U.S. patent application number 14/268580 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-05 for multi-temperature transport refrigeration system.
This patent application is currently assigned to THERMO KING CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is THERMO KING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Michal HEGAR, Pavel HOUDEK, Michal KOLDA, Marketa KOPECKA, Vaclav RAJTMAJER.
Application Number | 20150316311 14/268580 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54355019 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150316311 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOPECKA; Marketa ; et
al. |
November 5, 2015 |
MULTI-TEMPERATURE TRANSPORT REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
Abstract
A multi-temperature transport refrigeration system (TRS) for a
refrigerated transport unit having an interior space divided into a
plurality of zones is disclosed. The multi-temperature TRS includes
a thermal accumulator in a first of the plurality of zones. The
thermal accumulator includes a phase change material in a first
state to absorb thermal energy from the first of the plurality of
zones of the interior space during transformation to a second
state. The first of the plurality of zones is maintained at a first
temperature and a second of the plurality of zones is maintained at
a second temperature.
Inventors: |
KOPECKA; Marketa; (Prague,
CZ) ; KOLDA; Michal; (Prague, CZ) ; RAJTMAJER;
Vaclav; (Beroun, CZ) ; HEGAR; Michal; (Prague,
CZ) ; HOUDEK; Pavel; (Kutna Hora, CZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
THERMO KING CORPORATION |
Minneapolis |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
THERMO KING CORPORATION
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
54355019 |
Appl. No.: |
14/268580 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/95 ; 165/10;
62/332 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 20/021 20130101;
Y02E 60/145 20130101; B60P 3/205 20130101; B60H 1/00014 20130101;
F25D 11/003 20130101; F25D 11/02 20130101; B60H 1/005 20130101;
F25D 11/006 20130101; F28D 20/02 20130101; F28F 2280/02 20130101;
F25B 39/02 20130101; Y02E 60/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 11/02 20060101
F25D011/02; F28D 20/02 20060101 F28D020/02; F25B 39/02 20060101
F25B039/02 |
Claims
1. A multi-temperature transport refrigeration system (TRS) for a
refrigerated transport unit having an interior space divided into a
plurality of zones, comprising: a thermal accumulator in a first of
the plurality of zones, wherein the thermal accumulator includes a
phase change material in a first state to absorb thermal energy
from the first of the plurality of zones of the interior space
during transformation to a second state; and wherein the first of
the plurality of zones is maintained at a first temperature and a
second of the plurality of zones is maintained at a second
temperature.
2. The TRS according to claim 1, wherein the first temperature and
the second temperature are the same.
3. The TRS according to claim 1, further comprising: a fan
configured to draw air from the first of the plurality of zones
into a second of the plurality of zones.
4. The TRS according to claim 1, further comprising: a transport
refrigeration unit; an evaporator unit disposed in one of the first
of the plurality of zones and the second of the plurality of zones;
and a heat transfer fluid circuit connecting the transport
refrigeration unit and the evaporator unit, the heat transfer fluid
circuit configured to direct a heat transfer fluid from the
transport refrigeration unit to the evaporator unit.
5. The TRS according to claim 1, further comprising: a second
thermal accumulator in the second of the plurality of zones,
wherein the second thermal accumulator includes a phase change
material in a first state to absorb thermal energy from the second
of the plurality of zones of the interior space during
transformation to a second state.
6. The TRS according to claim 1, further comprising: a transport
refrigeration unit; a heat exchanger disposed within the thermal
accumulator; and a heat transfer fluid circuit connecting the
transport refrigeration unit and the heat exchanger, the heat
transfer fluid circuit configured to direct a heat transfer fluid
from the transport refrigeration unit to the heat exchanger for
charging the phase change material.
7. A refrigerated transport unit, comprising: a transport unit
including: an interior space and a partition dividing the interior
space into a first and a second zone, the first zone configured to
be maintained at a first set point temperature and the second zone
configured to be maintained at a second set point temperature; a
transport refrigeration system, including: a thermal accumulator in
the first zone, wherein the thermal accumulator includes a phase
change material in a first state to absorb thermal energy from the
first zone of the interior space during transformation to a second
state; and wherein the first zone is maintained at a first
temperature and the second zone is maintained at a second
temperature.
8. The refrigerated transport unit according to claim 7, wherein
the first temperature and the second temperature are the same.
9. The refrigerated transport unit according to claim 7, further
comprising: a fan configured to draw air from the first zone into
the second zone.
