and transportation unit are arranged in an equally spaced matrix topology on the top, side and bottom walls inside the unit.

5. The adaptive temperature-controlled beer transport system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The signals from each temperature sensor are led out through waterproof connectors and then connected to the data acquisition module inside the intelligent temperature control host via shielded cables. This data acquisition module is connected to the programmable controller.

6. The adaptive temperature-controlled beer transport system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each temperature sensor in the passive storage and transportation unit is connected to a wireless transmission module; the wireless transmission module has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, and correspondingly, the intelligent temperature control host is equipped with a data acquisition module with a wireless receiving device, which supports the simultaneous reception of temperature data from multiple storage and transportation units.

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