Container Module

Abstract

To provide a container module which can secure cooling performance of multiple function units.SOLUTION: A container module includes: a transport container; and multiple function units stored in the transport container. The transport container includes: a storage space in which the function units are arranged with a space formed between side surfaces of the adjacent function units; a lower space leading to the lower side of the storage space; and an upper space leading to the upper side of the storage space. The lower space and the upper space extend in a direction that the function units are arranged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container module in which a plurality of functional units are housed in a transport container.

Background Art

[0002] Prior art related to a container module in which an engine and a generator (a plurality of functional units) are arranged side by side and housed in a transport container is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the prior art, a radiator through which circulating water flows is arranged at the intake port of the transport container, outside air is introduced into the intake port to cool the circulating water by the radiator, and the circulating water is made to flow between the radiator and the engine to cool the engine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the prior art cools a specific object such as an engine with circulating water, there is a problem that it is impossible to cool the entire plurality of functional units housed in the transport container.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve this problem, and an object thereof is to provide a container module capable of ensuring the cooling performance of a plurality of functional units.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve this objective, the container module of the present invention comprises a transport container and a plurality of functional units housed in the transport container, wherein the transport container comprises a storage space in which functional units are arranged with spacing between their sides, a lower space connected to the bottom of the storage space, and an upper space connected to the top of the storage space, and the lower and upper spaces extend in the direction in which the functional units are arranged. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the first embodiment, functional units are arranged in the storage space of the transport container with gaps between their sides, a lower space is connected below the storage space, and an upper space is connected above the storage space. Since the lower and upper spaces extend in the direction in which the functional units are arranged, the functional units can be cooled by the air flowing through the lower and upper spaces between the functional units. Thus, the cooling performance of the functional units can be ensured.

[0008] According to a second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the first closing component adjusts the size of the cross-section of the lower space intersecting in the direction in which the functional units are arranged. The first closing component can adjust the airflow rate through the lower space.

[0009] According to a third embodiment, in the first embodiment, the second closing component adjusts the size of the cross-section of the upper space intersecting in the direction in which the functional units are arranged. The second closing component can adjust the airflow rate through the upper space.

[0010] According to a fourth embodiment, in the first embodiment, the first closing component adjusts the size of the cross-section of the lower space intersecting in the direction in which the functional units are arranged. The second closing component adjusts the size of the cross-section of the upper space intersecting in the direction in which the functional units are arranged. The first and second closing components can adjust the airflow rate through the lower and upper spaces.

[0011] According to the fifth embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, a temperature sensor detects the temperature inside the functional unit, and the first closing component and the second closing component move based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. This allows the inside of the transport container to be properly cooled.

[0012] According to the sixth embodiment, in the fourth or fifth embodiment, the size of the portion connecting the spacing between functional units to the lower space, and the size of the portion connecting the spacing between functional units to the upper space, are constant regardless of the movement of the first closing component and the second closing component. This ensures airflow between the upper space and the lower space.

[0013] According to the seventh aspect, in the first to fourth aspects, the ventilation means create airflow in the lower and upper spaces. The functional unit with the highest heat output is positioned upstream of the one with the lowest heat output, thus promoting the cooling of the functional unit with the highest heat output.

[0014] According to the eighth aspect, in the first to fourth aspects, airflow is created in the lower and upper spaces by the intake and exhaust ports provided in the transport container. Since at least one of the intake and exhaust ports faces the lower or upper space, the airflow in the lower or upper space can be made more active. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a container module in one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the container module. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the base of a shipping container. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the base of a shipping container. [Figure 5] This is a schematic front view of the container module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container module 10 in one embodiment. The container module 10 includes a transport container 11 and a plurality of functional units 19 housed in the transport container 11. In this embodiment, five functional units 19 are arranged in the transport container 11.

[0017] The transport container 11 is a large rectangular parallelepiped container mainly made of steel and used for cargo transportation. Since the functional unit 19 is housed in the transport container 11, the container module 10 can be assembled at the factory and directly transported to the site and installed there. Therefore, large-scale construction work for on-site installation can be eliminated. Also, the capacity of the equipment can be easily enhanced by stacking or arranging the container modules 10 side by side.

