CN107709907B - Refrigeration device comprising a temperature-controlled container system - Google Patents

Abstract

In some embodiments, a refrigeration device comprises: a container substantially forming a wall of the liquid-impermeable container, the container configured to hold a phase change material inside the refrigeration device; at least one active refrigeration unit comprising a set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; a wall substantially forming a storage region; and a heat transfer system, the heat transfer system comprising: a first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form a condenser, the condenser being in thermal contact with the wall substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container; a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form an evaporator, the evaporator in thermal contact with the walls substantially forming a storage region; and a connector having a hollow interior attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior of the condenser and the hollow interior of the evaporator.

Description

Refrigeration device comprising a temperature-controlled container system

To the extent that the subject matter is not inconsistent with this disclosure, all subject matter of the priority application is incorporated by reference herein.

Disclosure of Invention

In some embodiments, a refrigeration device comprises: one or more walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold a phase change material inside a refrigeration device; at least one active refrigeration unit comprising a set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; one or more walls substantially forming a storage region; and a heat transfer system, the heat transfer system comprising: a first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form a condenser, the condenser being in thermal contact with one or more walls that substantially form a liquid-impermeable container; a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form an evaporator in thermal contact with one or more walls substantially forming a storage region; and a connector having a hollow interior attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior of the condenser and the hollow interior of the evaporator.

In some embodiments, a refrigeration device comprises: one or more walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold a phase change material within a refrigeration device interior space, wherein the one or more walls integrally comprise a first set of vapor-impermeable structures, wherein the empty interior spaces are connected to form a condenser; at least one active refrigeration unit comprising a set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; one or more walls substantially forming a storage region and integrally including a second set of vapor-impermeable structures having hollow interior spaces joined to form an evaporator; and a connector attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior space of the condenser and the hollow interior space of the evaporator, wherein the condenser, the evaporator, and the connector form a heat transfer system integral with the refrigeration device.

In some embodiments, a refrigeration device comprises: one or more walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold a phase change material inside a refrigeration device; at least one active refrigeration unit comprising a set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; a sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls and the set of evaporator coils; one or more walls substantially forming a storage region; a heat transfer system, the heat transfer system comprising: a first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form a condenser, the condenser being in thermal contact with one or more walls that substantially form a liquid-impermeable container; a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form an evaporator in thermal contact with one or more walls substantially forming a storage region; and a connector attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior space of the condenser and the hollow interior space of the evaporator; and a controller operably attached to the at least one active refrigeration unit and the sensor.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, embodiments and features in addition to those described above will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a refrigeration device.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a refrigeration device.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a refrigeration device.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a refrigeration device.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a refrigeration device.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a region of a refrigeration device.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a refrigeration device.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a region of a refrigeration device.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, like numerals typically refer to like parts unless the context indicates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

Various aspects of a refrigeration device are described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device has a size, shape, and configuration that is used as a household refrigeration device. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device has a size, shape, and configuration for use as a household refrigerator appliance. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device is of a size, shape, and configuration for use as a commercial refrigerator device. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device is of a size, shape, and configuration for use as a medical refrigeration device, such as at a clinic or a health station in an area having indeterminate or intermittent power.

The refrigeration devices described herein are configured to provide continuous temperature control to at least one storage region within each refrigeration device. The refrigeration devices described herein are designed to provide continuous temperature control to at least one storage area within the refrigeration device even when the refrigeration device is unable to operate on a regular power supply (e.g., during a power outage). In particular, it is envisaged that the refrigeration apparatus described herein will be useful in locations where intermittent or variable power is supplied to the refrigeration apparatus. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device may be configured to maintain the internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range indefinitely while the refrigeration device has access to about 10% of the electrical power on average. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device may be configured to maintain the internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range indefinitely while the refrigeration device has access to about 5% of the electrical power on average. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device may be configured to maintain the internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range indefinitely while the refrigeration device has access to about 1% of the electrical power on average. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device may be configured to maintain an internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for at least 30 hours. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device may be configured to maintain an internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for at least 50 hours. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device may be configured to maintain an internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for at least 70 hours. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device may be configured to maintain an internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for at least 90 hours. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device may be configured to maintain an internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for at least 110 hours. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device may be configured to maintain an internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for at least 130 hours. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device may be configured to maintain an internal storage region or zone within a predetermined temperature range for at least 150 hours. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device may be configured to maintain an internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for at least 170 hours.

