Freight Container Air Conditioning Unit Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Freight containers for temperature-sensitive cargo face challenges in maximizing cargo capacity while maintaining climate control, as integrated air conditioning and power sources often occupy valuable space due to size constraints.
Innovation Solution
The design positions the air conditioning unit partially above the cargo floor and fuel tank, with components such as the generator integrated into the air conditioning unit and batteries for efficient space utilization, allowing for a larger cargo area while maintaining climate control within standard container dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large fuel tank and integrated air conditioning unit are added to the container, then climate control capability is improved, but cargo space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning unit is positioned partially above the fuel tank, with components nested vertically to utilize three-dimensional space efficiently. The generator is integrated into the air conditioning unit, and batteries are placed within cavities formed by the L-shaped fuel tank, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization without compromising cargo capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning unit is arranged in a vertical configuration above the cargo floor, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than occupying horizontal cargo space. The unit extends upward from the cargo floor level, allowing cargo to be placed on the floor below while maintaining climate control functionality
2Volume of moving object
If the air conditioning unit is placed against the front wall, then space utilization is improved, but door operation may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning unit is positioned at a specific location against the front wall where it does not interfere with door operation. The unit is placed in a zone that optimizes space utilization while maintaining clear access for door movement, creating a localized arrangement that satisfies both space and operational requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If the container maintains standard outer dimensions, then interoperability is improved, but internal space for equipment is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
Equipment components are nested within each other and within the container's vertical space. The air conditioning unit contains the generator, which contains the batteries, all arranged within the standard container dimensions. The L-shaped fuel tank creates cavities that accommodate additional equipment, maximizing equipment integration within constrained space
Solution Approach 2:
Equipment is arranged vertically above the cargo floor rather than horizontally, utilizing the vertical dimension within standard container height limits. This vertical arrangement preserves horizontal cargo space while accommodating all necessary equipment within standard interoperable dimensions
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 enables the transportation of at least 33 Euro-pallets in a 45-foot container, maintaining temperature and humidity control for extended periods without compromising cargo space, and includes a method for battery charging to prevent discharge during non-essential air conditioning periods.
Implementation Method 1
The air conditioning unit can be arranged for conditioning the temperature of air in the container, e.g. in order to facilitate that the temperature of goods transported by the container can be kept substantially below a predetermined maximum temperature
Implementation Method 2
The container further comprises a generator for powering the air conditioning unit
Implementation Method 3
The container further comprises a fuel tank for supplying the generator with fuel, especially diesel
Data Source
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AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure provides a freight container (100) for transporting cargo (5), especially temperature sensitive cargo. The container comprises a container body (24) enclosing a cargo space (25) for storing the cargo (5). The container (100) further comprises an air conditioning unit (7) arranged for controlling a temperature and/or humidity in the cargo space. At least part the air conditioning unit (7) is suspended above a cargo floor (3) of the cargo space. A further aspect relates to a method for transporting cargo. The method comprises at least partly charging a battery by means of a generator also at a moment when there is no need to alter the air property of the air inside the container.