U.S. patent application number 15/509824 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-12 for a refrigerated container, a system for refrigeration, and a method of refrigerating the container.
This patent application is currently assigned to XALT ENERGY. The applicant listed for this patent is XALT ENERGY. Invention is credited to SAID AL-HALLAJ, JONAS BEREISA, Jr., SUBHASH DHAR, DENNIS TOWNSEND.
Application Number | 20170292759 15/509824 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55459503 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170292759 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AL-HALLAJ; SAID ; et
al. |
October 12, 2017 |
A REFRIGERATED CONTAINER, A SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATION, AND A METHOD
OF REFRIGERATING THE CONTAINER
Abstract
A transport vehicle having a refrigerated container and system
of refrigeration is provided.
Inventors: |
AL-HALLAJ; SAID; (CHICAGO,
IL) ; DHAR; SUBHASH; (CHICAGO, IL) ; BEREISA,
Jr.; JONAS; (TRAVERSE CITY, MI) ; TOWNSEND;
DENNIS; (STEVENSON, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
XALT ENERGY |
MIDLAND |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
XALT ENERGY
Midland
MI
|
Family ID: |
55459503 |
Appl. No.: |
15/509824 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
September 9, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US15/49117 |
371 Date: |
March 8, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62047903 |
Sep 9, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 11/022 20130101;
F25D 11/006 20130101; B60H 1/00014 20130101; F25D 11/003 20130101;
B60H 1/005 20130101; B60P 3/20 20130101; F25D 29/003 20130101; B60H
1/3232 20130101; F25D 2700/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 11/00 20060101
F25D011/00; F25D 11/02 20060101 F25D011/02; F25D 29/00 20060101
F25D029/00 |
Claims
1. A system for refrigerating a reefer comprising: a reefer
container having a plurality of compartments; an energy supply unit
comprising a battery; a controller; a system of tubes configured to
circulate refrigerant to and from the unit through the reefer, and
configured to place the refrigerant to be in thermal communication
with the compartments; and a refrigerant for the thermal energy
exchange.
2. The system as in claim 1 wherein the energy supply unit is
portable and further comprises an electrically driven compressor
operationally coupled to a condenser and an evaporator, wherein the
evaporator is in thermal communication with an internal space of a
compartment of the reefer, wherein the controller controls the
energy supply unit thereby controlling the temperature of the
space, and wherein the refrigerant is circulated through the system
of tubes through the electric compressor, condenser and
evaporator.
3. The system as in claim 1 wherein the energy supply unit further
comprises an electrically driven compressor operationally couple to
a condenser and an evaporator, and a heat pump, wherein the
electric condenser is configured to supply cooled refrigerant to a
first compartment of the reefer, and wherein the heat pump is
configured to supply cooled refrigerant to a second compartment of
the reefer, wherein the refrigerant is circulated through the
evaporator removing heat energy from the compartments thereby
maintaining the cooled air of the compartment, and wherein the
controller controls the energy supply unit in order to maintain the
temperature of the compartments.
4. The system as in claim 3 further comprising a phase change
material ("PCM") panel comprising a PCM in thermal communication
with the refrigerant, wherein the controller activates the heat
pump to deliver cold thermal energy to the PCM of the PCM panel
through the refrigerant in the system of tubes exiting the
evaporator of the heat pump, wherein the PCM of the PCM panel is
also in thermal communication with the compartment of the
reefer.
5. The system as in claim 2 further comprising an exhaust driven
electric generator to convert engine exhaust energy to electric
energy.
6. The system as in claim 4, wherein the PCM of the PCM panel is
selected from at least one from the group consisting of a low
temperature wax, water encapsulated by hydrogel, and a PCM
composite.
7. The system as in claim 4, wherein the PCM panel further
comprises a refrigerant coil through which the refrigerant
travels.
8. The system as in claim 7, wherein the PCM panel further
comprises a refrigerant flow control valve at an inlet, a valve at
an outlet, a valve at an inlet adaptor portion of the system of
tubes, and a valve at an outlet adaptor portion of the system of
tubes, for starting and stopping the flow of refrigerant through
the system of tubes.
9. The system as in claim 4 wherein the system of tubes is
configured to circulate refrigerant through the energy supply unit
to the PCM panel whereby cold thermal energy is delivered by the
refrigerant to the PCM in the PCM panel and the temperature of the
compartment remains refrigerated, wherein the controller controls
the circulation of the refrigerant and the operation of the energy
supply unit based on readings by a plurality of temperature
sensors.
10. The system as in claim 9 wherein the temperature sensors read a
temperature of the compartment.
11. The system as in claim 9, wherein the temperature sensors read
the temperature of the PCM in the PCM panel.
12. The system as in claim 1 wherein the reefer further comprises a
receiving portion for a PCM panel.
13. The system as in claim 12 wherein the system of tubes of the
reefer are configured to deliver cooled refrigerant to be in
thermal communication with the location of the receiving portion
wherein a PCM panel can be received, and with a PCM in a PCM
panel.
14. A method of refrigerating a compartment of a reefer, comprising
the steps of: providing a reefer having a plurality of
compartments; a system of tubes; a refrigerant housed in and
circulated through the system of tubes; a plurality of energy
supply units comprising a battery, a condenser, and an evaporator;
a controller; and a plurality of sensors; turning on the energy
supply unit; circulating refrigerant through the energy supply
units to the evaporator to cool the compartment; measuring the
temperature of the compartment by reading a temperature sensor in
the compartment; controlling the temperature of the compartment by
the controller to the desired temperature thereby refrigerating the
compartment of the reefer.
15. The method of refrigerating wherein the energy supply unit of
the reefer is portable and further comprises an electric
compressor.
16. The method of refrigerating as in claim 14, wherein the energy
supply unit of the reefer further comprises an electrically driven
compressor and a heat pump each coupled to a different compartment
and each having its own condenser and evaporator, wherein the
circulating step further comprises circulating cooled refrigerant
from each of the electrical compressor to the evaporator in a first
compartment and the heat pump to an evaporator in a second
compartment, wherein the measuring step further comprises utilizing
a sensor in each of the first and the second compartment to measure
the temperature; and wherein the controlling step further comprises
recognizing the measurement by the sensor in each compartment and
controlling the electric compressor and the heat pump to
maintaining independent temperatures in each compartment.
17. The method of refrigerating as in claim 16 wherein the reefer
further comprises a receiving portion for receiving a PCM panel and
is located at a location on the reefer to allow the PCM in a PCM
panel to be in thermal communication with the compartment of the
reefer, and further comprising the step of installing a plurality
of removable PCM panels into the receiving portion of the
reefer.
