Controlled Atmosphere Refrigeration With Membrane Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transporting perishable items poses challenges in maintaining optimal temperature and atmospheric conditions to prevent spoilage or freezing damage, as existing refrigeration systems lack effective control over atmospheric composition during transport.
Innovation Solution
A controlled atmosphere system for transport refrigeration units that includes a controller to regulate atmospheric composition by using a nitrogen separation membrane to separate oxygen and nitrogen, and a compressor to maintain a selected compressor discharge pressure, allowing for precise control of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transport refrigeration system uses a controlled atmosphere system with nitrogen separation membrane, then atmospheric composition control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the refrigeration system and controlled atmosphere system into a single integrated unit, where the nitrogen separation membrane, compressor, heater, and control system are merged into one cohesive device that simultaneously provides cooling and atmospheric control functions
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions: the compressor not only cools the cargo space but also pressurizes air for nitrogen separation, the heater serves both refrigeration cycle requirements and membrane temperature control, and the control system manages both temperature and atmospheric composition
2Reliability
If the system controls compressor discharge pressure through membrane temperature regulation, then compressor reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors compressor discharge pressure and membrane temperature, using feedback loops to adjust membrane temperature via the heater in order to maintain optimal compressor discharge pressure, thereby improving compressor reliability while managing system complexity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the membrane temperature parameter to control the separation efficiency and nitrogen flow rate, which in turn regulates compressor discharge pressure. This parameter-based control approach allows precise management of compressor operating conditions
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 system effectively maintains cargo quality by controlling atmospheric composition, improving compressor reliability and efficiency, and ensuring consistent nitrogen flow, thereby preventing spoilage and damage during transport.
Implementation Method 1
a nonelectric separator to divide the heated air into separate streams comprising its principal constituents of oxygen and nitrogen
Implementation Method 2
a heater to heat the compressed air output by the compressor
Implementation Method 3
an air compressor to output compressed air
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of controlled atmosphere systems, apparatus, and methods for the same can include systems and/or methods that can include provisions for adaptive control of compressor discharge pressure. In one embodiment, variable membrane temperature can regulate compressor discharge pressure.