Hybrid Transport Refrigeration System with Multi-Mode Eutectic Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport refrigeration systems lack efficient and flexible cooling solutions for maintaining optimal temperature and humidity in cargo spaces during transportation, particularly in scenarios where noise and emissions regulations restrict the operation of conventional refrigeration units.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid refrigeration system utilizing an eutectic device connected to independent cooling fluid circuits, with a controller that selects from multiple cooling modes (manual, automatic, dynamic, and preset) to direct refrigerant and cooling fluids through various circuits, allowing for efficient temperature control without generating substantial noise or emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional refrigeration units are used to cool cargo spaces, then cooling function is provided, but noise and emissions are generated which violate environmental regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful combustion components from the cooling system by using an absorption refrigerator that operates on chemical absorption principles rather than combustion engines, eliminating noise and emissions while maintaining the cooling function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system with a chemical absorption system, where refrigerant circulation is achieved through chemical absorption and desorption processes rather than mechanical compressors, thereby eliminating mechanical noise and emissions
2Temperature
If conventional refrigeration units operate continuously to maintain temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cooling the cargo space using the absorption refrigerator before the main refrigeration cycle begins, and by pre-chilling the refrigerant in the storage tank, reducing the energy required during active cooling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action through the cyclic nature of the absorption refrigerator operation, where refrigerant is periodically absorbed and desorbed, creating oscillating cooling effects that maintain temperature with intermittent rather than continuous energy input
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cooling systems are used to provide flexible cooling options, then cooling versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the absorption refrigerator to serve multiple functions: it can operate as a standalone cooling system, as a supplement to traditional refrigeration, or as a heat source for other processes, reducing the need for separate specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the absorption refrigerator system with the traditional refrigeration system into a hybrid configuration, where both systems share common components such as the cargo space and control systems, achieving versatility without proportional increase in complexity
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 hybrid system enables faster and more precise temperature control in cargo spaces, reducing noise and emissions, and can operate without conventional refrigeration units, ensuring perishable goods are maintained at setpoint temperatures while adhering to environmental regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) having a refrigerant circuit for directing a refrigerant fluid through the TRU and capable of directing the refrigerant fluid to the eutectic device for cooling the eutectic medium
Implementation Method 2
a cooling fluid circuit in thermal contact with the eutectic medium, the cooling fluid circuit configured to direct a cooling fluid to be in thermal contact with the eutectic medium
Implementation Method 3
an eutectic device including an eutectic medium
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a transport refrigeration system (TRS) for refrigeration of a transport unit is disclosed. The TRS includes a TRS controller connected to the TRS for operating the TRS, a eutectic device including a eutectic medium, a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) having a refrigerant circuit for directing a refrigerant fluid there through, and a cooling fluid circuit in thermal contact with the eutectic medium for directing a cooling fluid to be in thermal contact with the eutectic medium. The method includes the TRS controller receiving a selection of a cooling mode for the TRS, and cooling an inside of a transport unit according to the cooling mode selected. The cooling includes one or more of a first cooling type and a second cooling type. The cooling mode for the TRS includes a manual cooling mode, a local automatic cooling mode, a dynamic cooling mode, and a preset cooling mode.