Refrigerated container

Abstract

To provide a refrigerating container that restrains the reduction of a cargo space in the interior of the container, and stably keeps an interior temperature.SOLUTION: A refrigerating container 100 comprises: a container body 1; an air refrigerant line having a suction port and a discharge port provided inside the container body 1; a compressor for compressing air sucked into the air refrigerant line; at least one heat exchanger constituted so as to cool the air compressed by the compressor; and a turbine provided in the air refrigerant line and constituted so as to expand the air. The compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine are arranged along a partition wall 10 separating an inside space 2 and an outside space 3 of the container body, in the outside space 3 of the container body 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to refrigerated containers. [Background technology]

[0002] A refrigerated container is a container equipped with a refrigeration function for freezing or refrigerating goods such as cargo stored therein.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerated container that is provided with an air passageway inside the container through which internal air circulates, and that is configured so that the air flowing through the air passageway is cooled by heat exchange in an evaporator. The air passageway inside the container is equipped with the above-mentioned evaporator that constitutes a closed-cycle refrigeration unit, as well as a fan and fan motor for circulating internal air. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-210534 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the refrigerated container described in Patent Document 1, the equipment that constitutes the refrigeration cycle (evaporator) and the equipment for circulating the air inside the container (fan and motor) are installed inside the container, which reduces the cargo space inside the container. Furthermore, a defrosting operation is required to remove frost that has adhered to the evaporator (heat exchanger) placed inside the container, which may reduce the reliability of the low temperature of the cargo inside the container. Furthermore, the installation of a heating element such as a motor inside the container can result in high-temperature areas and uneven temperatures inside the container.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a refrigerated container that can suppress a reduction in cargo space inside the container and can maintain a stable temperature inside the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A refrigerated container according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises: The container body, an air refrigerant line having an inlet and an outlet, each of which is provided inside the container body; a compressor provided in the air refrigerant line for compressing air drawn into the air refrigerant line from inside the container body through the suction port; at least one heat exchanger provided in the air refrigerant line and configured to cool the air compressed by the compressor; a turbine provided in the air refrigerant line between the at least one heat exchanger and the outlet, the turbine configured to expand the air cooled by the at least one heat exchanger; Equipped with The air refrigerant line is a suction air line for guiding the air sucked through the suction port to the compressor; a compressed air line for guiding the air compressed by the compressor to the turbine; an expanded air line for guiding the air expanded by the turbine to the outlet; Including, The compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine are arranged in the outer space of the container body along a partition wall that separates the inner space of the container body from the outer space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, an object is to provide a refrigerated container that can suppress a reduction in cargo space inside the container and can maintain a stable temperature inside the container. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a refrigerated container according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the refrigerated container shown in FIG. 1, viewed from another direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a circuit of a refrigeration unit of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a view of a refrigeration container according to one embodiment, as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 5 is a view of the refrigeration container shown in FIG. 4 as seen from the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a view of a refrigeration container according to one embodiment, as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 7 is a view of the refrigeration container shown in FIG. 6 as seen from the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 1 is a side view of a refrigerated container 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a circuit of a refrigeration unit of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a circuit of a refrigeration unit of a refrigeration container according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0011] (Configuration of refrigerated container) Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a refrigerated container according to some embodiments, and Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the refrigerated container shown in Fig. 1 as seen from another direction, showing the interior of the container with some walls constituting the refrigerated container omitted.

[0012] 1 and 2, a refrigerated container 100 includes a container body 1 capable of accommodating goods such as cargo. The container body 1 has a ceiling wall 4, a bottom wall 5, a pair of short side walls 6 and 7, and a pair of long side walls 8 and 9. These walls separate an inner space 2 and an outer space 3 of the container body 1.

[0013] The container body 1 may be a shipping container used for transporting cargo, etc. The container body 1 may be a standard shipping container such as a 20 ft container or a 40 ft container.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the circuit of a refrigeration machine (refrigeration cycle) of a refrigeration container according to one embodiment. Figs. 4 and 6 are views of a refrigeration container according to one embodiment, viewed from the direction indicated by arrow A in Fig. 2 (the longitudinal direction of container body 1). Figs. 5 and 7 are views of the refrigeration containers shown in Figs. 4 and 6, respectively, viewed from the inside of container body 1, viewed from the direction indicated by arrow B in Fig. 2 (the opposite direction to Figs. 4 and 6).

[0015] 2 to 5, the inner space 2 of the container body 1 is provided with a blow-out section 14 including a blow-out port 16 (opening) for blowing air into the inside of the container body 1, and a suction section 18 including a suction port 20 for sucking air inside the container body 1. Note that the blow-out section 14 and the suction section 18 are not shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0016] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the refrigerated container 100 includes an air refrigerant line 22 having the above-mentioned suction port 20 and outlet port 16, a compressor 24, at least one heat exchanger 32, and a turbine 26, which are respectively provided in the air refrigerant line 22.