[0018] The transport container 11 includes a base 12 having a rectangular shape in plan view, a rear wall 13 provided on the long side of the base 12, two side walls 14 provided on the short side of the base 12, a roof 15 connecting the rear wall 13 and the side walls 14, and a double-leaf front door 16 provided on the long side of the base 12 facing the rear wall 13. A part of the front door 16 is not shown. Usually, the container module 10 is operated with the front door 16 closed. In this embodiment, the rear wall 13 and the side walls 14 are made of double-leaf doors. However, it is of course possible to make the rear wall 13 or the side walls 14 into non-opening plates. An air inlet 17 is provided in one of the side walls 14. An exhaust port 18 is provided in the other side wall 14. The exhaust port 18 is located at a higher position than the air inlet 17.

[0019] The functional unit 19 is a unit of a device that plays a specific role. The container module 10 achieves a specific function by a combination of a plurality of functional units 19. The plurality of functional units 19 are arranged side by side from one side wall 14 of the transport container 11 toward the other side wall 14. The functional unit 19 is a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped of substantially the same size. In this embodiment, the functional units 19 are arranged in a row in the lateral direction of the transport container 11.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the container module 10. Hereinafter, as an example, the container module 10 that recovers carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas generated by the exhaust gas source 20 and reuses the carbon dioxide as a carbon compound to produce fuel will be described. The exhaust gas source 20 is not particularly limited as long as it generates exhaust gas containing carbon dioxide. Examples of the exhaust gas source 20 include a power plant, a factory, a waste treatment facility, a natural gas field, and an oil field.

[0021] Any of the functional units 19 included in the container module 10 includes one or more of a removal device that removes moisture from the exhaust gas, a separation device that separates nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas, a recovery device that separates carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas and concentrates the carbon dioxide, an electrolysis device that produces hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of water, a production device that reduces carbon dioxide with hydrogen to generate fuel, a power supply device (not shown) that supplies power to each device, and a compressor (not shown) that compresses a gas and increases its pressure. The fuel produced by the production device is a combustible product, and examples thereof include methane, carbon monoxide, methanol, and formaldehyde.

[0022] Examples of the method for removing moisture (water vapor) from the exhaust gas in the removal device include condensation, physical adsorption, and chemical reaction. The method for removing nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas in the separation device is generally a wet method using caustic soda or the like, or a dry method in which nitrogen oxides are reduced to nitrogen using a denitration catalyst and a reducing agent. When the moisture of the exhaust gas is removed by the removal device or the nitrogen oxides are removed from the exhaust gas by the separation device, the concentration efficiency of carbon dioxide by the recovery device can be ensured.

[0023] The first mixed gas containing carbon dioxide separated and recovered from the exhaust gas in the recovery device is supplied to the production device. In the production device, for example, a catalyst is used to lower the activation energy and advance the chemical reaction from carbon dioxide to fuel.

[0024] The first mixed gas may contain impurities other than carbon dioxide in an amount of 10 vol% or more. A lower amount of impurities in the first mixed gas is preferable because it increases the purity of the fuel contained in the second mixed gas discharged by the generating device. However, this would complicate the device for separating impurities from the first mixed gas. Therefore, from the standpoint of simplifying the container module 10, a certain degree of impurity inclusion is permissible.

[0025] In electrolysis devices, methods for electrolyzing water include alkaline water electrolysis, solid polymer electrolyte water electrolysis, and high-temperature steam electrolysis using a solid oxide electrolytic cell (SOEC). High-temperature steam electrolysis is preferable because it can produce a large amount of hydrogen with less power compared to alkaline water electrolysis and solid polymer electrolyte water electrolysis. It is preferable that the electrolysis device performs high-temperature steam electrolysis using an SOEC, and that the heat of chemical reaction generated in the generation device is used to generate the steam, as this improves the energy efficiency of the container module 10.

