Active controlled atmosphere systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controlled atmosphere systems are inflexible and unable to tailor atmospheric conditions to the specific needs of different types of perishable goods, which affects the ripening process and shelf-life during transportation.
Innovation Solution
An active controlled atmosphere system with multiple gas exchange modules and a control module that selects operational modes based on predetermined atmospheric control logics, allowing for independent regulation of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels according to the nature of the goods stored, using sensors to measure and adjust gas concentrations and respiration rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If passive controlled atmosphere systems are used, then carbon dioxide levels can be reduced, but oxygen levels cannot be reduced and system flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate gas exchange modules - one for oxygen removal and one for carbon dioxide removal - allowing independent control of each gas component. This segmentation enables the system to address both gas regulation needs while maintaining flexibility through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed to manage multiple gas exchange modules with different functional capabilities (oxygen removal and carbon dioxide removal). This multi-functional control system can adapt to various atmospheric control requirements by selectively activating appropriate modules based on the specific needs of different goods types.
2Reliability
If existing controlled atmosphere systems are used, then atmospheric control is achieved, but flexibility to accommodate different goods types is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control logic that can be selected and adjusted based on the specific requirements of different goods types. The control module adapts operational parameters and module activation dynamically rather than using fixed settings, enabling reliable atmospheric control across diverse cargo types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in operational parameters by selecting different control logics suited to different goods characteristics. This parameter adaptability maintains reliable atmospheric control while accommodating varying respiratory rates and atmospheric requirements of different perishable goods.
3Measurement precision
If multiple gas exchange modules are used, then precise atmospheric control is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module receives feedback from atmospheric sensors monitoring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and automatically adjusts the operation of gas exchange modules accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise atmospheric control while simplifying operation through automated regulation rather than manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages the complex coordination of multiple gas exchange modules based on atmospheric conditions and selected control logic. The system serves itself by autonomously determining when and how to activate each module, reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining precise control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for operating an active controlled atmosphere (CA) system to regulate the atmosphere in a cargo storage space. The controlled atmosphere system comprises: a plurality of gas exchange modules, each being operable to vary the level of a respective component gas in the cargo storage space, and/or at least one gas exchange module operable in a plurality of different modes to vary the level of a respective component gas in the cargo storage space; and a control module configured to control operation of each gas exchange module according to a plurality of different predetermined atmospheric control logics. Each atmospheric control logic defines operational gas exchange modules and/or operational modes for use over respective operational ranges of atmospheric conditions, and each atmospheric control logic is configured to cause operation of a different combination of gas exchange modules and/or modes over a comparable operational range, independently of any setpoints for gas component levels. The method comprises: the control module selecting an operational atmospheric control logic from the plurality of different predetermined atmospheric control logics for atmospheric control of the cargo storage space; and the control module controlling operation of each gas exchange module dependent on the selected operational atmospheric control logic to regulate the atmosphere in the cargo storage space.