[0017] The air refrigerant line 22 is a passage extending from the suction port 20 to the discharge port 16, through which air sucked from inside the container body 1 through the suction port 20 flows. The compressor 24 is configured to compress the air sucked into the air refrigerant line 22 through the suction port 20. The at least one heat exchanger 32 is configured to cool the high-temperature, high-pressure air compressed by the compressor 24. The turbine 26 is configured to expand the air cooled by the at least one heat exchanger 32. The low-temperature air expanded by the turbine 26 is guided to the discharge port 16 by the air refrigerant line 22 and blown into the inside of the container body 1 through the discharge port 16. In other words, the air refrigerant line 22, the compressor 24, the at least one heat exchanger 32, and the turbine 26 constitute a refrigerator (refrigeration cycle) that uses air from inside the container body 1 as a refrigerant.

[0018] Here, the air refrigerant line 22 includes a suction air line 22A for guiding the air sucked from the suction port 20 to the compressor 24, a compressed air line 22B for guiding the air compressed by the compressor 24 to the turbine 26, and an expanded air line 22C for guiding the air expanded by the turbine 26 to the outlet 16.

[0019] 3, 4, and 6, the at least one heat exchanger 32 includes a first heat exchanger 34 and a second heat exchanger 36. The first heat exchanger 34 is configured to exchange heat between air flowing through the suction air line 22A and air flowing through the compressed air line 22B. The second heat exchanger 36 is provided upstream of the first heat exchanger 34 in the compressed air line 22B and is configured to exchange heat between air flowing through the compressed air line toward the first heat exchanger 34 and a cooling fluid other than air (e.g., water) flowing through the air refrigerant line 22.

[0020] The high-temperature, high-pressure air compressed by the compressor 24 is cooled in the compressed air line 22B by heat exchange with a cooling fluid (e.g., water) in the second heat exchanger 36, and then further cooled in the first heat exchanger 34 by heat exchange with relatively low-temperature air flowing in the cooling air line.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, the second heat exchanger 36 is configured to cool the air flowing through the compressed air line toward the first heat exchanger 34 by exchanging heat with water. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, water is supplied to the second heat exchanger 36 via a water circulation line 38. The water circulation line 38 is provided with a radiator 40 and a pump 42 that constitute a cooling device 39 for cooling the water. The water whose temperature has increased due to heat exchange with the air in the second heat exchanger 36 is cooled by the cooling device 39 that includes the radiator 40. The cooling device 39 includes a fan 41 for cooling the radiator 40.

[0022] In some embodiments, the compressor 24 and the turbine 26 may be coupled to each other via a rotating shaft. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, the compressor 24 and the turbine 26 are each connected to a rotating shaft 30, which is the output shaft of a motor 28 for driving the compressor 24, and are therefore coupled to each other via the rotating shaft 30.

[0023] The motor 28 is supplied with current from a power source (such as a generator) (not shown). The turbine 26 recovers a portion of the expansion energy generated when the air expands, and the recovered expansion energy assists in driving the compressor 24.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the suction air line 22A, the compressed air line 22B, and the expanded air line 22C are each formed by piping.

[0025] 4 and 6 , the piping forming the suction air line 22A includes a piping 48 provided between the air inlet 20 and the inlet of the first heat exchanger 34 and a piping 50 provided between the outlet of the first heat exchanger 34 and the compressor 24. The piping forming the compressed air line 22B includes a piping 52 provided between the outlet of the compressor 24 and the inlet of the second heat exchanger 36, a piping 54 provided between the outlet of the second heat exchanger 36 and the inlet of the first heat exchanger 34, and a piping 56 provided between the outlet of the first heat exchanger 34 and the inlet of the turbine 26. The piping forming the expanded air line 22C includes a piping 58 provided between the outlet of the turbine 26 and the discharge port 16.

[0026] Each pipe forming the air refrigerant line 22 may be formed by connecting a plurality of pipe sections via flanges or the like.

[0027] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 4, and 6, the compressor 24, at least one heat exchanger 32 (a first heat exchanger 34 and a second heat exchanger 36 in Figures 4 and 6), and the turbine 26, each provided in the air refrigerant line 22, are arranged in the outer space 3 of the container body 1 along a partition wall 10 that separates the inner space 2 and the outer space 3 of the container body 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1, 4, and 6, the above-mentioned devices provided in the air refrigerant line 22 are arranged along the short side wall 7 that serves as the partition wall 10. Note that in Figure 1, some of the above-mentioned devices provided in the air refrigerant line 22 are schematically indicated by two-dot chain lines.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6, a cover 12 may be provided to surround the above-mentioned equipment provided in the outer space 3 of the container body 1 from above, below and sides.

[0029] 4 to 7, the piping 48 between the air inlet 20 and the first heat exchanger 34 may be provided so as to pass through a hole 49 provided in the short side wall 7 (partition wall 10). Also, the piping 58 between the turbine 26 and the air outlet 16 may be provided so as to pass through a hole 59 provided in the short side wall 7 (partition wall 10).

