Embedded Cargo Temperature Sensing for Refrigeration Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current air temperature sensors in cold chain distribution systems fail to accurately monitor cargo temperatures at the surface or within the cargo, leading to inefficient control of refrigeration systems and potential damage to temperature-sensitive goods.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system that includes temperature sensors associated with the cargo, a refrigeration unit, and a controller that models the thermal mass characteristics of the cargo to optimize refrigeration unit operation, allowing for precise temperature control and monitoring of cargo temperatures, both surface and embedded, using sensors disposed adjacent to or embedded within the cargo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If air temperature sensors are used to monitor cold chain conditions, then the system is simple to operate, but the temperature measurement precision does not reflect actual cargo temperatures at the surface or within the cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is embedded within the cargo itself, nesting the sensing element inside the thermal mass being measured. This allows the sensor to directly measure cargo temperature at the surface or interior without requiring external air temperature sensors, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo acts as an intermediary medium that directly contacts and transfers thermal energy to the embedded sensor. This intermediary approach allows accurate measurement of cargo temperature rather than inferring it from air temperature, resolving the measurement accuracy issue while keeping the system relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If embedded temperature sensors are used in the cargo, then the temperature measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to more complex sensor installation and system management
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo itself serves as the mounting structure for the temperature sensor, eliminating the need for separate sensor installation infrastructure. The sensor embeds directly into the cargo material, allowing the cargo to self-serve as both the object being monitored and the sensor platform, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing additional operational complexity.
3Reliability
If the refrigeration system operates continuously to maintain temperature set point, then the reliability of temperature control improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded temperature sensor provides real-time feedback on actual cargo temperature to the control system. This feedback enables the refrigeration system to operate only when and where cooling is actually needed, adjusting operation based on measured cargo temperature rather than continuous operation, thereby maintaining reliable temperature control while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration system applies cooling partially and locally based on actual cargo temperature needs rather than continuously and uniformly throughout the entire cargo hold. This partial action approach maintains temperature reliability in critical areas while avoiding excessive energy consumption in already-cooled regions.
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 solution enables accurate monitoring and control of cargo temperatures, optimizing refrigeration system efficiency, conserving fuel, and preventing damage to temperature-sensitive goods by utilizing sensors to determine thermal accumulation properties and adjust refrigeration unit operations accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
at least one temperature sensor associated with the cargo to provide at least one temperature associated with the thermal mass
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration unit associated with the volume, and a controller to control the refrigeration unit in response to the at least one temperature associated with the thermal mass
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for use with a volume containing a cargo having a thermal mass includes, at least one temperature sensor associated with the cargo to provide at least one temperature associated with the thermal mass, a refrigeration unit associated with the volume, and a controller to control the refrigeration unit in response to the at least one temperature associated with the thermal mass and a temperature set point, wherein the controller models a temperature characteristic of the thermal mass.