Refrigerated storage container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated storage containers on cargo ships face inefficiencies due to heat recirculation and impingement issues when stacked closely, leading to increased energy consumption and potential cargo degradation from elevated air temperatures and system trip-offs.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates adjustable louvers on condenser and reefer air inlets and outlets to direct air flows, minimizing recirculation and impingement, along with a decentralized control algorithm to optimize refrigeration unit operation based on cargo temperature requirements and ambient conditions, reducing energy consumption and maintaining cargo quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If refrigerated storage containers are stacked closely on cargo ships, then space utilization is improved, but heat recirculation and impingement occur leading to increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet and outlet openings are segmented into multiple separate openings positioned at different locations on the container walls. This segmentation prevents hot exhaust air from one container from being drawn into the air intake of another stacked container, thereby reducing heat recirculation while maintaining close stacking for space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjustable louvers are introduced as intermediary components at the air openings to control and direct air flow patterns. These louvers act as mediators that redirect exhaust air away from adjacent containers and ensure fresh air intake, preventing harmful thermal interactions between closely stacked containers.
2Area of stationary object
If refrigerated storage containers are stacked closely on cargo ships, then space utilization is improved, but air temperature elevation and cargo degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air openings are positioned at different heights and locations on the container walls to segment the air flow paths. This prevents hot air accumulation around the cargo and ensures continuous supply of cool air, thereby preventing temperature elevation and cargo degradation even when containers are closely stacked.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the container walls are equipped with air openings having different orientations and positions tailored to their specific functions. Fresh air inlets are positioned to draw cool air, while exhaust outlets are positioned and angled to discharge hot air away from adjacent containers and cargo areas.
3Area of stationary object
If refrigerated storage containers are stacked closely on cargo ships, then space utilization is improved, but system trip-offs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow system is segmented into separate intake and exhaust paths with multiple openings positioned to prevent thermal interference. This ensures reliable operation of the refrigeration system by preventing overheating and maintaining proper air flow even when containers are closely stacked, thereby avoiding system trip-offs.
4Loss of energy
If air flows are not directed properly in stacked containers, then recirculation occurs, but with proper directioning energy efficiency is improved
Solution Approach 1:
Adjustable louvers are installed at the air openings to dynamically control air flow direction. These louvers can be positioned to optimize air flow patterns, directing fresh air intake away from exhaust zones and directing exhaust air away from adjacent containers, thereby improving energy efficiency while providing flexibility to adapt to different stacking configurations.
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
This solution enhances energy efficiency and operation by reducing recirculated heat, minimizing energy usage, and preventing cargo degradation, while maintaining optimal refrigeration performance even when containers are stacked closely.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser configured to receive air to remove heat from a refrigerant passing through the condenser
Implementation Method 2
first, second and third reefer air outlets configured to direct conditioned air exhausted from the interior toward the condenser air inlets
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A refrigerated storage container is provided and includes a container housing defining an interior in which cargo is storable, a condenser configured to receive air to remove heat from a refrigerant passing through the condenser, a condenser air inlet receptive of the air, a condenser air outlet configured to direct air exhausted from the condenser away from the condenser air inlet and a reefer air outlet configured to direct conditioned air exhausted from the interior toward the condenser air inlet.