Movable Genset Cooling Device for Container Ventilation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gensets operated in containers face reduced performance due to dense packing, limiting ventilation and cooling efficiency, leading to derated operation and increased costs per kilowatt of electrical power generated.

Innovation Solution

A movable cooling device system that can transition between a fully enclosed position within the container for transport and a partially external position for operation, allowing improved airflow and cooling efficiency, with a receiving device for forklift insertion and rail-based movement, and a control cabinet that can also be moved between fully and partially external positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the genset is packed densely in a single container with all operation components, then transport logistics are simplified and container utilization is maximized, but the free flow cross sections and ventilation paths are limited, reducing cooling efficiency and genset output performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenset output performanceVSAvoidcontainer packing density
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling device is designed with movable mounting means that allow it to be positioned in different locations within the container. This dynamic positioning capability enables optimization of airflow paths and cooling efficiency while maintaining compact packaging. The cooling device can be moved to access different ventilation zones and adjust to various operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes the third dimension (vertical space and depth) within the container more effectively. By arranging components vertically and utilizing wall-mounted configurations, the design creates adequate airflow cross-sections without increasing the container's footprint. This dimensional optimization allows sufficient ventilation space while maintaining dense packing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the genset is packed densely in a single container with all operation components, then transport logistics are simplified, but the distance to the next object in the flow path is limited, further restricting effective ventilation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation effectivenessVSAvoidcontainer internal volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The container interior is segmented into functional zones with dedicated airflow paths. The cooling device is positioned to create separate intake and exhaust zones, ensuring adequate distance between opposing surfaces. This segmentation allows efficient ventilation while maintaining compact overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Airflow guides or ducts are introduced as intermediary elements to direct air streams between the genset and container walls. These intermediaries extend the effective ventilation path without requiring additional physical space, overcoming the limitation of restricted distance in densely packed containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If compromises are made in cooling due to dense packing, then the genset must be operated at lower outputs (derated), but this increases costs per kilowatt of electrical power generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost per kilowattVSAvoidcooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling device is pre-positioned and pre-configured during container assembly to optimize airflow paths from the outset. Air intake openings and exhaust paths are established in advance, ensuring maximum cooling efficiency is achieved before the genset begins operation, thereby preventing derating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If a separate cooling unit is built at the facility, then cooling requirements are met, but costs and logistical effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelogistical effortVSAvoidcooling system integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling device is integrated with the genset assembly as a unified system. The mounting means are incorporated into the genset's structural framework, and the cooling components share space and resources with other genset elements. This merging eliminates the need for separate cooling units at the facility while maintaining effective cooling functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances cooling efficiency and operational performance of gensets by optimizing airflow and reducing logistical and operational costs through improved ventilation and reduced need for separate cooling units.

Implementation Method 1

The cooling device (3) consists of a radiator (5) and a fan (6)... Cooling air is moved through the radiator (5) by the fan (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3292285B1Arrangement comprising a genset and a container
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 GE JENBACHER GMBH & CO OG
  • EP3292285B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3292285B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3292285B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Arrangement comprising a genset (1) and a container (2) in which the genset (1) is arranged, wherein the arrangement further comprises a cooling device (3), and the genset (1) can be cooled by the cooling device (3) in the operating state of the genset (1), wherein the cooling device (3) can be moved between a first position, in which the cooling device (3) is arranged fully within the container (2), and a second position, in which at least one part of the cooling device (3) is at least partially outside the container (2), wherein the genset (1) can be put into the operating state thereof if the cooling device (3) is in the second position.