18. The method of refrigerating as in claim 17 wherein the location
of the receiving portion of the reefer is also at a location on the
reefer that allows a PCM panel to be in thermodynamic communication
with the cooled refrigerant exiting the condenser of the heat pump,
and further comprising the step of installing a plurality of
removable PCM panels into the receiving portion of the reefer,
circulating the cooled refrigerant from the condenser of the heat
pump to be in thermodynamic communication with the PCM in the PCM
panel.
19. The method as in claim 15 wherein the reefer further comprises
an exhaust energy driven electric generator, and further comprising
the step of converting energy exhaust to electricity, and supplying
the electricity to recharge the battery during mobile
operation.
20. A reefer container comprising: a reefer container a plurality
of energy supply units; a system of tubes configured to transport a
refrigerant; a receiving section configured to receive a PCM panel;
a controller; and a plurality of internal compartments inside the
reefer.
21. The reefer as in claim 20 further comprising a plurality of PCM
panels comprising a PCM.
22. The reefer as in claim 21 wherein the PCM panels further
comprise a refrigerant coil configured to operationally connect to
the energy supply units and to thermodynamically connect to the
internal compartments of the reefer and the refrigerant in the
refrigerant coil.
23. The reefer as in claim 21 wherein the PCM of the PCM panels is
configured to be and is located in thermodynamic communication with
the internal compartments of the reefer.
24. The reefer as in claim 20 wherein the features of a unit
comprise a battery, a condenser, an evaporator, and at least one
from the group consisting of an electrically driven compressor and
a heat pump.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to refrigerated container,
refrigeration system and method. More specifically, the present
invention relates to a more efficient refrigeration system for
refrigerated containers ("reefers"), a refrigerated container
transport vehicle and container, and method of using the same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Companies in the refrigerated ground transportation vehicle
industry provide long-distance refrigerated trucking services.
Products moved by this industry range from meat and poultry to
pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, among other goods that require a
climate-controlled environment. Goods are typically transported
from manufacturers to wholesalers and retailers throughout the
country.
[0003] Refrigerated containers ("reefers") used in intermodal
freight transport, have an integral refrigeration unit but rely on
external power still from electrical power points. Sometimes, if
the route is short, they are powered by cryogenic cooling, which is
suitable for short distances, but on a longer route, as the frozen
gas evaporates, the ability to cool will also eventually disappear.
These containers have solid carbon dioxide in a chamber and are
temperature regulated via a thermostatically controlled electric
fan. When these reefers are transported over land, they are often
configured to be powered by diesel generators.
[0004] With fuel prices high, these costs drive pricing levels in
the market as refrigerated ground transportation vehicles not only
burn diesel to power their cab and tractor/trailers but also burn
diesel to maintain the desired refrigerated temperatures as low as
0.degree. C., and less: for instance, eggs are usually transported
at -16.degree. C. and frozen meat at -18.degree. C., while fruit
can travel at +12/14.degree. C.
[0005] Therefore, a more efficient and adaptable system is
necessary in the industry for refrigerated ground transportation
vehicles to remain a viable option for transport of valuable
refrigerated and frozen products.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A system for refrigerating a reefer is provided having
reefer container with a plurality of compartments; an energy supply
unit comprising a battery; a controller; a system of tubes
configured to circulate refrigerant to and from the unit through
the reefer, and configured to place the refrigerant to be in
thermal communication with the compartments; and a refrigerant for
the thermal energy exchange.
[0007] The reefer, refrigeration system and method of using the
system, according to the principles of the present invention,
overcomes a number of the shortcomings of the prior art by
providing a hybrid refrigeration system coupling an electrical
compressor and/or a heat pump, with a battery, and ultimately with
cold energy storage technology.
[0008] The reefer, system and method according to the present
invention is related to a more efficient system of refrigeration in
terms of reduced operational costs by providing modularity
dependent upon such factors including, but not limited to, the
weight of the load, the size of the load, the nature of the load,
conservation requirement, the weather, distance of the route, and
terrain of the route.
[0009] The reefer, system, and method according to the present
invention is related to a reefer, system and method having at least
one energy supply unit, tubes of refrigerant, sensors and a
controller
[0010] The reefer, system, and method according to the present
invention is also related to a reefer, system, and method having a
plurality of energy supply units each having a battery, an electric
compressor along with a condenser and evaporator and/or a heat
pump, a system of tubes carrying a refrigerant, a refrigerant,
sensors and a controller, and potentially having an engine exhaust
system generator and or a panel having a phase change material.
[0011] The reefer and vehicle is related to a reefer and vehicle
that is fitted with space for at least one energy supply unit and
at least one panel, to up to as many as are needed providing
variability and flexibility which lead to cost savings and
efficiency.
[0012] The panel of the invention is related to a structure for
containing a phase change material, and is placed in a system in
thermal communication with a refrigerant and a space to be cooled
in a reefer.
[0013] The vehicle, system and method of the present invention is
also related to a vehicle, system and method wherein the energy
supply unit battery during mobile vehicle operation can be used for
cooling, or a supplemental energy source such as an energy grid can
be used when the vehicle is stationary to both keep the
compartment(s) of the reefer cold and to recharge the battery.
[0014] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution of the art may be better
appreciated.
[0015] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art upon reading of the following detailed description of
presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of
the present invention when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the
current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to
the details of construction and to the arrangements of the
components set forth in the following description or illustrated in
the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of
being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are
for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
[0016] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts an intermodal refrigerated container
transport vehicle in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of an energy supply unit of the
system in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a phase change material
("PCM") panel in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the panel in accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a PCM configuration
which can be used in a panel in accordance with the principles of
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of an energy supply unit in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an energy supply unit in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of the energy transfer in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a battery powered system in accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates a battery powered hybrid electric motor
driven compressor and heat pump system in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates a battery powered hybrid electric motor
driven compressor and heat pump which is referenced to a PCM in a
PCM panel in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates an integrated battery and exhaust energy
powered electric generator system in accordance with the principles
of the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates an integrated battery with exhaust
energy powered refrigeration unit system in accordance with the
principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The following detailed embodiments presented herein are for
illustrative purposes. That is, these detailed embodiments are
intended to be exemplary of the present invention for the purposes
of providing and aiding a person skilled in the pertinent art to
readily understand how to make and use of the present
invention.
[0031] Accordingly, the detailed discussion herein of one or more
embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the
metes and bounds of the patent protection afforded the present
invention, in which the scope of patent protection is intended to
be defined by the claims and their equivalents thereof. Therefore,
embodiments not specifically addressed herein, such as adaptations,
variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, should be
and are considered to be implicitly disclosed by the illustrative
embodiments and claims described herein and therefore fall within
the scope of the present invention.
[0032] Further, it should be understood that, although steps of
various the claimed method may be shown and described as being in a
sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such method are not
limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order,
absent an indication otherwise. That is, the claimed method steps
are to be considered to be capable of being carried out in any
sequential combination or permutation order while still falling
within the scope of the present invention.
