Thermal Shield With Heat Exchange Fluid Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal shields for shipping containers fail to maintain a consistently uniform temperature, leading to potential spoilage of temperature-sensitive products during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A thermal shield comprising a thermally conductive layer with a heat exchange fluid circuit and a pumping unit that selectively pumps heat exchange fluid to maintain a constant temperature, using criteria such as temperature thresholds and blockage detection to ensure effective temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional insulation material is used in thermal shields, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the temperature uniformity and consistency cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal shield is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer layer, an intermediate layer containing the heat exchange fluid circuit, and an inner layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the outer and inner layers provide insulation while the intermediate layer enables active temperature control through fluid circulation, thereby achieving temperature uniformity without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermally conductive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the heat exchange fluid circuit and the insulated space. This intermediary layer efficiently transfers heat from the fluid circuit to the surrounding insulation and cargo, ensuring uniform temperature distribution while maintaining the benefits of both passive insulation and active thermal control.
2Reliability
If heat exchange fluid circuit is added to improve temperature control, then temperature consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange fluid circuit is implemented using flexible tubing that can be easily routed through the insulation layers and conform to the container shape. This flexible implementation reduces structural complexity compared to rigid piping systems while maintaining reliable temperature control throughout the insulated space.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange fluid circuit serves multiple functions: it provides active heating when fluid temperature is elevated, active cooling when fluid temperature is reduced, and can be integrated with existing container structures. This multi-functionality improves temperature control reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Temperature
If active pumping is implemented to maintain constant temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping unit operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when temperature deviations are detected by sensors. The controller monitors temperature conditions and triggers pumping cycles only when necessary to correct temperature excursions, thereby maintaining temperature stability while minimizing energy consumption during normal stable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control system uses temperature sensors to monitor the thermal environment and provides signals to the pumping unit and controller. When temperature deviations exceed predetermined thresholds, the feedback mechanism activates the pumping unit to restore temperature stability, and shuts it off when stability is achieved, optimizing energy usage while maintaining reliable temperature control.
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 effectively maintains a consistent temperature within shipping containers, preventing spoilage by continuously pumping heat exchange fluid through the thermal shield until desired temperatures are achieved, and efficiently managing fluid circulation to address temperature deviations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat exchange fluid circuit coupled to a first surface of the thermally conductive layer
Implementation Method 2
thermally conductive layer
Implementation Method 3
a pumping unit configured to pump heat exchange fluid into the at least one heat exchange fluid circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal shield comprises an insulation layer having a space defined therein, wherein a low-conductivity material fills the space, and a valve configured to connect to a vacuum to remove air from the space, thereby increasing insulating properties of the insulation layer.