10. The refrigerated transport unit according to claim 7, further
comprising: a transport refrigeration unit; an evaporator unit
disposed in one of the first of the plurality of zones and the
second of the plurality of zones; and a heat transfer fluid circuit
connecting the transport refrigeration unit and the evaporator
unit, the heat transfer fluid circuit configured to direct a heat
transfer fluid from the transport refrigeration unit to the
evaporator unit.
11. The refrigerated transport unit according to claim 7, further
comprising: a second thermal accumulator in the second zone,
wherein the second thermal accumulator includes a phase change
material in a first state to absorb thermal energy from the second
zone of the interior space during transformation to a second
state.
12. The refrigerated transport unit according to claim 7, further
comprising: a transport refrigeration unit; and a heat exchanger
disposed within the thermal accumulator; a heat transfer fluid
circuit connecting the transport refrigeration unit and the heat
exchanger, the heat transfer fluid circuit configured to direct a
heat transfer fluid from the transport refrigeration unit to the
heat exchanger for charging the phase change material.
13. A method of providing controlling temperature within a
multi-zone transport unit using a multi-temperature transport
refrigeration system (TRS), comprising: providing a thermal
accumulator including a phase change material in a first state in a
first of a plurality of zones of the multi-zone transport unit;
heating or cooling the first of a plurality of zones of the
multi-zone transport unit with the thermal accumulator to a first
temperature; transferring thermal energy from the first of the
plurality of zones of the multi-zone transport unit to the thermal
accumulator; absorbing, by the thermal accumulator, thermal energy
as the phase change material changes to a second state; and heating
or cooling a second of the plurality of zones of the multi-zone
transport unit to a second temperature.
14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: drawing
air from the first of the plurality of zones into the second of the
plurality of zones.
15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: providing
an evaporator unit for heating or cooling one of the first of the
plurality of zones and the second of the plurality of zones.
16. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: heating
or cooling the second of the plurality of zones with a second
thermal accumulator to the second temperature.
Description
FIELD
[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to a
transport refrigeration system (TRS). More specifically, the
embodiments relate to a multi-temperature TRS including a thermal
accumulator having a phase change material (PCM).
BACKGROUND
[0002] A transport refrigeration system (TRS) is generally used to
control an environmental condition such as, but not limited to,
temperature, humidity, air quality, or the like, of a refrigerated
container. Examples of refrigerated containers include, but are not
limited to, a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, a
truck, a boxcar, or other similar transport unit (generally
referred to as a "refrigerated transport unit"). A refrigerated
transport unit is commonly used to transport perishable items such
as, but not limited to, produce, frozen foods, and meat products.
Generally, a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) is attached to the
refrigerated transport unit to control the environmental condition
of a cargo space. The TRU can include, without limitation, a
compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and
fans or blowers to control the heat exchange between the air inside
the cargo space and the ambient air outside of the refrigerated
transport unit.
SUMMARY
[0003] Embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to a
transport refrigeration system (TRS). More specifically, the
embodiments relate to a multi-temperature TRS including a thermal
accumulator having a phase change material (PCM).
[0004] A suitable thermal accumulator or thermal accumulator module
is described in U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No.
14/268,239 (Attorney Docket 20420.0140US01), filed on May 2, 2014,
and titled "Thermal Accumulator for a Transport Refrigeration
System," which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0005] In some embodiments, an interior space of a refrigerated
transport unit can be divided into a plurality of zones. A first of
the plurality of zones can be maintained at a first set point
temperature and a second of the plurality of zones can be
maintained at a second set point temperature. In some embodiments,
the first and second set point temperatures can be the same. In
other embodiments, the first and second set point temperatures can
be different.
[0006] The first of the plurality of zones can be heated or cooled
using one or more thermal accumulators. In some embodiments, the
second of the plurality of zones can be heated or cooled with a fan
that pulls air from the first of the plurality of zones into the
second of the plurality of zones. In some embodiments, the TRS can
include a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) with an evaporator
and/or connected to one or more remote evaporator units. In such
embodiments, the first and the second of the plurality of zones can
be cooled by the TRU via the evaporator and/or the one or more
remote evaporator units. In some embodiments, the second of the
plurality of zones can be cooled using one or more thermal
accumulators. It is appreciated that any of the above embodiments
can be combined with one another.
[0007] In some embodiments, the refrigerated transport unit can
include a transport refrigeration unit (TRU). In other embodiments,
the TRU need not be present. Removing the TRU can, for example,
reduce the weight of the refrigerated transport unit, thereby
increasing its fuel efficiency. In some embodiments, removing the
TRU can also reduce noise.
