Controlling a refrigeration unit in response to a specific cargo load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigeration units in cold chain systems often operate without consideration for the specific temperature requirements and sensitivities of varying cargo types, leading to inefficient energy use and potential damage to temperature-sensitive goods.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilizes sensors within refrigerated containers to provide temperature readings, identifies the cargo load, and adjusts the refrigeration unit's operation mode between power saving and standard modes based on predefined temperature ranges and excursion time limits, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining cargo integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the refrigeration unit operates continuously in standard mode, then cargo temperature is maintained within required ranges, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo temperature maintenanceVSAvoidrefrigeration unit energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigeration unit dynamically adjusts its operation mode between power saving and standard modes based on real-time temperature monitoring and cargo sensitivity assessment, rather than operating continuously at fixed capacity. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain cargo temperature requirements while reducing energy consumption during periods when full cooling capacity is not needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different refrigeration modes (power saving vs. standard mode) based on cargo temperature ranges and excursion time limits. This parameter adjustment enables the refrigeration unit to optimize energy consumption while maintaining cargo integrity through controlled temperature management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the refrigeration unit operates in power saving mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but cargo temperature may exceed acceptable ranges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigeration unit energy consumptionVSAvoidcargo temperature maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors cargo temperature through sensors and uses this feedback to determine when to switch between power saving and standard modes. Temperature readings are compared against cargo-specific acceptable ranges, and the refrigeration unit adjusts its operation in response to maintain temperature within required limits while optimizing energy usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes cargo-specific temperature ranges and excursion time limits before operation begins. By having these parameters predetermined based on cargo sensitivity characteristics, the system can proactively adjust refrigeration modes to prevent temperature excursions before they cause cargo damage, rather than reacting after problems occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the refrigeration unit uses generic operation settings, then system complexity is reduced, but cargo-specific temperature requirements are not met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigeration control system complexityVSAvoidcargo temperature requirement fulfillment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments cargo into different categories based on temperature sensitivity characteristics, with each segment having specific temperature ranges and excursion time limits. This segmentation allows the refrigeration unit to apply tailored control strategies for different cargo types, maintaining temperature requirements while managing system complexity through standardized cargo classification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigeration control system is designed to handle multiple cargo types with different temperature requirements through a universal control framework. By implementing a standardized system that can adapt to various cargo-specific parameters (temperature ranges, excursion limits), the system achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity, serving diverse cargo needs through a single integrated platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10823498B2Controlling a refrigeration unit in response to a specific cargo load

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 CARRIER CORP

AI summary

A method and system to control a refrigeration unit (104) in response to a cargo load (108) in a refrigerated container includes providing a plurality of sensors disposed within the refrigerated container, providing a cargo load temperature range and a cargo load excursion time limit corresponding to the cargo load, receiving a plurality of temperature readings corresponding to the cargo load via the plurality of sensors, operating the refrigeration unit in a power saving mode in response to the plurality of temperature readings within the cargo load temperature range, and operating the refrigeration unit in a standard mode in response to the plurality of temperature readings outside the cargo load temperature range for longer than the cargo load excursion time limit.