[0030] In the above-described embodiment, a refrigeration machine (refrigeration cycle) is constructed that includes the compressor 24, the heat exchanger 32 (34, 36), and the turbine 26, which are installed in the outer space 3 of the container body 1, and uses the air inside the container body 1 as a refrigerant. Therefore, since these devices are not installed in the inner space 2 of the container body 1, a large cargo space can be secured inside the container. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, there is no need to provide a heat exchanger such as an evaporator in the inner space 2 of the container body 1, and therefore there is no need for a defrosting operation to defrost such a heat exchanger. Alternatively, the air inside the container body 1 naturally circulates from the outlet 16 to the inlet 20 due to the difference in pressure between the outlet 16 and the inlet 20 (see the arrows in FIG. 2), so no fan is required to circulate the air inside the container. Therefore, the temperature inside the container does not rise due to the provision of a fan and fan motor inside the container. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the temperature inside the container at a desired temperature. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the equipment constituting the refrigeration unit (compressor 24, heat exchanger 32 (34, 36), and turbine 26) is arranged in a relatively narrow space along the bulkhead 10 in the outer space 3 of the container body 1. As such, the installation area of ​​the refrigeration unit added to the container body 1 is small, so the refrigerated container 100 including the refrigeration unit can be appropriately used as a container for transportation, etc. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to obtain a refrigerated container 100 that can suppress a reduction in cargo space inside the container and can maintain a stable temperature inside the container.

[0031] In some embodiments, a motor capable of operating at a rotation speed of 50,000 rpm or more is used as the motor (for example, the motor 28 described above) for driving the compressor 24. The motor may be an inverter motor.

[0032] In this way, by using a motor that can be operated at a high rotation speed of 50,000 rpm, it is possible to employ a relatively small compressor and turbine, thereby suppressing increases in the size and weight of the equipment that makes up the refrigerator.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least two of the compressor 24, the at least one heat exchanger 32, and the turbine 26 are vertically aligned, i.e., vertically offset from one another.

[0034] 4 and 6, for example, the compressor 24, the turbine 26, and the first heat exchanger 34 (heat exchanger 32) are arranged in a vertical direction. The compressor 24, the turbine 26, and the second heat exchanger 36 (heat exchanger 32) are also arranged in a vertical direction. The first heat exchanger 34 (heat exchanger 32) and the second heat exchanger 36 (heat exchanger 32) are also arranged in a vertical direction.

[0035] In the above-described embodiment, at least two of the compressor 24, at least one heat exchanger 32, and turbine 26 that constitute the refrigerator are arranged in the vertical direction, which reduces the installation area of ​​the equipment in the outer space 3 of the container body 1. In other words, the installation area of ​​the refrigerator added to the container body 1 can be reduced.

[0036] As described above, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 36 are arranged vertically.

[0037] In the above-described embodiment, the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 36, which are relatively large in size among the components constituting the refrigerator, are arranged in the vertical direction, so that it is possible to effectively reduce the installation area of ​​the components in the outer space 3 of the container body 1. In other words, it is possible to reduce the installation area of ​​the refrigerator added to the container body 1.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first heat exchanger 34 is positioned above the second heat exchanger 36 in the vertical direction.

[0039] Normally, inside the container body 1, the suction port 20 is provided higher than the outlet 16. In this regard, in the above-described embodiment, the first heat exchanger 34 is located relatively high, so the piping 48 between the suction port 20 inside the container and the first heat exchanger 34 can be made relatively short. This reduces heat input from the outside air or the like to the refrigerant (air) via this piping, improving the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0040] Here, FIG. 8 is a side view of the refrigeration container 100 according to one embodiment. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, since the second heat exchanger 36 is located relatively low, even when using a type of generator 60 that is suspended from the end of the ceiling of the container as shown in Fig. 8, the second heat exchanger 36, the cooling device 39 used together with the second heat exchanger 36, and the generator 60 are likely to be arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bulkhead 10 (the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the container body 1 in Fig. 8). Therefore, it is unlikely that the generator 60 will interfere with the operation of the cooling device 39 (for example, the fan 41, etc.).

[0041] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the compressor 24 and the turbine 26 are disposed between the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 36 in the vertical direction.

[0042] According to the above-described embodiment, the first heat exchanger 34, the second heat exchanger 36, the compressor 24, and the turbine 26 are arranged in the vertical direction, so that the installation area of ​​the equipment in the outer space 3 of the container body 1 can be further reduced. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the compressor 24 and the turbine 26 are provided between the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 36, so the length of the piping (e.g., piping 52 or piping 56) connecting the first heat exchanger 34 or the second heat exchanger 36 to the compressor 24 or the turbine 26 can be easily shortened. This makes it possible to suppress heat input to the refrigerant (air) from outside air or the like via these piping. Alternatively, the piping 52, through which relatively high-temperature air flows between the outlet of the compressor 24 and the second heat exchanger 36, can be shortened, so it is possible to suppress heating of the refrigerant via surrounding piping and equipment due to heat radiation from the piping 52. This improves the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0043] In some embodiments, at least one heat exchanger 32 (first heat exchanger 34 and / or second heat exchanger 36) may include a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. In particular, when at least one heat exchanger 32 includes multiple heat exchangers (first heat exchanger 34 and second heat exchanger 36) arranged in a vertical direction, the upper heat exchanger 32 (first heat exchanger 34 in the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) may include a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. The plate heat exchanger or the microchannel heat exchanger may be formed from a material including aluminum or titanium.