[0008] A multi-temperature transport refrigeration system (TRS) for
a refrigerated transport unit having an interior space divided into
a plurality of zones is disclosed. The multi-temperature TRS
includes a thermal accumulator in a first of the plurality of
zones. The thermal accumulator includes a phase change material in
a first state to absorb thermal energy from the first of the
plurality of zones of the interior space during transformation to a
second state. The first of the plurality of zones is maintained at
a first temperature and a second of the plurality of zones is
maintained at a second temperature.
[0009] A refrigerated transport unit is disclosed. The refrigerated
transport unit includes an interior space and a partition dividing
the interior space into first and second zones. The first zone can
be maintained at a first set point temperature and the second zone
can be maintained at a second set point temperature. The
refrigerated transport unit includes a transport refrigeration
system. The transport refrigeration system includes a thermal
accumulator in the first zone. The thermal accumulator includes a
phase change material in a first state to absorb thermal energy
from the first zone of the interior space during transformation to
a second state.
[0010] A method of controlling temperature within a multi-zone
transport unit using a multi-temperature transport refrigeration
system (TRS) is disclosed. The method includes providing a thermal
accumulator including a phase change material in a first state in a
first of a plurality of zones of the multi-zone transport unit;
heating or cooling the first of the plurality of zones of the
multi-zone transport unit with the thermal accumulator to a first
temperature; and transferring thermal energy from the first of the
plurality of zones of the multi-zone transport unit to the thermal
accumulator. The method further includes absorbing, by the thermal
accumulator, thermal energy as the phase change material changes to
a second state and heating or cooling a second of the plurality of
zones of the multi-zone transport unit to a second temperature.
Comments:
[0011] The following is noted with respect to the embodiments
described herein.
[0012] The thermal accumulator discussed herein can include a PCM
that is adaptable to heat or to cool a storage space (e.g., a cargo
compartment) to a temperature suitable for the cargo stored in the
storage space. The thermal accumulator can also be used for a
defrost operation within the storage space.
[0013] Operation of the TRS for a refrigerated transport unit can
be independent to various thermal loads that occur due to external
conditions external the refrigerated transport unit. That is, the
thermal accumulator of the TRS can maintain a desired temperature
within the storage space of the refrigerated transport unit
regardless of external conditions outside of the refrigerated
transport unit.
[0014] The PCM used in the thermal accumulator can be any fluid
which has a solid-liquid transition point in a rage between about
-32.degree. C. and about 0.degree. C. The PCM can be compatible
with metals, for example, aluminum. The PCM can store heat in a
transition phase using a latent heat (e.g., heat of fusion). The
PCM can store heat in a liquid phase. The PCM can have a phase
transition temperature that absorbs changes in temperature of the
refrigerated transport unit.
[0015] The thermal accumulator allows a transfer of heat from the
PCM to an air space within the storage space and vice versa. The
heat exchanger can include a single, dual, or multiple pass design.
The thermal accumulator can use a natural or forced convection to
facilitate heat exchange between the PCM and an air space within
the storage space. In some embodiments, the thermal accumulator can
include a wall or walls with a substantially flat surface and a
wall or walls with at least a partially enhanced (e.g., ribbed
surface). The thermal accumulator can store a PCM and/or include an
empty or free expansion space within the thermal accumulator.
[0016] In some embodiments, a thermal accumulator compartment
storing a thermal accumulator can be retrofitted into/onto a
refrigerated transport unit. The thermal accumulator compartment
can be installed to the refrigerated transport unit without
specialized equipment. In some embodiments, the thermal accumulator
compartment can be designed such that the weight of the thermal
accumulator compartment can be supported by a floor, one or more
side walls or a ceiling of the refrigerated transport unit. In some
embodiments, the PCM can be provided in the thermal accumulator
from the top.
[0017] The TRS can provide a defrost operation. In some
embodiments, a second fluid or refrigerant may be used to perform a
defrost operation. In some embodiments, the TRS can include an
optional defrost device (e.g., heating bar(s), heating sheet(s),
heating tube(s), etc.) for performing the defrost operation. In
some embodiments, the thermal accumulator can include a second
fluid or refrigerant line to perform the defrost operation. In some
embodiments, the defrost operation can be performed in less than 24
hours.
[0018] In some embodiments, the TRS can include one or more fans.