[0026] In the container module 10, the functional unit with the highest heat output and the functional unit with the lowest heat output are placed next to each other. An example of the functional unit with the highest heat output is a functional unit that includes an electrolytic device. By placing the functional unit with the highest heat output and the functional unit with the lowest heat output next to each other, heat exchange between the two functional units can promote heat dissipation from the functional unit with the highest heat output or preheat the raw materials used by the functional unit with the lowest heat output.

[0027] The second mixed gas discharged by the generating device may contain hydrogen and components of the first mixed gas in addition to the fuel, but the amount of gas other than fuel in the second mixed gas is preferably 45 vol% or less of the amount of the second mixed gas.

[0028] It is preferable to have the second mixed gas generated by the container module 10 used by facilities on the site, including the exhaust gas source 20, as this reduces the cost of transporting the gas. By simplifying the container module 10, it can be made smaller, thus reducing the space required for its installation. Since a container module 10 can be installed for each exhaust gas source 20, the carbon dioxide emitted by each exhaust gas source 20 can be reused as a carbon resource for each exhaust gas source 20. With the container module 10, carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced while producing fuel of the minimum necessary quality that can be used by facilities on the site, including the exhaust gas source 20, rather than producing fuel intended for sale.

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the base 12 of the transport container 11. Figure 3 shows the floor plate 25 with a portion removed by a break line. Here, the side with the front door 16 is referred to as the front, and the side with the rear wall 13 is referred to as the rear.

[0030] The transport container 11 has multiple platforms 21 extending in the front-to-back direction and intersecting the rear wall 13, which are provided on the base 12 at predetermined intervals in the lateral direction. Multiple connecting parts 22 connecting the platforms 21 are provided at predetermined intervals in the front-to-back direction. The platforms 21 and connecting parts 22, which are arranged in a grid pattern, are supported by multiple legs 23 scattered on the base 12. This provides a lower space 24 between the platforms 21 and the base 12. A floor plate 25 is placed on top of the connecting parts 22. The platforms 21 are positioned higher than the floor plate 25. One functional unit 19 is placed on one set of platforms 21.

[0031] The lower spaces 24 provided beneath each base 21 are continuous horizontally along which the functional units 19 are lined up. A first partition 25a is provided between the front door 16 (see Figure 1) when closed and the base 21. The first partition 25a blocks the front of the lower space 24. A first partition 25b is provided between the rear wall 13 and the base 21, blocking the rear of the lower space 24.

[0032] Multiple rollers 26 are arranged on the part of the base 21 that the functional unit 19 contacts, causing the functional unit 19 to rub against them and rotate in the front-to-back direction. The rollers 26 are scattered along the entire length of the base 21 in the front-to-back direction. Examples of rollers 26 include balls and rollers. The rollers 26 move up and down relative to the base 21 by a lifting mechanism (not shown) located beneath the rollers 26. An example of a lifting mechanism is an elastic tube that contains a fluid such as air or oil. The tube is positioned along the base 21 beneath the rollers 26.

[0033] When fluid is supplied to the elevator tube, the tube expands and the roller 26 rises. After transporting the functional unit 19 and placing it on the platform 21, pushing the functional unit 19 backward (in the first direction) causes the functional unit 19 to rub and the roller 26 to rotate. Therefore, the functional unit 19 can be moved along the platform 21 in the first direction with little force.

[0034] A stopper 27 is interposed between the rear end of the base 21 and the rear wall 13. Examples of materials for the stopper 27 include rubber and synthetic resin. In this embodiment, the stopper 27 is attached to the rear wall 13. One stopper 27 is located behind two adjacent bases 21. When a functional unit 19 moving in the first direction reaches the position of the stopper 27, it hits the stopper 27 and its movement is restricted. The stopper 27 cushions the impact when the functional unit 19 hits it. Since one stopper 27 restricts the movement of two adjacent functional units 19, the number of stoppers can be reduced compared to the case where a stopper is provided for each functional unit 19.

