Parallel loop intermodal container

The refrigeration system is divided into two separate parallel vapor compression loops instead of using a single loop. Each loop contains its own compressor, heat exchangers, and refrigerant charge. This segmentation isolates the refrigerant systems, so that if a leak occurs in one loop, the other loop remains intact and functional, thereby mitigating the harmful effects of flammability and toxicity by limiting the potential exposure volume.

The patent implements safety mechanisms including flame arrestors in the refrigerant flowpaths and a locking mechanism that seals the refrigerated compartment upon detection of refrigerant leakage. These measures create a controlled environment that prevents the flammable refrigerant from igniting or spreading, effectively neutralizing the fire hazard associated with using low GWP refrigerants.

The system uses two independent parallel vapor compression loops instead of a single loop. Each loop is isolated with its own refrigerant charge, compressors, and heat exchangers. This segmentation ensures that a leakage or failure in one loop does not affect the other loop, thereby improving reliability by reducing the overall refrigerant leakage risk while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.

The patent incorporates a detector that continuously monitors for refrigerant leakage and a locking mechanism that automatically activates upon detection. This beforehand cushioning approach prepares the system in advance by having detection and response mechanisms ready, so that if a leak occurs, the locking mechanism quickly seals the compartment to prevent further leakage and potential hazards, thereby enhancing reliability.

The system employs a detector continuously positioned to monitor for refrigerant leakage before a hazardous situation develops. Upon detection of leakage, the locking mechanism immediately activates to seal the refrigerated compartment. This preliminary action approach ensures that safety measures are triggered instantly upon detection, eliminating delays and providing immediate response to prevent fire or exposure hazards from flammable refrigerant leakage.

The detector provides continuous feedback on refrigerant levels and leakage conditions to the control system. When the detector senses refrigerant outside the flowpaths, it triggers the locking mechanism to activate. This feedback loop ensures real-time monitoring and immediate response, minimizing response time and maintaining high reliability by continuously adjusting the system state based on detected conditions.