Modular Chilling Panel Refrigeration for Extended Off-Grid Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In regions without consistent and reliable electrical power, conventional refrigeration systems fail to maintain the required temperature range for vaccines, food, and beverages, leading to viability issues and spoilage.
Innovation Solution
A portable refrigeration system comprising modular chilling panels with a thermally insulated casing, an inner liquid reservoir filled with a water solution, and a cooling element that maintains a temperature range of 4°C to 8°C using a combination of ice, ice packs, or thermoelectric devices, allowing for long-term refrigeration without a power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional refrigeration equipment is used, then cooling function is provided, but it requires consistent electrical power supply which is unavailable in remote areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools a thermal energy storage medium (water or ice) before power outages occur, storing cold energy in advance. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain refrigeration temperatures during extended periods without electrical power, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional electrical compressor-based refrigeration system with a passive thermal energy storage system using phase change materials. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous electrical power while maintaining reliable temperature control through the physical properties of water and ice.
2Duration of action of moving object
If thermal energy storage volume is increased to extend refrigeration duration, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage medium serves multiple functions: it acts as both the cooling agent and the temperature-regulating material, eliminating the need for separate refrigerant systems. This multi-functionality extends refrigeration duration without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the phase change parameters of water (liquid to solid transition at 0°C) to provide extended refrigeration. By leveraging the latent heat of fusion, a relatively small volume of water can maintain refrigeration temperatures for extended periods, achieving long duration without linearly increasing system size or complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If thermal energy storage medium volume is increased to maintain temperature longer, then duration of action is improved, but the system becomes less portable
Solution Approach 1:
The system exploits the phase change parameters of water, which has an exceptionally high latent heat of fusion (334 kJ/kg). This allows a relatively small mass of water to provide extended refrigeration duration, achieving long duration without proportionally increasing system weight and maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the phase transition of water from liquid to ice to store and release thermal energy. During the phase change, a large amount of energy is absorbed or released at constant temperature, enabling extended refrigeration duration with minimal additional mass compared to sensible heat storage systems.
4Temperature
If cooling element temperature is lowered to improve cooling capacity, then temperature control precision is improved, but risk of freezing and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature monitoring and control mechanisms that detect when the thermal energy storage medium approaches freezing points. This feedback control prevents excessive cooling that could damage stored items, maintaining optimal temperature ranges while maximizing refrigeration duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates different thermal zones within the storage chamber, with the coldest region near the thermal energy storage medium and warmer regions elsewhere. This local quality variation allows effective cooling where needed while preventing freezing damage to items that require higher temperatures, such as vaccines.
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 system effectively maintains a stable temperature range for extended periods, ensuring the viability of vaccines, food, and beverages by leveraging the anomalous properties of water density and using alternative cooling methods, even in the absence of electrical power.
Implementation Method 1
A portable refrigeration system comprising modular chilling panels with a thermally insulated casing, an inner liquid reservoir filled with a water solution, and a cooling element that maintains a temperature range of 4°C to 8°C using a combination of ice, ice packs, or thermoelectric devices
Implementation Method 2
an inner liquid reservoir filled with a water solution, and a cooling element that maintains a temperature range of 4°C to 8°C
Implementation Method 3
modular chilling panels with a thermally insulated casing, an inner liquid reservoir filled with a water solution
Implementation Method 4
The system effectively maintains a stable temperature range for extended periods, ensuring the viability of vaccines, food, and beverages by leveraging the anomalous properties of water density
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application is related to a portable refrigeration apparatus for vaccines, food items, beverage containers, or any other item. The apparatus includes a refrigerated container comprised of a plurality of substantially identical chilling panels interconnected to form a sealed container that defines an internal volume, each of the chilling panels containing a cooling element. The refrigerated container encloses an internal storage space and has a generally modular design to facilitate packaging and transportation. The apparatus permits the internal storage space to maintain a temperature in the range of 4° C ~ 8° C for a long period of time following a loss of electrical power.