Cold storage and a method of operating it
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold storages for ultra-low temperatures face challenges in maintaining uniform temperature distribution and continuous operation, especially during defrosting cycles, which can disrupt temperature stability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cold storage system with dual evaporator chambers and independent cooling systems, each with a controller to manage refrigerant flow, allowing one system to operate actively while the other defrosts, ensuring continuous operation and efficient temperature control through staged cooling and heating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of temperature sensors are distributed throughout the cold storage to accurately detect temperatures in different zones, then temperature monitoring accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by making the single temperature sensor capable of measuring temperatures at multiple locations through movement. The sensor unit is designed to be relocated to different positions within the cold storage, allowing one sensor to perform the function of multiple fixed sensors would have provided, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining monitoring accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by transitioning from a static sensing system to a dynamic one. The temperature sensor is equipped with a movable mounting structure that allows it to be repositioned to different locations within the cold storage. This dynamic capability enables comprehensive temperature monitoring across multiple zones using a single sensor, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Device complexity
If the temperature sensor is fixed in one location, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to monitor temperatures in different zones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by providing the temperature sensor with a movable mounting structure that enables repositioning to different locations within the cold storage. This dynamic design allows the sensor to adapt to various monitoring needs and cover multiple zones, thereby maintaining versatility without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by designing the mounting structure to enable easy self-repositioning of the temperature sensor. The structure allows operators to independently move and reinstall the sensor at different locations without requiring complex tools or procedures, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving multi-zone monitoring capability
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
Ensures continuous operation and efficient temperature maintenance by alternating active and defrosting evaporators, maintaining subcritical operation and reducing energy consumption through redundant systems and smart refrigerant management.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system for removing heat from the interior of the cold storage
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A cold storage (1) comprising a compartment (2), a first evaporator chamber in fluid communication with the compartment, a second evaporator chamber in fluid communication with the compartment, a first cooling system and a second cooling system, each cooling system comprising a compressor unit, a condenser structure, a first evaporator, a second evaporator, and a controller configured to control flow of refrigerant from the condenser structure to one or both of the first and second evaporators. To allow full operation with one of the two cooling systems and thereby preserve the other cooling system as a spare system, the first evaporators are arranged in the first evaporator chamber, and the second evaporators are arranged in the second evaporator chamber, allowing both chambers to be operated with each of the two cooling systems.