Automatic temperature control for refrigeration systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of refrigeration systems may mistakenly set incorrect temperatures or place perishable goods in the wrong compartments, leading to damage or spoilage, especially in systems with multiple compartments or when handling multiple smaller containers.
Innovation Solution
A wireless module embedded in or attached to containers stores a target container temperature, allowing the refrigeration system's controller to automatically adjust the temperature settings based on the type of perishable goods, reducing manual errors and ensuring accurate temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual temperature setting by operator is used, then system complexity is reduced, but temperature control accuracy deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The container's wireless module automatically provides temperature information to the refrigeration system's controller, eliminating the need for manual operator input. The system self-adjusts based on data received from the container, ensuring accurate temperature control without increasing operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If automatic temperature control via wireless module is implemented, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless communication module serves as an intermediary between the container and the refrigeration system controller. This intermediary automatically transmits temperature data and receives control commands, improving temperature control accuracy while keeping the user interface simple and the overall system complexity manageable.
3Ease of operation
If operator manually sets temperature, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to mistakes in temperature setting
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically receives temperature parameters from the container's wireless module and controls the refrigeration unit accordingly. This eliminates human error in temperature setting while maintaining ease of operation, as the container itself provides the necessary information without requiring operator intervention.
4Ease of operation
If operator manually sets temperature, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to mistakes in placing goods in wrong compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless module in the container provides feedback to the controller about the container's identity and required temperature. The controller uses this feedback to automatically select the appropriate refrigeration compartment, ensuring correct goods placement without requiring operator judgment 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
This solution minimizes the risk of temperature-related damage or spoilage by automating temperature settings and ensuring that perishable goods are stored at the appropriate temperature, even in systems with multiple compartments or when handling diverse goods.
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
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AI summary
A transport refrigeration system 10 comprising: a refrigerated compartment 14, a refrigeration unit 15 operably coupled to the refrigerated compartment 14, and a controller 20 for controlling the environment within the refrigerated compartment 14 by controlling the refrigeration unit 15; a container 2 for storing perishable goods; and a wireless module 4 secured to the container 2 and configured to store a target container temperature; wherein the controller 20 is configured to: receive the target container temperature from the wireless module 4 responsive to the container 2 being placed in the refrigerated compartment 14; and control the environment within the refrigerated compartment 14 by controlling the operation of the refrigeration unit 15 in accordance with the target container temperature.