Items that are sensitive to temperature extremes may be stored in one or more storage areas of the refrigeration device to maintain the items within a predetermined temperature range for an extended period of time even when power to the refrigeration device is interrupted. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device that is unable to obtain power is configured to maintain the temperature of its internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for an extended period of time when the ambient external temperature is between-10 ℃ and 43 ℃. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device that is unable to obtain power is configured to maintain the temperature of its internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for a period of time when the ambient external temperature is between 25 ℃ and 43 ℃. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device that is unable to obtain power is configured to maintain the temperature of its internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for a period of time when the ambient external temperature is between 35 ℃ and 43 ℃. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device that is unable to obtain power is configured to maintain the temperature of its internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for at least one week when the ambient external temperature is between-35 ℃ and 43 ℃. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device that is unable to obtain power is configured to maintain the temperature of its internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for at least two weeks when the ambient external temperature is between-35 ℃ and 43 ℃. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device that is unable to obtain power is configured to maintain the temperature of its internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for at least 30 days when the ambient external temperature is between-35 ℃ and 43 ℃. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device that is unable to obtain power is configured to maintain the temperature of its internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for a period of time when the ambient external temperature is less than-10 ℃.

As used herein, "refrigeration device" refers to a device having an internal storage region that utilizes an external power source at least part of the time and is configured to store material for a period of time at a temperature below ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device includes two internal storage regions. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device includes more than two internal storage regions. In some embodiments, a refrigeration device includes two or more internal storage regions, each configured to maintain an internal temperature within a different temperature range. Typically, the refrigeration device comprises an active refrigeration system. In some embodiments, the refrigeration unit is powered by a municipal power source. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device is powered by a solar energy system. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device is powered by a battery. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device is powered by an electrical generator (such as a diesel generator).

In some embodiments, the refrigeration device is a refrigerator. Refrigerators are typically calibrated to maintain the internally stored items within a predetermined temperature range above zero degrees but below the potential ambient temperature. For example, a refrigerator may be designed to maintain an internal temperature between 1 ℃ and 4 ℃. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device is a standard freezer. Freezers are typically calibrated to maintain the internally stored items within a temperature range below zero but above cryogenic temperatures. For example, the freezer may be designed to maintain an internal temperature between-23 ℃ and-17 ℃, or may for example be designed to maintain an internal temperature between-18 ℃ and-15 ℃. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device includes a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment. For example, some refrigeration devices include a first internal storage region that continuously maintains a refrigerated temperature range and a second internal storage region that continuously maintains a refrigerated temperature range.

In some embodiments, the refrigeration device is configured to maintain an internal storage region of the refrigeration device within a predetermined temperature range. As used herein, "predetermined temperature range" refers to a temperature range that has been predetermined to be desirable for the internal storage region of a particular embodiment of a refrigeration device in use. The predetermined temperature range is a stable temperature range within which the internal storage region of the refrigeration device maintains a temperature during use of the refrigeration device. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device is configured to maintain the internal storage region of the refrigeration device within a predetermined temperature range of about 2 ℃ to 8 ℃. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device is configured to maintain the internal storage region of the refrigeration device within a predetermined temperature range of about 1 ℃ to 9 ℃. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device is configured to maintain the internal storage region of the refrigeration device within a predetermined temperature range of about-15 ℃ to-25 ℃. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device is configured to maintain the internal storage region of the refrigeration device within a predetermined temperature range of about-5 ℃ to-10 ℃.