[0033] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which a person skilled in the relevant art
would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of
such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used
herein, as understood by the person skilled in the relevant art
based on the contextual use of such term, differs in any way from
any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended
that the meaning of the term as understood by the person skilled in
the relevant art should prevail.
[0034] Furthermore, a person skilled in the art of reading claimed
inventions should understand that "a" and "an" each generally
denotes "at least one," but does not exclude a plurality unless the
contextual use dictates otherwise. And that the term "or" denotes
"at least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of
items of the list.
[0035] Generally, the system 10 of the present invention provides a
method for cooling a plurality of compartments of a reefer 102, as
in FIG. 1. The reefer 102 could be an intermodal reefer container
or equally a reefer unit fixed and mounted to a truck 100. The
system 10 can be of varying different embodiments, each including a
plurality of energy supply units 104. The system 10 can also be
provided with a plurality of phase change material ("PCM") panels
106.
[0036] The units 104 can have different configurations depending on
the energy needs of the system, also dictated by whether panels 106
are present, and if so, how many. The energy supply units 104 of
the system 10 each at least includes a battery 103, a condenser 128
and an evaporator 127, and an electrically driven compressor 101
and/or a heat pump 140. All of these components of the system 10,
and operational use, is discussed herein.
[0037] Also included in the system 10 is a system of tubes 12 for
delivering cooled refrigerant 122 from a condenser 128 of the
energy supply units 104 to the evaporator 127, and then for
circulating the warmed refrigerant 122 back to the compressor of
both or either the electrical compressor 101 and/or the heat pump
140, depending on the configuration of the system 10, in order to
re-cool the refrigerant 122. The evaporator 127 of the unit(s) 104
can also be in the panel 106, if the panel 106 includes a PCM 111
and a refrigerant coil 121, in which case the coil 121 acts as the
evaporator in thermal communication with the PCM. The system 10 is
controlled by a controller 131, which can act as a master
controller, or can monitor different components via each component
controller e.g. the batter controller 133.
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates components of the system 10 disposed in
and on an intermodal transport vehicle 100 having a reefer 102. The
system 10 is not limited to an intermodal transport vehicle 100,
but can also be a reefer 102 having the system 10 fixed on a truck.
Also provided is at least one energy supply unit 104. It should be
noted that the parts in an energy supply unit 104, as will be
discussed, such as a battery 103, condenser 128, evaporator 127 and
an electrically driven condenser 101 and/or a heat pump 140, are in
operational communication, not necessarily physically stacked one
upon another, or adjacent to one another.
[0039] FIG. 2 provides a closer look at an embodiment of the
components of an energy supply unit 104 having an electric
compressor 101, a condenser 128, an evaporator 127, and a battery
103.
[0040] Depending on the configuration and included components of
the unit 104, some components of a unit 104 in some embodiments can
be removably engaged with the reefer 102 and possibly to the diesel
engine propulsion system located in the front of the cab 110 and/or
to the cab battery, in order to maintain a sufficient amount of
energy supply. The engine can also take over the role of the
battery in some cases. This system 10 may be useful for routes with
less difference in temperature between the outside natural
environmental conditions and the required refrigeration temperature
in a reefer. Moreover, this embodiment of the unit 104 may be
useful when the route temperature is relatively stable without huge
shifts between high and low outside temperatures, for example,
during the day and night, and/or along the length of the route.
[0041] If the configuration of a unit 104 allows, components of
units 104 can be added to the system of refrigeration 10 as needed.
For example, a unit 104 having a battery 103 and an electric
compressor 101 could be arranged to be together, and the two
components 101, 103 together could be added or removed, so that
multiple components of a unit 104 could be accommodated by the
system 10.
[0042] A portable unit 104, therefore, wherein components are not
permanently affixed to the reefer 102 and can be added and removed
as needed, may have a grip 105 for ergonomically holding the
component to be added and/or removed for ease of operator handling.
The grip 105 can be any grip understood in the art for gripping and
carrying a unit including, but not limited to, a handle, or a
plurality of grips 105 (as is illustrated in FIG. 2).
[0043] Turning back to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 further illustrates at least
one energy supply unit 104 and a plurality of panels 106. If
portable, the number of portable unit 104 components and the number
of PCM panels 106 that could be installed/removed depends on a
number of factors, some of which include environmental conditions
such as humidity, temperature, pressure, load, distance of the
route, type of load and refrigeration needed, and the duration of
the journey. Not all units 104 or components of the unit(s) will be
easily attached/detached or be portable. The location of the energy
supply unit(s) 104 and panel(s) 106 will depend upon the expected
ease of installation and removal by the operator, the number of
units 104 needed, cost requirements, and the terrain of the route.
The difference between the external natural temperature and the
internal required conservation temperature should be considered
when determining the number and disposition of unit(s) 104 or
components thereof and panel(s) 106.
[0044] The unit(s) 104 can be located in any location for safe
transport, ease of installation and efficient performance along the
transport vehicle 100, for example, and not limited to a space 108
between the cab 110 and the reefer 102. Another example location
could be a vertical disposition in the back of the cab 112 or in
front of the reefer 114. A further example location would be the
roof 116 of the reefer 102, and/or the side(s) 118 of the reefer
102, and/or on the bottom 120 of the reefer 102.
[0045] It is also contemplated that the different components of the
unit(s) 104 can be located in different locations on the reefer
102. For example, the electric compressor 101 could be located in
the front of the reefer 102 while the battery 103 could be located
underneath/at the bottom of the reefer 102. In FIG. 1, the unit(s)
104 is also thermofluid dynamically connected to PCM panel(s) 106.
Illustrated is the system of tubes 12 which is adapted to deliver
cooled refrigerant 122, in this configuration, from the unit(s) 104
to close to the PCM 111 such that the refrigerant 122 in the tubes
is in thermal communication with the PCM 111 of the PCM panel 106.
The PCM panels 106 are removably affixed to the reefer 102 at a
receiving portion 107 of the reefer 102.
[0046] The tubes 12 of the system 10 should be covered with an
insulating material known in the art to insulate from heat
dissipation so that transfer of the refrigerant 122 between the
various components of the system does not disperse thermal energy.
Some examples of insulating material which could be used include,
but are not limited to, polyurethane, fiberglass and
polyethylene.
[0047] The reefer 102 can have a plurality of refrigerated or
freezer compartments inside which in the walls, ceiling, and/or
base a plurality of receiving portions 107 can receive the
removable PCM panels 106. The panel(s) 106 can be any shape, size,
and/or material which can be removably affixed within the walls,
ceiling, and/or floor of the reefer 102, and without disturbing the
integrity of the load to be carried within the compartment in the
reefer 102.