[0044] In the above-described embodiment, the at least one heat exchanger 32 is a relatively lightweight heat exchanger such as a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. Therefore, the heat exchanger can be easily installed in an upward position, such as on a wall. Therefore, the heat exchanger and other devices can be easily arranged in the vertical direction, which makes it easy to reduce the installation area of ​​the devices in the outer space 3 of the container body 1.

[0045] Here, the partition wall 10 has two ends in the horizontal direction, that is, a first end 62 and a second end 64. In the example shown in Figures 4 to 7, of the two ends of the partition wall 10 in the horizontal direction, the end on the long side wall 9 side of the container body 1 is the first end 62, and the end on the long side wall 8 side is the second end 64.

[0046] In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 6 , the first heat exchanger 34, and the compressor 24 and turbine 26, which are connected to each other via a rotary shaft 30 extending horizontally, are arranged in the vertical direction. The inlet of the first heat exchanger 34 in the compressed air line 22B is located closer to the second end 64 in the horizontal direction than the outlet of the first heat exchanger 34 in the compressed air line 22B, and the turbine 26 is located closer to the first end 62 in the horizontal direction than the compressor 24. Note that in Fig. 6 , the inlet of the first heat exchanger 34 in the compressed air line 22B is the connection between the first heat exchanger 34 and the piping 54. The outlet of the first heat exchanger 34 in the compressed air line 22B is the connection between the first heat exchanger 34 and the piping 56.

[0047] According to the above-described embodiment, the first heat exchanger 34 and the compressor 24 and turbine 26, which share the same rotary shaft 30, are arranged in the vertical direction, and the outlet of the first heat exchanger 34 and the turbine 26 are located horizontally in the compressed air line 22B near the first end 62. This makes it easy to shorten the length of the piping 56 that forms the compressed air line 22B between the outlet of the first heat exchanger 34 and the inlet of the turbine 26. This makes it possible to suppress heat input from the outside air or the like to the refrigerant (air) via the piping 56, improving the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0048] In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 6, the length of the piping 52 forming the portion of the compressed air line 22B between the outlet of the compressor 24 and the second heat exchanger 36 is shorter than the length of the piping 50 forming the portion of the suction air line 22A between the first heat exchanger 34 and the inlet of the compressor 24.

[0049] In this case, the piping 52 through which relatively high-temperature air flows between the outlet of the compressor 24 and the second heat exchanger 36 is relatively short, so that it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from being heated through surrounding piping and equipment due to heat radiation from the piping 52. This improves the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0050] 6 , the compressor 24 and the turbine 26 are disposed between the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 36 in the vertical direction. Of both horizontal end portions of the second heat exchanger 36, the end portion on the second end 64 side of the partition wall 10 is connected to a pipe 52 that forms a portion of the compressed air line 22B between the compressor 24 and the second heat exchanger 36.

[0051] According to the above-described embodiment, the compressor 24 is positioned closer to the second end 64 than the turbine 26 in the horizontal direction, and the piping 52 that forms the portion of the compressed air line 22B between the outlet of the compressor 24 and the second heat exchanger 36 is connected to the end of the second heat exchanger 36 on the second end 64 side. This makes it easy to shorten the piping 52 through which relatively high-temperature air flows. This makes it possible to prevent the refrigerant from being heated through surrounding piping and equipment due to heat radiation from the piping 52. This improves the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0052] 6, a cooling device 39 (such as a radiator 40 and / or a fan 41) for cooling the cooling fluid supplied to the second heat exchanger 36 may be located closer to the second end 64 of the partition wall 10 in the horizontal direction than the second heat exchanger 36. Furthermore, piping for supplying the cooling fluid from the cooling device 39 to the second heat exchanger 36 (in the illustrated embodiment, piping forming the water circulation line 38) may be connected to an end of the second heat exchanger 36 on the second end 64 side. In this way, by concentrating the piping connected to the second heat exchanger 36 on the second end 64 side, it is easy to arrange the second heat exchanger 36 and the cooling device 39 side by side in the horizontal direction in a narrow installation space.

[0053] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 to 7 (particularly Figures 5 and 7), a portion of the piping 58 forming the expanded air line 22C between the outlet of the turbine 26 and the outlet 16 is exposed to the internal space 2 of the container body 1.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, a portion of the piping 58 through which low-temperature air flows between the outlet of the turbine 26 and the air outlet 16 is exposed to the inner space 2 of the container body 1, so that the portion of the piping 58 arranged in the outer space 3 can be shortened. This reduces heat input from the outside air or the like to the refrigerant (air) via the piping 58, improving the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0055] In some embodiments, the length H1 of the portion of the piping 58 forming the inflation air line 22C exposed to the internal space 2 of the container body 1 may be equal to or greater than half the height H0 of the container body 1 (i.e., equal to or greater than H0 / 2) (see Figures 5 and 7).