For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device is configured to maintain the internal storage region of the refrigeration device within the predetermined temperature range for at least 50 hours when power to the refrigeration device is unavailable. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device is configured to maintain the internal storage region of the refrigeration device within the predetermined temperature range for at least 100 hours when power to the refrigeration device is unavailable. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device is configured to maintain the internal storage region of the refrigeration device within the predetermined temperature range for at least 150 hours when power to the refrigeration device is unavailable. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device is configured to maintain the internal storage region of the refrigeration device within the predetermined temperature range for at least 200 hours when power to the refrigeration device is unavailable.

In some embodiments, the refrigeration device is configured to passively maintain its internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for an extended period of time when power to the refrigeration device is unavailable. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device is configured to maintain its internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for an extended period of time when the refrigeration device has minimal power available. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device is configured to maintain its internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for an extended period of time when low voltage power is available to the refrigeration device. For example, in some embodiments, a refrigeration device is configured to maintain its internal storage region or regions within a predetermined temperature range for an extended period of time when variable power is available to the refrigeration device. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device includes a variable power control system. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device includes a battery. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device operates passively without power and does not include a battery.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an example of a refrigeration device that may be used in the context of introducing one or more processes and/or devices described herein is shown. Fig. 1 depicts a refrigeration device 100 that includes a single storage area inside the refrigeration device. The single door 120 essentially opens a single storage area of the refrigeration unit to an external user of the unit. The user of the device may open the door 120 using the handle 125. The refrigeration unit 100 is depicted with the front face of the outer wall of its housing 110 visible. In some embodiments, there is a single door that provides a user access to multiple storage areas within the refrigeration device, such as a first storage area maintained within a first temperature range and a second storage area maintained within a second temperature range. The refrigeration unit 100 depicted in fig. 1 includes a top door 140 reversibly attached to an upper surface of the refrigeration unit 100 by a latch 150. The top door 140 may, for example, be configured to allow access to a liquid-impermeable container located within the refrigeration device 100, the liquid-impermeable container being positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the top door 140. Some embodiments of the refrigeration device may be configured to operate from a power source, such as a municipal power source or a solar power system. For example, the embodiment of the refrigeration unit 100 shown in fig. 1 includes a power cord 130 connected to a power source.

In some embodiments, the refrigeration unit includes a housing forming an exterior of the refrigeration unit around the liquid-impermeable container, at least one set of evaporator coils, a thermal conductor, and a storage area. In some embodiments, a refrigeration device includes a housing surrounding a liquid-impermeable container, a set of evaporator coils, one or more walls substantially forming a storage area, and a heat transfer system, and a door within the housing positioned to reversibly allow a user to access the storage area. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the housing 110 encloses the exterior of the visible components of the refrigeration unit. The housing may be made of a rigid material, for example a fiberglass material or a metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum.

In some embodiments, the refrigeration device includes insulation within the housing. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device includes insulation positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the storage region. The insulation is sized and shaped to reversibly mate with the outer surface of the wall of the liquid-impermeable container and the outer wall substantially forming the storage region. The insulation is of sufficient thickness, mass and composition to reduce heat leakage from the storage area to a level where its heat transfer through the heat transfer system is substantially balanced in a particular embodiment and for the intended use scenario of that embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device and insulation have a heat leak of about 30W. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device and insulation have a heat leak of about 25W. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device and insulation have a heat leak of about 20W. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device and insulation have a heat leak of about 15W. For example, in some embodiments, the refrigeration device and insulation have a heat leak of about 10W. For example, in some embodiments, the thermal insulation is made of foam insulation. For example, in some embodiments, the insulation is made of vacuum insulation panels ("VIPs").

