Automatic temperature control for refrigeration systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of refrigeration systems may incorrectly set temperatures or mistakenly place perishable goods in the wrong compartments, leading to damage or spoilage of goods due to temperature mismatches.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system with a wireless module embedded in or attached to each container that stores a target container temperature, allowing the controller to automatically adjust the refrigeration unit's operation based on the type of perishable goods, reducing manual input and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operators manually set temperatures and select compartments for perishable goods, then the system requires simple control mechanisms, but human error leads to temperature mismatches and goods spoilage
Solution Approach 1:
The container autonomously identifies itself by transmitting its unique ID to the reader, automatically determining its required temperature range without operator intervention. The system self-configures the refrigeration control based on the container's identity, eliminating manual temperature setting and compartment selection while preventing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The reader continuously monitors container positions and communicates with the control system to verify that containers are placed in appropriate compartments matching their temperature requirements. This feedback loop ensures temperature mismatches are detected and corrected, improving reliability through automated verification.
2Reliability
If the system uses automatic container identification and temperature matching, then temperature accuracy improves, but the system requires additional wireless communication modules and readers
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless communication module embedded in each container acts as an intermediary, storing container identity information and transmitting it to the reader. This intermediary approach automates the identification process without requiring complex manual input systems, balancing reliability improvement with acceptable system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple compartments with different temperature requirements are managed manually, then the refrigeration unit can serve diverse goods, but operators may mistakenly place goods in wrong compartments
Solution Approach 1:
Each container is pre-configured with its identity and temperature requirements stored in the wireless communication module before being placed in the refrigeration unit. The reader reads this pre-stored information upon container placement, enabling automatic matching with the correct temperature compartment without relying on operator knowledge or manual configuration.
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 maintains optimal temperatures for perishable goods by automatically adjusting refrigeration unit operation, minimizing spoilage and damage, and allowing for efficient handling of multiple compartments with different temperature requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Air or an air/gas mixture is drawn from the compartment containing perishable goods by means of the evaporator fan(s) associated with the evaporator, passed through the airside of the evaporator in heat exchange relationship with refrigerant whereby the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, thereby cooling the air.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport refrigeration system comprising: a refrigerated compartment, a refrigeration unit operably coupled to the refrigerated compartment, and a controller for controlling the environment within the refrigerated compartment by controlling the refrigeration unit; a container for storing perishable goods; and a wireless module secured to the container and configured to store a target container temperature; wherein the controller is configured to: receive the target container temperature from the wireless module responsive to the container being placed in the refrigerated compartment; and control the environment within the refrigerated compartment by controlling the operation of the refrigeration unit in accordance with the target container temperature.