System and method of circulating a gas in an automated grid based storage and retrieval system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in providing uniform environmental conditions, particularly airflow, to storage containers located in the middle of the storage system, leading to non-uniform cooling and potential issues with fire suppression.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a ventilation column with a fan and duct system beneath the storage containers, utilizing inlets and ducts to circulate gas uniformly across the storage volume, and employing adjustable nozzle plates and raised floor panels to optimize airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage containers are stacked vertically in columns to maximize storage density, then storage capacity is improved, but uniform airflow distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the airflow distribution task into multiple segments by providing inlet openings at different vertical levels (first, second, and third levels) along the sides of storage columns. This segmentation allows air to enter at multiple points, creating more uniform airflow distribution throughout the stacked containers while maintaining high storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by positioning inlet openings at specific locations along the sides of storage columns rather than using a uniform distribution pattern. The inlets are strategically placed at different heights and positions to optimize airflow to specific areas, ensuring that containers in the middle of stacks receive adequate airflow while maintaining overall storage capacity.
2Productivity
If storage containers are densely packed in the storage volume, then storage efficiency is improved, but gas circulation to middle containers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-point airflow source to a multi-dimensional airflow distribution network. Inlet openings are distributed across multiple vertical levels and horizontal positions along column sides, creating a three-dimensional airflow pattern that penetrates densely packed containers more effectively, ensuring reliable gas circulation throughout the storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet openings act as intermediaries between the external environment and the densely packed storage containers. By providing multiple inlet points at different locations, the system creates intermediate access points that facilitate gas circulation to containers that would otherwise be shielded by the dense packing arrangement.
3Device complexity
If a single ventilation source is used at the top of the storage system, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into multiple inlet openings distributed at different vertical levels along storage columns. This segmentation allows a relatively simple ventilation source to create multiple airflow paths that reach different zones of the storage volume, achieving uniform temperature distribution without requiring complex multi-source ventilation infrastructure.
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
Ensures uniform airflow and temperature distribution across the storage volume, enhancing cooling efficiency and improving fire suppression by maintaining consistent gas flow and enabling early detection and response to fires.
Implementation Method 1
the fan being arranged to circulate gas along sides of the stacks via the plurality of inlets, the under-stack void and through the duct
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an automated grid based storage and retrieval system and a method of circulating gas therein. The system comprises a framework structure (100) comprising upright members (102) and a grid of horizontal rails (110) provided at upper ends of the upright members (102), the framework structure defining a storage volume comprising a plurality of columns (105) arranged in a grid pattern below the horizontal rails (110) between the upright members (102), a plurality of storage containers (106) stacked vertically in stacks (107) in the columns to provide a plurality of storage columns (105), an under-stack void (402) extending beneath the stacks of storage containers, a plurality of inlets (403) to the under-stack void (402) between the stacks of storage containers, at least one column, which is empty of storage containers and arranged amongst the storage columns, to provide a ventilation column (404), the ventilation column (404) comprising a fan (405), wherein a plurality of duct walls (410) surrounding the ventilation column define a duct (406) having a first end (407) adjacent the horizontal rails (110) and a second end (408) adjacent the under-stack void (402), wherein the fan (405) is arranged to circulate gas along sides of the stacks (107) via the plurality of inlets (403), the under-stack void (402) and through the duct (406).