U.S. patent application number 17/051640 was filed with the patent office on 2021-09-09 for method for providing a transport container system, and a transport container system.
The applicant listed for this patent is VA-Q-TEC AG. Invention is credited to Fabian ESCHENBACH, Martin HEINEMANN, Joachim KUHN, Thomas WOLLHEIM.
Application Number | 20210278120 17/051640 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005649169 |
Filed Date | 2021-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210278120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KUHN; Joachim ; et
al. |
September 9, 2021 |
METHOD FOR PROVIDING A TRANSPORT CONTAINER SYSTEM, AND A TRANSPORT
CONTAINER SYSTEM
Abstract
The invention relates to a process for providing a transport
container system with a container internal temperature within a
target range. The transport container system has a container having
a receiving space wherein the temperature in the receiving space of
the container is the container internal temperature and at least
two PCM elements which can be removed from the container and
inserted into the container. All PCM elements have the same phase
change material. At least one first PCM element is tempered outside
the container in such a way that the phase change material of this
first PCM element is in a completely solid state. At least one
second PCM element is tempered outside the container in such a way
that the phase change material of this second PCM element is in a
completely liquid state. The tempered PCM elements are arranged in
the container. The tempering and the PCM elements are configured in
such a way that after the PCM elements have been arranged in the
container, the container internal temperature reaches a value
within the target range. The invention also relates to a suitable
transport container system for transporting a temperature-sensitive
object in a target range of a container's internal temperature.
Inventors: |
KUHN; Joachim; (Wurzburg,
DE) ; ESCHENBACH; Fabian; (Rottendorf, DE) ;
HEINEMANN; Martin; (Lauingen, DE) ; WOLLHEIM;
Thomas; (Erfurt, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VA-Q-TEC AG |
Wurzburg |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005649169 |
Appl. No.: |
17/051640 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
February 28, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2019/055023 |
371 Date: |
October 29, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2303/0845 20130101;
F25D 2303/0844 20130101; F25D 3/06 20130101; F25D 2201/14 20130101;
F25D 2303/0843 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 3/06 20060101
F25D003/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 28, 2018 |
DE |
10 2018 112 716.2 |
Oct 1, 2018 |
DE |
10 2018 124 162.3 |
Claims
1. A method for providing a transport container system with a
container internal temperature within a target range, wherein the
transport container system comprises a heat-insulated, closable
container having a receiving space for an object to be transported,
wherein the temperature in the receiving space of the container is
the container internal temperature, wherein the transport container
system has at least two PCM elements which can be removed from the
container and inserted into the container, wherein all PCM elements
have the same phase change material, wherein the method comprises
the following steps: at least one first PCM element is tempered
outside the container in such a way that the phase change material
of this first PCM element is in the completely solid state of
aggregation, and at least one second PCM element is tempered
outside the container in such a way that the phase change material
of this second PCM element is in the completely liquid state of
aggregation, the PCM elements thus tempered are arranged in the
container and the tempering and the PCM elements are configured in
such a way that after the PCM elements have been arranged in the
container, the container internal temperature reaches a value
within the target range.
2. The method for providing a transport container system with a
container internal temperature within a target range, wherein the
transport container system comprises a heat-insulated, closable
container having a receiving space for an object to be transported,
wherein the temperature in the receiving space of the container is
the container internal temperature, wherein the transport container
system has at least two PCM elements which can be removed from the
container and inserted into the container, wherein all PCM elements
have the same phase change material, wherein the method comprises
the following steps: at least one first PCM element is tempered
outside the container to a temperature below the phase change
temperature range and at least one second PCM element is tempered
outside the container a temperature in the phase change temperature
range or above the phase change temperature range, the PCM elements
thus tempered are arranged in the container and the tempering and
the PCM elements are configured in such a way that, after the PCM
elements have been arranged in the container, the container
internal temperature reaches a value within the target range.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the number of PCM
elements selected in such a way that after arranging the
accordingly tempered PCM elements in the container, the container
internal temperature reaches a value within the target range.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the size of the PCM
elements is selected in such a way that after arranging the
accordingly tempered PCM elements the container, the internal
temperature of the container reaches a value within the target
range.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement of the
PCM elements is selected in such a way that after arranging the
accordingly tempered PCM elements in the container, the container
internal temperature reaches a value within the target range.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mass of the phase
change material of the PCM elements is selected such that after
arranging the accordingly tempered PCM elements in the container,
the container internal temperature reaches a value within the
target range.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first
PCM element is tempered in a cold room with an internal temperature
of about 2.degree. C. to about 8.degree. C. or in a deep-freeze
room with an internal temperature of less than or equal to
-10.degree. C., preferably about -25.degree. C.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein all first PCM elements
together have a mass fraction of the total phase change material
arranged in the container of 5-85%, preferably 5-35%.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein an object to be
transported is placed in the receiving space of the container and
the container is closed.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the container has a
bottom, a mantle and a lid, wherein a PCM element is tempered
outside the container in such a way that the phase change material
of this first PCM element is in a completely solid or completely
liquid state of aggregation, and is arranged on the bottom or lid,
wherein a further PCM element is tempered outside the container in
such a way that the phase change material of this further PCM
element is in a completely solid or completely liquid state of
aggregation, and is arranged on the lid or bottom.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein at least one further
PCM element, preferably four further PCM elements, is/are tempered
outside the container in such a way that the phase change material
of the respective second PCM element is in a completely solid or
completely liquid state of aggregation, and is/are arranged on the
mantle.
12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the container has a
bottom, a mantle and a lid, wherein a PCM element is tempered
outside the container to a temperature below the phase change
temperature range, in the phase change temperature range or above
the phase change temperature range and is arranged on the bottom or
lid, wherein a further PCM element is tempered outside the
container to a temperature below the phase change temperature
range, in the phase change temperature range or above the phase
change temperature range and is arranged on the lid or bottom.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein at least one further
PCM element, preferably four further PCM elements, is/are tempered
outside the container to a temperature below the phase change
temperature range, in the phase change temperature range or above
the phase change temperature range and is/are arranged on the
mantle.
14. A transport container system for transporting a
temperature-sensitive object in a target range of a container
internal temperature, wherein the transport container system
comprises a thermally insulated, closable container having a
receiving space for the object to be transported, the transport
container system has at least two PCM elements which can be removed
from the container and inserted into the container, all PCM
elements have the same phase change material, and the phase change
material of at least one first PCM element is completely in the
solid state of aggregation when inserted into the container and the
phase change material of at least one second PCM element is
completely in the liquid state of aggregation when inserted into
the container.
15. A transport container system for transporting a
temperature-sensitive object in a target range of a container
internal temperature, wherein the transport container system
comprises a thermally insulated, closable container having a
receiving space for the object to be transported, the transport
container system has at least two PCM elements which can be removed
from the container and inserted into the container, all PCM
elements have the same phase change material, and the phase change
material of at least one first PCM element has a temperature below
the phase change temperature range when inserted into the
container, and the phase change material of at least one second PCM
element has a temperature in the phase change temperature range or
above the phase change temperature range when inserted into the
container.
16. The transport container system according to claim 14, wherein
the phase change material of all first PCM elements together have a
mass fraction of the total phase change material present in the
container of 5-85%, preferably 5-35%.
17. The transport container system according to claim 14, wherein
the PCM elements contain an immobilized, preferably gel-like, phase
change material and/or a foam.
18. The transport container system according to claim 14, wherein
the phase change material comprises a nucleating agent for
nucleation during phase change.
19. The transport container system according to claim 14, wherein
thermal insulation elements, preferably designed as vacuum
insulation panels, are arranged in the container for thermal
insulation.
20. The transport container system according to claim 14, wherein
the container has a bottom, a mantle and a lid, at least one of the
first PCM elements and/or one of the second PCM elements is
arranged on the bottom, and at least one of the first PCM elements
and/or one of the second PCM elements is arranged on the lid.
21. The transport container system according to claim 20, wherein
at least one of the first PCM elements and/or one of the second PCM
elements is arranged on the lid.
22. The transport container system according to claim 20, wherein
at least one of the first PCM elements is arranged on the bottom,
at least one of the first PCM elements is arranged on the lid, and
at least one of the second PCM elements is arranged on the mantle.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a method for providing a transport
container system with a container internal temperature within a
target range according to claim 1 or 2 and a transport container
system for transporting a temperature-sensitive object within a
target range of the container internal temperature according to
claim 14 or 15.
[0002] When heat is stored in a suitable storage material, its
temperature usually increases. This form of heat storage is called
perceptible or sensible heat storage.
[0003] If a phase change occurs in a suitable material, e.g. the
change from the solid to the liquid phase (or vice versa), the
relationship between the temperature of the storage material and
the heat absorbed (or given off) by the storage material is no
longer linear. In the case of a change from solid to liquid, the
heat storage material begins to melt when a phase change
temperature range is reached. The phase change temperature range
depends on the storage material and can be very narrow, e.g. 1 K,
but it can also extend beyond 8 K. In this phase change temperature
range, the temperature of the storage material remains until the
storage material has completely melted. Only then does the
temperature rise again with further absorption of heat.
[0004] Since there is practically no increase in temperature for a
long time despite the supply of heat, this is called latent heat.
In the case of the typical solid/liquid phase change, for example,
the latent heat is equal to the heat of fusion or crystallization
of the storage material.
[0005] A latent heat storage material has the great advantage that
it can store relatively large amounts of heat within a narrow
temperature range. Since the phase change takes place at an
essentially constant temperature over a certain period of time, one
has the possibility of compensating for temperature fluctuations
and avoiding temperature peaks.
[0006] Latent heat storage materials are known in various forms.
These materials are also called phase change materials (PCM).
[0007] Typically, for phase change materials one does not define
the phase change temperature range, but a phase change temperature
within the phase change temperature range. Usually the phase change
temperature represents a target temperature to which the phase
change material should be tempered, i.e. quasi the working point.
If a target temperature of about 0.degree. C. is reached, water
with different additives can be used as latent heat storage
material. For cold storage below 0.degree. C., for example,
suitably prepared salt solutions are used.
[0008] In the range just above 0.degree. C. other materials, e.g.
those based on paraffins, are more suitable.
[0009] In detail, reference is made as background to the overview
article of the ESD information service "Themeninfo IV/02 aus dem
Jahr 2002", (Fachinformationszentrum Karlsruhe, project number
0329840A-D, available at www.bine.info, keyword:
"Latentwarmespeicher"). The content of this literature reference on
the general background of latent heat storage materials and their
possible applications is hereby made by reference to the disclosure
content of the present patent application.
[0010] According to the present invention, a latent heat storage
element, also known as PCM element, is a latent heat storage
material in a closed enclosure, possibly also provided with a
pressure compensation valve. Preferably it is a macro-encapsulated
PCM. However, microencapsulated PCMs can also be used. The
enclosure is often made of plastic. The basic construction of
so-called cold packs, for example, is well known.
[0011] Such PCM elements can be considered individually or as a
plurality of latent heat storage elements installed, for example,
in a corresponding container.
[0012] PCM elements of the type in question are now available for a
wide range of target temperatures, especially from the applicant
(brochure "va-Q-tec Packaging Portfolio, January 2011"). There one
finds latent heat storage elements for target temperatures of
37.degree. C., 22.degree. C., 18.degree. C., 5.degree. C.,
0.degree. C., -19.degree. C., -21.degree. C., -26.degree. C. and
-37.degree. C. Other suppliers have comparable PCM elements in
their sales program, partly also for other target temperatures.
[0013] PCM elements of the type in question are used in a special
field of application in thermally insulated and/or heat-insulated
containers, especially for transport purposes. For example, this
applies to the transport of temperature-sensitive goods, such as
pharmaceuticals, biotechnological products, transplantation goods
or blood preserves. In one field of application, for example
pharmaceuticals, the optimum transport and storage temperature or
container internal temperature that must be strictly adhered to is,
for example, approximately 18.degree. C., wherein a small deviation
within a target range of the container internal temperature of
15.degree. C. to 25.degree. C. may be acceptable. Temperatures
outside this target temperature range must therefore be
avoided.
[0014] It is known from practice to use PCM elements whose phase
change temperature is as close as possible to the container
internal temperature. In this case, the phase change temperature of
the PCM elements must be reliably reached and maintained as the
target temperature with a comparatively small deviation. In the
following, the target temperature is defined as the temperature
which is maintained by the PCM elements during the phase change
with a small deviation (namely within the phase change temperature
range) and which results from the phase change material used for
the PCM elements. The target temperature typically matches the
desired container internal temperature, but may deviate from it to
a small extent.
[0015] In this procedure, the PCM elements are tempered
(preconditioned) to a temperature just below or just above their
target temperature, in particular cooled to a pre-cooling
temperature. This pre-cooling temperature is within the
above-mentioned target range of the internal container temperature.
At the end of preconditioning, the phase change material of the PCM
elements exhibits a completely solid state of aggregation.
[0016] For preconditioning the PCM elements, the pre-cooling
temperature must be reached as accurately as possible. In addition,
the pre-cooling temperature and thus the means for preconditioning
are linked to the target temperature or the desired container
internal temperature. This may require special means for tempering
or preconditioning. Furthermore, this process is susceptible to
temperature fluctuations during preconditioning. Deviations from
the pre-cooling temperature can result in the phase change material
not or not completely being converted into a solid phase and thus
less heat can be absorbed when used in a transport container
system. The required container internal temperature can then only
be guaranteed for a significantly shorter period of time.
[0017] For the preconditioning of such PCM elements, they are
tempered in a cold room, for example. In cold rooms, certain
temperatures have become established as so-called standard cold
room temperatures for which common and widely used cold rooms are
available on the market Corresponding standard cold room
temperatures are for example 5.degree. C. and -25.degree. C. In
principle, it is also possible to use cold rooms for temperatures
that deviate from the standard cold room temperatures. Cold storage
rooms that are suitable for temperatures deviating from the
standard cold storage room temperatures are usually much more
expensive to purchase due to their lower distribution. Furthermore,
non-standard cold rooms do not usually have a very precise
tempering. Corresponding cold rooms have a typical tolerance range
of +/-2 K. A correspondingly precise tempering of the cold room is
therefore unavoidable and usually associated with high costs.
[0018] To improve the known process, more powerful PCM elements
available on the market can be used. However, more powerful PCM
elements are associated with significantly higher acquisition
costs. At the same time, however, the complexity of pre-cooling and
the associated problems remain.
[0019] The present invention is therefore based on the task to
improve the known process with respect to the complexity of the
preconditioning, the handling of the preconditioning, the
susceptibility to temperature fluctuations during preconditioning
and/or the costs.
[0020] The previously mentioned task is solved by a procedure
according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments and further
developments are subject of the relevant sub-claims.
[0021] The method according to the invention serves to provide a
transport container system in which the container internal
temperature is within a target range. The transport container
system has a heat-insulated, closable container having a receiving
space for an object to be transported. The temperature in the
receiving space of the container is the container internal
temperature. The transport container system has at least two PCM
elements that can be removed from the container and inserted into
the container, wherein all PCM elements have the same phase change
material.
[0022] In the method according to the invention, at least one first
PCM element is tempered, in particular precooled, in such a way
that the phase change material of this first PCM element is present
in a completely solid state of aggregation. At least one second PCM
element is tempered, in particular precooled, in such a way that
the phase change material of this second PCM element is present in
a completely liquid state of aggregation. The PCM elements tempered
in this way are arranged in the container. The tempering and the
PCM elements are configured and/or adjusted in such a way that the
container internal temperature reaches a value within the target
range after the PCM elements have been arranged in the
container.
[0023] The invention is thus based on the idea of using at least
two PCM elements with the same phase change material, wherein at
least one first PCM element is arranged in a completely solid state
of aggregation ("solid PCM element") and at least one second PCM
element is arranged in a completely liquid state of aggregation
("liquid PCM element") for use in the transport container system.
The first PCM element is pre-tempered to a different temperature
(outside the latent range) than the second PCM element. After
insertion into the container, a temperature adjustment takes place.
At the end of the temperature adjustment in the container, the
container internal temperature is within the target range.
[0024] Not according to the invention is the case in which the
first or second PCM element is tempered in such a way that at the
end of the preconditioning and/or when the PCM elements are
inserted into the container, the phase change material of these PCM
elements is present in a mixed state, i.e. partly liquid and partly
solid.
[0025] With the method according to the invention, the pre-cooling
temperature of the first PCM element and that of the second PCM
element and thus the means for preconditioning are decoupled from
the target temperature of the PCM elements. Thus, at least one of
the two pre-cooling temperatures can lie within a temperature range
that allows the use of a common infrastructure for preconditioning.
For preconditioning outside the latent range, especially cold rooms
with common standard cold room temperatures can be selected. Thus,
it is no longer necessary to use special cold rooms adapted to the
target temperature and thus expensive if a standard infrastructure
of cold rooms can be used.
[0026] The process according to the invention is significantly less
susceptible to temperature fluctuations during preconditioning than
the known process. The influence of pre-cooling is significantly
reduced, since a deviation of the cooling temperature can no longer
lead to an undesired phase change. The pre-cooling process is
therefore significantly less susceptible to disturbances.
[0027] It has also been shown that the pre-cooling time can be
reduced by conditioning outside the latent range.
[0028] By using only one phase change material, the complexity and
costs are low.
[0029] Preferably, the phase change material of the PCM elements
has a phase change temperature range in which the phase change
material changes from the solid to the liquid state of aggregation
and/or vice versa. This phase change temperature range preferably
does not include a temperature of 0.degree. C. In this case, water
is not suitable as a phase change material.
[0030] To implement the process advantageously, the at least one
first PCM element is tempered outside the container to a
temperature below the phase change temperature range. In addition,
the at least one second PCM element outside the container is
tempered to a temperature in the phase change temperature range or
above the phase change temperature range.
[0031] The pre-cooling temperature, for example, is decisive for an
advantageous configuration of the tempering. For an advantageous
configuration of the PCM elements, parameters such as the number,
size, and arranging of the PCM elements as well as the mass of the
phase change material in the respective PCM element can be
considered.
[0032] Preferably, the number and/or the size and/or arranging of
the PCM elements tempered to the respective temperature and/or the
mass of the phase change material of the PCM elements tempered to
the respective temperature is/are selected in such a way that after
arranging of the PCM elements tempered to the respective
temperature in the container, the internal temperature of the
container reaches a value within the target range.
[0033] The tempered PCM elements can be arranged in the container
in such a way that each solid PCM element is in contact with at
least one liquid PCM element. In this way, a particularly fast and
advantageous temperature equalization between the PCM elements can
take place, wherein the desired container internal temperature is
reached within a very short time, preferably within a few minutes.
In principle, however, it is also possible to arrange the PCM
elements in the container as desired, for example without touching
each other.
[0034] The previously mentioned task is also solved by a method
according to claim 2. Preferred embodiments and further
developments are subject of the relevant sub-claims.
[0035] This method according to the invention is used to provide a
transport container system in which the container internal
temperature is within a target range. The transport container
system has a heat-insulated, closable container having a receiving
space for an object to be transported. The temperature in the
receiving space of the container is the container internal
temperature. The transport container system has at least two PCM
elements that can be removed from the container and inserted into
the container, wherein all PCM elements have the same phase change
material.
[0036] In the method according to the invention, at least a first
PCM element is tempered, in particular pre-cooled, outside the
container to a temperature below the phase change temperature
range. At least one second PCM element is tempered, in particular
pre-cooled, outside the container to a temperature in the phase
change temperature range or above the phase change temperature
range. The PCM elements tempered in this way are arranged in the
container. The tempering and the PCM elements are configured and/or
adjusted in such a way that after the PCM elements have been
arranged in the container, the container internal temperature
reaches a value within the target range.
[0037] For this second method according to the invention, the same
advantages result as explained for the first method according to
the invention. For the second method according to the invention,
the preferred forms of the first method according to the invention
can be applied.
[0038] The phase change material of the at least one first PCM
element is preferably present in a completely solid state of
aggregation after tempering to a temperature below the phase change
temperature range. The phase change material of the at least one
second PCM element is preferably in a completely liquid state of
aggregation after tempering to a temperature in the phase change
temperature range or above the phase change temperature range.
[0039] However, the method according to the invention also
comprises cases in which the phase change material of the at least
one first PCM element and the phase change material of the at least
one second PCM element is gel-like and is present in a mixed state
(partly solid, partly liquid) after said tempering.
[0040] The preferred embodiments described below can be applied to
both methods according to the invention.
[0041] It is particularly advantageous if at least one first PCM
element is tempered to a temperature of at least 10 K below the
phase change temperature range (and/or the lower limit of the phase
change temperature range) and/or at least one PCM element is
tempered to a temperature of at least 1 K above the phase change
temperature range (and/or the upper limit of the phase change
temperature range). Tempering the at least one PCM element to a
temperature at least 10 K below the phase change temperature range
means that a temperature fluctuation of up to 2 K during
preconditioning has no negative influence on the performance of the
PCM element. The PCM element is then present in a completely solid
phase regardless of the temperature fluctuation during
preconditioning.
[0042] It is further preferred to temper the at least one first PCM
element in a cold room with an internal temperature of about
2.degree. C. to about 8.degree. C. or in a deep-freeze room with an
internal temperature of less than or equal to -10.degree. C.,
preferably about -25.degree. C. Cold rooms with an internal
temperature of about 5.degree. C., i.e. a range between about
2.degree. C. to about 8.degree. C., and deep-freeze rooms with an
internal temperature of about -25.degree. C. are used as common and
widely used pre-cooling rooms. For this reason, the aforementioned
cold rooms are to be regarded as standard infrastructure for the
pre-tempering of PCM elements. Pre-cooling to the above-mentioned
temperatures is thus possible in a simple and cost-effective
way.
[0043] It is particularly advantageous to preheat one PCM element
within a temperature range of 10 K to 20 K, preferably 10 K to 15
K, below the phase change temperature range and/or the phase change
temperature of the phase change material, and all other PCM
elements (and/or at least one other PCM element) within a
temperature range of 1 K to 10 K, preferably 1 K to 5 K, above the
phase change temperature range and/or the phase change temperature
of the phase change material.
[0044] For example, a phase change material with a phase change
temperature of 17.8.degree. C. can be used for a desired container
internal temperature of 18.degree. C. At least one PCM element can
then be pre-tempered at a temperature of 5.degree. C. and at least
one other PCM element at a temperature of 19.degree. C. After
arranging the tempered PCM elements in the container, the desired
container internal temperature of 18.degree. C. is reached within a
short period of time inside the container. In a closed transport
container system, the internal temperature of the container can be
kept within a temperature range between 15.degree. C. and
25.degree. C. (target range) for a long period of time, i.e. for at
least 100 hours. The above-mentioned time range refers to an
ambient temperature between 4.degree. C. and 30.degree. C.
[0045] For a desired container internal temperature of 5.degree. C.
with a tolerable temperature range of 2.degree. C. to 8.degree. C.,
at least one PCM element can be pre-tempered to a temperature of
-25.degree. C. and at least one PCM element to a temperature of
20.5.degree. C. In a closed transport container system the
tolerable temperature range can be maintained for at least 165
hours.
[0046] In addition, there are a large number of applications where
goods have to be transported at temperatures below -20.degree. C.
For such requirements, PCM elements can be used with a phase change
material that has a phase change temperature of -26.degree. C. Here
it is possible to pre-cool all PCM elements to a temperature of
-35.degree. C. At an ambient temperature of 29.5.degree. C., the
internal temperature of the container can be kept below -20.degree.
C. for at least 92 hours.
[0047] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, all first PCM
elements and/or all those which are tempered to a temperature below
the phase change temperature range have a mass fraction of the
total phase change material arranged in the container of 5 to 85%,
further preferably of 5 to 35%. Advantageous in this context means
that due to the pre-tempered PCM elements in the transport
container system, the container internal temperature can be kept
within the target range over a long period of time. At the same
time, a low mass fraction of phase change material pre-tempered
below the phase change temperature range means that the desired
container internal temperature is reached within a short time after
the tempered PCM elements have been arranged in the container.
[0048] Preferably, the container has a bottom, a mantle and a
lid.
[0049] According to a first alternative, at least one PCM element
is tempered outside the container in such a way that the phase
change material of this PCM element is in a completely solid or
completely liquid state of aggregation, and is arranged at the
bottom or lid. At least one further PCM element is tempered outside
the container in such a way that the phase change material of this
further first PCM element is present in a completely solid or
completely liquid state of aggregation and is arranged on the lid
or bottom. Optionally, at least one further PCM element, preferably
four further PCM elements, is/are tempered outside the container in
such a way that the phase change material of the respective second
PCM element is present in a completely solid or completely liquid
state of aggregation, and is arranged on the mantle. In this way,
an advantageous temperature equalization between the PCM elements
is achieved.
[0050] According to a second alternative, a PCM element is tempered
outside the container to a temperature below the phase change
temperature range, in the phase change temperature range or above
the phase change temperature range and is placed at the bottom or
lid.
[0051] Another PCM element is tempered outside the container to a
temperature below the phase change temperature range, in the phase
change temperature range or above the phase change temperature
range and placed on the lid or bottom. Optionally, at least one
further PCM element, preferably four further PCM elements, is/are
tempered outside the container to a temperature below the phase
change temperature range, in the phase change temperature range or
above the phase change temperature range and arranged on the
mantle.
[0052] In both alternatives, the tempering and arranging of the PCM
elements can be selected depending on the ambient temperature.
[0053] In a particularly preferred design, six PCM elements are
provided, each of which is arranged on an inner surface of a
thermal insulation element and preferably covers the thermal
insulation elements completely. For example, those PCM elements
which are later arranged on the bottom and the lid are tempered to
a temperature below the phase change temperature range and the
remaining PCM elements which are later arranged on the mantle are
tempered to a temperature in the phase change temperature range or
above the phase change temperature range. Preferably, the container
is rectangular in shape. This special rectangular arrangement with
six PCM elements means that each PCM element tempered to a
temperature below the phase change temperature range is in contact
with all PCM elements tempered to a temperature in the phase change
temperature range or above the phase change temperature range. In
this way, a favorable heat exchange between the PCM elements is
achieved.
[0054] The formation of a container of PCM elements within the
transport container system also leads to a more homogeneous
temperature distribution within the container and/or improved
shielding and/or insulation of the goods to be transported, which
are arranged within the volume defined by the PCM elements. At the
same time, the desired container internal temperature is reached
within a short period of time. In addition, the container internal
temperature can be kept within the target range over a long period
of time.
[0055] In principle, the container of the transport container
system can have any shape. For example, the container can have a
cuboid or cylindrical shape. Also other geometries of the container
are basically possible.
[0056] According to the invention, it may be provided that an
object to be transported is placed in the receiving space of the
container and the container is closed. It is advantageous that the
PCM elements, after being arranged in the container, are each in
contact with at least one inner surface of the thermal insulation
elements and enclose a transport volume in which an object to be
transported is placed. The container is then closed. The PCM
elements are then each assigned to one thermal insulation element
and preferably have a predetermined size that matches the
dimensions of the assigned inner surface of the thermal insulation
elements. It is particularly advantageous if exactly one PCM
element is assigned to each inner surface. In this case, the PCM
elements form a common inner volume to accommodate an object to be
transported. However, it is also possible that more than one PCM
element is assigned to one or more inner surfaces of the thermal
insulation elements.
[0057] The thermal insulation elements are arranged on the inner
surfaces of the container and lie against them. The inner surfaces
of the container are completely covered by the thermal insulation
elements. The thermal insulation elements can preferably be removed
and/or replaced individually. However, it is also possible that the
thermal insulation elements can only be removed and/or replaced
together.
[0058] The above-mentioned task is also solved by a transport
container system according to claim 14.
[0059] The transport container system according to the invention
serves to transport a temperature-sensitive object within a target
range of the container internal temperature. The transport
container system has a heat-insulated, closable container with a
receiving space for the object to be transported. The temperature
in the receiving space of the container is the container internal
temperature. The transport container system has at least two PCM
elements that can be removed from the container and inserted into
the container, wherein all PCM elements have the same phase change
material. The phase change material of at least one first PCM
element is present in a completely solid state when inserted into
the container. The phase change material of at least one second PCM
element is present in a completely liquid state when inserted into
the container.
[0060] The above-mentioned task is also solved by a transport
container system according to claim 15.
[0061] The transport container system according to the invention
serves to transport a temperature-sensitive object within a target
range of a container internal temperature. The transport container
system has a heat-insulated, closable container with a receiving
space for the object to be transported. The temperature in the
receiving space of the container is the container internal
temperature. The transport container system has at least two PCM
elements that can be removed from the container and inserted into
the container, wherein all PCM elements have the same phase change
material. The phase change material of at least one first PCM
element has a temperature below the phase change temperature range
when inserted into the container and the phase change material of
at least one second PCM element has a temperature in the phase
change temperature range or above the phase change temperature
range when inserted into the container.
[0062] Preferred embodiments and further developments of both
transport container systems are subject of the relevant
subclaims.
[0063] With both transport container systems, the container
internal temperature can be kept within the target range over a
long period of time.
[0064] Preferably, the phase change material of the PCM elements
has a phase change temperature range in which the phase change
material changes from the solid to the liquid state of aggregation
and/or vice versa. This phase change temperature range preferably
does not include a temperature of 0.degree. C. In this case, water
is not suitable as a phase change material.
[0065] Advantageously, the at least one first PCM element, when
inserted into the container, has a temperature below the phase
change temperature range, in particular a temperature of at least
10 K below the phase change temperature range, and/or the at least
one second PCM element, when inserted into the container, has a
temperature in the phase change temperature range or above the
phase change temperature range, in particular a temperature of at
least 1 K above the phase change temperature range. For a desired
container internal temperature and/or target temperature of
18.degree. C., at least one PCM element can be pre-tempered to a
temperature of 5.degree. C. and at least one PCM element to a
temperature of 19.degree. C. For a target temperature of 5.degree.
C., for example, it is possible that at least one PCM element is
pre-tempered to a temperature of -25.degree. C. and at least one
PCM element to a temperature of 20.degree. C.
[0066] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the phase change material
of all first PCM elements together have a mass fraction of the
total phase change material arranged in the container of 5 to 85%,
especially preferably 5 to 35%.
[0067] In a particularly advantageous design, the PCM elements
contain an immobilized, preferably gel-like, phase change material
and/or a foam. "Immobilized" in the context of the invention means
that the phase change material has a high viscosity even in its
liquid phase. A gel-like formation of the phase change material
offers the advantage that in case of a leakage of the PCM element
the leakage of the phase change material can be reduced or
completely prevented. Thus, the functionality of a defective PCM
element can be maintained at least partially. At the same time, it
may be possible to prevent a material to be transported from coming
into contact with leaked phase change material.
[0068] It is further advantageous if the phase change material
contains a nucleating agent for nucleation during the phase change.
During the phase change from a liquid to a solid phase, the phase
change material crystallizes. The nucleating agents contribute to
nucleation, which serves as the starting point for crystal growth.
The crystal formation and thus the crystallization of the phase
change material is thus accelerated.
[0069] Preferably the container has a bottom, a mantle and a lid.
At least one of the first PCM elements and/or one of the second PCM
elements is located at the bottom. At least one of the first PCM
elements and/or one of the second PCM elements is arranged on the
lid. Optionally, at least one of the first PCM elements and/or one
of the second PCM elements is/are arranged on the mantle.
[0070] At least one of the first PCM elements, i.e. at least one
PCM element whose phase change material is in a completely solid
state of aggregation when inserted into the container, is
particularly preferred at the bottom. At least one such PCM element
is also arranged on the lid (completely solid state of
aggregation). At least one of the second PCM elements is arranged
on the mantle, i.e. at least one PCM element whose phase change
material is present in the completely liquid state of aggregation
when inserted into the container.
[0071] Preferably, thermal insulation elements are arranged in the
container. Preferably, the thermal insulation elements are designed
as vacuum insulation panels. Preferably, the vacuum insulation
panels are arranged on the inner surfaces of the container. Vacuum
insulation panels have in principle been known for a long time, but
they are constantly being perfected in terms of manufacturing
technology and materials. For vacuum insulation panels, reference
may be made to DE 100 58 566 C2 and EP 3 018 398 A1, which date
back to the applicant of the present application. Such vacuum
insulation panels are currently the most efficient thermal
insulation elements.
[0072] In a particularly preferred embodiment, exactly six PCM
elements are provided, each arranged on an inner surface of one of
the thermal insulation elements and preferably covering the thermal
insulation elements completely. Preferably, the container is
rectangular in shape.
[0073] The previously described embodiments of the invention can be
combined with each other as required. The disclosure content of the
invention is not limited to the combination of invention features
given by the selected paragraph formatting.
[0074] Further features of the present invention result from the
following description of two examples of implementation of the
invention based on the drawings and the drawings themselves. All
described and/or pictorially represented features alone or in any
combination form the subject matter of the present invention,
irrespective of their summary in the claims or their
retro-relationships.
[0075] In the following, the invention is now explained in more
detail by means of two preferred design examples; it shows
[0076] FIG. 1 schematically in an exploded view a first example of
an embodiment of a transport container system according to the
invention and
[0077] FIG. 2 schematically in a front view a second example of an
embodiment of a transport container system according to the
invention.
[0078] FIG. 1 shows schematically in an exploded view a first
example of a transport container system 1. The transport container
system 1 serves for the transport of a temperature-sensitive object
in a target range of a container internal temperature. The
transport container system 1 has a heat-insulated, closable
container 2 with a receiving space for an object to be transported.
Six thermal insulation elements 3, here designed as vacuum
insulation panels, are arranged in container 2. The temperature
inside the container 2 is the temperature of the container.
[0079] In the illustrated and preferred example of an embodiment,
the transport container system 1 has six PCM elements 4 that can be
removed from container 2 and inserted into container 2. All PCM
elements 4 have the same phase change material with a specific
phase change temperature range. All PCM elements 4 are of the same
dimensions and contain the same mass of phase change material.
[0080] In the illustrated and preferred example of an embodiment,
the container 2 has a bottom 5, a mantle 6 and a lid 7. The
container 2 is here designed as a cuboid. The mantle 6 thus has
four side walls standing perpendicular to each other. Already in
the general part of the description it has been pointed out that
other container shapes are also known, for example with a cylinder
or cube shape.
[0081] In the example of an embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the thermal
insulation elements 3 are arranged in the container 2 on the wall
side of its inner surfaces. The thermal insulation elements 3 can
be removed from the container 2 and inserted into the container 2.
Each thermal insulation element 3 has predetermined dimensions
which match the assigned inner surface of the container 2. The
thermal insulation elements 3 result in a good insulation of the
receiving space of the container 2.
[0082] In FIG. 1, a total of five of the six thermal insulation
elements 3 used are visible, wherein each of the inner surfaces of
the four mantle sides is assigned a thermal insulation element 3
and wherein each of the inner surfaces of the lid 7 and the bottom
5 is assigned a thermal insulation element 3. The thermal
insulation elements 3 can be individually removed from the
transport container system 1 and individually inserted into the
transport container system 1. If a thermal insulation element 3 is
damaged, only the defective thermal insulation element 3 can be
replaced. However, in the general description section it has
already been pointed out that there could also be only one thermal
insulation element 3 which completely covers both the inner surface
of the bottom 5 and the inner surfaces of the mantle 6. Thus, only
two thermal insulation elements 3 would be provided, with the
second thermal insulation element 3 located on the inner surface of
the lid 7.
