Coordination of refrigerated storage containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigerated storage containers on naval ships face inefficiencies due to recirculated heated air from condensers, leading to increased power consumption and potential cargo degradation, especially in densely stacked configurations where air impingement and recirculation occur, and existing solutions struggle to optimize energy use while maintaining temperature control.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a supervisory controller system that coordinates local controllers to optimize on/off schedules for refrigerated storage containers based on condenser air inlet temperature measurements, operational parameters, and environmental conditions, combined with adjustable louvers to direct air flow and reduce recirculation, ensures efficient energy use and minimizes short cycling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If refrigerated storage containers are densely stacked on naval ships, then space utilization is improved, but air recirculation from condensers increases leading to higher power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the control of refrigerated containers by introducing a supervisory controller that coordinates multiple local controllers, allowing individual container control while optimizing the overall system to prevent air recirculation and reduce power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supervisory controller implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring operational parameters and temperature data from multiple containers, using this information to dynamically adjust on/off schedules and prevent harmful air recirculation patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If condenser air discharge is increased to improve cooling efficiency, then temperature control is improved, but recirculated heated air increases leading to energy waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidenergy waste

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The supervisory controller performs preliminary coordination of on/off schedules for multiple containers, proactively preventing the accumulation of recirculated heated air before it can adversely affect cooling efficiency and cause energy waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by dynamically adjusting the on/off schedules of refrigerated containers based on monitored conditions, optimizing the balance between temperature control and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If local controllers operate independently to simplify control architecture, then device complexity is reduced, but coordination between containers is lost leading to suboptimal energy use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol architecture complexityVSAvoidenergy use

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control architecture is segmented into hierarchical levels with local controllers handling individual container operations and a supervisory controller coordinating the overall system, maintaining simplicity at the local level while enabling system-wide optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the functions of multiple local controllers under a supervisory controller that coordinates their operations, combining individual container control capabilities with system-wide optimization to reduce energy use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach reduces energy consumption, prevents cargo degradation, and maintains optimal temperature control by minimizing waste heat ingestion and recirculation, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of refrigerated storage containers.

Implementation Method 1

recirculated heated air from condensers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal convection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

condenser air inlet temperature measurements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

adjustable louvers to direct air flow and reduce recirculation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow direction control: Convection

Implementation Method 4

refrigerated storage containers... used in the transport of temperature sensitive goods

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefrigeration cycle: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS11841182B2Coordination of refrigerated storage containers

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 CARRIER CORP

AI summary

A system is provided and includes refrigerated storage containers (20), local controllers (30) respectively coupled with corresponding refrigerated storage containers (20) to control operations thereof in accordance with controller parameters and a supervisory controller (40). The supervisory controller (40) is configured to issue control commands to the local controllers (30) based on respective responses of the refrigerated storage containers (20) to local controller control.