Refrigerated MA/CA Container With Fuel-Cell Oxygen Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack efficient methods for maintaining modified and controlled atmospheres in refrigerated containers for non-respiring perishables, particularly fresh seafood, which limits their shelf life, increases transportation costs, and environmental impact, and poses challenges in maintaining food safety and regulatory compliance.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an oxygen reduction means, such as hydrogen-powered fuel cells, into mechanically refrigerated systems to create and maintain a modified and controlled atmosphere (MA/CA) within rigid sealable containers, reducing oxygen levels to 10,000 ppm or less and maintaining high CO2 levels, thereby extending the shelf life of non-respiring perishables and reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional MAP packaging is used for non-respiring perishables, then packaging materials and machines are required to extend shelf life, but this increases packaging waste and transportation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the oxygen from the storage environment using oxygen reduction means (such as hydrogen fuel cells) integrated into the refrigeration system, eliminating the need for extensive packaging materials to create modified atmosphere. The oxygen is removed directly from the headspace of the storage container, allowing fresh perishables to be stored without conventional MAP packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration system is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating oxygen reduction means into the refrigeration unit. This allows the same system to simultaneously provide cooling and atmospheric modification, eliminating the need for separate packaging systems and reducing overall complexity.
2Loss of time
If air freight is used to transport fresh non-respiring perishables to maximize shelf life, then freshness is maintained, but transportation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting oxygen from the storage environment using integrated oxygen reduction means, the system extends shelf life of fresh perishables to levels that eliminate the need for expensive air freight. The modified atmosphere created by oxygen removal allows for cost-effective ground or sea transport while maintaining freshness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the atmospheric parameters (oxygen concentration, CO2 levels) within the storage container to optimize shelf life. By controlling these parameters, the perishables can be transported over longer periods and distances without degradation, making economical transport modes viable.
3Loss of time
If low-oxygen MA/CA environments are used for fresh seafood storage, then shelf life is extended, but FDA regulatory compliance and temperature monitoring requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the oxygen reduction means with the refrigeration system into an integrated unit. This combination simplifies regulatory compliance by consolidating temperature control and atmospheric modification functions, making it easier to monitor and verify compliance with FDA requirements for fresh seafood in low-oxygen environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides self-service capabilities by automatically maintaining optimal temperature and atmospheric conditions. The system self-regulates the modified atmosphere parameters and temperature, reducing the need for complex external monitoring and verification systems while ensuring regulatory compliance.
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 solution effectively extends the shelf life of non-respiring perishables for up to 6 months, reduces transportation costs, and enhances food safety by maintaining optimal storage conditions, while minimizing environmental footprint and regulatory compliance issues.
Implementation Method 1
the oxygen reduction means is a fuel cell that reduces the oxygen level in the refrigerated container
Implementation Method 2
the recirculating, forced air stream generated by operation of the refrigeration unit is integral to the operation of and efficiency of the oxygen reduction means
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for creating and maintaining modified and controlled atmospheres (MA/CA) in a rigid sealable container having at least one refrigeration unit with an integrated oxygen reduction structure. The refrigeration unit provides the necessary ambient atmosphere movement for the oxygen reduction structure, such as a hydrogen fuel cell. The systems and methods are useful in the, storage, transport, distribution, processing and packaging of fresh perishables with a focus on altering the natural gaseous environment around the perishables such that fresh shelf-life is extended. The systems may operate in a power generation/power production mode, such that the fuel cells maintain the MA/CA environment while providing both primary and back-up power.