Integrated thermal energy module within an air-cooled evaporator design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated transport units face challenges in maintaining climate control when the primary power source becomes unavailable, such as during intermittent stops or in noise-regulated zones, leading to potential spoilage of perishable goods.
Innovation Solution
An integrated thermal energy module within an air-cooled evaporator design that includes both conventional and thermal accumulator evaporators, allowing for 'hold-over' climate control capacity by directing heat transfer fluid through both evaporators to modulate cooling and heating capacity, even without the primary power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the primary power source is turned off during intermittent stops or in noise-regulated zones, then energy consumption is reduced and noise regulations are complied with, but climate control capability is lost leading to potential spoilage of perishable goods
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal accumulator stores thermal energy in advance during periods when the primary power source is available, so that this stored energy can be utilized later when the power source is turned off, enabling hold-over climate control capability during intermittent stops or in noise-regulated zones
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal accumulator acts as an intermediary energy storage component between the primary power source and the refrigeration system, decoupling the operational status of the power source from the climate control capability, thereby maintaining reliability even when the power source is turned off
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is turned off for safety reasons or energy conservation during intermittent stops, then safety is improved and energy conservation is achieved, but air conditioning capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal accumulator pre-stores thermal energy before the engine is turned off, ensuring that sufficient cooling capacity is available during the stop period to maintain air conditioning capability without requiring the engine to remain running
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the primary climate control power is unavailable due to noise regulations, then noise regulations are complied with, but temperature control capability is lost leading to potential spoilage of perishable cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal accumulator stores thermal energy in advance during periods when the primary power source is available, enabling the system to maintain temperature control capability during periods when the power source must be turned off to comply with noise regulations
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal accumulator serves as an intermediary that decouples noise regulation compliance from temperature control reliability, allowing the primary power source to be turned off for noise compliance while the stored thermal energy maintains temperature control capability
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
Provides continuous climate control by maintaining temperature within refrigerated spaces, preventing spoilage of perishable goods during power outages or intermittent stops, and complying with noise regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration system with both a conventional evaporator and a thermal accumulator evaporator
Implementation Method 2
a heat transfer fluid can be directed to both the conventional evaporator and the thermal accumulator evaporator for controlling cooling and or beating capacity
Data Source
AI summary
A transport refrigeration unit (TRU) includes a compressor. The TRU further includes a condenser disposed downstream of the compressor. The TRU further includes an expansion device disposed downstream of the condenser. The TRU further includes a first flow control device disposed downstream of the condenser. The TRU further includes a first evaporator disposed downstream of the expansion device and the first flow control device. The first evaporator is disposed upstream of a second flow control device. The second evaporator is disposed downstream of the first flow control device, the expansion device, and the second flow control device. The second evaporator includes a thermal accumulator. The second flow control device disposed upstream of the compressor.