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the length H1 of the pipe 58 through which the low-temperature air flows between the outlet of the turbine 26 and the air outlet 16 is H0 / 2 or more, which is relatively long, and therefore it is possible to shorten the portion of the pipe 58 that is arranged in the outer space 3. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress heat input from the outside air or the like to the refrigerant (air) via this pipe 58.

[0057] In some embodiments, the outlet 16 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) has an opening that is larger in size than the inner diameter of the piping 58 that forms the expansion air line 22C. For example, the equivalent diameter of the outlet 16 (opening) is larger than the inner diameter of the piping 58.

[0058] According to the above-described embodiment, the outlet 16 for blowing the air expanded by the turbine 26 into the internal space 2 of the container body 1 is larger in size than the inner diameter of the piping 58 forming the expanded air line 22C. Therefore, even if frost forms in the turbine due to the moisture in the air evaporating, the frost that reaches the outlet from the piping is prevented from accumulating at the outlet, and the frost is more likely to be discharged from the outlet together with the air. In this way, pressure loss due to frost accumulation at the turbine outlet is reduced, improving the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0059] In some embodiments, the air inlet 20 is provided with a filter unit 21 for removing foreign matter. The filter unit 21 includes a member or the like having a plurality of holes or a mesh, and has a plurality of openings formed by these holes, mesh, or the like. The size (equivalent diameter, etc.) of the plurality of openings in the filter unit 21 is smaller than the inner diameter of the piping 58 that forms the expansion air line 22C. Alternatively, the size of the opening of the air inlet 20 may be smaller than the size of the opening of the air outlet 16.

[0060] According to the above-described embodiment, a filter section 21 having a plurality of openings smaller in size than the inner diameter of the piping 58 forming the expanded air line 22C is provided at the suction port 20, thereby effectively preventing foreign matter from entering the air refrigerant line 22 through the suction port 20.

[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 , a partition wall 10 (in the example shown in FIG. 1 , a short side wall 7 of the container body 1) that separates the area where the compressor 24, heat exchanger 32, and turbine 26 are installed outside the container body 1 from the internal space 2 of the container body 1 extends along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container body 1.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the equipment constituting the refrigeration unit (compressor 24, heat exchanger 32 (34, 36), and turbine 26) is arranged in a relatively narrow space along the partition wall 10 (short side wall 7), which is a relatively small wall extending along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container body 1. This makes it possible to reduce the installation area of ​​the refrigeration unit added to the container body 1, and the refrigerated container 100 including the refrigeration unit can be used appropriately as a container for transportation, etc.

[0063] In one embodiment, the compressor 24, at least one heat exchanger 32, and the turbine 26 may be arranged in the outer space 3 such that the length L1 from the partition 10 in the longitudinal direction of the container body 1 is within a range of 1 / 10 or less of the length L0 of the container body 1 (see Figure 1).

[0064] In this case, the installation area for the equipment constituting the refrigeration unit is within a range of 1 / 10 or less of the length L0 of the container main body. Therefore, since the installation area for the refrigeration unit added to the container main body 1 is small, the refrigerated container 100 including the refrigeration unit can be appropriately used as a container for transportation, etc.

[0065] For example, if the container body is a 20-ft container (length L0: approximately 6.1 m, width W0: approximately 2.4 m, height H0: approximately 2.6 m), the length (L1) of the above-mentioned installation area may be 610 mm or less.

[0066] Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams each showing a schematic diagram of a circuit of a refrigerator (refrigeration cycle) of a refrigerated container 100 according to an embodiment. The embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10 is the same as the embodiment shown in Figure 3, except for the following description.

[0067] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 9, the refrigerated container 100 includes a circulation line 44 for circulating a portion of the air flowing through the compressed air line 22B to the inlet of the compressor 24. In the example shown in Figure 9, the circulation line 44 is provided with a valve 45 for adjusting the flow rate of air circulated to the inlet of the compressor 24 via the circulation line 44.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 10, the refrigerated container 100 includes a discharge line 46 for discharging a portion of the air flowing through the compressed air line 22B out of the air refrigerant line 22. In the example shown in Figure 10, the discharge line 46 is provided with a valve 47 for regulating the flow rate of air discharged out of the air refrigerant line 22 through the discharge line 46.

[0069] In these embodiments, even when the rotation speed of the compressor 24 is changed to adjust the output of the refrigeration cycle, the flow rate of air flowing through the air refrigerant line 22 can be appropriately adjusted according to the rotation speed of the compressor 24. Therefore, the refrigerator can be operated appropriately.