The power of the fans can be adjusted based on a temperature within
the storage space. The fans can provide an air flow rate sufficient
to reach a desired amount of heat transfer from the PCM in the
thermal accumulator to an air space within the storage space and
vice versa. The fans can be controlled/adjusted based on a desired
set point temperature within the storage space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a
part of this disclosure and which illustrate embodiments in which
the systems and methods described in this specification can be
practiced.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a transport refrigeration system (TRS)
for a refrigerated transport unit, according to some
embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a TRS for a refrigerated transport unit,
according to other embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a TRS for a refrigerated transport unit,
according to other embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a TRS for a refrigerated transport unit,
according to other embodiments.
[0024] Like reference numbers and designations in the various
drawings represent like elements throughout.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Embodiments of this disclosure relate generally to a
transport refrigeration system (TRS). More specifically, the
embodiments relate to a multi-temperature TRS including a thermal
accumulator having a phase change material (PCM).
[0026] As disclosed herein, a multi-temperature TRS can include a
transport refrigeration unit (TRU) which is attached to a transport
unit to control the environmental condition (e.g., temperature,
humidity, air quality, etc.) of an interior space of the
refrigerated transport unit. The TRU can include, without
limitation, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an
evaporator, and fans or blowers to control the heat exchange
between the air within the interior space and the ambient air
outside of the refrigerated transport unit. The multi-temperature
TRS can additionally include one or more remote evaporator units
and/or one or more thermal accumulators and/or thermal accumulator
modules. A thermal accumulator as used herein can include a thermal
accumulator module. In such systems, the thermal accumulator may
allow the TRU to be disabled for a period of time while still
maintaining the desired environmental condition. In some
multi-temperature TRSs, the TRU is not required and the
environmental condition can be controlled using the thermal
accumulator.
[0027] A "transport unit" includes, for example, a container on a
flat car, an intermodal container, truck, a boxcar, or other
similar transport unit.
[0028] A "refrigerated transport unit" includes, for example, a
transport unit having a TRS that can be used to transport
perishable items such as, but not limited to, produce, frozen
foods, and meat products.
[0029] A "transport refrigeration system" (TRS) includes, for
example, a refrigeration system for controlling an environmental
condition such as, but not limited to, temperature, humidity, and
air quality of a refrigerated transport unit. The TRS may be a
vapor-compressor type refrigeration system, a thermal accumulator
type system, or any other suitable refrigeration system that can
use a heat transfer fluid, cold plate technology, or the like.
[0030] A "heat transfer fluid" includes, for example, refrigerant,
a cryogenic liquid such as, but not limited to, liquid nitrogen,
liquid carbon dioxide, or the like.
[0031] A "zone" includes, for example, a portion of an area of an
interior space of the refrigerated transport unit.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a TRS 100 for a refrigerated transport
unit 125, according to some embodiments. The TRS 100 includes a TRU
110 that controls refrigeration within the refrigerated transport
unit 125. The TRU 110 is disposed on a front wall 130 of the
refrigerated transport unit 125. Examples of refrigerated transport
units include, but are not limited to, a truck or trailer unit that
can be attached to a tractor, a ship board container, an air cargo
container or cabin, an over the road truck cabin, or the like. The
TRU 110 includes a programmable TRS Controller 135 that may include
a single integrated control unit 140 or that may include a
distributed network of TRS control elements (not shown). The number
of distributed control elements in a given network can depend upon
the particular application of the principles described in this
specification.
[0033] The refrigerated transport unit 125 includes an interior
space 150 that can be divided into a plurality of zones 152 (a
front host zone 152a, a center remote zone 152b, and a rear remote
zone 152c). In some examples, each of the zones 152 can have a set
point temperature that is the same or different from one another,
and may be separated by a wall/partition 155.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, an evaporator portion 160 of the TRU 110
is configured to provide cooling and/or heating/defrosting to the
front host zone 152a. The center remote zone 152b and the rear
remote zone 152c each includes a remote evaporator unit 165 that is
configured to provide cooling and/or heating/defrosting to the
center remote zone 152b and the rear remote zone 152c,
respectively. The remote evaporator units 165 are each fluidly
connected to the TRU 110 and are part of a refrigeration circuit
(not shown) that allows a heat transfer fluid to pass through the
evaporator portion 160 and the remote evaporator units 165. The TRU
110 and each of the remote evaporator units 165 also include a zone
temperature sensor 170 configured to measure temperature in the
respective zone 152 in which the zone temperature sensor 170 is
provided and send the measured zone temperature to the TRS
Controller 135. In some embodiments, the zone temperature sensors
170 can be separate from the remote evaporator units. Also, in some
embodiments, the zone temperature sensors 170 can be return air
temperature sensors that are configured to measure a return air
temperature of the remote evaporator units 165. As discussed
herein, an "evaporator unit" can refer to an evaporator portion
provided in a TRU (e.g., the evaporator portion 160) or a remote
evaporator unit (e.g., the remote evaporator unit 165).