[0048] A PCM panel 106 of the system 10 includes a PCM 111, or in
another embodiment can include a PCM along with a refrigerant coil
121. FIG. 3 is a cross section of an embodiment of the panel 106,
wherein there is both a PCM 111 disposed in thermal communication
with the refrigerant coil 121. The panel 106 has a frame 119 which
hosts a refrigerant coil 121 which carries the cooled refrigerant
122. The refrigerant 122 can be any known refrigerant that operates
in conjunction with a refrigerated compressor, heat pump system and
any electric-driven motor, and is commonly used in the art to run
through HVAC systems, for example, but not limited to, water,
Freon.TM. (halo-carbon product or hydro fluoro-carbons), propylene
glycol or any combination thereof.
[0049] The configuration and location of the PCMs 111 can vary. For
example, the PCMs 111 can be wrapped around the refrigerant coil
121 at a particular distance along the length of the same, or the
PCMs 111 can be provided in between parallel arms of the
refrigerant coil 121. These are merely examples, and the invention
is not to be limited thereby. Rather, different configurations of
PCM 111 within the panel 106 are dictated by the application and
the best thermal energy transfer contemplated.
[0050] The refrigerant coil 121 could be disposed in the panel 106
in any shape that provides effective thermal transfer between the
refrigerant 122 in the coil 121 and the PCM 111 in panel 106, for
example, but not limited to, a serpentine shape through the panel.
The refrigerant coil 121 in the panel 106 can be in any suitable
arrangement, including for example, in parallel and/or in
series.
[0051] The panels 106 themselves can have many different
configurations depending on the various factors. The first factor
could possibly be the shape of the receiving portion 107 of the
reefer 102 that accommodates the panel 106. A panel 106 could, for
example, be provided with a lip or groove for being accommodated
into the lip located on the reefer 102, or vice versa. The driver
could thereby slide the panel 106 into place by pushing a handle
(not shown) situated on the panel 106 and then lock the panel 106
into place by any known mechanism understood to keep the panel in
place, such as, but not limited to a latch. The handle of the panel
106 could be any ergonomic handle. The invention is not intended to
be limited by this configuration, and those skilled in the art
would understand that other methods of retaining a panel 106 on the
reefer 102 wall are also included in the present invention.
[0052] In use, the panel 106, as in FIG. 3, provided with a
charged/cooled PCM 111 and a refrigerant coil 121, is both in
thermodynamic communication with the internal compartment of the
reefer 102 and the refrigerant coil 121 through which the
refrigerant 122 runs.
[0053] If a panel 106 such as in FIG. 3, is used in the system 10,
the operator would have to add the panel(s) 106 to the system 10.
The number of panels added would depend on various factors
including the duration, length and geographic location of the
route, and the type of goods to be kept cool or cold. Therefore, in
order to use a panel 106 as in FIG. 3, at a first end, the
refrigerant coil 121 has an inlet 123, and at a second end an
outlet 124. The inlet 123 and the outlet 124, upon installation of
the panel 106 are securely removably adjoined to an inlet adaptor
125 and an outlet adaptor 126 (seen in FIG. 1) which are revealed
by removing a tube portion of the system of tubes 12 flanked on
either side by the inlet adaptor 125 and the outlet adaptor 126. In
this way, refrigerant 122 is not lost or leaked during installation
and use of the system 10. However, if a panel 106 is not to be
used, the tubing portion remains in place.
[0054] The panel 106 does not necessarily have to have a
refrigerant coil 121. In an embodiment, the panel 106 only has a
PCM 111. Such a PCMs 111 in the panel 106 could be cooled/charged
externally prior to the vehicle 100 being mobile. The receiving
portion 107 could be located at any part of the reefer which allows
the PCMs 111 in the panel 106 to be in thermodynamic communication
with a compartment of the reefer 102.
[0055] However, in this embodiment, the PCMs 111 upon warming up/
discharging, would have to be removed to be recharged. Therefore,
either this type of panel 106 could be accommodated in a reefer 102
which is to travel shorter distances, have very constant external
environmental temperatures, or colder external environmental
temperatures. This type of panel could be exchanged with charged
PCM panels 106 which could be conveniently kept by the operator in
the cab of the vehicle 100 in a refrigerator or freezer depending
on the type of PCM that needs charging, and the temperature desired
both for the PCM as well as for the internal compartment. This type
of panel 106 could be added to currently existing reefers 102, and
could be added to reefers 102 which have a unit 104 which utilizes
an evaporator 127 to cool the internal space of the reefer 102.
[0056] In the latter embodiment of the system 10, the energy supply
unit 104 could be used only when the internal temperature of the
compartment is determined to be out of the range necessary for
refrigeration due to the discharge of the PCM 111. The energy
supply unit 104 could be triggered (manually or automatically) to
cool the refrigerant 122 through the unit 104 and thus to an
evaporator (see e.g. FIG. 8 evaporators 722, 724), by which a fan
129 could be placed to circulate the air in the compartment(s) and
also across the evaporator 127 such that the temperature of the
compartment could be reduced to an acceptable range. After this,
the panel(s) 106 could be removed and replaced with charged/cooled
panels 106 by which the compartment is cooled and maintained until
again the PCMs 111 of the panel 106 are discharged and the unit(s)
104 is required to refrigerate the compartment.
[0057] The temperature of the system 10 could be gauged by a
plurality of temperature sensors 130 in thermal communication with
the PCM 111 and/or the reefer compartment (see e.g. FIGS. 4 and 9).
The sensor(s) 130 can be operationally connected with the
controller 131 (also shown in FIG. 9) to provide information about
the temperature of the PCM 111 and/or the compartment. For
instance, when the PCM 111 temperature reaches an established
threshold, the controller 131 could start the energy supply unit(s)
104 to keep the compartment cool via an evaporator 127 located in
thermodynamic communication with the air of the compartment.
[0058] In yet another embodiment of the system, the panel 106
without a refrigerant coil 121 could be placed thermodynamically
close to the evaporator 127 of the unit 104. In this way, the PCM
111 would be recharged/cooled while the unit(s) 104 are active and
cold refrigerant 122 is provided to the evaporator 127 to keep the
compartment cool. The unit 104 could be turned off by the
controller 131 when the PCM 111 is determined by the sensor(s) to
be at the appropriate temperature for keeping the compartment
cool.
[0059] The use of PCM panel(s) 104 in a system 10 for refrigerating
reefers 102, provides efficiency and better use of energy by
allowing the PCM 111 to cool the internal compartment(s) when
charged, thereby giving the battery and other components of the
unit(s) 104 a rest.