Fig. 2 depicts a refrigeration device 100 that includes dual storage areas inside the refrigeration device. The refrigeration unit 100 is depicted with the front face of its outer wall 110 visible. The first door 120 substantially opens the first storage region of the refrigeration unit to an external user of the unit. A user of the device may open the first door 120 using the handle 125. In some embodiments, the first storage region can be configured to maintain an internal temperature ten degrees above freezing (i.e., 0 degrees celsius) or less. In some embodiments, the first storage region may be configured to maintain an internal temperature within a range of between, for example, about 0 degrees celsius and about 10 degrees celsius. In some embodiments, the first storage region may be configured to maintain an internal temperature within a range of between, for example, about 1 degree celsius and about 9 degrees celsius. In some embodiments, the first storage region may be configured to maintain an internal temperature within a range of, for example, between about 2 degrees celsius and about 8 degrees celsius. The embodiment shown in fig. 2 also includes a second door 200 having a handle 210 to provide a user access to a second storage area inside the refrigeration unit. In some embodiments, the second storage region can be configured to maintain an internal temperature twenty degrees or more below freezing. In some embodiments, the second storage region may be configured to maintain an internal temperature within a range of between about-15 degrees celsius and about-20 degrees celsius, for example. In some embodiments, the second storage region may be configured to maintain the internal temperature within a range of between about-10 degrees celsius and about-5 degrees celsius, for example. In some embodiments, the second storage region may be configured to maintain an internal temperature of, for example, about 0 degrees celsius. In some embodiments, the second storage region may be configured to store and freeze one or more phase change material cryogen containers, such as medical ice packs. The refrigeration unit 100 shown in fig. 2 includes a top door 140 reversibly attached to an upper surface of the refrigeration unit 100 by a latch 150. The top door 140 may, for example, be configured to allow a user to access a liquid-impermeable container within the refrigeration device 100, which is located near an inner surface of the top door 140. Some embodiments of the refrigeration device may be configured to operate from a power source, such as a municipal power source or a solar power system. For example, the embodiment of the refrigeration unit 100 shown in fig. 2 includes a power cord 130 connected to a power source.

In some embodiments, a refrigeration device comprises: one or more walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold a phase change material inside a refrigeration device; at least one active refrigeration unit comprising a set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; one or more walls substantially forming a storage region; a heat transfer system, the heat transfer system comprising: a first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form a condenser, the condenser being in thermal contact with one or more walls that substantially form a liquid-impermeable container; a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form an evaporator in thermal contact with one or more walls substantially forming a storage region; and a connector having a hollow interior attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior of the condenser and the hollow interior of the evaporator.

Fig. 3 depicts a refrigeration device 100 that includes a liquid impermeable container 300 configured to hold phase change material inside the refrigeration device 100 and a storage area 310. For illustrative purposes, features of the refrigeration device 100, such as a housing, door, and/or cover (see, e.g., fig. 1 and 2) of the refrigeration device 100, are not depicted in fig. 3, however embodiments may include these and other features. In some embodiments, the liquid-impermeable container is also vapor-impermeable. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 3, a liquid-impermeable container 300 is positioned above a storage area 310 within the refrigeration device 100. In some embodiments, the liquid-impermeable container comprises: an opening having a size, shape and location that allows a set of evaporator coils to extend across the opening; and a liquid-impermeable seal between a surface of the orifice and a surface of the set of evaporator coils. In some embodiments, the liquid-impermeable container comprises: an opening having a size, shape and location that allows a set of evaporator coils to extend across the opening; and a vapor-tight seal between a surface of the orifice and a surface of the set of evaporator coils.

