Portable instant cooling system with controlled temperature obtained through timed-release liquid or gaseous CO<sub>2 </sub>coolant for general refrigeration use in mobile and stationary containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining controlled temperatures in portable coolers without electricity are inefficient, as they often rely on dry ice, which wastes CO2, has limited cooling capacity, and poses safety hazards, and lack the ability to continuously regulate temperature.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained cooling system using compressed liquid and/or gas CO2, with a metering release system and electronic control, that maintains constant temperature by releasing CO2 through capillary tubes in a heat transfer plate, allowing for remote operation and refillable CO2 canisters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If dry ice is used for cooling in portable coolers, then cooling capacity is provided, but CO2 is wasted and safety hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and stores CO2 in a refillable tank instead of allowing it to escape into the atmosphere. When CO2 is used for cooling, it is captured and stored in the tank for later reuse, eliminating waste and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a microprocessor controller that monitors temperature and automatically controls the release of CO2 from the tank. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal cooling while preventing excessive CO2 consumption and waste.
2Temperature
If dry ice is used for cooling, then temperature reduction is achieved, but continuous temperature regulation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor controller continuously monitors the temperature inside the cooler and automatically adjusts the CO2 release rate to maintain the desired temperature setpoint, enabling precise continuous temperature regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the cooling rate by controlling the solenoid valve opening based on real-time temperature feedback, allowing the cooler to adapt to changing thermal conditions and maintain optimal temperature.
3Temperature
If compressed liquid CO2 is released through capillary tubes, then controlled cooling is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary tubes are designed to automatically meter and distribute CO2 without requiring external control mechanisms. The system uses the inherent pressure differential and capillary action to self-regulate the cooling process, reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical metering devices with electronic control through a microprocessor and solenoid valve, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precise control over CO2 release.
4Device complexity
If manual CO2 release control is used, then simplicity is maintained, but temperature precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor controller receives continuous temperature data from sensors and automatically adjusts CO2 release to maintain the desired temperature setpoint, achieving precise temperature control without complex manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic temperature regulation without requiring user intervention. The microprocessor and solenoid valve work together to self-regulate CO2 release based on real-time temperature conditions.
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 provides continuous, controlled cooling from ambient to below -40°F, maintaining items at desired temperatures without degrading over time, is easy to refill, and safe to use, making it suitable for transporting temperature-sensitive items.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid and/or gas CO2 coolant is then released into capillary tube(s) embedded into a heat transfer plate or heat exchanger thus leveraging the CO2 coolant properties
Implementation Method 2
compressed liquid and/or gas CO2, with a metering release system and electronic control, that maintains constant temperature by releasing CO2 through capillary tubes
Implementation Method 3
releasing CO2 through capillary tubes in a heat transfer plate
Data Source
AI summary
Standalone and self-contained cooling systems using compressed liquid and/or gas CO2 containers positioned in an insulated or non-insulated vessel encompassing a container which is either vertically positioned in an upright or an upside-down position.The liquid and/or gas CO2 coolant is then released into a capillary system or flow metering system to allow the CO2 to enter a second body to where the CO2 coolant properties may be leveraged. The second body includes, by way of example, a plate, a cushion, a spot treatment pad for a person's muscle, or a cooler.The temperature is controlled by a metering CO2 releasing system encompassing an electronic control device which sends alerts when pre-defined thresholds are exceeded.The invention's metering CO2 releasing system may be triggered by an electronic or a thermostatic valve or may be triggered manually or by an electronic solenoid.