[0035] A support section 28 is provided between two adjacent bases 21. The support section 28 is a member that extends front to back along the bases 21 and is supported by the legs 23. A guide 29 is provided on the support section 28. The guide 29 includes a plurality of shafts 30 extending upward from the support section 28 and rollers 31 provided on the shafts 30. When viewing the support section 28 from above, the shape formed by connecting the shafts 30 in order from front to back is a zigzag. The rollers 31 are positioned higher than the rollers 26. The guide 29 restricts the lateral movement of the functional unit 19 when the rollers 26 rotate and the functional unit 19 moves back to back. The guide 29 allows for lateral positioning of the functional unit 19.

[0036] As the roller 26 rotates and the functional unit 19 moves, the roller 31 rubs against the functional unit 19 and rotates around the shaft 30. The roller 31 acts as a friction reducing part that reduces the frictional force acting between the guide 29 and the functional unit 19, making it easier to move the functional unit 19 back and forth along the guide 29.

[0037] After moving the functional unit 19 in the first direction (rearward), the fluid clogged in the elevator tube is released, causing the tube to contract and the roller 26 to descend. This causes the functional unit 19 to come into contact with the base 21, and the frictional force between the functional unit 19 and the base 21 fixes the functional unit 19 to the base 21. After placing the functional unit 19 on the base 21, fasteners (not shown) may be attached to one or more of the base 21, floor plate 25, and support parts 28 to mechanically fix the functional unit 19 and prevent it from moving in the second direction (forward).

[0038] When removing the functional unit 19 fixed to the base 21 from the transport container 11, fluid is supplied to the elevator tube to inflate the tube and raise the rollers 26. As the functional unit 19 rubs against the rollers 26, the rollers 26 rotate, allowing the functional unit 19 to move forward (in a second direction) along the base 21. This allows the functional unit 19 to be removed from the base 21.

[0039] Let's return to Figure 1 for explanation. The width W of all the functional units 19 in the direction in which they are lined up (horizontal direction) is the same for all of them. The distance between the bases 21 on which the functional units 19 are placed is also the same for all of them. Since the dimensions are standardized, any functional unit 19 can be placed on any base 21. Therefore, functional units 19 can be freely combined and arranged in the transport container 11.

[0040] The height T of all functional units 19 is greater than the width W of each functional unit 19. This allows for a reduction in the width of the base 12 of the transport container 11 on which multiple functional units 19 are arranged, while maintaining the volume of the functional units 19. Consequently, the site required for installing the container module 10 can be reduced.

[0041] Figure 4 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of the base 12 of the transport container 11. The transport container 11 has a gap 32 between the support portion 28 and adjacent bases 21 with the support portion 28 in between. The gap 32 is not closed when the functional unit 19 is placed on the base 21.

[0042] Let's return to Figure 3 for explanation. The lower space 24 is provided with a plate-shaped first closing component 34 that adjusts the size of the cross-section of the lower space 24 which extends laterally. The first closing component 34 rotates approximately 180° around an axis 35 by a motor or the like. The axis 35 spans across the midpoint between two adjacent bases 21, which are spaced apart front to back. A first closing component 34 is provided at each position where a functional unit 19 is placed. Therefore, in this embodiment, five closing components 34 are provided in the transport container 11 so that there is a one-to-one correspondence with the five functional units 19.

[0043] The first closing component 34 is controlled by a motor or the like, controlled by a control device (not shown), which can individually change the angle relative to the laterally extending connecting portion 22, either continuously or intermittently. When the first closing component 34 opens and stops in a position parallel to the connecting portion 22, the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower space 24 is maximized. When the first closing component 34 closes and stops in a position perpendicular to the connecting portion 22, the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower space 24 is minimized. The size of the first closing component 34 is set such that even when the first closing component 34 stops in a position parallel to the connecting portion 22, it does not block the gap 32 between the base 21 and the support portion 28.

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic front view of the container module 10 with the front door 16 (see Figure 1) open. The transport container 11 includes a storage space 36 in which functional units 19 are lined up with space between their sides 19a, a lower space 24 connected to the bottom of the storage space 36, and an upper space 37 connected to the top of the storage space 36. When functional units 19 are placed in the storage space 36, gaps remain in the storage space 36 between the side 19a of one functional unit 19 and the side 19a of the adjacent functional unit 19, and between the side 19a of one functional unit 19 and the side wall 14.

