Trailer Refrigeration Unit Layout for Reduced Body Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration units for trailers face challenges in reducing thickness due to the arrangement of components like condensers and evaporators, which hinders the creation of sufficient cargo space.
Innovation Solution
The refrigeration unit body incorporates a condensation side passage from the front to the top for air to exchange heat with the condenser, with the condenser, condenser fan, and radiator disposed in series, and an evaporation side passage with fans arranged in the width direction, along with a frame structure and heat exhaust passage, to optimize space and airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If components like condenser and evaporator are arranged in conventional configurations, then heat exchange functions are achieved, but the refrigeration unit body becomes too thick and cargo space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The condensation side passage is configured to extend from the front surface to the top of the refrigeration unit body, utilizing the vertical dimension for heat exchange. This dimensional reorientation allows the condenser to be positioned along the vertical path of air flow rather than occupying horizontal space, thereby reducing the thickness of the refrigeration unit body while maintaining effective heat exchange area.
2Productivity
If condenser, condenser fan, and radiator are arranged in series, then air flow efficiency is improved and space is optimized, but the arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser, condenser fan, and radiator are merged into a single integrated air flow path where air sequentially passes through all three components in series from the front surface to the top of the refrigeration unit body. This merging of components into a unified vertical arrangement simplifies the overall structure while optimizing air flow efficiency and reducing the space required for heat exchange operations.
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 configuration reduces the refrigeration unit's thickness, enhances airflow efficiency, allows for effective heat discharge, and facilitates space-saving design while ensuring reliable heat exchange and maintenance access.
Implementation Method 1
a condensation side passage formed in the refrigeration unit body from the front surface to the top of the refrigeration unit body to allow air exchanging heat with a condenser of the refrigerant circuit to flow through the condensation side passage
Implementation Method 2
air exchanging heat with a condenser of the refrigerant circuit to flow through the condensation side passage
Implementation Method 3
the air having flowed through the condenser then flows through a radiator for the engine
Implementation Method 4
the condenser, a condenser fan for the condenser and the radiator are disposed in series in the condensation side passage
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration unit body (31) is mounted to a trailer (20). The refrigeration unit body (31) includes a refrigerant circuit (40), an engine (50) and an electric generator (51). The refrigeration unit body (31) has a condensation side passage (70) formed from the front surface of the refrigeration unit body (31) to the top thereof. In the condensation side passage (70), a condenser (42) and an electrical component box (54) are disposed in series with condenser fans (44) for the condenser (42) and a radiator (55) in order from upstream to downstream of air flow. In addition, the refrigeration unit body (31) has an evaporation side passage (71) formed therein. The condenser fans (44) in the condensation side passage (70) and evaporation fans in the evaporation side passage are disposed alternately in the width direction of the refrigeration unit body (31).