Movable Sorbent Bed in Refrigerated Containers for CO2 Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigerated transport containers, the buildup of carbon dioxide and ethylene gases due to respiration of perishable goods leads to spoilage and accelerated ripening, with existing solutions like non-regenerative carbon dioxide adsorbent systems being inefficient for long haul transport and requiring high capital and operating costs for regenerative systems.
Innovation Solution
A regenerative carbon dioxide removal system using a rotating or sliding scrubber module with carbon dioxide adsorbent material that alternates between adsorbing carbon dioxide from the container atmosphere and regenerating with lower carbon dioxide concentration air from outside, maintaining efficiency over several days or weeks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-regenerative carbon dioxide adsorbent systems are used, then carbon dioxide removal is achieved, but the system loses scrubbing efficiency as the adsorbent bed becomes saturated and requires replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by cycling the adsorbent bed between adsorption mode (removing CO2 from cargo air) and regeneration mode (heating to desorb CO2). The bed is periodically switched between these two states, allowing continuous operation without replacement. The controller alternates between directing cargo air through the adsorbent bed and directing heated air through the same bed to regenerate it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies discarding and recovering by capturing the CO2 that was adsorbed by the bed and regenerating the adsorbent material for reuse. Instead of discarding the saturated adsorbent, the system recovers it through thermal regeneration, desorbing the accumulated CO2 and restoring the adsorbent's capacity to remove CO2, thereby extending operational duration indefinitely.
2Duration of action of moving object
If regenerative carbon dioxide removal systems are implemented, then operational duration is extended, but capital costs and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the adsorbent bed serves both as the CO2 removal medium and the regeneration target, the same airflow system is used for both adsorption and regeneration phases, and the heating element serves dual purposes of regenerating the adsorbent and potentially preheating incoming air. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity despite adding regenerative capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorbent bed performs multiple functions: it acts as the CO2 adsorption medium during normal operation, serves as the target for thermal regeneration, and functions as a heat exchange medium during the regeneration process. The airflow system universally handles both cargo air processing and regeneration air delivery, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If carbon dioxide adsorbent material is used to maintain controlled atmosphere, then atmosphere control is achieved, but the adsorbent bed becomes saturated and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining continuous CO2 removal capability through the regeneration process. While one portion of the adsorbent bed is being regenerated, another portion continues adsorbing CO2, ensuring uninterrupted atmosphere control. The cyclic regeneration process continuously restores adsorbent capacity, eliminating the need to stop operation for replacement and maintaining stable atmosphere composition throughout the shipping period.
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
Effectively maintains a controlled atmosphere by continuously regenerating the carbon dioxide adsorbent, preventing spoilage and ripening issues during long haul transport of perishable goods, reducing the need for frequent adsorbent replacement and lowering operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a regenerative carbon dioxide removal system including a scrubber module containing a carbon dioxide adsorbent material
Implementation Method 2
A regenerative carbon dioxide removal system using a rotating or sliding scrubber module with carbon dioxide adsorbent material that alternates between adsorbing carbon dioxide from the container atmosphere and regenerating with lower carbon dioxide concentration air from outside
Implementation Method 3
regenerating with lower carbon dioxide concentration air from outside
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~12
AI summary
A regenerative carbon dioxide removal system is provided onboard the container (10) through which air from within the cargo box (12) may be circulated for removing at least a portion of the carbon dioxide present in the air. The regenerative carbon dioxide removal system includes a scrubber module (40) containing a carbon dioxide absorbent material, and an actuator for moving the scrubber module to pass the carbon dioxide absorbent material alternately between a first flow of air to be cleaned drawn by the evaporator fan (30) from within the cargo box, and a second flow of air drawn from an environment outside the cargo box for regenerating the carbon dioxide adsorbent material by removing collected carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide adsorbent material.