[0045] The lower space 24 is the space between the platform 21 on which the functional unit 19 is placed and the base 12. The lower space 24 is connected to the storage space 36 via a gap 32. The air intake 17 is located on the side wall 14 at a position lower than the platform 21. A blower 38 is provided at the air intake 17 facing the lower space 24 to introduce outside air into the transport container 11. A temperature sensor 39 is located in the transport container 11 to detect the temperature of the lower space 24.

[0046] The first partitions 25a and 25b (see Figure 3) are provided continuously in the lateral direction of the base 21 and the connecting section 22, separating the storage space 36 from the lower space 24. The partitions 25a and 25b block the flow of air between the storage space 36 and the lower space 24.

[0047] The upper space 37 is the space between the functional unit 19 and the roof 15, and extends laterally in the direction in which the functional units 19 are lined up. The exhaust port 18 faces the upper space 37. The upper space 37 is provided with a plate-shaped second closing component 40 that adjusts the size of the cross-section of the upper space 37 that extends laterally. The second closing component 40 rotates approximately 180° around an axis 41 by a motor or the like. The axis 41 is supported by the transport container 11. The second closing component 40 is provided at each position where the functional unit 19 is arranged. Therefore, in this embodiment, five closing components 40 are provided on the transport container 11 so as to correspond one-to-one with the five functional units 19.

[0048] The second closing component 40 is controlled by a motor or other control device (not shown) and its rotation angle can be individually changed continuously or intermittently. When the second closing component 40 is open and stops in a tilted position, the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper space 37 is maximized. When the second closing component 40 is closed and stops in an upright position, the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper space 37 is minimized. The size of the second closing component 40 is set such that even when the second closing component 40 stops in a tilted position, it does not block the gap between the side surface 19a of the functional unit 19 and the side surface 19a of the adjacent functional unit 19. A temperature sensor 42 for detecting the temperature of the upper space 37 is located in the transport container 11.

[0049] Each functional unit 19 is equipped with a temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the internal temperature of each functional unit 19. Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensors located in the functional unit 19, the control device (not shown) controls the motors, etc. that drive the second closing components 40 to set the opening degree of the second closing components 40, and controls the motors, etc. that drive the first closing components 34 to set the opening degree of the first closing components 34.

[0050] Furthermore, the control device (not shown) may control the motor that drives the second closing component 40 based on the temperature of the upper space 37 detected by the temperature sensor 42 and the temperature of the lower space 24 detected by the temperature sensor 39, thereby setting the opening degree of the second closing component 40, and may also control the motor that drives the first closing component 34, thereby setting the opening degree of the first closing component 34.

[0051] When the blower 38 is activated, outside air from the transport container 11 flows into the lower space 24 through the air intake 17. Since the air intake 17 faces the lower space 24, it can make the airflow in the lower space 24 more active. Since the lower space 24 is continuous in the lateral direction, air blows through the lower space 24. The first partitions 25a and 25b separate the lower space 24 from the storage space 36, so the first partitions 25a and 25b reduce the leakage of air flowing under the base 21 and ensure ventilation under the base 21. In addition, since the first partition 25a blocks the front of the lower space 24, even when the front door 16 (see Figure 1) is open, it reduces the leakage of air flowing through the lower space 24 and allows air to blow through the lower space 24.

[0052] In the following description, the functional units 19 will be referred to as functional units 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, and 19E, in order from the upstream side closest to the intake port 17, and the first closing component 34 and the second closing component 40 corresponding to functional units 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, and 19E will be referred to as closing component 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, and 34E, and closing component 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and 40E, respectively.

[0053] When the first closing component 34A is opened and the first closing component 34B is closed, it becomes more difficult for air to flow into the lower space 24 downstream of the first closing component 34B. As a result, the air flowing through the lower space 24 passes through the first closing component 34A, then through the gap 32 upstream of the first closing component 34B, flows between the functional unit 19A and the functional unit 19B, and reaches the upper space 37. This allows the functional units 19A and 19B to be air-cooled from the side 19a of the functional unit 19.

