Air Cargo Temperature Control With Multi-Circuit Battery Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature control systems for cargo carriers face challenges in maintaining precise temperature and humidity levels during transportation, especially when external power is not readily available, and existing systems lack efficient autonomous operation and adaptive control modes.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control system comprising a refrigeration circuit with a compressor, evaporator coil, and condenser, along with a controller that operates in cooling, heating, and defrost modes based on sensor data, and includes a battery pack for independent operation and an on-board charger for external power recharging, allowing for extended use without external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a temperature control system operates without external power sources, then autonomous operation capability is improved, but energy supply duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides power supply into multiple independent battery cells (first battery cell, second battery cell, third battery cell) that can operate independently and be recharged separately, extending the overall energy supply duration while maintaining autonomous operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a rechargeable battery pack with on-board chargers that can recover energy from external power sources when available, converting discarded external power into stored energy for future autonomous operation, thus extending energy supply duration
2Measurement precision
If multiple refrigeration circuits operate simultaneously, then temperature control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically manages the operation of multiple refrigeration circuits based on real-time temperature sensor data, activating only the circuits needed for current temperature control requirements, thus maintaining precision while reducing unnecessary energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting compressor speeds and refrigerant flow distribution across multiple circuits based on load conditions, maintaining temperature precision while optimizing energy consumption through variable operation modes
3Measurement precision
If sensors are distributed throughout the system, then temperature monitoring accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions by processing data from distributed temperature sensors, managing multiple refrigeration circuits, controlling battery charging/discharging, and implementing defrost cycles, thereby maintaining temperature monitoring accuracy without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where temperature sensors continuously monitor conditions and feed data back to the controller, which automatically adjusts refrigeration circuit operation to maintain desired temperatures, achieving high monitoring accuracy through a standardized feedback mechanism rather than complex independent control for each sensor
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively maintains desired temperature and humidity levels in cargo spaces, ensuring the preservation of perishables and industrial products during transport, even when not connected to external power, by using a battery-powered refrigeration system with adaptive control modes.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration circuit extending between a compressor, an evaporator coil, and a condenser
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration circuit extending between a compressor, an evaporator coil, and a condenser
Implementation Method 3
a refrigeration circuit extending between a compressor, an evaporator coil, and a condenser
Implementation Method 4
The temperature control system can also include a battery and an on-board charger for recharging the battery using an external power supply
Implementation Method 5
an on-board charger for recharging the battery using an external power supply
Data Source
AI summary
An air cargo container temperature control system and method utilizing multiple refrigeration circuits and a controller that activates one or more of the refrigeration circuits in various modes to maintain temperature control. Each of the refrigeration circuits comprises a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator all in fluid communication to form each refrigeration circuit. Additionally, heating elements are positioned in an evaporator cell for heating load space air and/or defrosting evaporator coils. The system is also provided with a battery pack having a transformer and battery chargers for charging corresponding battery cells by transforming power from an external source. The method compares a measured temperature to a set point temperature and activates one or more refrigeration circuits depending on the temperature difference.