Portable refrigeration apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration equipment is ineffective in areas without a reliable electricity supply, making it difficult to maintain the required temperature for vaccines, food, and beverages, as they need to be stored within a narrow temperature range to remain viable.
Innovation Solution
A portable refrigeration apparatus with a modular design that uses a water solution and thermally conductive reservoirs, combined with cooling elements like ice or thermoelectric devices, to maintain a temperature range of 4° C to 8° C for extended periods without a power supply, utilizing solar panels for energy when available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional refrigeration equipment is used, then cooling function is provided, but it requires reliable electricity supply which is unavailable in many areas
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is divided into independent modular units that can function autonomously. Each module contains its own cooling element, reservoir, and insulation, allowing the system to operate without centralized power supply. The modular design enables deployment in areas without reliable electricity while maintaining temperature control through self-contained thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-cools a large volume of water in the reservoir before power failure occurs. This pre-cooled water acts as a thermal battery, storing cold energy that is gradually released to maintain temperature after electricity supply is interrupted. The preliminary cooling action enables extended operation without power by leveraging the high specific heat capacity of water.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional refrigeration equipment is used, then cooling function is provided, but it cannot maintain temperature for extended periods without power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical state parameters of the cooling medium by using phase change materials that transition between solid and liquid states. This phase change process absorbs and releases large amounts of latent heat, enabling the system to maintain temperature for extended periods. The parameter change from liquid to solid and back provides sustained thermal regulation without continuous power input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs composite insulation structures combining multiple materials with different thermal properties. This includes layers of foam insulation, reflective barriers, and vacuum spaces that work together to minimize heat transfer. The composite material approach creates a multi-layer thermal barrier that significantly extends the duration of passive cooling while maintaining temperature reliability.
3Ease of operation
If ice packs are used for cooling, then portability is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates due to wide temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary thermal management layer between the ice packs and the stored items. This intermediary consists of phase change materials and thermal regulation compounds that buffer temperature fluctuations. The intermediary absorbs excess heat when temperature rises and releases heat when temperature drops, maintaining a narrow temperature range around the target point while preserving portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different thermal properties to different zones within the portable unit. Ice packs are positioned in specific locations where they can effectively cool adjacent areas, while phase change materials are placed in zones requiring temperature stabilization. This localized thermal management approach ensures precise temperature control in the storage compartment while maintaining overall system portability.
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 apparatus effectively maintains the required temperature range for vaccine, food, and beverage storage for an extended duration, even in the absence of a reliable electricity supply, ensuring their viability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
thermoelectric devices
Implementation Method 2
solar panels for energy when available
Implementation Method 3
uses a water solution and thermally conductive reservoirs
Implementation Method 4
thermally conductive reservoirs
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is related to a portable refrigeration apparatus for vaccines, food items, beverage containers, or any other item. The apparatus includes a refrigerated container comprised of a plurality of substantially identical chilling panels interconnected to form a sealed container that defines an internal volume, each of the chilling panels containing a cooling element. The refrigerated container encloses an internal storage space and has a generally modular design to facilitate packaging and transportation. The apparatus permits the internal storage space to maintain a temperature in the range of 4° C.˜8° C. for a long period of time following a loss of electrical power.