[0035] While the zones 152 in FIG. 1 are divided into substantially
equal areas, it is to be realized that in other embodiments the
size of the zones 152 can vary based on user requirements. Also, it
is appreciated that the interior space 150 may be divided into any
number of zones and in any configuration that is suitable for
refrigeration of the different zones.
[0036] Generally, the TRS Controller 135 is configured to control a
refrigeration cycle of the TRS 100. In one example, the TRS
Controller 135 controls the refrigeration cycle of the TRS 100 to
obtain various operating conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity,
air quality etc.) of the interior space 150 as is generally
understood in the art. This can include controlling operation of
the refrigeration cycle such that each of the zones 152 reach and
maintain the desired set point temperature.
[0037] The TRS Controller 135 generally can include a processor
(not shown), a memory (not shown), a clock (not shown) and an
input/output (I/O) interface (not shown) and can be configured to
receive data as input from various components within the TRS 100,
and send command signals as output to various components within the
TRS 100.
[0038] In some embodiments, one or more of the remote evaporator
units 165 can be removed and alternatively replaced with one or
more thermal accumulators similar to the embodiments described with
respect to FIGS. 2-4 below. In such embodiments, the TRU 110 is not
required, which can reduce the weight of the refrigerated transport
unit 125. In some embodiments, this may improve a fuel efficiency
of a vehicle pulling the refrigerated transport unit 125. In other
embodiments, the TRU 110 may be included in conjunction with the
one or more thermal accumulators or thermal accumulator modules.
The TRU 110 is not present in some embodiments. In such
embodiments, the refrigeration within the refrigerated transport
unit 125 can be controlled using one or more thermal accumulators
or thermal accumulator modules. TRSs that include thermal
accumulators and thermal accumulator modules are described in
further detail in accordance with FIGS. 2-4 below.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a TRS 200 for a refrigerated transport
unit 205, according to other embodiments. Aspects of FIG. 2 can be
the same as or similar to aspects of FIG. 1. The TRS 200 includes a
ceiling thermal accumulator 210A and a wall thermal accumulator
210B that control refrigeration within the refrigerated transport
unit 205. For simplicity of this specification, the ceiling thermal
accumulator 210A and the wall thermal accumulator 210B are referred
to hereinafter as the thermal accumulators 210 unless specifically
indicated otherwise. In some embodiments, the TRS 200 includes a
fan 215 that, with the thermal accumulators 210, can control
refrigeration within the refrigerated transport unit 205. The TRS
200 can also optionally include a TRU 110. In some embodiments, the
TRS 200 can include one or more additional elements, such as, but
not limited to, a programmable TRS controller (e.g., the TRS
controller 135 of FIG. 1, not shown in FIG. 2), an evaporator
(e.g., the evaporator 160 of FIG. 1, not shown in FIG. 2), one or
more remote evaporator units (e.g., the remote evaporator units 165
of FIG. 1, not shown in FIG. 2), or the like.
[0040] The thermal accumulators 210 can be interchangeable and
capable of being removed from the refrigerated transport unit 205.
In some embodiments, the thermal accumulators 210 include a heat
exchanger. The thermal accumulators 210 can each represent a single
thermal accumulator, a plurality of thermal accumulators, a thermal
accumulator module including a plurality of thermal accumulators,
or combinations thereof.
[0041] The refrigerated transport unit 205 includes an interior
space 220 that is divided into a plurality of zones 225 including a
first zone 225A and a second zone 225B, separated by a partition
230. In some embodiments, each of the zones 225 can have the same
set point temperature. In other embodiments, each of the zones 225
can have a different set point temperature. As illustrated, the
zones 225 are divided into substantially equal areas. However, it
is appreciated that in other embodiments, the size of each of the
zones 225 can be modified based on a user requirement. The interior
space 220 can be divided into any number of zones and in any
configuration that is suitable for refrigeration of the different
zones. The partition 230 includes an aperture 235 where the fan 215
is provided to allow airflow communication between the first zone
225A and the second zone 225B. The first zone 225A is illustrated
as including two thermal accumulators 210. The number and placement
of the thermal accumulators 210 can vary. Generally, the particular
application (e.g., item being transported, set point temperature,
etc.) is determinative of the number and configuration of thermal
accumulators 210.
