Cargo container with cooling device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for cooling component test benches and battery storage systems are complex and require efficient, reliable, and safe cooling methods.

Innovation Solution

A freight container equipped with an integrated cooling device, including a coolant, heat pump, and heat exchanger, which can be converted from air-only to air/brine operation, ensuring safe and efficient cooling of technical devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing cooling solutions are used for component test benches and battery storage systems, then cooling function is provided, but device complexity increases and costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling reliabilityVSAvoidcooling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cooling device with the container structure itself, integrating the coolant reservoir, heat exchanger, and circulation system into the container walls and floor. This merging of cooling functionality with the container structure eliminates the need for separate cooling systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable cooling for test benches and battery storage systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as structural housing and as an integrated cooling system. The container structure simultaneously provides mechanical support, thermal insulation, and active cooling through the integrated coolant circulation system, reducing the need for additional dedicated cooling equipment and simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard containers are converted to refrigerated containers, then cooling capability is added, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling adaptabilityVSAvoidcontainer manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is segmented into modular components including the coolant reservoir, heat exchanger units, and circulation pumps that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows for flexible integration into standard containers without requiring complete structural redesign, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving cooling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container cooling system is designed with dynamic adaptability, allowing the cooling capacity to be adjusted based on the specific requirements of different applications (test benches, battery storage). The system can be configured with varying coolant volumes and heat exchanger sizes to match different thermal loads, providing versatility without mandating a fixed complex design for all applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If flammable refrigerants are used in the cooling device, then cooling efficiency improves, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidexplosion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a double bottom structure as an intermediary safety feature between the flammable refrigerant and the container interior. This double bottom acts as a containment barrier and includes gas extraction capabilities, serving as a mediator that allows the use of efficient flammable refrigerants while mitigating explosion risks through passive safety design and active gas removal systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential harm of flammable refrigerant leakage into a benefit by implementing sensor-based detection and automated response systems. When refrigerant leakage is detected, the system automatically activates extraction fans and ventilation, transforming the harmful leakage event into a controlled situation where the refrigerant is safely removed, thereby enabling the use of high-efficiency flammable refrigerants while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution provides simple, effective, and safe cooling of technical equipment, enabling flexible use in mobile test benches and decentralized battery storage systems, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

The cooling device may include at least one heat pump and/or at least one heat exchanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

cooling a coolant (for cooling the technical device)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the coolant is passed through and/or past the technical device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4686794A1Cargo container with cooling device

Publication Date: 2026.02.04 IPETRONIK GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a container for cooling a technical device, in particular a test bench for a technical component, preferably for a compressor, and/or a battery storage device, comprising providing a freight container and integrating a cooling device (12) for cooling a coolant into the freight container.