Grid Storage Cooling Layout Without Movable Insulating Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face inefficiencies in temperature control due to the need to move insulating covers to access storage containers, which slows down operations and requires additional container handling vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage and retrieval system with an integrated cooler system that draws air from beneath the storage columns, cools it, and releases it below the horizontal rails, eliminating the need for lids/covers and allowing simultaneous cooling of multiple storage volumes to different temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If insulating covers are used to maintain temperature in storage columns, then temperature control is improved, but operational speed decreases due to the need to move covers during container access
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into thermally isolated zones using vertical insulation panels between adjacent storage columns. This segmentation allows each column to maintain independent temperature control without requiring movable covers, as the insulation is permanently integrated into the structural framework between columns.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation function is extracted from movable covers and integrated into the fixed structural framework of the storage system. The vertical insulation panels are permanently attached to the upright members, separating the thermal control function from the container access operation.
2Ease of operation
If insulating covers are moved during container access, then container retrieval is enabled, but additional container handling vehicles are required to manage the covers
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation function is extracted from movable covers and integrated into the fixed structural framework. This eliminates the need for separate vehicles to manage covers, as the thermal protection is permanently in place and does not interfere with container access operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation panels are merged with the structural framework upright members, creating an integrated system where the support structure also provides thermal isolation. This combination eliminates the need for separate cover management systems.
3Device complexity
If a single cooling system is used for the entire storage volume, then system simplicity is maintained, but precise temperature control for different storage needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent cooling zones, with each zone serving specific storage columns that require particular temperature conditions. This allows different temperatures to be maintained in different sections while using relatively simple cooling units.
Solution Approach 2:
Different temperature conditions are provided in different locations within the storage system. Each cooling zone is optimized for the specific storage requirements of its associated columns, allowing local temperature customization without requiring a completely complex system architecture.
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 enhances operational efficiency by reducing retrieval times and freeing up container handling vehicles, while maintaining precise temperature control for various storage needs without disrupting the container handling process.
Implementation Method 1
a cooler system adapted to draw air from the void, cool the air, and release the cooled air into an air release area arranged below the horizontal rails
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automated grid-based storage and retrieval system. The system comprising a framework structure comprising upright members and a grid of horizontal rails provided at upper ends of the upright members, the framework structure defining at least one storage volume below the horizontal rails. The storage volume comprising a plurality of storage columns arranged adjacent one another, a plurality of walls surrounding the at least one storage volume, a void extending beneath the storage columns and a cooler system adapted to draw air from the void, cool the air, and release the cooled air into an air release area arranged below the horizontal rails. The cooler system is arranged within an cooler enclosure arranged inside the plurality of walls and adjacent the plurality of storage columns, the cooler enclosure comprising at least one opening from the void for the cooler system to draw air from the void, and further comprising a conduit for releasing the cooled air in the air release area.