[0060] PCMs 111 can be any organic material, inorganic materials
like salt hydrates, bio-based materials like fatty acids derived
from plant and animal sources. Organic PCMs 111 can include
paraffins and fatty acids, and low temperature waxes. The use of
PCMs 111 is advantageous even over eutectics because the PCMs 111
volumetric storage density is lower than that of eutectics. PCMs
111 continue to absorb energy subsequent to a phase change from
liquid to solid and may store thermal energy or release over a
prolonged period of time thereby making a more efficient and
potentially cheaper system to keep a reefer cool, in accordance
with the principles of the present invention.
[0061] PCMs 111 absorb heat from the adjacent reefer space during
their discharge phase and transfer the extracted cold thermal
energy from the refrigerant 122 stored in the refrigerant coil 121
to the surrounding environment. This cooling of the space continues
while phase change occurs. PCMs 111 are "charged" when they
completely solidified and cooled to the desired temperature, and
the solid phase is adopted by the PCM 111. Depending on the
temperature and quantity and speed of refrigerant 122 flowing by
the PCM 111, the system 10 presents fast charging rates and is able
to maintain constant temperatures more easily than systems that
have slower charging rates. In a panel 106 wherein the PCM 111 is
water encapsulated in a hydrogel or is a low temperature wax, the
panel 106 itself could be used to contain and provide support for
the PCM 111. In an embodiment of the panel 106 wherein a PCM 111 is
used along with a refrigerant coil 121, various different types of
PCM could be used including a PCM composite ("PCC") (to be
discussed later) which provides both support and structure for the
PCM 111.
[0062] A PCM 111 that can also be used in this invention is a low
temperature wax. Low temperature waxes are reliable, non-corrosive
and chemically inert below 500.degree. C. The use of a low
temperature wax instead of water/ice is much more efficient because
of a much higher volumetric energy density (under some conditions
more than 32 Wh/Lit compared to the 22 Wh/Lit) which translates
into being able to store a much larger amount of heat than
water/ice energy storage solutions.
[0063] An important property presented by low temperature waxes is
negligible "super cooling", which is the possibility of lowering
the temperature of a material below its freezing point without it
becoming a solid. Without solidifying, the PCM 111 cannot store
thermal energy. Therefore, the use of low temperature waxes in the
PCM 111 is advantageous because it experiences negligible super
cooling and can thus freeze and store thermal energy. Though, a PCM
111 encapsulated in a hydrogel is also an embodiment of a PCM 111
used in this invention, using a low temperature wax or a PCM 111
encapsulated in a hydrogel contains and may require structural
support from the panel 106.
[0064] Another type of PCM 111 which can be used in the panel 106
is a PCM composite ("PCC") including low temperature waxes and
support material like expanded graphite, providing faster cooling
of the PCM due to a high thermal conductivity of graphite. FIG. 4
illustrates yet another embodiment of the PCM 111, wherein the PCM
111 is in the form of a composite slabs. The shape of the panel
106, the receiving portion 107 and the location of the adaptor
sections 125, 126 of the system of tubes 12, will dictate the exact
size and shape of the PCM 111 composite such that the frame 119 of
the panel 106 can accommodate the PCM 111, and can fit into the
receiving portion 107 on the reefer 102. For more demanding loads,
a plurality of slabs or other configurations could be accommodated
into a single panel in series or parallel.
[0065] In one embodiment, the refrigerant coil 121 can be made of
copper and can exist in the PCM 111 in a serpentine coil
disposition (as is shown in the FIG. 3 cross section). The
refrigerant 122 exits the refrigerant coil 121 from the outlet 124.
The refrigerant coil 121 can also be any other material which is
conducive to the thermal transfer of energy from the refrigerant
122 to the PCM 111 and vice versa.
[0066] Aluminum oxide or other conductive metals can be added to
the composite in order to further enhance thermal conductivity,
which signifies faster charge times. A PCC can be characterized by
a wide range of melting points. By increasing the number of atoms
of carbon in the PCC it is possible to increase the melting point
and vice versa. Using different percentages of low temperature wax
and graphite, and potentially other materials in the PCC, allows
the system 10 to operate at different efficiencies due to the
different melting points of the materials involved. Therefore, the
system 10 can be used in different applications and for different
operative needs by customizing the composite in the PCC and
therefore providing appropriate melting points.
[0067] A PCC uses expanded graphite as a supporting porous matrix
to hold the phase change material (low temperature waxes) together,
therefore dispensing with the need for structural support from the
panel 106, as may be the case for water encapsulated in a hydrogel
and even a low temperature wax alone. Commercially available
expanded graphite (EG) is formed by an intercalation reaction with
various acids and subsequent heat treatment. Commercial EG is
uni-axially compacted using a pneumatic press, or any commercially
available press. Examples of pressing pressures range at between
about 10 to about 30 psi pressure, and until bulky density of
between about 170-about 200 Kg/m.sup.3 is achieved. Different
pressures can be applied to achieve different densities.
Afterwards, the compressed EG is submerged in a bath of molten PCM
(low temperature waxes), kept at a temperature of between about
5-10.degree. C., higher than its melting temperature, and left to
soak until the PCM has reached its maximum absorption into the
graphite matrix.
[0068] EG density increases with the compaction pressure applied
and it can be varied in order to reach higher thermal conductivity.
Therefore, thermal conductivity increases with EG density, whereas
the PCM latent heat of fusion reduces with EG density (lower EG
mass involved).
[0069] The PCC composition can for example be, but is not limited
to, between about 60-85% PCM, and between about 15-40% EG. These
percentages are not meant to be limiting, and the percentages can
vary according to the application and operative mode desired. Other
materials can also be used to replace EG in a PCC including, for
example, but not limited to graphite powder, carbon fibers,
graphite/carbon nano-powders/nano-fibers, copper, aluminum powder
and conductive foam such as carbon, graphite, copper and aluminum.
Other additives such as polymer can also be added to improve the
mechanical properties.
[0070] Varying the percentages of graphite and other conductive
materials along with the low temperature wax, in the PCC leads to
varying thermal conductivity, providing the system of the invention
with more versatility and the panels 106 comprising the PCM 111 can
be customizable to many different applications and
configurations.
[0071] For instance, with refrigerant 122 transferring cold energy
to the PCC at a pace of 1.86 GPH (gallons per hour), PCC slabs can
be cooled and store cold thermal energy in about 1 hour. At 4.5
GPH, a PCC can be expected to charge in 20 to 30 minutes, while at
12 GPH the PCC can fully charge in approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
In this way, when the reefer 102 and vehicle 100 are in a
stationary condition, it is contemplated that the panels 106 could
be externally charged and the time would be very little in order to
keep the operator on a schedule. The cooled/charged panels 106 of
PCM 111 would be quickly ready to load onto the reefer 102.
Moreover, a PCM composite composed of low temperature wax and other
additives in different combinations has quite a long operative
life, possibly of more than 15 years.
