AU2006236102A1

AU2006236102A1 - An improved freight container

Info

Publication number: AU2006236102A1
Application number: AU2006236102A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Gibbins
Original assignee: FCL INTERSTATE TRANSP SERVICES
Current assignee: FCL INTERSTATE TRANSPORT SERVICES Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-11-17
Filing date: 2006-11-17
Publication date: 2007-05-31

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: AN IMPROVED FREIGHT CONTAINER Applicant: FCL Interstate Transport Services Pty Ltd The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 W:\DELILAHDOMCOMPLETEfCLCAP FORMS.doc 2 SAN IMPROVED FREIGHT CONTAINER

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The present invention relates to a freight container and, more particularly to a 0 z freight container for the enhanced transport of perishable goods and/or goods that can be adversely affected by excessive temperatures.

c Modern freight containers are widely used for transporting a variety of cargo.

One reason for this widespread use is because such containers are generally t' configured for transport by various transport modes, including by sea, air, road io and rail. Indeed, a combination of transport modes may be required for the transport of cargo from one location to another. For example, a typical journey of a cargo-laden container may include an initial road journey on the chassis of a truck or semi-trailer from a cargo loading point. The container may then be transferred onto a railway wagon for transport by rail, and then transferred to another truck or semi-trailer chassis for road transport to the final cargo destination.

Freight containers generally consist of a steel frame supporting corrugated steel walls, a base and a top to form a box-shaped housing defining an interior cargo space. A pair of access doors is usually provided at one end of the container for receiving cargo there through.

Freight containers are manufactured in a variety of sizes, with industry (ISO) standards having been established for standardising container dimensions.

Container lengths including 20 feet (6.096 metres), 40 feet (12.190 metres) and, more recently, 48 feet (14.630 metres) are used in the Australian freight transport industry.

While it is possible to transport a wide variety of goods in freight containers, difficulties can be experienced when transporting perishable goods and/or goods that can be adversely affected by excessive temperatures. Existing containers often contain air vents to provide some form of airflow through the container cargo space. However, such airflow within the cargo space is often limited, especially when the cargo space is loaded with cargo. Further, the W.DELILAI(fDDM\COMPLETEIAN IMPROVED FREIGHT CONTAINERd.

INC provision of air vents is often totally inadequate for transporting perishable Sgoods and/or goods that can be adversely affected by excessive temperatures through regions having warm climates. This is because the ambient air Z temperature is often sufficiently high to damage such goods, especially over long freight journeys.

c It would therefore be desirable to provide a freight container more suitable to transporting perishable goods and/or goods that can be adversely affected by Cc excessive temperatures than existing containers.

SIn a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a freight container having a generally box-shaped housing defined by a frame structure. The housing encloses a cargo-receiving space, and includes a base, two opposite side walls, two opposite end walls and a top. A container mounted refrigeration Is system is provided for cooling the cargo-receiving space. At least one container mounted rechargeable battery is provided. The at least one battery is adapted for the storage of energy to drive the refrigeration system. The container includes at least one container mounted solar energy collection panel adapted to provide energy for storage in the at least one battery.

Most preferably, the refrigeration system includes a means for controlling the temperature within the cargo-receiving space. The temperature control means may manually activate and deactivate the refrigeration system. The temperature control means may include a thermostat having one or more temperature sensors within the cargo-receiving space for establishing, monitoring and maintaining a desired temperature within the cargo-receiving space.

The container may include any practical number of batteries. It is to be appreciated the greater the number of batteries of a given battery type then the greater the available power for operating the refrigeration system. The batteries may be connected to the refrigeration system in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, depending on the desired current, voltage and overall power requirements for the effective operation of the refrigeration system.

W.\DELILAH\DDMCOMPLETE\AN IMPROVED FREIGHT CONTAINER oc

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O It may be that the container is provided with a single solar energy collection panel (hereinafter referred to simply as a 'solar panel'). More preferably, 0 z however, the container is provided with a plurality of solar panels for recharging r- 5 the container batteries.

c It is envisaged that each of the solar panels would be provided for recharging the batteries. However, the solar panels may also be configured for directly t' supplying energy to the refrigeration system. Indeed, a means may be provided I l0 for switching the solar panels between a battery recharge mode and a direct Crefrigeration system supply mode, if desired.

Preferably, each solar panel is mounted on top of the container, facing upwardly thereby providing each panel with the greatest access to solar radiation.

Preferably, each of the solar panels is rigidly mounted on the top of the container, such that the position of each panel relative to the top of the container is fixed. However, an arrangement whereby the panels may be movable relative to the top of the container is also contemplated to allow the panels to maximise the amount of sunlight incident on each panel, to thereby maximise the energy collected from the sunlight by each panel.

