Method for controlling the temperature and humidity of the air contained in an enclosed refrigerated space
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigerated storage spaces, maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels is challenging, leading to water loss, microbial growth, and energy inefficiencies, particularly when products are introduced from ambient conditions, causing mass loss and quality reduction in perishable foodstuffs.
Innovation Solution
A system with a cooler of variable speed and temperature, adjustable fan direction, and sensors for precise control of air temperature and humidity, allowing for high relative humidity levels up to 99% without a humidifier, and eliminating defrosting cycles by managing coolant flow and air circulation to maintain stable conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water is sprayed under pressure to humidify the air, then humidity level is improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase due to hydraulic plant requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water spray system from the refrigerated space, placing the humidification function outside the enclosed space. Water is sprayed in the ambient environment before entering the refrigerated space, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic plants inside and reducing maintenance requirements while achieving the desired humidity level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary chamber or pre-treatment zone where water is sprayed under controlled conditions before air enters the main refrigerated space. This intermediary step allows humidification without requiring complex hydraulic systems within the refrigerated enclosure itself.
2Temperature
If refrigeration is intensified to return to reference temperature after opening, then temperature control is improved, but energy consumption and product mass loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary insulation measures and pre-conditioning of air before it enters the refrigerated space. By preparing the incoming air and improving thermal insulation beforehand, the system reduces the thermal shock when doors are opened, minimizing the need for intensive refrigeration and reducing both energy consumption and product mass loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a buffer zone or air lock system that cushions the thermal impact of door openings. This preliminary protective measure reduces the temperature fluctuation when ambient air enters, allowing the refrigeration system to maintain temperature with less intensive operation and lower energy consumption.
3Quantity of substance
If water is injected to maintain humidity, then humidity level is improved, but frost and ice formation increases requiring frequent defrosting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water injection point from inside the refrigerated space to the ambient environment. By spraying water outside the refrigerated enclosure, the system achieves humidification without introducing liquid water into the cold zone, thereby preventing frost and ice formation and eliminating the need for frequent defrosting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, disposable-style spray mechanism in the ambient environment rather than a complex, maintenance-intensive water injection system inside the refrigerated space. This approach achieves the humidification effect without creating frost problems that would require expensive and frequent defrosting cycles.
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 achieves significant energy savings and reduces water loss and microbial growth, maintaining the freshness and quality of perishable foodstuffs by controlling temperature and humidity with high precision, eliminating the need for defrosting and reducing hydric stresses.
Implementation Method 1
a cooler comprising a plurality of cold batteries provided with means for selecting the number of cold batteries in service in order to vary the cooling capacity
Implementation Method 2
at least one fan with an adjustable, reversible ventilation direction for producing a variable flow of air through the cooler
Implementation Method 3
allowing for high relative humidity levels up to 99% without a humidifier
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the temperature and humidity level of the air contained in an enclosed refrigerated space includes the step of measuring the temperature of air in the space. The space includes a cooler having a plurality of cold batteries; at least one coolant temperature sensor at the input and at least one coolant temperature sensor at the output of the cooler; at least one fan with an adjustable, reversible direction of ventilation for producing a variable flow of air through the cooler; at least one temperature sensor upstream of the fan; at least one temperature sensor downstream of the cooler; at least one humidity level sensor upstream of the fan; and at least one humidity level sensor downstream of the cooler. The control is affected by reference values given initially for the temperature and humidity level in the enclosed space.