[0042] The thermal accumulators 210 are configured to control a
temperature in the first zone 225A, according to some embodiments.
This includes providing cooling to the first zone 225A in some
embodiments and providing heating to the first zone 225A in other
embodiments. The second zone 225B is configured to receive air from
the first zone 225A via the aperture 235 and the fan 215. In
particular, the fan 215 can be used to pull air from the first zone
225A into the second zone 225B such that the outflow of the fan 215
is in the direction indicated by the arrow A. The first zone 225A
can be maintained at a first set point temperature and air from the
first zone 225A can be used to cool the second zone 225B to a
second set point temperature. In some embodiments, the first zone
225A can be used to store frozen goods at a first temperature and
the second zone 225B can be used to store fresh goods at a second
temperature which is greater than the first temperature. It is to
be understood that the first zone 225A and the second zone 225B can
be interchanged. That is, the thermal accumulators 210 can be
disposed in the second zone 225B and the fan 215 can pull air from
the second zone 225B into the first zone 225A.
[0043] The fan 215 can have a variety of designs so long as it
pulls air from the first zone 225A toward the second zone 225B. For
example, the fan 215 can be a variable speed fan that is adjusted
to modify the environmental conditions of the second zone 225B. In
other embodiments, the fan 215 can be a fixed speed fan and include
a damper (not shown) that can be opened or closed to control the
airflow into the second zone 225B. In some embodiments, the fan 215
can be a variable speed fan and can also include a damper. The
speed of the fan 215, whether the fan is enabled, and/or the
position of a damper can be controlled by a controller for the TRS
(e.g., the TRS controller 135 of FIG. 1).
[0044] As discussed above, the TRS 200 can optionally include the
TRU 110, according to some embodiments. The TRU 110 can include an
evaporator (e.g., the evaporator 160 of FIG. 1, not shown in FIG.
2) and/or one or more remote evaporator units (e.g., the remote
evaporator units 165 of FIG. 1, not shown in FIG. 2) that is
disposed in the first zone 225A, the second zone 225B, or both the
first zone 225A and the second zone 225B. In some embodiments, the
TRU 110 does not include an evaporator or a remote evaporator unit
disposed in the interior space 220 of the refrigerated transport
unit 205. Instead, one or more of the thermal accumulators 210 can
include an internal heat exchanger. In such embodiments, piping
(not shown) can fluidly connect the TRU 110 with the internal heat
exchanger of the one or more of the thermal accumulators 210.
Accordingly, the TRU 110 can provide a heat transfer fluid to the
one or more thermal accumulators 210 to, for example, charge the
phase change material provided in the one or more thermal
accumulators.
[0045] The TRU 110 can be enabled to cool the thermal accumulators
210 prior to beginning transit and disabled once in transit. In
other embodiments, the TRU 110 can be enabled to cool the thermal
accumulators 210 prior to transit and then cycle on and off during
transit in order to keep the thermal accumulators 210 at about
their phase change temperature during transit. In other
embodiments, the TRU 110 can be enabled during transit and disabled
when not in transit, which can reduce noise, for example, when the
refrigerated transport unit 200 is parked.
[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates a TRS 300 for a refrigerated transport
unit 205, according to other embodiments. Aspects of FIG. 3 can be
the same as or similar to aspects of FIGS. 1-2. The TRS 300
includes ceiling thermal accumulators 210A, 210C and wall thermal
accumulators 210B, 210D that control refrigeration within the
refrigerated transport unit 205 and can optionally include a TRU
110. For simplicity of this specification, the ceiling thermal
accumulators 210A, 210C and the wall thermal accumulators 210B,
210D are referred to hereinafter as the thermal accumulators 210
unless specifically indicated otherwise. In some embodiments, the
TRS 300 can include one or more additional elements such as, but
not limited to, a programmable TRS controller (e.g., the TRS
controller 135 of FIG. 1, not shown in FIG. 3), an evaporator
(e.g., the evaporator 160 of FIG. 1, not shown in FIG. 3), and/or
one or more remote evaporator units (e.g., the remote evaporator
unit 165 of FIG. 1, not shown in FIG. 3), or the like.
