Self-sustainable multiple-tank cooler with energy storage and chamber for temperature compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems with eutectic plates face challenges such as complex construction, high manufacturing costs, and hindered heat transfer, particularly in maintaining average temperatures suitable for products like meat and dairy without complete freezing, during power outages.
Innovation Solution
A self-sustaining multi-tank cooler with an array of thermal energy accumulators and electronic temperature control, featuring a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a cooling tank, useful tank, and evaporator, utilizing eutectic plates to maintain temperatures between 2 to 5°C for extended periods without continuous power, enhancing heat transfer and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eutectic plates are embedded in the walls and inner surfaces of refrigeration equipment, then the cold chain can be maintained during power outages, but the construction becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration equipment is divided into multiple independent tanks (freezing tank, refrigeration tank, warm tank) that can be separately assembled and maintained. Each tank has its own eutectic plate array, allowing modular construction and simplifying manufacturing and maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The eutectic plates are designed as self-contained thermal energy accumulators that automatically maintain temperatures without requiring complex control systems or continuous power supply. The phase change material self-regulates temperature through its melting/freezing cycle.
2Productivity
If eutectic plates are placed in close proximity to evaporators, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the array of eutectic plates can hinder heat transfer mechanisms from evaporators to the storage chamber
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the storage chamber have different thermal characteristics. The eutectic plates are strategically positioned to provide localized thermal regulation where needed, while maintaining adequate heat transfer pathways in other areas. Each tank zone (freezing, refrigeration, warm) has optimized eutectic plate placement for its specific thermal requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The eutectic plates act as intermediary thermal elements between the evaporators and the stored products. They receive heat from the evaporators during cooling cycles and release it during power outages, mediating the heat transfer process and preventing direct obstruction of heat flow paths.
3Reliability
If the refrigeration system provides low temperatures to maintain the cold chain, then food preservation is improved, but products such as meat and dairy may become completely frozen
Solution Approach 1:
The storage chamber is segmented into multiple temperature zones (freezing tank at -18°C, refrigeration tank at 0-5°C, and warm tank at 10-20°C). This allows different products to be stored at their optimal temperatures simultaneously, preventing unwanted freezing of temperature-sensitive items while maintaining cold chain for other products.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can dynamically adjust operating parameters including temperature setpoints, compressor run cycles, and eutectic plate activation thresholds. This allows optimization of energy consumption while maintaining appropriate temperatures for different product types and accounting for varying thermal loads and door opening frequencies.
4Reliability
If thermal energy accumulators are used to maintain products during extended power failures, then product preservation is improved, but the system cannot be regulated at mid temperatures suitable for meat and dairy
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage system is segmented into multiple eutectic plate types with different melting points, corresponding to different temperature zones. This allows selective activation of appropriate thermal accumulators based on the required temperature range, enabling mid-temperature regulation for meat and dairy while maintaining freezing capability for other products.
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 average temperatures for 8 to 10 hours without power, allowing for continuous usage and product preservation, with the ability to switch between medium and freezing temperatures, ensuring product quality and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
eutectic plates acting as thermal energy accumulators
Implementation Method 2
eutectic solution in an embedded manner... eutectic plates, containing harmless liquid gels with the property of accumulating cooling thermal energy
Implementation Method 3
evaporator in contact with the outer faces of the cooling tank (3)... enhancing heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
Cooler composed by an outer tank, within which a cooling tank and a useful tank are housed, among which there is an array of thermal energy accumulators, and within the tank useful there are temperature compensation chambers.