PCM Cold-Chain Storage with Swappable Thermal Control Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage systems face challenges in efficiently managing temperature control for goods with different storage and transport temperatures, leading to high personnel and energy costs, complex active cooling systems, and logistical issues in maintaining the cold chain.
Innovation Solution
A storage system comprising at least three physical units: a storage and/or transport unit with a replaceable temperature control element, a regeneration magazine for regenerating discharged temperature control elements, and a changing station for exchanging temperature control elements, integrated with a higher-level server unit for data management and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active cooling systems are used to maintain temperature, then the cold chain is maintained, but the system becomes technically complex and requires continuous power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is extracted from the storage room structure and transferred to portable cooling boxes that can be moved with the goods. This eliminates the need for fixed, complex cooling infrastructure while maintaining temperature control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling boxes are pre-cooled before use and can be quickly deployed to maintain the cold chain from the moment goods are placed in them, ensuring continuous temperature control without requiring complex real-time cooling systems.
2Temperature
If separate actively cooled storage rooms are provided for each temperature requirement, then each temperature range is controlled, but logistics and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling boxes are designed as universal containers that can accommodate different types of goods and be used across multiple storage and transport scenarios. A single cooling box design serves multiple temperature control needs through interchangeable cooling elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed-temperature storage rooms to dynamic, movable cooling boxes that can be flexibly allocated based on real-time temperature control needs, improving logistical adaptability.
3Reliability
If manually replaceable cooling boxes are used, then temperature control is maintained, but personnel costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling boxes are designed to be self-contained with integrated cooling elements that automatically maintain temperature without requiring manual intervention for operation or monitoring during the cooling process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manually replacing cooling boxes, the system uses disposable or easily regenerable cooling elements that can be quickly swapped out when depleted, significantly reducing the time and labor required for maintenance while ensuring continuous temperature control.
4Temperature
If active cooling systems are used, then cooling capability is provided, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling elements operate periodically rather than continuously, being activated when cooling is needed and then depleted, after which they are quickly replaced or regenerated. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous active cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from active, energy-consuming cooling to passive cooling using pre-cooled thermal mass elements. The cooling parameter is shifted from active refrigeration to stored thermal energy, dramatically reducing ongoing energy requirements.
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
This system enables efficient workflows, reduces personnel and energy costs, and allows for effective temperature control without the need for extensive cooling or heating, facilitating the storage and transport of goods with varying temperature requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The server unit has warehouse process routines, the execution of which allows the individual physical units to be controlled, monitored, and/or activated. At least one software, advantageously self-learning software, is operated on the server unit
Implementation Method 2
Temperature control elements which comprise at least one PCM (phase change material) as a latent heat storage device
Implementation Method 3
the second physical unit is designed as at least one regeneration magazine for the active regeneration of discharged temperature control elements from storage and transport units
Implementation Method 4
a temperature control unit, in particular as a compression chiller or absorption chiller
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage system and methods for its operation.