[0047] The thermal accumulators 210A, 210B are configured to
control temperature in the first zone 225A and the thermal
accumulators 210C, 210D are configured to control temperature in
the second zone 225B. In some embodiments, the thermal accumulators
210A, 210B in the first zone 225A can be selected to provide
heating or cooling at a first temperature to the first zone 225A
while the thermal accumulators 210C, 210D in the second zone 225B
can be selected to provide heating or cooling at a second
temperature to the second zone 225B. In some embodiments the first
and second temperatures can be the same. In other embodiments, the
first and second temperatures can be different. The amount of
heating or cooling provided by each of the thermal accumulators 210
can be controlled based on, for example, the phase change material
provided in the thermal accumulators 210 to provide more heating or
cooling by the thermal accumulator in zone 1 than zone 2, or vice
versa. The phase change material provided in each the thermal
accumulators 210 can accordingly provide control over a set point
temperature, and can provide closer control of a temperature
variation between different locations in the refrigerated transport
unit 205. For example, the ceiling thermal accumulators 210A, 210C
and the wall thermal accumulator 210B, 210D can have different
phase change materials.
[0048] As discussed above, the TRS 300 can include the TRU 110. In
such embodiments, the TRU 110 can function similar to the
description provided in accordance with FIG. 2 above.
[0049] In some embodiments, the TRS 300 can additionally include a
fan (e.g., the fan 215 of FIG. 2, not shown in FIG. 3) and an
aperture (e.g., the aperture 235 of FIG. 2, not shown in FIG.
3).
[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates a TRS 400 for a refrigerated transport
unit 205, according to other embodiments. Aspects of FIG. 4 can be
the same as or similar to aspects of FIGS. 1-3. The TRS 400
includes a ceiling thermal accumulator 210A and a wall thermal
accumulator 210B, a TRU 110, and a remote evaporator unit 165 that
controls refrigeration within the refrigerated transport unit 205.
For simplicity of this specification, the ceiling thermal
accumulator 210A and the wall thermal accumulator 210B are referred
to hereinafter as the thermal accumulators 210 unless specifically
indicated otherwise. In some embodiments, the TRS 400 can include
one or more additional elements such as, but not limited to, a
programmable TRS controller (e.g., the TRS controller 135 of FIG.
1, not shown in FIG. 4), an evaporator (e.g., the evaporator 160 of
FIG. 1, not shown in FIG. 4), an additional remote evaporator unit
(e.g., the remote evaporator unit 165 of FIG. 1, not shown in FIG.
4), or the like.
[0051] In this embodiment, the thermal accumulators 210 are
configured to provide cooling to the first zone 225A. In other
embodiments, the thermal accumulators 210 can be configured to
provide heating to the first zone 225A. The remote evaporator unit
165 is configured to provide cooling and/or heating/defrosting to
the zone 225B. The TRU 110 and the remote evaporator unit 165
function similar to the description provided in accordance with
FIG. 1 above.
[0052] In some embodiments, the TRS 400 can additionally include a
fan (e.g., the fan 215 of FIG. 2, not shown in FIG. 4) and an
aperture (e.g., the aperture 235 of FIG. 2, not shown in FIG. 4).
In other embodiments, the TRS 400 can also include thermal
accumulators 210 in the second zone 225B. In some embodiments, the
TRS 400 can include another evaporator 160 in the first zone
225A.
ASPECTS
[0053] It is noted that any of aspects 1-6 can be combined with any
of aspects 7-12 and any of aspects 13-16.
Aspect 1. A multi-temperature transport refrigeration system (TRS)
for a refrigerated transport unit having an interior space divided
into a plurality of zones, comprising:
[0054] a thermal accumulator in a first of the plurality of zones,
wherein the thermal accumulator includes a phase change material in
a first state to absorb thermal energy from the first of the
plurality of zones of the interior space during transformation to a
second state; and
[0055] wherein the first of the plurality of zones is maintained at
a first temperature and a second of the plurality of zones is
maintained at a second temperature.
Aspect 2. The TRS according to aspect 1, wherein the first
temperature and the second temperature are the same. Aspect 3. The
TRS according to any of aspects 1-2, further comprising:
[0056] a fan configured to draw air from the first of the plurality
of zones into a second of the plurality of zones.
Aspect 4. The TRS according to any of aspects 1-3, further
comprising:
[0057] a transport refrigeration unit;
[0058] an evaporator unit disposed in one of the first of the
plurality of zones and the second of the plurality of zones;
and
[0059] a heat transfer fluid circuit connecting the transport
refrigeration unit and the evaporator unit, the heat transfer fluid
circuit configured to direct a heat transfer fluid from the
transport refrigeration unit to the evaporator unit.