[0070] The contents described in each of the above embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0071] (1) A refrigeration container (100) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises: A container body (1), an air refrigerant line (22) having an inlet (20) and an outlet (16) respectively provided inside the container body; a compressor (24) provided in the air refrigerant line for compressing air drawn into the air refrigerant line from inside the container body through the suction port; at least one heat exchanger (32) provided in the air refrigerant line and configured to cool the air compressed by the compressor; a turbine (26) provided in the air refrigerant line and configured to expand the air cooled by the at least one heat exchanger; Equipped with The air refrigerant line is a suction air line (22A) for guiding the air sucked from the suction port to the compressor; a compressed air line (22B) for guiding the air compressed by the compressor to the turbine; an expanded air line (22C) for guiding the air expanded by the turbine to the outlet; Including, The compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine are arranged in the outer space (3) of the container body along a partition wall (10) that separates the inner space (2) of the container body from the outer space.

[0072] According to the above configuration (1), a refrigeration machine (refrigeration cycle) is constructed that includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a turbine installed in the outer space of the container body and uses the air inside the container body (internal air) as a refrigerant. Therefore, since these devices are not installed inside the container body, a large cargo space can be secured inside the container. Furthermore, in the configuration (1) above, there is no need to install a heat exchanger such as an evaporator in the interior space of the container body, and therefore there is no need for a defrosting operation to defrost such a heat exchanger. Furthermore, the air inside the container body naturally circulates from the air outlet to the air inlet due to the difference in pressure between the air outlet and the air inlet, so no fan is required to circulate the air inside the container. Therefore, there is no rise in the temperature inside the container due to the installation of a fan and fan motor inside the container. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the temperature inside the container at the desired temperature. In the configuration (1) above, the equipment constituting the refrigeration unit is arranged in a relatively narrow space along the partition wall in the space outside the container body. In this way, the installation area of ​​the refrigeration unit added to the container body is small, so the refrigerated container including the refrigeration unit can be used appropriately as a container for transportation, etc. Therefore, according to the above configuration (1), it is possible to obtain a refrigerated container that can suppress a reduction in cargo space inside the container and can maintain a stable temperature inside the container.

[0073] (2) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1), At least two of the compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine are arranged in a vertical direction.

[0074] According to the configuration (2) above, at least two of the compressor, at least one heat exchanger, and turbine that constitute the refrigerator are arranged in the vertical direction, so that the installation area of ​​the equipment in the space outside the container body can be reduced, i.e., the installation area of ​​the refrigerator added to the container body can be reduced.

[0075] (3) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) or (2), The at least one heat exchanger is a first heat exchanger (34) for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the suction air line and the air flowing through the compressed air line; a second heat exchanger (36) for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the compressed air line toward the first heat exchanger and a cooling fluid other than the air flowing through the air refrigerant line; Including, The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are arranged in the vertical direction.

[0076] According to the configuration (3) above, the first and second heat exchangers, which are relatively large among the components constituting the refrigeration unit, are arranged vertically, so that the installation area of ​​the components in the outer space of the container body can be effectively reduced. In other words, the installation area of ​​the refrigeration unit added to the container body can be reduced.

[0077] (4) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (3), The first heat exchanger is located above the second heat exchanger in the vertical direction.

[0078] Typically, the suction port is located higher than the air outlet inside the container body. In this regard, in the configuration (4) above, the first heat exchanger is located relatively high, so the piping between the suction port inside the container and the first heat exchanger (the piping forming the air refrigerant line) can be shortened. This reduces heat input to the refrigerant (air) through this piping, improving the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle. Furthermore, in the configuration (4) above, since the second heat exchanger is located relatively low, even when a generator that is suspended from the ceiling edge of the container is used, the second heat exchanger and the cooling device used with the heat exchanger can be easily positioned so that they do not overlap with the generator. Therefore, it is unlikely that the generator will interfere with the operation of the cooling device (e.g., a fan).

[0079] (5) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (3) or (4), The compressor and the turbine are disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the vertical direction.

[0080] According to the configuration (5) above, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the compressor, and the turbine are arranged in the vertical direction, so that the installation area of ​​the equipment in the outer space of the container body can be further reduced. Furthermore, in the configuration (5) above, since the compressor and turbine are provided between the first and second heat exchangers, the length of the piping (piping forming the air refrigerant line) connecting the first or second heat exchanger to the compressor or turbine can be easily shortened. This reduces heat input to the refrigerant (air) through these piping. Alternatively, the piping through which relatively high-temperature air flows between the compressor outlet and the second heat exchanger can be shortened, reducing the risk of the refrigerant being heated by heat dissipation from the piping through surrounding piping and equipment. This improves the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0081] (6) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (3) to (5) above, The length of the piping (52) forming the portion of the compressed air line between the outlet of the compressor and the second heat exchanger is shorter than the length of the piping (50) forming the portion of the suction air line between the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the compressor.

