Multi-Outlet Transport Refrigeration for Adjustable Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems in transportation face challenges in maintaining consistent temperature control across multiple compartments when a dividing wall is adjusted to accommodate varying space requirements, leading to uneven cooling distribution.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system with spaced cooling air outlets and adjustable dividing walls, controlled by a controller, ensures consistent temperature regulation in multiple compartments by allowing the dividing wall to move laterally without obstructing air outlets, and utilizing dual heat absorption heat exchangers and fans to manage refrigerant flow and air distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single cooling air outlet is used in conventional refrigeration systems, then the system structure is simple, but the temperature distribution becomes uneven when a dividing wall is adjusted to accommodate varying space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The single cooling air outlet is segmented into multiple cooling air outlets (first cooling air outlet and second cooling air outlet) positioned at different locations. This allows each compartment to receive cooled air independently, maintaining uniform temperature distribution even when the dividing wall is adjusted to create asymmetric compartment sizes.
2Temperature
If multiple individual refrigeration circuits are used to provide distinct temperatures in compartmentalized spaces, then temperature control in each compartment is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple refrigeration circuits are merged into a single integrated refrigeration system that uses one compressor, one condenser, and one expansion valve serving multiple evaporators. This reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to provide distinct temperature control in each compartment through a single refrigerant circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The single refrigeration system is designed to perform multiple functions by serving different compartments with different temperature requirements. The system universally provides cooling to multiple evaporators that are distributed to different compartments, allowing one system to replace multiple individual systems.
3Volume of moving object
If cooling air outlets are positioned close together, then the system structure is compact, but the dividing wall cannot be adjusted without obstructing air outlets and disrupting cooling distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling air outlets are segmented and positioned at different locations (first cooling air outlet in first location, second cooling air outlet in second location). This spatial segmentation allows the dividing wall to be adjusted to various positions without obstructing the outlets, as each outlet serves its respective compartment independently.
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
Maintains consistent temperature control across compartments by adjusting refrigerant flow and air distribution, accommodating varying space needs while ensuring efficient cooling in both compartments.
Implementation Method 1
The refrigerant is cooled and passes through an expansion valve. The refrigerant is expanded and passes through an evaporator.
Implementation Method 2
a compressor compresses a refrigerant and delivers it into a condenser
Implementation Method 3
The refrigerant is cooled and passes through an expansion valve. The refrigerant is expanded
Implementation Method 4
The refrigerant is expanded and passes through an evaporator. The evaporator cools air to be delivered into an environment to be conditioned.
Implementation Method 5
The first cooling passageway includes a first fan and a first nozzle that is in fluid communication with the first fan and the first cooling air outlet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A transportation refrigeration system includes a refrigeration circuit that includes a compressor and a heat rejection heat exchanger. At least one expansion device and at least one heat absorption heat exchanger is included. A first cooling air outlet is downstream of the at least one heat absorption heat exchanger. A second cooling air outlet is downstream of at least one heat absorption heat exchanger. The first cooling air outlet is spaced from the second cooling air outlet.