Portable instant cooling system with controlled temperature obtained through time-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 rely on dry ice, which is wasteful, 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 exchanger, allowing for remote operation and variable temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If dry ice is used for cooling in portable coolers, then cooling effect is achieved, but temperature control is limited and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical state parameters of CO2 by controlling pressure and temperature. CO2 is stored as a liquid under pressure in the tank, then expanded through a valve to achieve controlled cooling. This parameter control allows safe operation without the hazards of solid dry ice while maintaining effective cooling temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the cooling compartment temperature and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the CO2 release valve accordingly to maintain the desired temperature, preventing over-cooling and associated safety hazards while ensuring effective cooling when needed.
2Temperature
If dry ice is used for cooling, then cooling capacity is provided, but cooling capacity is limited and degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous cooling action by maintaining CO2 as a liquid reservoir under pressure in the tank. As CO2 is consumed for cooling, the system can continuously replenish it from the liquid reservoir through pressure differential, ensuring uninterrupted cooling capacity throughout the operational duration without degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles by storing CO2 as a pressurized liquid and utilizing pressure differential to drive the expansion and cooling process. The liquid CO2 in the tank is automatically fed to the expansion valve through pressure differences, ensuring continuous supply and sustained cooling capacity over time.
3Temperature
If manual CO2 release is used, then cooling is provided, but temperature regulation is imprecise and cannot be remotely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a temperature sensor to continuously monitor the cooling compartment and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the CO2 release valve to maintain the desired temperature, enabling precise temperature regulation without manual intervention and allowing remote operation through electronic controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical CO2 release operation with an electronic control system. The control unit, temperature sensor, and electronically controlled valve work together to automate temperature regulation, eliminating the need for manual operation while enabling remote control through electronic interfaces.
4Temperature
If CO2 is released continuously for cooling, then temperature control is maintained, but CO2 consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic rather than continuous CO2 release by monitoring temperature and only activating CO2 discharge when the temperature rises above the set point. The control unit cycles the valve operation based on temperature feedback, maintaining effective temperature control while minimizing CO2 consumption by releasing it only when necessary.
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 safe, and easily refillable, making it suitable for transporting temperature-sensitive items.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid and/or gaseous CO2 coolant is then released into capillary tube(s) embedded into a heat transfer plate or heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
The liquid and/or gaseous 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 3
The liquid and/or gaseous CO2 coolant is then released into capillary tube(s) embedded into a heat transfer plate or heat exchanger
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 and consisting of a specially designed unit where the containers are vertically positioned in an upright or upside-down position.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.The temperature is controlled by a metering CO2 releasing system encompassing an electronic control device which can be operated remotely and/or via a touch screen and 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. The invention's cooling system also encompasses check valves, which avoid liquid and/or gas CO2 from escaping when removing or replacing CO2 containers individually.