Cryogenic Reefer Power Generation Using Reused Exhaust Gas

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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, while also consuming excessive energy.

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.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gas-powered generator is used to provide electrical power for refrigeration systems, then the power supply is reliable, but the system pollutes the environment and requires frequent refueling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution and carbon footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful waste heat from the refrigeration system into useful electrical energy through a thermoelectric generator. The waste heat, which would otherwise be discarded, is now utilized to generate power, eliminating the need for polluting gas-powered generators while maintaining reliable power supply for the refrigeration system.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigeration system becomes self-sufficient by generating its own electrical power through the thermoelectric generator that utilizes its own waste heat. This eliminates dependence on external gas-powered generators, making the system autonomous and free from pollution and refueling requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If a gas-powered generator is used to support sub-systems in reefer trucks, then the energy supply is sufficient, but the refueling process increases operational complexity and risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supply for sub-systemsVSAvoidrefueling operation and maintenance hassle

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system generates its own electrical power through the thermoelectric generator that converts waste heat into electricity. This eliminates the need for external refueling operations, reducing maintenance complexity and operational risks associated with gas-powered generators while providing sufficient energy for all sub-systems including monitoring electronics, GPS tracking, and temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional refrigeration systems are used, then the cooling function is reliable, but the energy consumption is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling function reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption for refrigeration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the waste heat generated by the refrigeration system into useful electrical energy through a thermoelectric generator. This reduces the overall energy consumption by utilizing what would otherwise be wasted thermal energy, while maintaining the reliability of the cooling function.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the thermal parameters by capturing waste heat at elevated temperatures and converting it into electrical energy, thereby reducing the net energy input required for refrigeration operations while maintaining reliable cooling performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system provides a non-polluting, self-sustaining power source for refrigeration, reducing energy consumption, minimizing maintenance, and eliminating noise and emissions, while maintaining precise temperature control and enhancing operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a heat engine to store content at a predetermined temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat engine: Heat Engine

Implementation Method 2

having one or more insulated pipes thermally coupled to the heat engine to cool the heat engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

an on-board power generator to supply operating power to the controller and the one or more fans

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9303905B2Self generating power generator for cryogenic systems

Publication Date: 2016.04.05 REFLECT SCIENTIFIC INC

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.