Transport refrigeration system, transport refrigeration unit, and methods for same

Solution Overview

Problem

Transporting perishable items poses a challenge as they require precise temperature control to prevent spoilage or freezing damage, and existing refrigeration systems lack efficient methods to dynamically adjust based on cargo conditions.

Innovation Solution

A transport refrigeration system with a control module that includes a controller and sensors to regulate the refrigeration unit's operation based on cargo temperature, allowing for selective power-saving modes and optimal temperature maintenance within an enclosed volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the refrigeration system operates continuously at full capacity to maintain temperature, then the temperature control reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigeration system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time cargo temperature feedback. The controller modulates the refrigeration capacity and operational modes (compressor on/off, fan speeds) according to the actual temperature conditions, allowing the system to maintain reliability while reducing energy consumption when full capacity is not needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses cargo temperature sensors to continuously monitor the thermal environment and feeds this information back to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to make informed decisions about when and how much refrigeration capacity to apply, ensuring temperature reliability while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If the refrigeration system reduces operation to save energy, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the temperature control reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidtemperature control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time cargo temperature feedback. The controller modulates the refrigeration capacity and operational modes (compressor on/off, fan speeds) according to the actual temperature conditions, allowing the system to maintain reliability while reducing energy consumption when full capacity is not needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses cargo temperature sensors to continuously monitor the thermal environment and feeds this information back to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to make informed decisions about when and how much refrigeration capacity to apply, ensuring temperature reliability while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the system uses cargo temperature for control decisions, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses cargo temperature sensors to continuously monitor the thermal environment and feeds this information back to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to make informed decisions about when and how much refrigeration capacity to apply, ensuring temperature reliability while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The controller automatically processes cargo temperature readings and makes control decisions without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates by comparing cargo temperature to target ranges and autonomously adjusting refrigeration capacity, maintaining precision while managing complexity through automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution ensures the quality of perishable goods by dynamically adjusting the refrigeration system's operation based on cargo temperature, reducing energy consumption while maintaining the required temperature range, thus preventing spoilage and damage.

Implementation Method 1

an evaporator heat exchanger unit operatively coupled to the input port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a condenser heat exchanger unit operatively coupled to the discharge port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Implementation Method 3

an evaporator fan disposed proximate to the evaporator heat exchanger unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 4

a condenser fan disposed proximate to the condenser heat exchanger unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS9889724B2Transport refrigeration system, transport refrigeration unit, and methods for same

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 CARRIER CORP

AI summary

A transport refrigeration unit controls temperature within a transport refrigeration unit using a remote sensor or sensors. The transport refrigeration unit monitors cargo temperature with remote sensor(s) and air temperature to adjust air delivery speed or cooling capacity. Selected operation parameters are determined with consideration of both energy conservation and/or cargo quality. The transport refrigeration unit controls temperature using a first selected mode of operation or a second mode of operation.