[0082] According to the above configuration (6), the piping through which relatively high-temperature air flows between the compressor outlet and the second heat exchanger is relatively short, so that the refrigerant is prevented from being heated by heat radiation from the piping via surrounding piping and equipment, thereby improving the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0083] (7) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (2) to (6) above, The partition has a first end (62) and a second end (64) in the horizontal direction, the at least one heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the suction air line and the air flowing through the compressed air line; The compressor and the turbine are connected to each other via a rotating shaft (30) extending along the horizontal direction, the first heat exchanger, the compressor, and the turbine are arranged in the vertical direction, an inlet of the first heat exchanger in the compressed air line is positioned closer to the second end in the horizontal direction than an outlet of the first heat exchanger in the compressed air line, The turbine is positioned closer to the first end than the compressor in the horizontal direction.

[0084] According to the configuration (7) above, the first heat exchanger and the compressor and turbine, which share a common rotating shaft, are arranged vertically, and the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the turbine are located horizontally toward the first end of the compressed air line. This makes it easy to shorten the length of the piping that forms the compressed air line between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the turbine. This makes it possible to suppress heat input to the refrigerant (air) through the piping, improving the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0085] (8) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (7), The at least one heat exchanger is the first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the compressed air line toward the first heat exchanger and a cooling fluid other than the air flowing through the air refrigerant line; the compressor and the turbine are disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the vertical direction, Of both ends of the second heat exchanger in the horizontal direction, the end on the second end side of the partition wall is connected to a pipe (52) that forms a portion of the compressed air line between the compressor and the second heat exchanger.

[0086] According to the above configuration (8), the compressor is positioned closer to the second end of the compressor-turbine system in the horizontal direction, and the piping forming the compressed air line between the compressor outlet and the second heat exchanger is connected to the end of the second heat exchanger on the second end side. This makes it easier to shorten the piping through which relatively high-temperature air flows. This prevents the refrigerant from being heated by heat dissipation from the piping via surrounding piping and equipment. This improves the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0087] (9) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (8) above, A portion of the piping (58) forming the expanded air line between the outlet of the turbine and the blow-out port is exposed to the internal space of the container body.

[0088] According to the above configuration (9), a part of the piping through which low-temperature air flows between the turbine outlet and the air outlet (the piping forming the expanded air line) is exposed to the interior space of the container body, so that the part of the piping that is disposed in the exterior space can be shortened, thereby suppressing heat input to the refrigerant (air) through this piping and improving the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0089] (10) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (9) above, The refrigerated container comprises: The compressor is provided with a circulation line (44) for circulating a portion of the air flowing through the compressed air line to the inlet of the compressor, or a discharge line (46) for discharging the portion of the air from the air refrigerant line.

[0090] According to the configuration (10) above, even when the rotation speed of the compressor is changed, the flow rate of air flowing through the air refrigerant line can be appropriately adjusted according to the rotation speed of the compressor, and the refrigerator can be operated appropriately.

[0091] (11) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (10) above, The refrigerated container comprises: a motor (28) for driving the compressor; The motor can be used at a rotation speed of 50,000 rpm or more.

[0092] According to the configuration (11) above, a motor that can be used at a high rotation speed of 50,000 rpm is used to drive the compressor, so a relatively small compressor and turbine can be used, which makes it possible to suppress increases in the size and weight of the components that make up the refrigerator.

[0093] (12) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (11) above, The at least one heat exchanger comprises a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger.

[0094] According to the above configuration (12), at least one heat exchanger is a relatively lightweight heat exchanger, including a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. Therefore, the heat exchanger can be easily installed in an upward position, such as on a wall. Therefore, the heat exchanger and other equipment can be easily arranged in the vertical direction, which makes it easy to reduce the installation area of ​​the equipment in the space outside the container body.

[0095] (13) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (12) above, the partition wall extends along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container body, The compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine are arranged in the outer space such that the length (L1) from the partition wall in the longitudinal direction is within a range of 1 / 10 or less of the length (L0) of the container body.

[0096] According to the configuration (13) above, the installation area for the equipment constituting the refrigeration unit is within a range of 1 / 10 or less of the length of the container body. Therefore, since the installation area for the refrigeration unit added to the container body is small, the refrigeration container including the refrigeration unit can be appropriately used as a container for transportation, etc.

[0097] (14) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (13) above, The air outlet has an opening that is larger in size than the inner diameter of the piping that forms the expansion air line.

[0098] According to the configuration (14) above, the outlet for blowing the air expanded by the turbine into the interior space of the container body is larger in size than the inner diameter of the piping that forms the expanded air line. Therefore, even if frost forms in the turbine due to the moisture in the air evaporating, the frost that reaches the outlet from the piping is prevented from accumulating at the outlet, and the frost is more likely to be discharged from the outlet together with the air. In this way, pressure loss due to frost accumulation at the turbine outlet is reduced, improving the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0099] (15) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (14) above, The refrigerated container comprises: A filter section is provided at the suction port and has a plurality of openings each smaller in size than the inner diameter of the piping that forms the expanded air line.

[0100] According to the above configuration (15), a filter section having a plurality of openings each smaller than the inner diameter of the piping forming the expanded air line is provided, thereby effectively preventing foreign matter from entering the air refrigerant line through the suction port.

[0101] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and also includes forms in which the above-described embodiment is modified, or forms in which these forms are appropriately combined.