[0072] FIG. 5 is another embodiment of a PCC 111 that could be used
for example with an insulated compartment, wherein the a PCC 111 is
in a stacked slabs configuration providing ample thermal energy
transfer for the entire compartment for the duration of a journey,
can be added to any compartment for a journey by connecting the
inlet 123 and the outlet 124 with the system of tubes 12. Upon
arriving at a destination, the entire unit could be removed and
placed at an outside source for recharging. By utilizing such an
embodiment, panels 106 would not be necessary as the entire system
would revolve around this configuration of the PCM. Any number of,
in this embodiment, slabs can be used. If using a PCM 111 in a
composite, which has twenty eight (28) PCM 111 composite ("PCC")
slabs (14-72) of comparable dimensions, arranged in a pile and the
refrigerant coil 121 running between the slabs. The embodiment
shown in FIG. 4 can be enclosed in the frame 119 of the panel 106.
The refrigerant 122, after running through the system of tubes 12
pours into the refrigerant coil 121 from the inlet 123. 14 is the
first slab from the bottom, 26 is the fifth slab from the bottom,
36 is the tenth slab from the bottom and so on; 72 is slab on top
of the pile. As shown in the FIG. 4, after the inlet 123, the
refrigerant coil 121 penetrates between the PCC slabs 111 from the
left side of the front section, splitting into 3 conduit tubes that
run from the front section to the rear section in parallel, one
over the other, between slabs 72 and 70, between slabs 70 and 68
and between slabs 68 and 66. After exiting the PCC slabs 111 from
the rear section the parallel tubes of the refrigerant coil 121 go
back towards the center of the rear section between the same slabs
and exit from the front section. Again the parallel tubes go back
to the rear section and come back to the front section. In total,
after splitting into 3 tubes, the refrigerant coil 121 runs through
each couple of PCC slabs 111 with 4 tubes segments, maximizing the
thermal communication between the PCM 111 in the composite and the
refrigerant 122.
[0073] The 3 parallel tubes exiting one last time from the PCC
slabs 111 from the front section on its right side curve towards
the lower layers of slabs and penetrate in parallel between slabs
66 and 64, 64 and 62, 62 and 60 on the right side of the front
section. Again, the conduit tubes run back and forth from the front
to the rear and from the rear to the front section in parallel
between the same slabs twice and exit the front section on its left
side before moving to the lower slabs (between 60 and 58, between
56 and 54 and between 54 and 52) and repeating the same procedure
until reaching the last 4 slabs placed at the bottom of the PCC
slabs 111. The 3 parallel tubes run through the PCC slabs 111
between slabs 26 and 18, slabs 18 and 16 and slabs 16 and 14 from
left to right back and forth 4 times and merge in a single tube of
the refrigerant coil 121 in the bottom-right area of the front
section of the PCC slabs 111 pile. The refrigerant 122 exits the
refrigerant coil 121 at the outlet 124. From the outlet 124, the
refrigerant 122 flows into the system of tubes 12 and back to be
cooled by the energy supply unit 104.
[0074] In one cooling experiment, 28 slabs were piled one over the
other with the PCC composite 111 and the refrigerant coil 121
together comprising 74% PCC and 11.5% copper tubing for the
refrigerant coil 121. The remaining percentage is the sensor(s) for
gauging the temperature of the PCM in the PCC, and the frame 119 of
the panel 106. Other characterizing features of this embodiment
could be, but are not limited to, a thermal capacity of about 4.2
kWh, PCC's energy density of about 54 Wh/Kg, PCC and copper
refrigerant coil 121 energy density of about 46 Wh/Kg and system
energy density of about 40 Wh/Kg.
[0075] Several discharge experiments have been conducted at
different refrigerant 122 flow rates. For example, at 1.6 L/min a
total cooling time of more than 6 hours was achieved with cold
refrigerant 122 reaching the refrigerant coil 121 for the whole
period, while the refrigerant 122 flowing through the different
slabs was heating up at different rates: less than 1 hour for the
refrigerant at the inlet (slab 72 to 66), 3 to 4 hours at slabs 46
and 54, 24, to 26 hours at slab 62, 5 to 6 hours at slab 30 and
6.25 hours from slabs 24 to 14.
[0076] Currently existing refrigeration systems 10 of reefers 102
do not utilize a system of tubes 12 to deliver refrigerant 122
through the system 10 and cool the internal compartments, let alone
with the possible addition of a PCM in various possible
embodiments.
[0077] For those panels 106 which have a refrigerant coil 121, and
need to be appended to the reefer 102, the inlet 123 would be
accommodated by the inlet adaptor 125 at a location on a tube of
the system of tubes 12 close to the receiving portion 107 of the
reefer 102 that accommodates the panel 106. The outlet 124 would be
accommodated by the outlet adaptor 126 found on the side opposing
the inlet adaptor 125 at the area of the receiving portion 107.
[0078] The adaptor sections 125, 126 could be provided with a
refrigerant flow control valve 117. This refrigerant flow control
valve 117 would be open when refrigerant 122 is flowing through the
system 10 and could be closed when the panel(s) 106 is/are to be
removed from the reefer 102, to avoid loss of refrigerant 122. Some
examples of a refrigerant flow control valve 117 could be, but are
not limited to, any valve commonly used or known in the art to stop
or allow the flow of refrigerant when in an open or closed
position, for example a check valve such as a solenoid valve or a
ball valve could be used to prevent and open the flow of a liquid
in such a tube as can carry a refrigerant.
[0079] The inlet 123 and the outlet 124 are also configured to
accommodate a refrigerant flow control valve 117 in order to
prevent leaking of the refrigerant 122 when the panel 106 is
removed from or accommodated by the reefer. The opening and closing
of the refrigerant flow control valve 117 could be manually
controlled by the operator with, for example, a switch or a button.
Or in the alternative could be automatically or electrically
controlled by the controller 131. Moreover, the attachment of the
inlet 123 to the inlet adaptor 125 and the outlet 124 to the outlet
adaptor 126 could be manually, automatically, or electrically
accomplished. If automatically set, then the closing could be
triggered, for example, when the vehicle stops, and could be opened
again when the panel is locked into place.
[0080] As mentioned above, the units 104 always include at least
one compressor and evaporator to function correctly. In fact, when
the PCM panel 106 is used, it is the refrigerant coil 121 in the
PCM panel 106 which acts as the evaporator.
[0081] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the energy supply
unit 104 a battery 103 (potentially reduced size) and a heat pump
140 (other components including the evaporator and condenser are
not shown). In this embodiment is provided another solution to
efficiently refrigerate items in a reefer. The heat pump 140 of the
system 10 operates as any other heat pump is known in the art to
operate. The heat pump 140 is able to capture heat energy from
either the outside natural environment, but more preferably from
the heat energy from the diesel engine exhaust. The unit 104 in
FIG. 6 can provide refrigeration to a compartment in the reefer 102
via an evaporator 127. In the alternative, a PCM panel 106 can be
charged by the refrigerant 122 exiting the heat pump 140, thereby
utilizing the heat to provide the PCM(s) in a panel 106 with the
required cold energy for refrigeration. Or both could be used
wherein the PCM 111 is charged and thereafter the evaporator is
also used to further cool the compartment. Sometimes the use of a
heat pump can be desirable because the amount of energy consumed by
a heat pump is often a quarter the amount of thermal energy output.