[0054] When the second closing component 40A is closed, it becomes difficult for air flowing through the upper space 37 to flow back into the intake port 17. When the second closing component 40B is opened and the second closing component 40C is closed, it becomes difficult for air to flow into the upper space 37 downstream of the second closing component 40C. As a result, the air flowing through the upper space 37 passes through the second closing component 40B, flows between the functional units 19B and 19C, and reaches the lower space 24. This allows the functional units 19B and 19C to be air-cooled from the top surface 19b and side surface 19a of the functional unit 19.

[0055] When the first closing parts 34C, 34D, and 34E are opened, the air that has flowed between the functional unit 19B and the functional unit 19C passes through the first closing parts 34C, 34D, and 34E, then passes between the functional unit 19C and the functional unit 19D, between the functional unit 19D and the functional unit 19E, and between the functional unit 19E and the side wall 14, reaching the upper space 37, and exiting the transport container 11 through the exhaust port 18. This allows the functional units 19C, 19D, and 19E to be air-cooled.

[0056] By closing one of the multiple first closing components 34, the amount of air flowing into the lower space 24 downstream of the closed closing component 34 is reduced. Since the first closing components 34 are provided at each position where a functional unit 19 is placed, the airflow in the lower space 24 can be adjusted as needed. When fewer functional units 19 are placed in the transport container 11 than the maximum number that can be placed in the transport container 11 (when there are empty spaces in the transport container 11), closing the closing component 34 upstream of the empty spaces reduces the airflow to the areas where no functional units 19 are placed (empty spaces). As a result, air can be concentrated on the functional units 19 placed in the transport container 11, thereby improving the cooling performance of the container module 10.

[0057] By opening one of the multiple second closing components 40, air can flow more easily into the upper space 37 downstream of the opened closing component 40. Since the second closing components 40 are provided at each position where a functional unit 19 is placed, the airflow in the upper space 37 can be adjusted as needed. When fewer functional units 19 are placed in the transport container 11 than the maximum number that can be placed in the transport container 11 (when there are empty spaces in the transport container 11), opening the closing component 40 upstream of the empty spaces can reduce air stagnation in the areas where no functional units 19 are placed (empty spaces). As a result, the cooling performance of the container module 10 can be improved.

[0058] The size of the gap 32 connecting the functional units 19 to the lower space 24, and the size of the portion connecting the functional units 19 to the upper space 37, remain constant regardless of whether the first closing component 34 and the second closing component 40 are open or closed. This ensures airflow between the upper space 37 and the lower space 24 via the storage space 36.

[0059] A blower 38 installed in the air intake 17 creates an airflow in the lower space 24 and the upper space 37. The functional unit 19 that generates the most heat (for example, functional unit 19B) is positioned upstream of the functional unit 19 that generates the least heat (for example, functional unit 19C). This promotes the cooling of the functional unit 19B, which generates the most heat.

[0060] Although the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, it can be easily inferred that the present invention is not limited in any way to the above embodiments, and that various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the shapes of the first closing part 34 and the second closing part 40 are examples and can be set as appropriate.

[0061] In this embodiment, a container module 10 that produces combustible products using carbon dioxide obtained from exhaust gas and hydrogen obtained from water as raw materials has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. It is certainly possible to make the container module 10 perform other roles. Examples of other container modules 10 include a module that produces hydrogen and oxygen using water as a raw material, and a module specialized in purifying carbon dioxide from exhaust gas.

[0062] In the embodiment, the case where all functional units 19 have the same height T has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. There may be variations in the height T of the functional units 19. Preferably, the height T of the functional unit 19 is greater than the width W of the functional unit 19.

[0063] In this embodiment, we have described a case in which five functional units 19 are mounted on a transport container 11 that has a platform 21 capable of mounting up to five functional units 19, but this is not necessarily the only example. The number of functional units 19 mounted on the transport container 11 can be appropriately set between two and five units depending on the purpose of the container module 10. There may be empty spaces on the platform 21 of the transport container 11. The maximum number of functional units 19 that can be mounted on the transport container 11 is not limited to five units and can be set arbitrarily. An ISO container designed and manufactured in accordance with ISO standards may be used as the transport container 11.