[0102] In this specification, expressions expressing relative or absolute arrangement such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," or "coaxial" not only express such an arrangement strictly, but also express a state in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. For example, expressions such as "identical," "equal," and "homogeneous" that indicate that something is in an equal state not only indicate a state of strict equality, but also indicate a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference to the extent that the same function is obtained. Furthermore, in this specification, expressions representing shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape not only represent rectangular shapes or cylindrical shapes in the strict geometric sense, but also represent shapes including uneven portions, chamfered portions, etc., to the extent that the same effect can be obtained. Furthermore, in this specification, the expressions "comprise," "include," or "have" a component are not exclusive expressions that exclude the presence of other components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 Container body 2. Inner Space 3 Outside space 4 Ceiling Wall 5 Bottom wall 6 Short side wall 7 Short Side Wall 8 Long side wall 9 Long side wall 10 Bulkhead 12 Cover 14 Air outlet 16 Air outlet 18 Intake section 20 Intake port 21 Filter section 22 Air refrigerant line 22A Suction Air Line 22B Compressed Air Line 22C Inflated Air Line 24 Compressor 26 Turbine 28 Motor 30 Rotating shaft 32 Heat exchanger 34 1st heat exchanger 36 Second heat exchanger 38 Water circulation line 39 Cooling device 40 Radiator 41 Fan 42 Pump 44 Circulation Line 45 valve 46 Discharge Line 47 Valve 48 Piping 49 holes 50 Piping 52 Piping 54 Piping 56 Piping 58 Piping 59 holes 60 Generator 62 1st end 64 2nd end 100 refrigerated containers

Claims

1. The container body, an air refrigerant line having an inlet and an outlet, each of which is provided inside the container body; a compressor provided in the air refrigerant line for compressing air drawn into the air refrigerant line from inside the container body through the suction port; at least one heat exchanger provided in the air refrigerant line and configured to cool the air compressed by the compressor; a turbine provided in the air refrigerant line and configured to expand the air cooled by the at least one heat exchanger; Equipped with The air refrigerant line is a suction air line for guiding the air sucked through the suction port to the compressor; a compressed air line for guiding the air compressed by the compressor to the turbine; an expanded air line for guiding the air expanded by the turbine to the outlet; Including, The compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine are arranged in the outer space of the container body along a partition wall that separates the inner space of the container body from the outer space. Refrigerated container.

2. At least two of the compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine are arranged in a vertical direction.

2. The refrigerated container of claim 1.

3. The at least one heat exchanger comprises: a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the suction air line and the air flowing through the compressed air line; a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the compressed air line toward the first heat exchanger and a cooling fluid other than the air flowing through the air refrigerant line; Including, The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are arranged in a vertical direction.

3. A refrigerated container according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first heat exchanger is located above the second heat exchanger in the vertical direction.

4. The refrigerated container of claim 3.

5. The compressor and the turbine are disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the vertical direction.

5. A refrigerated container according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The length of the piping forming the portion of the compressed air line between the compressor and the second heat exchanger is shorter than the length of the piping forming the portion of the suction air line between the first heat exchanger and the compressor. A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. the partition wall has a first end and a second end in a horizontal direction; the at least one heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the suction air line and the air flowing through the compressed air line; the compressor and the turbine are connected to each other via a rotating shaft extending along the horizontal direction, the first heat exchanger, the compressor, and the turbine are arranged in the vertical direction, an inlet of the first heat exchanger in the compressed air line is positioned closer to the second end in the horizontal direction than an outlet of the first heat exchanger in the compressed air line, The turbine is located closer to the first end than the compressor in the horizontal direction. A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. The at least one heat exchanger comprises: the first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the compressed air line toward the first heat exchanger and a cooling fluid other than the air flowing through the air refrigerant line; Including, the compressor and the turbine are disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the vertical direction, A pipe forming a portion of the compressed air line between the compressor and the second heat exchanger is connected to an end portion of the second heat exchanger on the second end side of the partition wall, out of both end portions of the second heat exchanger in the horizontal direction.

8. A refrigerated container according to claim 7.

9. A portion of the piping forming the expansion air line between the outlet of the turbine and the blow-out port is exposed to the internal space of the container body. A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. a circulation line for circulating a portion of the air flowing through the compressed air line to an inlet of the compressor, or a discharge line for discharging the portion of the air to the outside of the air refrigerant line; A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. a motor for driving the compressor; The motor can be used at a rotation speed of 50,000 rpm or more. A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The at least one heat exchanger comprises a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger.

12. A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the partition wall extends along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container body, The compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine are disposed in the outer space such that the length from the partition wall in the longitudinal direction is within a range of 1 / 10 or less of the length of the container body.

13. A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The air outlet has an opening that is larger in size than the inner diameter of the piping that forms the expansion air line.

14. A refrigerated container according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. a filter section provided at the suction port and having a plurality of openings smaller in size than the inner diameter of the piping that forms the expanded air line; 15. A refrigerated container according to any one of the preceding claims.

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