Distributed Trailer Refrigeration Layout for Multi-Zone Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration systems for large trailers face inefficiencies due to the need for powerful air circulation to maintain uniform temperature, especially in long containers with multiple compartments requiring different temperatures, leading to increased energy consumption and complexity with lengthy piping and higher risk of refrigerant leaks.
Innovation Solution
A distributed refrigeration system with multiple refrigeration units spaced along the trailer, each coupled to the roof and connected by ducts that direct airflow, allowing for independent temperature control of compartments and reducing the reliance on air circulation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single refrigeration unit is located on the front wall of the container to cool the entire container, then the refrigeration system structure is simple, but the energy consumption increases substantially due to the need for powerful air circulation systems to maintain uniform temperature throughout the long trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple zones with refrigeration units distributed at different locations (front wall, rear wall, and/or sidewalls) rather than relying on a single front-mounted unit. This segmentation allows each refrigeration unit to serve a localized area, reducing the energy required for air circulation while maintaining temperature uniformity throughout the container.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the container are equipped with refrigeration units based on their specific cooling needs. By placing refrigeration units at strategic locations (front, rear, sidewalls), the system provides localized cooling capacity where needed most, eliminating the need for high-power air circulation systems to transport cold air across the entire container length.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple compartments or portions of the container require different temperatures, then the temperature control flexibility improves, but the system complexity increases greatly due to lengthy piping and additional flow control valves
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into thermally independent zones, each served by its own refrigeration unit. This segmentation allows each zone to be controlled independently for different temperature requirements without requiring complex piping and flow control valve systems to distribute refrigerant to multiple compartments from a single source.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using one complex refrigeration system with extensive piping to serve multiple temperature zones, the invention uses multiple simplified refrigeration units distributed throughout the container. Each unit is a simplified copy of the basic refrigeration components, eliminating the need for lengthy piping and multiple flow control valves while providing independent temperature control for each zone.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lengthy piping is used to maintain different temperatures in multiple portions of the container, then the temperature differentiation capability improves, but the risk of refrigerant leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is segmented into multiple independent units distributed throughout the container, each serving a specific zone. This eliminates the need for lengthy interconnected piping that would be required to distribute refrigerant to multiple temperature zones from a single source, thereby reducing the total piping length and the associated leak risk points.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex piping network that connects a single refrigeration source to multiple compartments is extracted and replaced with multiple independent refrigeration units. Each unit contains its own refrigerant circuit, eliminating the need for extensive interconnecting piping and the flow control valves required to manage refrigerant distribution across different temperature zones, thus reducing leak risk.
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 enhances temperature distribution, reduces energy consumption, minimizes refrigerant piping, and decreases the risk of leaks, while maintaining a uniform temperature throughout the trailer with improved thermodynamic efficiency and redundancy.
Implementation Method 1
The duct is configured to direct an airflow in at least one of a first direction toward the refrigeration unit and a second direction away from the refrigeration unit
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration unit configured to couple to the trailer and operable to condition the container
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration system configured for use with a trailer including a container having a roof, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration unit configured to couple to the trailer and operable to condition the container. The refrigeration system also includes a duct in fluid communication between the refrigeration unit and an opening in the first sidewall. The duct is configured to direct an airflow in at least one of a first direction toward the refrigeration unit and a second direction away from the refrigeration unit.