Method for storing and/or transporting temperature-sensitive materials and system for use therein
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining temperature-sensitive materials within a desired temperature range during storage and transportation are inefficient and costly, and existing predictive models for thermal shipping systems are time-consuming and lack accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A computer-aided modeling technique that predicts the failure time of passive thermal shipping systems by calculating thermal capacitance and cumulative absorbed energy using ambient temperature profiles, allowing for the selection of adequate systems through iterative calculations and effective temperature averaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active temperature-control devices (electrically-powered refrigeration units) are used to maintain temperature-sensitive materials, then temperature maintenance capability is improved, but transportation and storage costs increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active mechanical refrigeration systems with passive thermal management systems using phase change materials (PCMs). The PCMs absorb and release thermal energy during phase transitions, providing temperature control without requiring electrical power or mechanical components, thereby eliminating the high operational costs associated with active refrigeration units while maintaining reliable temperature control for sensitive materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive temperature-control members utilize the inherent thermal properties of phase change materials to automatically regulate temperature. The PCMs self-regulate by absorbing excess heat when temperature rises and releasing stored thermal energy when temperature drops, eliminating the need for external power sources or control systems while maintaining effective temperature control throughout the storage and transportation period.
2Measurement precision
If existing predictive models for thermal shipping systems are used, then temperature range prediction is provided, but the models are time-consuming and lack accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores thermal capacitance data for the passive temperature-control members at multiple temperature points before actual use. This preliminary characterization of the PCMs' thermal properties allows the system to rapidly predict temperature ranges and failure times during storage and transportation by referencing pre-computed data, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time simulations while maintaining high prediction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex thermal analysis problem into a more efficient computational form by changing the approach from solving differential equations in real-time to using pre-computed thermal capacitance values as functions of temperature. This parameter transformation enables rapid queries and predictions by simply evaluating pre-stored thermal capacitance data at the current temperature, dramatically reducing computation time while preserving accuracy.
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
Enables rapid and accurate prediction of thermal protection duration, enabling timely corrective actions to maintain temperature-sensitive materials within desired ranges, reducing spoilage and costs.
Implementation Method 1
compiling thermal capacitance data for the first passive thermal shipping system, the thermal capacitance data being obtained at a plurality of temperatures spanning a range of potential ambient temperatures
Implementation Method 2
an insulated container adapted to hold the temperature-sensitive materials
Data Source
AI summary
Method for storing and/or transporting temperature-sensitive materials. In one embodiment, the method involves predicting whether a given passive thermal shipping system will maintain a payload within a desired temperature range over its entire transport/delivery route. To this end, thermal capacitance data is compiled for the shipping system at a plurality of temperatures spanning a broad range of potential ambient temperatures to which the shipping system may be exposed. In addition, forecasted ambient temperature data is obtained for a plurality of time intervals spanning the transport/delivery route. An effective ambient temperature, based on the forecasted ambient temperature, as well as rolling and cumulative averages, is then determined at each of the various time intervals. Using the effective ambient temperature, the thermal capacitance is determined from the compiled data and is compared to the cumulative absorbed energy. The shipping system fails when the cumulative absorbed energy exceeds the thermal capacitance.