Solid-State Heat Exchanger for Multi-Temperature Transport Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems for transport containers suffer from inefficiencies in cooling efficiency, particularly when managing multiple containers with varying temperature requirements, as they rely on convection heat transfer methods that require partitioning and uniform temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state heat transfer system using metal heat conduction portions and heat exchangers to directly control container temperatures, allowing for independent temperature regulation of multiple containers without partitioning, enhanced by using aluminum alloy for high thermal conductivity and incorporating heat insulating and storage materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If convection heat transfer method is used to control temperature in transport containers, then the entire cooling compartment can be temperature-controlled, but cooling efficiency is reduced and partitioning is required for different temperature requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cooling compartment into multiple independent temperature control zones by placing separate heat exchangers for different temperature requirements (freezing and refrigeration chambers), allowing each zone to be controlled independently without requiring physical partition walls throughout the entire compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different temperature control characteristics to different locations within the cooling compartment by positioning heat exchangers with specific temperature control capabilities at appropriate locations, enabling local temperature optimization for different storage requirements.
2Temperature
If partition walls are installed to control different temperatures in transport containers, then temperature requirements can be met, but device complexity and space utilization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the temperature control function from the structural partition walls and implements it through independent heat exchanger units, allowing temperature control to be achieved without requiring physical division of the compartment space.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchangers serve multiple functions: they provide temperature control, enable different temperature zones, and eliminate the need for partition walls, thereby simplifying the overall compartment structure while maintaining temperature control precision.
3Loss of energy
If resin material is used for transport container walls, then insulation is provided, but heat exchange efficiency with heat exchanger is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different material properties to different parts of the container: resin material for general insulation and metal heat conduction portions at contact areas with heat exchangers, optimizing both insulation and heat exchange efficiency in their respective locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining resin insulation material with metal heat conduction portions, leveraging the insulating properties of resin for thermal protection and the high thermal conductivity of metal for efficient heat exchange with heat exchangers.
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
Improves temperature control efficiency by directly regulating container temperatures based on need, enabling simultaneous transport of items at different temperatures with reduced energy loss and enhanced heat exchange.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger of a solid-state heat transfer type that is disposed in contact with the heat conduction portion and controls a temperature of the object via the heat conduction portion
Implementation Method 2
the heat conduction portion made of metal is provided at a contact portion with the heat exchanger. Therefore, it is possible to exhibit high heat exchange efficiency as compared with a material having a low thermal conductivity such as a resin
Implementation Method 3
in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant at the required temperature and the transport container exchange heat via the heat conduction portion, and the temperature of the transport container can be controlled
Implementation Method 4
Since convection heat is also transferred to the surrounding air on the surface of the transport container
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature control structure for a transport container includes: a temperature control compartment provided in a truck; a transport container that is loaded into the temperature control compartment, and has a box shape capable of accommodating an object, in which at least a part of a wall constituting the box shape is a heat conduction portion made of metal; and a heat exchanger of a solid-state heat transfer type that is disposed in contact with the heat conduction portion and controls a temperature of the object via the heat conduction portion.