Cooling facility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Facilities with temperature-controlled storage units reliant on electric mains power supplies connected to power plants are limited in their ability to operate independently, especially in remote locations without access to such power sources.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an engine-driven compressor unit and electric generator within the facility's operating system, allowing for a local energy supply system that includes both electric and heat sources, enabling self-sufficiency and operation independent of the power plant-supplied mains power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the facility uses electric mains power supply system powered by a power plant, then the operating system can maintain defined temperature in storage volume, but the facility cannot operate independently in remote locations without access to mains power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compressor unit and generator unit into a single integrated operating system that can function as both a cooling system and a power generation system. This merging allows the facility to operate independently by generating its own electricity while maintaining temperature control, resolving the contradiction between reliable temperature control and independent operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating system is designed with multi-functionality, where the engine can drive both the compressor unit for cooling and the generator unit for power generation. This universal design enables the facility to adapt to different operating conditions - it can function as a traditional cooled storage facility when connected to mains power, or as an independent facility with self-generated power in remote locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the facility incorporates an engine-driven compressor unit and generator for independent operation, then the facility can operate independently in remote locations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the compressor unit and generator unit into a single integrated operating system driven by a common engine, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems. The shared engine and integrated control architecture simplify the system while maintaining independent operation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the generator unit feeds electric power to the local electric mains power supply system, then the facility can power building equipment, office equipment, and production equipment, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator unit is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can power the compressor unit, feed electricity to the local mains power supply system for building/office/production equipment, and operate in different modes (generation mode, motor mode, or idle mode). This multi-functionality enables comprehensive electric power supply capability while using a single versatile component rather than multiple specialized systems.
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
Enables facilities to operate independently using local energy sources, providing both electric power and heat, enhancing their versatility and applicability to various private or commercial settings, including building and production equipment, while optimizing energy use through integrated heat exchanger and engine cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
said engine being a combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
compressor unit for compressing refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
internal heat exchanger arranged in said tempering unit
Implementation Method 4
external heat exchanger
Implementation Method 5
electric generator unit, mechanically coupled to said engine
Data Source
AI summary
A facility has a storage unit comprising a housing enclosing a storage volume for receiving goods and/or equipment. It comprises an operating system provided with a tempering unit associated with the storage volume for maintaining a defined or set temperature in the storage volume. The operating system is provided with a refrigerant circuit comprising an internal heat exchanger, arranged in the tempering unit, an external heat exchanger as well as a compressor unit for compressing refrigerant. The operating system is provided with an engine for driving said compressor unit as an independent power source and an electric generator unit mechanically coupled to said engine. The compressor unit and/or the generator unit are driven by the engine independent power source, with the operating system connected to a local energy supply system of said facility to provide a local electric mains power supply system connected to the electric generator unit.