As previously provided, adding PCM panels 106 into the system lends
even more efficiency to the system 10.
[0082] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of the unit 104
having an electric compressor 101, a battery 103, and a heat pump
140 (for simplicity, evaporator 127 and condenser 128 are not
shown). By having a hybrid unit such as that of FIG. 7, the unit
104 can interchangeably utilize the heat pump 140 and the electric
compressor 101. The electric compressor 101 could run alternatively
to the heat pump's compressor 140. This unit 104 is thought to be
able to accommodate large variations between the outside natural
environmental temperature and the desired refrigeration temperature
inside the reefer, by switching to using the electric compressor
101. The battery 103 of the unit 104 can be smaller than the
battery 103 of FIG. 2 due to potentially smaller energy
requirements. The unit 104 of FIG. 6 can accommodate the following
control mechanisms to enable switching between the electrically
driven compressor 101 and the heat pump 140, including but not
limited, to a manual or an automated switch. The manual switch can
be operated by for instance the operator when perceived temperature
differences so require. The automated switch can be configured to
be activated when threshold temperature levels are reached thereby
switching between the compressor 101 and the heat pump 140.
[0083] The battery 103 of the unit(s) 104 can be charged either
while connected to the engine of the cab; and/or via an external
power source before, during or after a journey. The battery 103 of
the unit 104 can also be charged via an exhaust system to be
discussed later.
[0084] FIG. 8 provides an energy transfer flow chart 600. In use,
energy is provided from energy supply unit(s) 104 and possibly the
cab engine 150. Some examples of the unit(s) 104 can be, but are
not limited to, a battery 103 and an electric compressor 101 (as in
FIG. 2), and/or the unit(s) 104 can have a battery 103 and a heat
pump 140 (as in FIG. 6), and/or the unit(s) 104 can have a battery
103, an electric compressor 101, and a heat pump 140 (as in FIG.
7). In one embodiment, when incorporating the PCM panel(s) 106 and
thus the PCMs 111, the unit(s) 104 move a refrigerant 122 through a
system of tubes 12 into the refrigerant coil 121, or at least close
to the PCM 111 via the evaporator 127, in a panel 106, as is
illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, which are in thermal
communication with the inside of the reefer.
[0085] These tubes 12 are configured to deliver refrigerant 122 in
a location such that it is in thermal communication with the PCMs
111 (configuration illustrated in, but not limited to, for example
FIG. 3) thereby allowing the PCMs 111 to exchange heat already
absorbed from the adjacent space of the reefer 160, thereby cooling
the PCMs 111 to the desired temperature for maintaining the desired
refrigeration temperature in the reefer 102. The PCMs 111 store or
release energy by the changing of their aggregate state (phase) at
a relatively constant temperature, such as melting and solidifying.
In use, once the desired energy level in the PCMs 111 is reached,
as may be determined by a temperature sensor 130, the unit 104
operation may be reduced or turned off in order to gain energy
efficiencies.
[0086] The system 10 of the invention may also be automatically
controlled through a controller 131 over a distributed network
intelligence. The controller can monitor the system 10 functions
and performance including for example, but not limited to, outside
temperatures, internal temperatures of the reefer, the temperature
of the PCM 111, the temperature of the refrigerant 122 in
communication with the PCM 111, the flow rate of the refrigerant
122 through the system of tubes 12 and the refrigerant coil 121,
and whether the components are running properly. The controller 131
could also be provided with automated starting and stopping of each
unit 104, be configured to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant
122, provide alerts as to the optimal functioning of the system 10,
and provide alerts when the system 10 is outside acceptable ranges
or malfunctions. The controller 131 can also provide information to
a computer in order to pre-set energy emission over time, override
a standard procedure, a schedule or a program of cooling in
emergency.
[0087] It is also anticipated that a reefer 102 is provided with
different compartments which may need to be at different
temperatures, and therefore, in an embodiment that uses a panel in
thermal communication with each of the different compartments of
the reefer, the controller 131 could maintain heterogeneous
temperature and/or phase state of the PCMs 111 for each compartment
accordingly. The controller 131 could also receive input from an
electric compressor controller 132 and/or a battery controller 133
and adjust/maintain each electric compressor 101 and/or battery 103
of the system 10 in order to run efficiently.
[0088] Another embodiment of the system 10 is illustrated in FIG. 9
showing a battery powered mobile refrigeration system 10 without
PCM. As mentioned above, the reefer 102 can be provided with
compartments that are to be maintained at different temperatures.
In this embodiment is provided a refrigerated compartment 161 and a
freezer compartment 162, further provided with a refrigerator
compartment evaporator 722 and a freezer compartment evaporator
724, respectively, and a fan 129 for circulating the air past the
evaporator 722. The reefer 102 of FIG. 8 has an energy supply unit
104. In this embodiment, however, the energy supply unit 104 is
provided with an electric compressor 101 operationally coupled to a
battery 103, wherein the electric compressor 101 is located at the
front of the reefer 114 and the battery 103 is located at the
bottom of the reefer 120. Also provided are a compressor controller
132 and a battery controller 133. A charger 134 is also provided
which can be connected on one end to an energy grid and on the
other end to the battery 103 in order to charge the same. For
example, when the system 10 is stationary, the charger may provide
sufficient power to chill the system 10 down during cargo loading
and/or can fully recharge the battery 103. Also shown in the reefer
102 of FIG. 9 is a three-phase inverter/controller 135, which
provides three-phase variable voltage, current, and frequency power
to the compressor 101.
[0089] In use, the battery 103 of the reefer 102 of FIG. 9 is
charged via the charger 134 when the reefer 102 is stationary. The
connection between the energy grid and the battery 103 may also
provide enough power to chill the reefer 102 during stationary
cargo loading. During mobile operation, however, the battery 103 in
this embodiment is anticipated to provide enough energy to the
compressor 101, which in turn maintains the freezer 162 and
refrigerated compartment 161 temperatures by coupling the
compressor 101 to the freezer compartment evaporator 724 and the
refrigerator compartment evaporator 722. The compressor controller
132 corrects for the temperature. The battery controller 133
corrects for the charging and cell-to-cell balancing. Also provided
on the reefer 102 is a controller 131 for remote control and
management of for example location, temperatures, system status,
and diagnostics.
