Refrigeration unit with atmosphere control system access panel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerated containers lack effective control over atmospheric gas compositions, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, which affects the post-harvest shelf life and quality of perishable goods.
Innovation Solution
An atmosphere control system integrated with the refrigeration unit, featuring a sensor to measure gas levels, a water separator, filters, and valves to regulate gas flow, and a removable access panel for easy maintenance and uniform temperature, allowing for precise control of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If atmosphere control system components are mounted inside the container, then gas level measurement and control is improved, but maintenance access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The atmosphere control system components (sensor, water separator, filters, valve) are segmented and mounted on a separate removable access panel that can be detached from the refrigeration unit. This allows the components to be positioned for optimal measurement capability while enabling easy access for maintenance by removing the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable access panel serves as an intermediary mounting structure between the refrigeration unit and the atmosphere control components. This intermediary allows components to be mounted in a location that provides both measurement capability and maintenance access, decoupling these two requirements from the main container structure.
2Ease of repair
If atmosphere control components are mounted on the evaporator section, then maintenance access is improved, but temperature uniformity for moisture removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access panel is segmented from the main refrigeration unit structure, allowing it to be positioned on the evaporator section for ease of maintenance while being thermally isolated. This segmentation enables the panel to serve as a maintenance access point without disrupting the temperature uniformity required for effective moisture removal in the cargo area.
Solution Approach 2:
The atmosphere control components are extracted from the main refrigeration unit body and mounted on a separate access panel. This extraction allows the components to be positioned for maintenance access while preventing them from interfering with the thermal environment needed for moisture removal.
3Measurement precision
If compressed air is used for atmosphere control, then gas composition control is improved, but moisture removal becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
A water separator is installed in the compressed air line to preliminarily remove moisture from the compressed air before it is introduced into the container. This preliminary action prevents the compressed air from interfering with the refrigeration unit's ability to remove moisture from the cargo atmosphere.
Solution Approach 2:
The water separator acts as an intermediary device between the compressed air source and the container atmosphere. It filters out moisture from the compressed air before introduction, allowing the benefits of compressed air for atmosphere control while preventing the harmful effect of added moisture.
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 effectively extends the shelf life of perishables by regulating gas levels, improving moisture removal and facilitating maintenance, thereby maintaining optimal storage conditions for fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one component of the atmosphere control system comprises a sensor configured to measure a level of a gas in the container
Implementation Method 2
The components on the access panel are maintained at a uniform temperature to improve moisture removal of compressed air
Implementation Method 3
A volume of refrigerant circulates throughout the refrigeration unit, and one or more evaporator fans of the refrigeration unit blow a flow of supply air across the evaporator thereby cooling the supply air
Implementation Method 4
A volume of refrigerant circulates throughout the refrigeration unit, and one or more evaporator fans of the refrigeration unit blow a flow of supply air across the evaporator thereby cooling the supply air
Implementation Method 5
the at least one component of the atmosphere control system comprises a valve, the valve, in an open position, directs compressed air to the container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A refrigeration unit for use with a container includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator configured to circulate a refrigerant; a condenser section housing the condenser; an evaporator section housing the evaporator; a removable access panel mounted to the evaporator section, the removable access panel serving as a mounting location for at least one component of an atmosphere control system.