Storage unit and tempering system for a storage unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage units for perishable goods face challenges in maintaining reliable and cost-efficient temperature control across various climatic zones, especially during harsh transportation conditions.
Innovation Solution
A storage unit with a tempering system featuring an internal heat exchanger, refrigerant circuit, compressor unit, and an electric motor/generator unit mechanically coupled to the compressor, allowing for independent power operation and efficient cooling without a dedicated fan, with a clutch unit for engine decoupling and a common housing design for cost efficiency and mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a dedicated fan is used for cooling the motor/generator unit, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant circuit serves dual purposes: it cools the motor/generator unit and provides refrigeration for the storage volume. The motor/generator unit is positioned within the refrigerant flow path, allowing the same refrigerant to cool both the electrical components and the stored goods, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the motor/generator unit with the refrigerant circuit by positioning the motor within the refrigerant flow path and integrating it into the common housing. This merging of functions allows the refrigerant to directly cool the motor windings while simultaneously providing refrigeration, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If the engine continuously drives the compressor unit, then temperature control reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: engine-driven compression and electric motor-driven compression. The control system selects the optimal drive source based on operational requirements, allowing the engine to be turned off during electric operation to reduce energy consumption while maintaining temperature control reliability through flexible drive options.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor unit is designed to accept two different drive sources: the engine and the electric motor. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate in engine mode for extended periods or switch to electric motor mode when the engine is not running, providing flexibility in energy management while ensuring continuous temperature control.
3Ease of repair
If separate housings are used for motor/generator unit and compressor unit, then ease of repair is improved, but mechanical stability and cost efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The motor/generator unit and compressor unit are integrated into a single common housing, forming a unified assembly. This merging improves mechanical stability by reducing the number of separate components and connections, while also enhancing cost efficiency through reduced manufacturing and assembly costs. The integrated design maintains ease of repair by keeping related components together in one accessible location.
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 reliable and cost-effective temperature maintenance for perishable goods during transportation by utilizing the refrigerant for cooling the motor/generator unit and allowing flexible operation modes, including generator and motor functions, enhancing mechanical stability and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
refrigerant flowing in said refrigerant circuit is flowing through said motor/generator unit for cooling said motor/generator unit
Implementation Method 2
an internal heat exchanger arranged in said flow of gaseous medium passing through said tempering unit
Implementation Method 3
an external heat exchanger exposed to ambient air surrounding said container housing
Implementation Method 4
a compressor unit for compressing refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
For creating a storage unit comprising a container housing enclosing a storage volume for receiving freight and a gaseous medium surrounding said freight, said storage unit further comprising a tempering system provided with a tempering unit associated with said storage volume for maintaining a flow of said gaseous medium circulating in said storage volume and passing through said tempering unit in order to be maintained at a defined or set temperature, said tempering unit comprising an internal heat exchanger arranged in said flow of gaseous medium passing through said tempering unit, said tempering system being provided with a refrigerant circuit comprising said internal heat exchanger, an external heat exchanger exposed to ambient air surrounding said container housing which operates reliably and cost efficient under the aforementioned condition, as well as a compressor unit for compressing refrigerant, and said tempering system being further provided with an engine for driving said compressor unit in an independent power source mode and said tempering system being further provided with an electric motor/generator unit mechanically coupled to said compressor unit, and said compressor unit and said motor/generator unit being commonly driven by said engine in said independent power source mode.