[0090] Another embodiment of the system 10 of the invention is
illustrated in FIG. 10, also without a PCM, but showing a battery
powered hybrid electric compressor and heat pump refrigeration
system 10 with a reduced size battery, which is possible due to the
accommodation of a heat pump 140. In FIG. 10 is shown a reefer 102
having both a freezer compartment 162 and a refrigerated
compartment 161, and a temperature sensor 130 for gauging the
temperature in the compartment 161, and is operationally connected
to the controller 131. The freezer compartment 162 has a freezer
compartment evaporator 824 and the refrigerated compartment 161 has
a refrigerated compartment evaporator 822. The reefer 102 has an
electric motor compressor 101, along with an electric compressor
controller 132 on the front of the reefer 114, operationally
coupled to a battery 103, a three-phase inverter/controller 135,
and a heat pump 140 on the bottom of the reefer 120. The electric
motor driven compressor 101 has a compressor controller 132 coupled
thereto and the battery 103 again has a battery controller 133
coupled thereto. Also shown is the charger 134 which can be used
when the vehicle is stationary. The heat pump 140 is also provided
with a heat pump controller 141. An ambient air reference condenser
142 is also seen located in operational communication with the heat
pump 140 and the heat pump controller 141. In use, the heat pump
140 is referenced to the ambient air via the ambient air reference
condenser 142.
[0091] In this embodiment, the freezer compartment 162 of the
system 10 is kept cold by the electric motor driven compressor 101
while the refrigerated compartment 161 is kept cold by the heat
pump 140 operation. As mentioned before, using a heat pump 140, as
in this embodiment of the system 10, allows for the battery 103 to
be smaller in size and also reduces the battery provided energy
requirement. During mobile operation, energy from the battery 103
maintains the freezer 162 and refrigerated compartment 161
temperatures, and the compressor controller 132 and the heat pump
controller 141 control these temperatures, respectively.
[0092] As mentioned, the system 10 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 does
not also include a PCM panel.
[0093] Turning now to FIG. 11, provided is a system 10 utilizing a
battery powered hybrid compressor (electric compressor and heat
pump) and heat pump referenced to a PCM. The reefer 102 is provided
with a refrigerated compartment 161 and a freezer compartment 162,
along with a refrigerated compartment evaporator 922 and a freezer
compartment evaporator 924, respectively. In this embodiment, the
freezer compartment 162 is temperature controlled via the electric
motor driven compressor 101 along with the compressor controller
132 while the refrigerated compartment 161 is temperature
controlled by the heat pump 140 along with the heat pump controller
141. A three-phase inverter/controller 135 is again operationally
coupled to the system 10 to ensure proper operation.
[0094] Also provided is a charger 134 which when connected to an
energy grid, in stationary mode, provides sufficient power to chill
the system 10 and cargo, recharge the battery 103, and also to
chill PCM 111 in a PCM panel 106. In this embodiment, the heat pump
controller 141 is operationally coupled to the PCM panel 106 so
that the heat pump 140 is referenced to the chilled PCM 111 in the
PCM panel 106. The heat pump 140 reduces the need for battery
energy and size, and also the stored thermal energy of the PCM 111
in a PCM panel 106 further reduces the battery energy requirements
and size.
[0095] During mobile operations, the battery 103 energy and the
stored PCM energy in the PCM panel 106 maintain the freezer 162 and
refrigerator 161 compartment temperature. In the event that the PCM
in the panel does not fully refrigerate the compartment 161, the
refrigerant 122 can run to the evaporator 922 after charging the
PCM to further cool the compartment 161 as needed. The three-phase
inverter/controller 135 provides power to the compressors (101,
140).
[0096] FIG. 12 shows the system 10 of a reefer 102 wherein the
battery 103 requirements are reduced due to the use of an exhaust
energy powered electric generator system 145. Provided therefore is
an electric compressor 101, a freezer 162 and a refrigerated 161
compartment, having an evaporator each (1024, 1022, respectively).
Also provided are the compressor controller 132, a battery 103
along with its battery controller 133, and a three-phase
inverter/controller 135. In this system 10, the compressor
controller 132 controls the system 10. Also provided is an
alternating current electricity generator 145, which could be any
cycle technology electricity generator, for example thermoelectric
or turbine, to convert engine exhaust 146 (exhaust energy) to
electrical energy. During mobile operation, the battery 103 is
recharged by the exhaust energy driven electric generator 145,
therefore, during mobile stationary operation, the recharged
battery 103 is able to provide the energy to the system 10 in order
to maintain the freezer 162 and refrigerated 161 compartments at
the correct temperature.
[0097] It is also contemplated that in another embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 13, that an exhaust heat driven refrigeration
cycle unit, maintains the exhaust energy driven electric generator
145 and maintains both the compartment (161,162) temperatures via
supplemental evaporators 1140, while the battery 103 does the same
during mobile stationary operation.
[0098] Of note is that any and all of the embodiments can be
remotely monitored and/or controlled by a controller 131 form any
fixed fleet or business operations location, and the compartments
of the reefer 102 can be one or more compartments of unique
temperature to that particular compartment. Controller 131 also has
the capability to record system temperatures and reefer operational
status over time.
[0099] It should be noted that another embodiment of the invention
includes the same systems as are described throughout the
specification, and also illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 13, in a
fixed mounted reefer unit on a truck. Therefore, the same reefer
102 can be used with a fixed mounted reefer or an intermodal reefer
container.
[0100] As with all reefers whether fixedly mounted on a truck, or
an intermodal reefer container, the systems of the present
invention provide a way to transport goods in extreme cold weather
operations. A refrigerated compartment can be monitored and kept at
a particular temperature by varying the different features of the
system 10, including, for example, reversing the heat pump 140,
including electrical heaters, by exhaust heat transfer, or with
different compositions of PCM 111 as discussed above, or any
combination of the same. In this way, a refrigerated compartment of
a reefer can continue to be maintained at a particular temperature
due to the versatility of the system 10.
[0101] As to the manner of usage and operation of the present
invention, the same should be apparent from the above description.
Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage
and operation will be provided.
[0102] While a preferred embodiment of the system 10 has been
described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and
variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true
spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above
description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional
relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations
in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation,
assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one
skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
[0103] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires
otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or
"comprising" or the term "includes" or variations, thereof, or the
term "having" or variations, thereof will be understood to imply
the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements
or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer
or group of elements or integers. In this regard, in construing the
claim scope, an embodiment where one or more features is added to
any of the claims is to be regarded as within the scope of the
invention given that the essential features of the invention as
claimed are included in such an embodiment.
[0104] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention
described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications
other than those specifically described. It is to be understood
that the invention includes all such variations and modification
that fall within its spirit and scope. The invention also includes
all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to
or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively,
and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or
features.
[0105] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *