Cryogenic Power Generator Using Exhaust Gas Reuse for Reefer Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration systems in reefer trucks rely on gas-powered generators, which pollute the environment and require frequent refueling, posing risks to temperature-controlled cargo and increasing carbon footprints, especially in environmentally sensitive and temperature-critical applications like biomedical transport.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic system that utilizes a heat engine, cryogenic storage, and an on-board power generator to recycle exhaust gases for electricity production, eliminating the need for external power sources and reducing environmental impact by using the natural thermal properties of effluent gases to generate electricity, thereby powering refrigeration units in a non-polluting manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a gas-powered generator is used to provide electrical power for refrigeration systems, then the system can operate independently without external power sources, but the system pollutes the environment and increases carbon footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful exhaust gases (CO2, CO, NOx) produced by the refrigeration system into useful electrical energy through a fuel cell. The fuel cell receives these exhaust gases and uses them as fuel to generate electricity, which powers the refrigeration system. This transforms the harmful pollution into a beneficial energy source, eliminating the need for separate fuel sources while reducing environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by using its own exhaust gases as fuel for the fuel cell, which generates electricity to power the refrigeration system. This self-sustaining approach eliminates the need for external fuel sources or grid connection, making the system independent while environmentally friendly.
2Reliability
If a gas-powered generator is used for electrical power, then the system can maintain temperature control, but the system requires periodic refueling which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system uses its own exhaust gases as fuel for the fuel cell, eliminating the need for periodic refueling. The system is self-sustaining, drawing fuel from its own operational byproducts, which simplifies operation and reduces maintenance requirements while maintaining reliable temperature control.
3Temperature
If conventional refrigeration systems are used, then the system can cool cargo, but the system generates noise and pollution that affect surrounding environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful exhaust gases into useful electrical energy through the fuel cell, eliminating the need for separate fuel sources and reducing environmental pollution. The system maintains effective cargo cooling while significantly reducing harmful emissions and noise by using electric motors driven by the fuel cell instead of combustion engines.
4Reliability
If the gas-powered generator runs out of fuel, then the system fails to maintain temperature control, but the risk of catastrophic failure can be eliminated by using an alternative power source
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own exhaust gases as a continuous fuel source for the fuel cell, eliminating the risk of fuel depletion. As long as the refrigeration system is operating and producing exhaust gases, the fuel cell has a continuous supply of fuel to generate electricity, ensuring uninterrupted temperature control and eliminating catastrophic failure risks.
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 system provides a self-sustaining, environmentally friendly power solution that reduces carbon emissions, eliminates noise and pollution, and enhances reliability by leveraging the enthalpic potential of refrigerated air, ensuring consistent temperature control without external electrical power, thus addressing the limitations of conventional diesel engines.
Implementation Method 1
uses the natural thermal properties of the effluent as a generator fuel. The exhaust gas is used to turn a turbine type generator
Implementation Method 2
a cryogenic storage unit to store cryogen and having one or more insulated pipes thermally coupled to the heat engine to cool the heat engine
Implementation Method 3
one or more insulated pipes thermally coupled to the heat engine to cool the heat engine
Implementation Method 4
an on-board power generator to supply operating power to the controller and the one or more fans
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic system to remove energy includes a heat engine to store content at a predetermined temperature; one or more fans to deliver air flow through the heat engine; a cryogenic storage unit to store cryogen and having one or more insulated pipes thermally coupled to the heat engine to cool the heat engine; one or more reuse pipes coupled to one or more insulated pipes to send a portion of cryogen gas flow back to the cryogenic storage for reuse; a controller to maintain the predetermined temperature; and an on-board power generator to supply operating power to the controller and the one or more fans.