Insulated Thermal Vehicle Cell With Autonomous Electric Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal vehicles with temperature-controlled, thermally insulated cells rely on fossil fuels for temperature control, which is not suitable for applications where combustion gas emission is undesirable, such as in electromobility scenarios due to emission protection concerns.

Innovation Solution

A thermal vehicle equipped with an electrically operable temperature control device and an autonomous, self-sufficient power supply system that is independent of vehicle resources and emission-free, allowing for continuous temperature control without external electrical energy, featuring a rechargeable battery arrangement or fuel cell for power, and a thermally insulating design with a compact and fire-retardant structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a thermal vehicle uses a conventional temperature control device operated with fossil fuels, then the temperature control function is achieved, but combustion gas emissions are generated which are undesirable in electromobility applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion gas emissionsVSAvoidenergy supply for temperature control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/internal combustion engine system with an electric motor system for driving the temperature control device. The refrigeration compressor is driven by an electric motor instead of a combustion engine, eliminating combustion gas emissions while maintaining the temperature control function. This substitution aligns with electromobility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary energy storage system (accumulator/battery) between the electric motor and the refrigeration compressor. This accumulator stores electrical energy and provides it to the electric motor, enabling the temperature control device to operate independently of the vehicle's main power supply and without requiring a combustion engine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the temperature control device is electrically operated with an autonomous power supply, then emission-free operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional power supply components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion gas emissionsVSAvoidpower supply system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the autonomous power supply system (accumulator) to serve multiple functions: it provides electrical energy to the electric motor for driving the refrigeration compressor, and can also supply power to other vehicle systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated power supply systems, thereby managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the autonomous power supply system for the temperature control device with the vehicle's existing electrical system components. The accumulator and electric motor are integrated into the vehicle's overall electrical architecture, sharing control systems and infrastructure, which reduces the net increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the accumulator capacity is designed to maintain operation for at least one day without significant solar radiation, then autonomous operation is ensured, but the weight and volume of the power supply system increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous operation durationVSAvoidaccumulator weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic power supply architecture where the accumulator capacity can be flexibly adjusted or supplemented based on operating conditions. The system can adapt its power delivery strategy, drawing from the accumulator when needed and potentially integrating with external power sources (like solar radiation when available) to reduce the required accumulator size for one-day autonomy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables emission-free and autonomous operation of the temperature control system, ensuring continuous temperature control during stationary use and reducing the impact of thermal vehicle operations on urban environments with emission regulations, while maintaining performance and range without compromising the cold chain of refrigerated goods.

Implementation Method 1

a thermally insulating wall (16) which delimits a temperature-controlled interior space (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

A cooling unit for a refrigerated trailer is known from EP 1 279 907 A2, the compressor of which is driven by an electric motor that is fed by a fuel cell or a battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 3

A cooling unit for a refrigerated trailer is known from EP 1 279 907 A2, the compressor of which is driven by an electric motor that is fed by a fuel cell or a battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFuel cell reaction: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 4

refrigeration machines have a refrigeration compressor driven by an internal combustion engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 5

A heat pump is provided for air conditioning, which can be used to both cool and heat the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2596978B1Thermal vehicle with a tempered, thermally insulated cell
Publication Date: 2015.03.18 KERSTNER
  • EP2596978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2596978B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2596978B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The thermal vehicle (5) has a thermally insulated cell having housing (1) including a wall (10) and a thermally insulating wall (16). The housing has a heatable interior (14) which is accessed by thermally sealingly closable opening (12). An electrically operable tempering device (2) for controlling the temperature of the interior, and an autonomous power supply unit (3) for tempering device are provided on the housing. An electrical prime mover is provided with electrical power supplying drive power supply unit (5') for electrically driving thermal vehicle.