[0083] In the example of an embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the six PCM
elements 4 in the transport container system 1 are arranged on the
wall side on the inner surfaces of the thermal insulation elements.
Each PCM element 4 can be removed from container 2 and inserted
into container 2. Each PCM element 4 has predetermined dimensions
matching the assigned inner surface of the thermal insulation
elements 3.
[0084] In the illustrated and preferred example of an embodiment,
two PCM elements 4--namely the one arranged at the bottom 5 and the
one arranged at the lid 7--have a temperature below the phase
change temperature range when inserted into the container 2,
preferably about 13 K below the phase change temperature range. The
phase change material of these two PCM elements 4 is then in a
completely solid state of aggregation. Four PCM elements 4--namely
those arranged on the mantle 6--have a temperature above the phase
change temperature range when inserted into the container 2,
preferably about 1 K to 4 K above the phase change temperature
range. The phase change material of these four PCM elements 4 is
then in a completely liquid state of aggregation.
[0085] In the illustrated and preferred example of an embodiment,
the phase change material of the PCM elements 4, whose phase change
material is present in a completely solid state of aggregation when
inserted into container 2, makes up a mass fraction of 1/3 of the
total phase change material present in container 2.
[0086] On the basis of the transport container system shown in FIG.
1, a preferred embodiment of the procedure according to the
invention is described below. The phase change temperature of the
PCM elements is preferably 17.8.degree. C.
[0087] First, two PCM elements 4 outside the container 2 are
tempered to a temperature below the phase change temperature,
preferably to -5.degree. C. For this purpose, a cold room with an
internal temperature of approx. 2.degree. C. to approx. 8.degree.
C. is used. Four PCM elements 4 are tempered outside of container 2
to a temperature above the phase change temperature, preferably to
a temperature above 19.degree. C. The tempered PCM elements 4 are
then placed inside the container 2. A PCM element 4, which has been
tempered to a temperature above the phase change temperature, is
placed at the bottom 5. The second PCM element 4, which has been
tempered to a temperature above the phase change temperature, is
placed on the lid 7. The remaining four PCM elements 4, namely the
PCM elements 4 tempered to a temperature above the phase change
temperature, are arranged on the mantle 6. Finally, an object to be
transported is placed in the receiving space of container 2 and
container 2 is closed.
[0088] Due to the selected temperature below the phase change
temperature and the temperature above the phase change temperature
and the dimensioning and arranging of the pre-tempered PCM
elements, the internal temperature in container 2 reaches a value
within the target range.
[0089] FIG. 2 shows schematically in a front view a second example
of an embodiment of a transport container system 1. The transport
container system 1 serves for the transport of a
temperature-sensitive object in a target range of a container
internal temperature. The transport container system 1 has a
heat-insulated, closable container 2 with a receiving space for an
object to be transported. Several thermal insulation elements 3,
here designed as vacuum insulation panels, are arranged in the
container 2. The temperature inside the container 2 is the same as
the temperature inside the container.
[0090] The transport container system 1 according to FIG. 2 has
several, namely 52, PCM elements 4 that can be removed from
container 2 and inserted into container 2. It is generally
preferred if the number of PCM elements 4 is between 36 and 76. All
PCM elements 4 have the same phase change material with a specific
phase change temperature. All PCM elements 4 are of the same
dimensions and contain the same mass of phase change material.
[0091] The transport container system 1 shown in FIG. 2 has a
bottom 5, a mantle 6 and a lid 7, which is firmly connected to the
mantle 6. The mantle 6 has a door 8. Thermal insulation elements 3
are arranged on the inner surfaces of the transport container
system 1. On each inner surface of the thermal insulation elements
3, slide-in guides 9 can be provided in which the PCM elements 4
can be arranged. The slide-in guides 9 can be designed to be
extendable in order to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the
PCM elements 4. The transport container system 1 shown in FIG. 2 is
particularly suitable for large goods to be transported or
alternatively for a large number of small goods to be transported
which are to be transported within the same temperature range.
[0092] In the preferred example of an embodiment shown in FIG. 2,
43 PCM elements 4 have a temperature below the phase change
temperature when inserted into container 2, preferably approx.
-25.degree. C. Nine PCM elements 4 have a temperature above the
phase change temperature when inserted into container 2, preferably
approx. 20.5.degree. C.
[0093] In the illustrated and preferred example of an embodiment,
the phase change material of the PCM elements 4, whose phase change
material is present in a completely solid state of aggregation when
inserted into container 2, makes up a mass fraction of the total
phase change material present in container 2 of 43/52.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0094] 1 transport container system [0095] 2 container of 1 [0096]
3 thermal insulation element of 2 [0097] 4 PCM element from 1
[0098] 5 bottom of 2 [0099] 6 mantle of 2 [0100] 7 lid of 2 [0101]
8 door from 6 [0102] 9 slide-in guides
* * * * *
References