Thermal Battery Storage Unit for Passive Temperature Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage units for temperature-sensitive products lack effective passive temperature regulation, relying on active refrigeration and continuous power sources, which increases costs and reduces efficiency during shipping and storage.
Innovation Solution
A storage unit featuring a casing with a thermal element lined by thermal batteries, allowing for controlled ingress and egress of thermal storage medium, utilizing insulation and a piping assembly to maintain a uniform temperature without continuous power, using thermal storage medium like ice slurry or heating liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active refrigeration units are used to maintain constant temperature, then temperature control reliability is improved, but device complexity and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active refrigeration system from the storage unit and replaces it with passive thermal batteries. The thermal batteries are self-contained units that store thermal energy without requiring external power sources, thereby eliminating the complex refrigeration machinery while maintaining temperature control reliability through phase change materials and insulated housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal batteries are designed to be self-regulating through the phase change properties of their internal materials. The phase change materials automatically absorb or release thermal energy based on temperature conditions without requiring external control systems, making the storage unit self-sufficient and eliminating the need for complex active refrigeration equipment.
2Temperature
If active refrigeration with continuous power source is used, then temperature stability is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change materials within the thermal batteries that undergo phase transitions (e.g., solid-liquid) at specific temperatures. During phase change, the materials absorb or release large amounts of latent heat, providing passive temperature stabilization without requiring continuous energy input. This eliminates the energy consumption associated with active refrigeration while maintaining temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal batteries are pre-charged with thermal energy before being placed in the storage unit. The phase change materials are prepared in advance to be in a state ready to absorb or release heat as needed, allowing the storage unit to maintain temperature stability from the outset without requiring continuous power input during operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal storage medium is allowed to flow freely in thermal battery, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but loss of substance increases due to medium leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible diaphragm or membrane within the thermal battery housing to contain the thermal storage medium. This flexible barrier allows for thermal contact and efficient heat transfer while preventing the medium from leaking out of the battery. The diaphragm maintains the integrity of the thermal storage medium while enabling the heat transfer function.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm acts as an intermediary between the thermal storage medium and the external environment. It allows thermal energy to pass through via conduction while physically blocking the medium itself from escaping. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by enabling heat transfer efficiency while preventing substance loss.
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 solution enables efficient passive temperature regulation, maintaining a consistent temperature for extended periods without continuous power, reducing costs and ensuring the integrity of temperature-sensitive items during shipping and storage.
Implementation Method 1
A passive temperature regulation system for a storage unit is disclosed. The temperature regulation system includes a thermal battery having a housing and a thermal storage medium contained within the housing. The thermal storage medium may be in the form of ice slurry or any other suitable cooling or heating medium.
Implementation Method 2
A storage unit according to the invention is defined by the features of independent claim 1. A storage unit featuring a casing with a thermal element lined by thermal batteries
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage unit comprises a casing defining an interior space for holding at least one item, a thermal element lining an interior surface of at least one side of the casing, and at least one thermal battery thermally coupled to the thermal element.