[0064] In this embodiment, a case has been described in which a roller 31 is provided on a guide 29 located between functional units 19, but the invention is not necessarily limited to this. It is naturally possible to replace the guide 29 with the roller 31 with a rail extending in the front-rear direction. In this case as well, the guide consisting of the rail can be used to restrict the left-right position of the functional units 19 placed on the base 21.

[0065] Furthermore, it is certainly possible to provide at least a portion of the side surface of the rail (guide) with a friction-reducing section made of a material that has a low coefficient of friction with the functional unit 19 and excellent sliding properties. Examples of materials with excellent sliding properties include fluororesin, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and polyacetal resin. In this case as well, the friction-reducing section makes it easier to move the functional unit 19 back and forth along the guide. The rail may also be made of a material with excellent sliding properties.

[0066] In this embodiment, a case was described in which a gap 32 for air flowing through the lower space 24 is provided between the base 21 and the support part 28, but this is not necessarily the only option. It is certainly possible to provide a gap 32 between the floor plate 25 and the base 21, or to create a gap 32 by drilling holes in the floor plate 25 or the support part 28. The size and shape of the gap 32 or hole can be set as appropriate.

[0067] In this embodiment, the case in which the air intake 17 is provided at a position lower than the base 21 on the side wall 14 of the transport container 11 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. The air intake 17 may also be provided on the rear wall 13 or the front door 16. Alternatively, the air intake 17 may be provided at a position higher than the base 21 on the side wall 14, rear wall 13, or front door 16. In this case as well, if the air intake 17 is connected to the lower space 24 provided below the base 21, the outside air taken in from the air intake 17 can be introduced into the lower space 24.

[0068] In this embodiment, the case in which the exhaust port 18 is provided on a side wall 14 different from the side wall 14 on which the intake port 17 is provided has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. It is of course possible to provide the exhaust port 18 on the same side wall 14 as the side wall 14 on which the intake port 17 is provided, or to provide the exhaust port 18 on the rear wall 13, the front door 16, or the roof 15. The exhaust port 18 may also be provided at a position lower than the base 21 on the rear wall 13, side wall 14, or front door 16. If the intake port 17 is provided at a position lower than the base 21 on the side wall 14, it is preferable to provide the exhaust port 18 at a position higher than the base 21 (near the roof 15) on a side wall 14 different from the side wall 14 on which the intake port 17 is provided.

[0069] In this embodiment, a case in which a blower 38 is provided at the intake port 17 has been described, but the invention is not necessarily limited to this. It is certainly possible to provide a blower at the exhaust port 18 to release the air inside the transport container 11 to the outside of the transport container 11 through the exhaust port 18. Alternatively, a blower to take in outside air at the intake port 17 may be provided, as well as a blower to release air at the exhaust port 18.

[0070] In this embodiment, a first closing component 34 is provided in the lower space 24 for each base 21, and a second closing component 40 is provided in the upper space 37 for each base 21. However, the embodiment is not necessarily limited to this. It is certainly possible to omit either the first closing component 34 or the second closing component 40. It is also certainly possible to have fewer first closing components 34 and second closing components 40 than the number of bases 21.

[0071] In the embodiment, the case in which the first partitions 25a and 25b are arranged at the front and rear ends of the base 21 has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this. It is of course possible to provide multiple horizontally continuous first partitions 25a and 25b at intermediate positions under the base 21 that extends front to back, with predetermined intervals between them. In this case as well, a horizontally continuous lower space 24 sandwiched between the multiple first partitions 25a and 25b can be created under the base 21, similar to the embodiment.

[0072] In the embodiment described, a case in which a floor plate 25 is placed on the base 12 has been explained, but the floor plate 25 can be omitted. This is because when the functional unit 19 is placed on the stand 21, the gap between the stand 21 and the stand 21 is closed by the functional unit 19, excluding the gap 32, even without the floor plate 25.

[0073] This disclosure can also be implemented in the following forms:

[0074] [Application Example 1] A container module comprising a transport container and a plurality of functional units housed in the transport container, wherein the transport container has a storage space in which the functional units are arranged with spacing between their sides, and a lower space connected to the bottom of the storage space, A container module comprising an upper space connected to the storage space, wherein the lower space and the upper space extend in the direction in which the functional units are lined up.