Aspect 5. The TRS according to any of aspects 1-4, further
comprising:
[0060] a second thermal accumulator in the second of the plurality
of zones, wherein the second thermal accumulator includes a phase
change material in a first state to absorb thermal energy from the
second of the plurality of zones of the interior space during
transformation to a second state.
Aspect 6. The TRS according to any of aspects 1-5, further
comprising:
[0061] a transport refrigeration unit;
[0062] a heat exchanger disposed within the thermal accumulator;
and
[0063] a heat transfer fluid circuit connecting the transport
refrigeration unit and the heat exchanger, the heat transfer fluid
circuit configured to direct a heat transfer fluid from the
transport refrigeration unit to the heat exchanger for charging the
phase change material.
Aspect 7. A refrigerated transport unit, comprising:
[0064] a transport unit including: [0065] an interior space and a
partition dividing the interior space into a first and a second
zone, the first zone configured to be maintained at a first set
point temperature and the second zone configured to be maintained
at a second set point temperature;
[0066] a transport refrigeration system, including: [0067] a
thermal accumulator in the first zone, wherein the thermal
accumulator includes a phase change material in a first state to
absorb thermal energy from the first zone of the interior space
during transformation to a second state; and [0068] wherein the
first zone is maintained at a first temperature and the second zone
is maintained at a second temperature. Aspect 8. The refrigerated
transport unit according to aspect 7, wherein the first temperature
and the second temperature are the same. Aspect 9. The refrigerated
transport unit according to any of aspects 7-8, further comprising:
a fan configured to draw air from the first zone into the second
zone. Aspect 10. The refrigerated transport unit according to any
of aspects 7-9, further comprising:
[0069] a transport refrigeration unit;
[0070] an evaporator unit disposed in one of the first of the
plurality of zones and the second of the plurality of zones;
and
[0071] a heat transfer fluid circuit connecting the transport
refrigeration unit and the evaporator unit, the heat transfer fluid
circuit configured to direct a heat transfer fluid from the
transport refrigeration unit to the evaporator unit.
Aspect 11. The refrigerated transport unit according to any of
aspects 7-10, further comprising:
[0072] a second thermal accumulator in the second zone, wherein the
second thermal accumulator includes a phase change material in a
first state to absorb thermal energy from the second zone of the
interior space during transformation to a second state.
Aspect 12. The refrigerated transport unit according to any of
aspects 7-11, further comprising:
[0073] a transport refrigeration unit; and
[0074] a heat exchanger disposed within the thermal
accumulator;
[0075] a heat transfer fluid circuit connecting the transport
refrigeration unit and the heat exchanger, the heat transfer fluid
circuit configured to direct a heat transfer fluid from the
transport refrigeration unit to the heat exchanger for charging the
phase change material.
Aspect 13. A method of controlling temperature within a multi-zone
transport unit using a multi-temperature transport refrigeration
system (TRS), comprising:
[0076] providing a thermal accumulator including a phase change
material in a first state in a first of a plurality of zones of the
multi-zone transport unit;
[0077] heating or cooling the first of a plurality of zones of the
multi-zone transport unit with the thermal accumulator to a first
temperature;
[0078] transferring thermal energy from the first of the plurality
of zones of the multi-zone transport unit to the thermal
accumulator;
[0079] absorbing, by the thermal accumulator, thermal energy as the
phase change material changes to a second state; and
[0080] heating or cooling a second of the plurality of zones of the
multi-zone transport unit to a second temperature.
Aspect 14. The method according to aspect 13, further
comprising:
[0081] drawing air from the first of the plurality of zones into
the second of the plurality of zones.
Aspect 15. The method according to any of aspects 13-14, further
comprising:
[0082] providing an evaporator unit for heating or cooling one of
the first of the plurality of zones and the second of the plurality
of zones.
Aspect 16. The method according to any of aspects 13-15, further
comprising:
[0083] heating or cooling the second of the plurality of zones with
a second thermal accumulator to the second temperature.
[0084] The terminology used in this specification is intended to
describe particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting.
The terms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms as well,
unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms "comprises" and/or
"comprising," when used in this specification, indicate the
presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations,
elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or
addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components.
[0085] With regard to the preceding description, it is to be
understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in
matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size,
and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure. The word "embodiment" as used within this
specification may, but does not necessarily, refer to the same
embodiment. This specification and the embodiments described are
exemplary only. Other and further embodiments may be devised
without departing from the basic scope thereof, with the true scope
and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that
follow.
* * * * *