Series loop intermodal container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated transport systems face safety challenges due to the use of flammable and toxic refrigerants, which can lead to explosion, fire, or poisoning risks, and existing solutions do not adequately address these issues, especially in intermodal containers.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerated transport system design featuring a vapor compression loop with a non-flammable and non-toxic refrigerant like propane, coupled with a heat transfer loop using carbon dioxide, and incorporating safety measures such as flame arrestors, carbon dioxide detectors, and explosion-proof components to prevent refrigerant exposure and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional refrigerants like R-134a are used, then refrigeration efficiency is maintained, but global warming potential increases and flammability/toxicity risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inter-loop heat exchanger as an intermediary component that enables heat transfer between the vapor compression loop and heat transfer loop without direct mixing of refrigerants. This allows the system to use low-GWP refrigerants like propane while maintaining safety through physical separation and intermediate heat transfer mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heat transfer function from the primary refrigeration loop and places it in a separate heat transfer loop. This separation allows the vapor compression loop to use efficient but potentially hazardous low-GWP refrigerants while the heat transfer loop handles thermal exchange independently, reducing safety risks.
2Productivity
If flammable and toxic refrigerants are used to improve refrigeration efficiency, then cooling performance increases, but safety risks from explosion, fire, or poisoning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refrigeration system into two distinct loops: a vapor compression loop for efficient cooling using flammable refrigerants like propane, and a heat transfer loop for thermal exchange. This segmentation isolates the hazardous refrigerant to a confined area with safety measures while maintaining high refrigeration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of flammable refrigerants into a benefit by using them in a sealed vapor compression loop where their high efficiency can be utilized, while safety devices like flame arrestors and detectors transform the hazard into a controlled risk that can be detected and prevented.
3Reliability
If safety measures like flame arrestors and detectors are added, then refrigerant safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple safety functions into integrated components. For example, the inter-loop heat exchanger combines heat transfer with safety isolation, and the control system integrates detection and response functions. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high safety standards.
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 reduces the risk of flammable and toxic refrigerant exposure by isolating the vapor compression loop and using low-cost, non-toxic working fluids, enhancing safety and efficiency while maintaining low global warming potential.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger positioned to reject heat to an external environment in a cooling mode
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanger positioned to absorb heat from the refrigerated compartment in the cooling mode
Implementation Method 3
An inter-loop heat exchanger has a first leg along the vapor compression loop and a second leg along the heat transfer loop in heat exchange relation with the first leg
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerated transport system (20) comprises a body (22) enclosing a refrigerated compartment (69). A refrigeration system (30) comprises: a vapor compression loop (31) having a first heat exchanger (38) positioned to reject heat to an external environment in a cooling mode. A heat transfer loop (32) has a second heat exchanger (58) positioned to absorb heat from the refrigerated compartment in the cooling mode. An inter-loop heat exchanger (44) has a first leg (42) along the vapor compression loop and a second leg (43) along the heat transfer loop in heat exchange relation with the first leg.