Transport refrigeration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transport refrigeration systems with mobile bulkheads face inefficiencies and safety risks due to the lack of real-time adjustment of cooling capacity based on the position and movement of the bulkhead within the cargo container, leading to suboptimal cooling and potential damage to the system or goods.
Innovation Solution
A method using sensors to determine the distance between the mobile bulkhead and the heat-absorbing heat exchanger, allowing the transport refrigeration system to adjust its operation dynamically, ensuring appropriate cooling capacity matching the compartment volume and preventing operation when minimum safe distances are not maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mobile bulkhead is manually moved to change compartment volume, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the cooling capacity no longer matches the compartment size leading to energy inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is positioned to detect the distance between the mobile bulkhead and the heat-absorbing heat exchanger. This distance information is fed back to the control system, which automatically adjusts the cooling capacity of the transport refrigeration unit to match the actual compartment volume, resolving the energy inefficiency caused by manual bulkhead movement
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment of the bulkhead is supplemented by an automated sensing and control system. The sensor replaces the need for manual monitoring and adjustment of cooling capacity, automatically adapting the refrigeration system to the compartment volume defined by the bulkhead position
2Productivity
If the mobile bulkhead is moved closer to the heat-absorbing heat exchanger to increase compartment volume, then the productivity is improved, but the safety and system reliability deteriorate due to insufficient airflow and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor continuously monitors the distance between the mobile bulkhead and the heat-absorbing heat exchanger. When the bulkhead moves too close to the heat exchanger, the control system receives feedback and prevents operation or reduces cooling capacity to maintain safe airflow distances, protecting the system from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses the sensor information to preemptively prevent the mobile bulkhead from being positioned too close to the heat-absorbing heat exchanger. By detecting the position in advance, the system can issue warnings or prevent operation before damage occurs, rather than reacting after damage has happened
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 approach enhances energy efficiency, operational safety, and prevents damage by ensuring appropriate cooling capacity and airflow, thereby maintaining the integrity of both the refrigeration system and the goods being transported.
Implementation Method 1
using a sensor to determine a distance between a mobile bulkhead in a cargo container and a heat-absorbing heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
heat-absorbing heat exchanger of a transport refrigeration unit arranged to cool the cargo container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A transport refrigeration system (100, 200) is provided comprising a cargo container (120, 220) and a transport refrigeration unit (130, 230) arranged to cool the cargo container (120, 220). The cargo container (120, 220) is equipped with a mobile bulkhead (140, 240) that partitions the interior of the cargo container (120, 220). The transport refrigeration unit (130, 230) comprises a heat-absorbing heat exchanger (160, 260, 262) positioned in fluid communication with the interior of the cargo container (120, 220). The transport refrigeration system (100, 200) is further provided with a sensor (170) configured to determine a distance between the mobile bulkhead (140, 240) and the heat-absorbing heat exchanger (160, 260, 262). A method of operating a transport refrigeration system (100, 200) is also provided.