Transport Refrigeration Condenser Fan Placement for In-Motion Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport refrigeration systems experience reduced fan and blower efficiency when in motion, affecting heat exchange efficiency in the condenser and evaporator compartments.
Innovation Solution
The condenser exhaust fan is positioned at the bottom portion of the condenser compartment, blowing air downward and out of the unit, with the evaporator airflow directed downward, and the entire condenser compartment is positioned in an air gap between the tractor and transport unit, maintaining airflow efficiency during motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the condenser exhaust fan is positioned in a conventional location, then the structure is simpler, but fan efficiency decreases when the TRU is in motion
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser exhaust fan is repositioned from a conventional horizontal or side-mounted location to the bottom portion of the condenser compartment, utilizing the vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows the fan to take advantage of the air gap between the tractor and transport unit, maintaining efficient airflow even when the TRU is in motion, thereby resolving the contradiction between fan efficiency and positioning complexity.
2Productivity
If the TRU is positioned in an air gap between tractor and transport unit, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but airflow patterns become more complex when in motion
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom portion of the condenser compartment is specifically designed to utilize the air gap environment between the tractor and transport unit. By localizing the condenser and exhaust fan assembly to this specific region with favorable airflow characteristics, the system maximizes heat exchange efficiency while the downward airflow direction simplifies the overall airflow pattern rather than complicating it.
3Productivity
If the fan blows air in a downward direction, then airflow efficiency is maintained when in motion, but the structural configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust fan is oriented to blow air in a downward direction, utilizing the vertical dimension and the air gap space below the TRU. This vertical airflow configuration maintains efficiency when the TRU is in motion by directing exhaust air into the air gap rather than against the airflow patterns created by vehicle movement, while the structural complexity is managed by integrating the fan into the bottom portion of the condenser compartment.
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
This configuration maintains airflow efficiency comparable to stationary conditions, enhancing the overall heat exchange efficiency of the transport refrigeration unit when in motion.
Implementation Method 1
A fan and/or blower can be used to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the environment when the refrigerant is in the condenser and the evaporator by creating airflow through the condenser and the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
In the condenser, the compressed refrigerant can release heat to the environment
Implementation Method 3
The refrigerant can then flow into the evaporator to absorb heat from air in a space to be cooled
Data Source
AI summary
A transport refrigeration unit (TRU) for a transport refrigeration system (TRS) is described. The TRU can be configured to have an upper compartment to accommodate a compressor and an engine, and a condenser compartment that is generally positioned below the upper comportment. The condenser compartment can include a condenser and a fan at a bottom portion of the condenser compartment. The fan can be configured to blow air out of the condenser compartment in a downward direction from the bottom portion of the condenser compartment. The TRU can also have an evaporator compartment that is generally positioned behind the condenser compartment. The evaporator compartment can accommodate an evaporator that is generally positioned below the upper compartment. The evaporator compartment can have an air inlet and an air outlet that is positioned higher than the air outlet. In operation, airflow through the evaporator compartment is directed in a downward direction.