Thermal control system for thermal sensitive freight transportation and transport container and aircraft having the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal control systems for transporting thermal sensitive payloads rely on electric power, requiring certification and continuous power supply, which increases complexity and vulnerability to power outages.
Innovation Solution
A thermal control system using a phase-change material in an intermediate floor that allows air to pass through, eliminating the need for electric power and reducing complexity by using natural air flow for heat exchange, with optional heating elements and adjustable phase-change materials for temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electric power is used to maintain temperature in the thermal control system, then temperature control capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to certification requirements and continuous power supply needs
Solution Approach 1:
The phase-change material serves itself by automatically absorbing or releasing heat during phase transitions without requiring external control systems, power supply, or active management. The material self-regulates temperature based on its phase change properties, eliminating the need for complex electric control systems and certification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electric power-based thermal control system with a passive phase-change material system. Instead of using electric heaters, sensors, and control circuits, the invention uses the inherent phase change properties of materials to provide thermal regulation, thereby eliminating mechanical and electrical complexity.
2Temperature
If continuous electric power supply is required during transportation, then temperature stability is improved, but reliability decreases due to vulnerability to power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The phase-change material is pre-prepared and positioned in the thermal control system before transportation begins. The material is selected and configured in advance to provide the specific temperature stability needed for the payload, ensuring reliability without requiring continuous external power supply during transit.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an intermediate floor with phase-change material is used for heat exchange, then electric power requirement is reduced, but heat exchange efficiency may be affected by air flow restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate floor is designed with porous or permeable structures that allow air to flow through while maintaining contact with the phase-change material. This porous design enables effective heat exchange between the air stream and the phase-change material without restricting air flow, thereby maintaining heat exchange efficiency while eliminating electric power requirements.
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 system operates without electric power, reducing development, certification, and maintenance costs, while maintaining payload temperature stability through passive heat exchange, even during power outages or pressure changes, such as those encountered in aircraft transport.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate floor comprises a phase-change material and is configured to allow air to pass through the intermediate floor and to exchange heat with the phase-change material
Implementation Method 2
the intermediate floor forms a heat exchanger dividing the interior space of the case in the first and second sections
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a thermal control system (100) and transport container with such thermal control system (100) for transporting a payload (210). The thermal control system comprises a case (110), and an intermediate floor (150) dividing an interior space of the case (110) in a first section (111) and a second section (112). The thermal control system (100) further comprises a first air passage (120) arranged in the case (110) and fluidly connecting the first section (111) with an exterior environment of the case (110), wherein the intermediate floor (150) comprises a phase-change material and is configured to allow air to pass through the intermediate floor (150) and to exchange heat with the phase-change material.