In a preferred form, each of the solar panels is mounted substantially flat within a recess provided on the top of the container. Mounting each of the panels within a recess reduces the potential for solar panel impact damage during container transport and handling.

In a normal operating mode, each of the solar panels may supply energy to the batteries, for each of the batteries to subsequently provide energy to drive the 3o refrigeration system. A second operating mode may also be provided in which one or more of the solar panels supplies energy directly to the refrigeration system to drive the refrigeration system.

W:\DELILAH\DDM\COMPLETEAN IMPROVED FREIGFT CONTAINERdm U A panel locking mechanism may be provided to reduce the likelihood of 0 unauthorised removal of the solar panel(s) from the container.

z If the container is provided with a plurality of solar panels then the specific configuration for electrically connecting the solar panels to the batteries may be selected as desired. The solar panels may be connected to the batteries in C series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, depending on the preferred current, voltage and overall power requirements for recharging each

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Sof the batteries. Another possible connection arrangement is also contemplated IC io in which each solar panel is connected to a dedicated battery.

A recess may be provided between the underside of each solar panel and the top of the container for accommodating the wiring connecting the panel(s) to each of the batteries.

In a preferred form, each of the batteries is mounted to the container externally of the cargo receiving space. In one form, each of the batteries is mounted within a protective recess provided in the outer surface of one end of the container. Such an arrangement provides ready access to the batteries for maintenance, repair or replacement, if required.

Each of the batteries may be provided within a battery housing mounted to the outer surface of the container end wall. The battery housing may be lockable to prevent unauthorised tampering and/or removal of the batteries.

In may be possible to connect each of the batteries to one or more of mains power, a generator or other power source to provide an auxiliary battery recharge source in the event that insufficient solar energy is available for collection by the solar panel(s) for recharging each of the batteries.

In a preferred form, the refrigeration system includes at least one refrigeration coil mounted in the cargo space of the container. In one particularly preferred form, the coil is connected to and extends along the inside surface of the container top. This arrangement potentially provides a means for cooling the air WADELILAffDM\COMPLETEAN IMPROVED FREIGHT CONTAINER do ICwithin the cargo space along the length of the container to relatively evenly Sdistribute the cooled air throughout the cargo space. Any suitable refrigerant may be provided in the coil.

0 r- 5 A protective cover may be mounted to the inside surface of the container top and along the underside of the refrigeration coil to minimise the potential for c- damage to the refrigeration coil during loading and unloading of the container cargo space and during transport.

INC

IN 10 Preferably, the container base, side walls, end walls, top and door(s) include an Sinsulation layer. The insulation layer may be mounted along the inside surfaces of the base, side walls, end walls, top and door(s). The specific type and thickness of the insulation layer may be determined based on a compromise between maximising the amount of insulation without overly detracting from the volume of the cargo space by adding an insulation layer.

The refrigeration system preferably includes a direct current (DC) motor for pumping refrigerant through the at least one refrigeration coil. However, it is to be appreciated that the refrigeration system may instead include an alternating current motor, in which case an invertor may be required to convert the DC battery current to an AC current as required by the motor. The motor may be mounted to the container externally of the cargo receiving space. In one form, the motor is mounted within a recess provided in the outer surface of one end of the container to provide ready access for maintenance and/or repair.

The refrigeration system may include a fan within the cargo space for assisting in the circulation of air being cooled by the refrigeration coil(s).

The container may also include a system for monitoring the refrigeration system. The monitoring system may include one or more of a monitor for displaying solar panel efficiency, a monitor for displaying the energy stored in batteries and a monitor for displaying the temperature of the cargo space.

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ICIt will be convenient to hereinafter describe a preferred embodiment of the Sinvention with reference to the accompanying photographs. The particularity of the photographs is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad 0 Z description of the invention.

In the photographs: c Figure 1 is a photograph of a freight container according to the present invention being lifted by a fork lift and prior to being loaded onto the chassis of a Ssemi-trailer; C o0 Figure 2 is a photograph of the container of Figure 1 loaded on the chassis of a semi-trailer; Figure 3 is a photograph of one end of the container of Figure 1; Figure 4 is another photograph of the container end illustrated in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a photograph similar to that of Figure 4, but with battery and motor housing doors open; Figure 6 is a close-up of the lower portion of the container end illustrated in Figure Figure 7 is a close-up of a portion of the container end illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 including an ON/OF switch and container monitors; Figure 8 is a close up of a portion of the container end illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 illustrating the refrigeration system electronics housing, the housing cover having been removed; Figure 9 is a view in the open end of the container of Figure 1; Figure 10 is a view similar to that of Figure 9, but with a refrigeration coil protective cover removed.

Referring to the accompanying Figures, there is illustrated a freight container The container 10 has a generally box-shaped housing 12 defined by a frame structure 14. The housing 12 encloses a cargo-receiving space 16 (see Figures 9 and 10). The housing 12 includes a base 18, two opposite side walls 20,22, two end walls 24,26 and a top 28. The end wall 24 includes doors 30,32 for access to the cargo-receiving space 16.

W:\DELILAH\DDM\COMPLETN IMPROVED FREIGHT CONTAINERd.

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NOA container mounted refrigeration system is provided for cooling the cargo- Sreceiving space 16. The refrigeration system includes a 0.75 kW electric DC motor 34, which pumps refrigerant through a refrigeration coil 36 (the coil 36 is 0 Z best illustrated in Figure The container 10 includes twelve container-mounted rechargeable 2 Volt C batteries 38 (see Figures 5 and The batteries 38 are adapted for the storage of energy to drive the refrigeration system. It is to be appreciated that a greater

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t' of lesser number of batteries may be provided, depending on the desired power ]O i requirements for the refrigeration system. The batteries 38 are connected in Sseries to provide 24 Volts, 600Ah.

The batteries 38 are mounted within a battery housing 40 to the outside of the container end wall 24. The housing 40 is provided within a protective recess 42.

The housing 40 includes lockable doors 43 preventing unauthorised access to the batteries 38.

The container 10 also includes thirty-two solar panels 44. The panels 44 are adapted to provide energy for storage in the batteries 38, such that the batteries have sufficient energy to power the refrigeration system. While the container illustrated includes thirty-two solar panels, the specific number may be varied to suit the specific container requirements. The solar panels 44 are wired as sixteen groups of two in series to give nominal 24V charging. Each panel 44 is a nominal 80 watts.

Each of the solar panels 44 is mounted substantially flat within a recess 46 on the top of container 10, and face upwardly so as to be provided with the greatest access to sunlight. A panel locking mechanism (not illustrated) may be provided to prevent unauthorised removal of the solar panels 44 from the container 10. The recess 46 also accommodates the wiring associated with the solar panels 44.

While it is envisaged that the solar panels 44 are generally provided for recharging the batteries 38, the solar panels 44 may also be configured for W \DELILAH\DDMCOMPLETE\AN IMPROVED FREIGHT CONTAINERdo.

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ICdirectly powering the refrigeration system. In such an arrangement, a means is Sprovided for switching the solar panels between a battery recharge mode and a direct refrigeration system supply mode.

0 The motor 34, which is powered by the batteries 38. The motor 48 is provided for circulating refrigerant through the refrigeration coil 36 mounted to the inside c surface of the container top 28 (see Figure 10). The precise layout, size and _number of refrigeration coil 36 may be selected as desired. However, it is to be

INC

Sappreciated that a generally even distribution of refrigeration coil along the 0 io length of the container top 28 will provide relatively even cooling along the C)length of the cargo-receiving space 16. Also, it is to be appreciated that refrigeration coils may be mounted within the container 10 at other suitable locations besides the inside surface of the container top 28.

A two-piece protective cover 52 is mounted to the inside surface of the container top 28 and along the underside of the refrigeration coil 36 to minimise the potential for damage to the refrigeration coil 36 during loading and unloading of the container cargo space 16 and during transport.

The motor 34 is mounted within a motor housing 54 to the outside of the container end wall 24. The housing 54 is provided within the protective recess 42. The housing 54 includes a lockable door 56 preventing unauthorised access to the motor 48.

Although not clear from the Figures, the inner surfaces of each of the base 18, side walls 20,22, end walls 24, 26, top 28 and doors 30,32 is provided with an insulation layer.

A system for controlling the temperature within the cargo space 16 is provided in the form of a keypad and dial operated temperature controller with display 58 mounted to the outside of the container end wall 24. The temperature controller 58 may, within operating limits, be adjusted to pre-select a desired temperature within the cargo-receiving space 16. For example, adjustment of the temperature controller 58 may be necessary to pre-select the temperature of W \DELILAf\DD\COMPLETE\AN IMPROVED FREIGHT CONTAINERd ICthe cargo-receiving space 16 for the transport of a particular type of cargo. The Scontroller 58 includes a thermostat (not illustrated), which receives temperature readings from at least one temperature sensor (not illustrated) mounted within Z the cargo-receiving space 16. The controller 58 is mounted to the outside of the end wall 24 within a housing 60. The housing 60 may be locked to prevent unauthorised adjustment of the controller 58.

A means for activating and deactivating the refrigeration system is provided in t' the form of an ON/OFF switch 62. Refrigeration system monitors 64,66,68,70 C 0io are also provided. The switch 62 and monitors 64,66,68,70 are mounted to the Soutside of the container end wall 24 and within the protective recess 42.

The refrigeration system of the present invention may, within practical limits, be adapted to suit any freight container size.

The refrigeration system of the present invention provides a means of transporting perishable goods and/or goods that can be adversely affected by excessive temperatures. Moreover, the energy provided for operating the refrigeration system of the present invention is provided by sunlight. This minimises the running costs of the refrigeration system and ensures that operation of the refrigeration system is environmentally friendly.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the construction and arrangement of the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of this invention.

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Claims

1. A freight container including: Z a generally box-shaped housing defined by a frame structure, the housing enclosing a cargo-receiving space, the housing including a base, two opposite side walls, two opposite end walls and a top; C a container mounted refrigeration system for cooling the cargo- receiving space; INO Cc at least one container mounted rechargeable battery adapted for the io storage of energy to drive the refrigeration system; and Sat least one container mounted solar energy collection panel adapted to provide energy for storage in the at least one battery.

2. A freight container according to claim 1, wherein the refrigeration system includes a means for controlling the temperature within the cargo-receiving space.

3. A freight container according to claim 2, wherein the means for controlling the temperature within the cargo-receiving space includes a thermostat having one or more temperature sensors within the cargo-receiving space for establishing, monitoring and maintaining a desired temperature within the cargo-receiving space.

4. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, including a plurality of solar panels for recharging the container batteries.

A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each battery is configured for directly supplying energy to the refrigeration system.

6. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, including a means for switching each solar panel between a battery recharge mode and a direct refrigeration system supply mode. WADELILAMIDMCOMPLETEIA1 IMPROVED FREIGHT CONTAINER d. 12 IN

7. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein O each solar panel is mounted on top of the container, facing upwardly. z

8. A freight container according to claim 7, wherein each solar panel is rigidly mounted on the top of the container, such that the position of each panel relative to the top of the container is fixed.

9. A freight container according to claim 7, wherein each panel is adjustably Smounted relative to the top of the container.

A freight container according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein each solar panel is mounted substantially flat within a recess provided on the top of the container.

11. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, including a normal operating mode, wherein each solar panel supplies energy to each battery and, in turn, each battery supplies energy to drive the refrigeration system.

12. A freight container according to claim 11, including an auxiliary operating mode, wherein at least one solar panel supplies energy directly to the refrigeration system to drive the refrigeration system.

13. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, including a panel locking mechanism to deter unauthorised removal of each solar panel from the container.

14. A freight container according to any one of claims 7 to 10, including a wiring accommodation recess provided between the underside of each solar panel and the top of the container. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each battery is mounted to the container externally of the cargo receiving W \DELILAI\DDWCOMPLETE\AN IMPROVED FREIGHT CONTAINERd.

Sspace, within a protective recess provided in the outer surface of one end of the container. z

16. A freight container according to claim 15, wherein each battery in r- 5 mounted within a battery housing, the battery housing being mounted to the outer surface of the container end wall.

17. A freight container according to claim 16, wherein the battery housing IC M includes a locking means to prevent tampering and unauthorised removal of IN C 10 each of the batteries.

18. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims including a connector for connecting each battery to at least one of mains power, a generator and other power source to provide an auxiliary battery recharge source.

19. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one refrigeration coil mounted in the cargo space of the container.

A freight container according to claim 19, wherein each refrigeration coil is connected to and extends along the inside surface of the container top.

21. A freight container according to claim 20, including a protective cover mounted to the inside surface of the container top and along the underside of each refrigeration coil.

22. A freight container according to any one of the claims 19 to 21, wherein the refrigeration system includes a direct current motor for pumping refrigerant through each refrigeration coil.

23. A freight container according to any one of claims 19 to 22, including a fan within the cargo space for assisting in the circulation of air being cooled by each of the refrigeration coils. W NDELILAI\DDMCOMPLETE\AN IMPROVED FREIGHT CONTAINER doc \O C

24. A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, including a system for monitoring the refrigeration system, including at least one O Z of a monitor for displaying solar panel efficiency, a monitor for displaying the 5 energy stored in batteries and a monitor for displaying the temperature of the cargo space.

A freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Mc the inside surfaces of each of the container base, side walls, end walls and top IN I0 10 includes an insulation layer.

26. A freight container substantially as herein described and illustrated. W \DELILAH\lDM\COMPLFTE'.N IMPROVED FREIGT CONTArNERd