[0075] [Application Example 2] A container module according to Application Example 1, comprising a first closing component for adjusting the size of the cross-section of the lower space intersecting in the direction in which the functional units are arranged.

[0076] [Application Example 3] A container module according to application example 1 or 2, further comprising a second closing component for adjusting the size of the cross-section of the upper space intersecting in the direction in which the functional units are arranged.

[0077] [Application Example 4] The container module according to Application Example 1, comprising: a first closing component for adjusting the size of the cross-section of the lower space intersecting in the direction in which the functional units are arranged; and a second closing component for adjusting the size of the cross-section of the upper space intersecting in the direction in which the functional units are arranged.

[0078] [Application Example 5] The container module according to Application Example 4 further comprises a temperature sensor for detecting the internal temperature of the functional unit, wherein the first closing component and the second closing component move based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0079] [Application Example 6] The container module according to application example 4 or 5, wherein the size of the portion connecting the interval between the functional units and the lower space, and the size of the portion connecting the interval between the functional units and the upper space are constant regardless of the movement of the first closing component and the second closing component.

[0080] [Application Example 7] A container module according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6, further comprising ventilation means for creating airflow in the lower space and the upper space, wherein the functional unit with the highest heat generation is positioned upstream of the one with the lowest heat generation.

[0081] [Application Example 8] A container module according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6, further comprising ventilation means for creating airflow in the lower space and the upper space, wherein the ventilation means are an intake port and an exhaust port provided in the transport container, and at least one of the intake port and the exhaust port faces the lower space or the upper space. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 10 Container Modules 11 Shipping containers 17 Air intake 18 Exhaust vents 19, 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, 19E Functional Units 19a side 24 Lower space 34, 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E First closing component 36 Storage Spaces 37 Upper space 39,42 Temperature Sensor 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E Second closing component

Claims

1. A container module comprising a transport container and a plurality of functional units housed in the transport container, The aforementioned transport container has an air intake and an exhaust port, A storage space in which the functional units are arranged with space between their sides, The lower space connected to the storage space, The storage space is provided with an upper space connected to the upper space, At least one of the intake port and the exhaust port faces the lower space or the upper space. The lower space and the upper space extend in the direction in which the functional units are arranged. A container module comprising a first closing component for adjusting the size of the cross-section of the lower space intersecting in the direction in which the functional units are arranged.

2. A container module comprising a transport container and a plurality of functional units housed in the transport container, The aforementioned transport container has an air intake and an exhaust port, A storage space in which the functional units are arranged with space between their sides, The lower space connected to the storage space, The storage space is provided with an upper space connected to the upper space, At least one of the intake port and the exhaust port faces the lower space or the upper space. The lower space and the upper space extend in the direction in which the functional units are arranged. A container module comprising a second closing component for adjusting the size of the cross-section of the upper space intersecting in the direction in which the functional units are arranged.

3. A container module comprising a transport container and a plurality of functional units housed in the transport container, The aforementioned transport container has an air intake and an exhaust port, A storage space in which the functional units are arranged with space between their sides, The lower space connected to the storage space, The storage space is provided with an upper space connected to the upper space, At least one of the intake port and the exhaust port faces the lower space or the upper space. The lower space and the upper space extend in the direction in which the functional units are arranged. A first closing component for adjusting the size of the cross-section of the lower space intersecting in the direction in which the functional units are arranged, A container module comprising: a second closing component for adjusting the size of the cross-section of the upper space intersecting in the direction in which the functional units are arranged.

4. The functional unit further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the internal temperature, The container module according to claim 3, wherein the first closing component and the second closing component are movable based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

5. The container module according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the size of the portion connecting the interval between the functional units and the lower space, and the size of the portion connecting the interval between the functional units and the upper space are constant regardless of the movement of the first closing component and the second closing component.

6. The container module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the functional unit with the highest heat generation is positioned closer to the air intake than the functional unit with the lowest heat generation.

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