Storage Unit Tempering System with Integrated Motor Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tempering systems for transport storage units face challenges in maintaining reliable and cost-efficient temperature control for perishable goods across various climatic zones, especially when operating under harsh conditions without a constant power supply.
Innovation Solution
A tempering system that directly couples a motor/generator unit and a compressor unit via a common drive shaft, allowing the engine to power the system only when necessary, and using the motor/generator unit as both a motor and generator, with a magnetic clutch for decoupling, and refrigerant flow for cooling, to enhance flexibility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a separate cooling fan is added to cool the motor/generator unit, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function into the existing refrigerant circulation system. The motor/generator unit is positioned in the flow path of the refrigerant, allowing the refrigerant to directly cool the motor/generator without requiring a separate cooling fan. This integration eliminates additional components while achieving effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant system serves dual purposes: it cools the storage volume and simultaneously cools the motor/generator unit. The motor/generator is cooled by the refrigerant flow passing through its housing, allowing the system to cool itself without external intervention or additional energy-consuming cooling devices.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is used to drive both the compressor and motor/generator unit, then power utilization is improved, but adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motor/generator unit is designed to operate in multiple modes: it can function as a motor driven by the engine, as a generator powered by the compressor, or be decoupled entirely using a magnetic clutch. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and power sources, including the ability to use external mains power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a magnetic clutch that enables dynamic coupling and decoupling of the engine from the motor/generator unit. This allows the operating configuration to be changed in real-time based on conditions, such as switching between engine-driven motor mode and compressor-driven generator mode, or connecting to external power sources.
3Ease of repair
If the motor/generator unit and compressor unit are placed in separate housings, then maintenance access is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor/generator unit and compressor unit are integrated into a single common housing, creating a compact assembly. This integration reduces the number of separate components and housing structures, simplifying the overall device while maintaining functional independence of each unit within the shared housing.
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 configuration ensures reliable and cost-effective temperature control for perishable goods, reducing energy consumption and maintaining mechanical stability, even in harsh conditions, by utilizing the motor/generator unit's dual functionality and eliminating the need for a separate cooling fan.
Implementation Method 1
the system enables to use the electric motor/generator unit as a generator in case the compressor is driven by the engine and it further enables to use the electric motor/generator unit as an electric motor for driving the compressor unit
Implementation Method 2
refrigerant flowing in said refrigerant circuit is flowing through said motor/generator unit for cooling said motor/generator unit
Implementation Method 3
One preferred solution provides that said clutch unit is a magnet clutch
Data Source
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AI summary
For creating a storage unit comprising a container housing enclosing a storage volume for receiving freight and a gaseous medium surrounding said freight, said storage unit further comprising a tempering system provided with a tempering unit associated with said storage volume for maintaining a flow of said gaseous medium circulating in said storage volume and passing through said tempering unit in order to be maintained at a defined or set temperature, said tempering unit comprising an internal heat exchanger arranged in said flow of gaseous medium passing through said tempering unit, said tempering system being provided with a refrigerant circuit comprising said internal heat exchanger, an external heat exchanger exposed to ambient air surrounding said container housing which operates reliably and cost efficient under the aforementioned condition, as well as a compressor unit for compressing refrigerant, and said tempering system being further provided with an engine for driving said compressor unit in an independent power source mode and said tempering system being further provided with an electric motor/generator unit mechanically coupled to said compressor unit, and said compressor unit and said motor/generator unit being commonly driven by said engine in said independent power source mode.