Hybrid mobile shellfish cooling system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for oysters face challenges in maintaining uniform temperature distribution, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability, particularly in oyster aquaculture, where temperature control is crucial to inhibit vibrio growth and reduce energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid shellfish cooling system utilizing both DC and AC cooling units powered by solar energy and electricity, with a specially configured divider for optimized airflow, achieving uniform temperature distribution and reducing energy consumption by integrating waste-heat and solar energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional refrigeration systems are used to cool oysters, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption is high and environmental harm is caused through refrigerant emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines absorption refrigeration technology with heat exchange systems to create a hybrid cooling system that uses waste heat or solar energy as the driving force, eliminating the need for conventional compressors and refrigerants while maintaining effective oyster cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts waste heat or solar energy into useful cooling effect through absorption refrigeration cycles, transforming available thermal energy into a beneficial cooling source while avoiding the environmental harm of conventional refrigerants
2Temperature
If conventional refrigeration systems are used to cool oysters, then temperature control is achieved, but environmental harm is caused through refrigerant emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts waste heat or solar energy into useful cooling effect through absorption refrigeration cycles, transforming available thermal energy into a beneficial cooling source while avoiding the environmental harm of conventional refrigerants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical compression-based refrigeration systems with absorption refrigeration technology that uses thermal energy and chemical absorption processes, eliminating the need for harmful synthetic refrigerants
3Temperature
If ice is used as a cooling medium for oysters, then cooling is achieved, but temperature uniformity is poor and oyster quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an absorption refrigeration system as an intermediary that provides controlled cooling through a regulated thermal process, avoiding direct ice contact while maintaining stable, uniform temperatures that protect oyster quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system precisely controls cooling parameters through absorption refrigeration cycles, maintaining optimal temperature ranges and uniformity that prevent oyster shell gaping and quality deterioration while achieving effective cooling
4Power
If conventional refrigeration systems are deployed on fishing boats, then cooling capacity is achieved, but device size and weight constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates absorption refrigeration components with available boat infrastructure such as heat exchangers and storage spaces, combining multiple functions into a compact system that delivers adequate cooling capacity without excessive size or weight
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with multi-functionality, using components that serve multiple purposes (e.g., heat exchangers that also act as structural elements, integrated storage and cooling zones), reducing overall system complexity and space requirements while maintaining cooling capacity
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 effectively maintains oysters at a temperature of 7.2°C within 150 minutes, meeting regulatory requirements, while reducing energy consumption by 49.5-67.4% and utilizing renewable solar energy, thus enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of oyster cooling processes.
Implementation Method 1
A hybrid shellfish cooling system configured in accordance with certain aspects of the invention employs a combination of waste-heat, solar energy, and electricity
Implementation Method 2
The system effectively maintains oysters at a temperature of 7.2°C within 150 minutes
Implementation Method 3
the hybrid cooling system is equipped with a specially configured divider that optimizes airflow through the refrigerator interior cabinet to achieve uniform temperature distribution
Implementation Method 4
employs a combination of waste-heat, solar energy, and electricity along with innovative control strategies to reduce environmental problems, optimize the energy efficiency, and enhance overall coefficient of performance
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid shellfish cooling system employs DC and AC cooling units using both solar power and AC electrical supply as energy sources. As temperature control and uniform temperature distribution in the cooling system are critical factors in reducing vibrio growth on raw oysters and reducing energy consumption, the system is equipped with a divider that optimizes airflow through the cooling system interior cabinet to achieve uniform temperature distribution in six individual internal compartments. Tests indicated that an average of 130 min. cooling was required to reach the suggested oyster temperatures of 7.2° C. and meet the cooling time requirement (i.e., 10 h or less). Airflow is further optimized via fan location and airflow direction, whereby configuration of a circulation fan on a lower part of the 12-volt DC section with an air supply from the 12-volt DC section to the 110-volt AC section achieves relatively uniform temperature distribution.