In some embodiments, the one or more walls substantially form a liquid-impermeable container, and the liquid-impermeable container is configured to hold the phase change material inside the refrigeration device. The illustrated liquid-impermeable container 300 is made of a plurality of flat walls 320, forming a rectangular parallelepiped structure with solid walls and a bottom, and the aperture at the topmost surface forms an open top portion. The plurality of planar walls 320 of the liquid-impermeable container 300 are sealed at their edges at approximately right angles to the liquid-impermeable seal. In some embodiments, the one or more walls that substantially form the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, and the condenser is positioned adjacent to a surface of at least one of the plurality of layers. In some embodiments, the one or more walls that substantially form the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the one or more layers comprises non-planar regions to form a plurality of sides of the liquid-impermeable container. In some embodiments, one or more walls that substantially form a liquid-impermeable container include an orifice having a location, size, and shape that forms a passage opening. For example, the access opening may be of a size, shape and location that allows a user to inspect, replenish and/or replace the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container and its contents. In some embodiments, one or more walls that substantially form a liquid-impermeable container include an aperture having a position, size, and shape that reversibly mates with a door. Some embodiments include an access cover within a top surface of the liquid-impermeable container configured for access by a user to an interior space of the liquid-impermeable container.

Some embodiments include a phase change material located within a liquid-impermeable container. For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the phase change material may be included in a location 305 surrounding the set of refrigeration coils 330 within the liquid-impermeable container 300. As used herein, a "phase change material" is a material having a high latent heat, which is capable of storing and releasing thermal energy while changing a physical phase. The selection of the phase change material for an embodiment depends on considerations including the latent heat of the material, the melting point of the material, the boiling point of the material, the volume of material required to store a predetermined amount of thermal energy in an embodiment, the toxicity of the material, the cost of the material, and the flammability of the material. Depending on the embodiment, the phase change material may be a solid, liquid, semi-solid, or gas during use. For example, in some embodiments, the phase change material comprises water, methanol, ethanol, a sodium polyacrylate/polysaccharide material, or a salt hydrate. In some embodiments, for example, phase change materials that include a majority volume as pure water/ice are preferred due to the physical property that pure water/ice has a melting point of 0 ℃. In some embodiments, for example, a phase change material that includes a majority volume as brine/salt ice is preferred because the melting point of salt ice can be calibrated to be below 0 ℃ based on the molar concentration and content of salt in the brine/salt ice. In some embodiments, for example, the phase change material is configured to freeze below-20 ℃. In some embodiments, for example, the phase change material is configured to freeze at a point between 1 ℃ and 3 ℃. In some embodiments, the phase change material is in liquid form at ambient temperature (e.g., 25 ℃).

The refrigeration device 100 includes an active refrigeration unit that includes a set of evaporator coils 330. The set of evaporator coils 330 is located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container 300. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device includes two active refrigeration units, each including its own set of evaporator coils. For example, two sets of evaporator coils may be located within a single liquid impermeable container within a refrigeration unit. For example, each set of evaporator coils can be located within two liquid-impermeable containers within a single refrigeration device, and each set of refrigeration coils can be independently controlled by a single controller attached to each active refrigeration device. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device comprises a single active refrigeration unit that includes two sets of evaporator coils. For example, each set of evaporator coils can be located within two liquid-impermeable containers within a single refrigeration unit, and each set of refrigeration coils can be independently controlled, such as using reversibly controlled thermal control devices such as a valve system. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device comprises an active refrigeration unit comprising an active refrigeration system. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device comprises an active refrigeration unit comprising an electrically powered compression system.

In some embodiments, the refrigeration device comprises an active refrigeration unit comprising a compressor. The embodiment shown in fig. 3 includes a compressor 335 operatively attached to the set of evaporator coils 330. In some embodiments, the refrigeration device includes a controller. The embodiment shown in fig. 3 includes a controller 380 positioned between the compressor 335 and a wire connection 395 to the power supply. According to an embodiment, the controller may include an electronic controller having circuitry configured to send control signals to the compressor and/or other features of the device. According to an embodiment, the controller may include an electronic controller having circuitry configured to receive signals from the compressor and/or other features of the device, such as sensors or monitors. In some embodiments, the controller comprises a wireless signal generator, such as a cellular radio transmitter. In some embodiments, the controller includes circuitry for data acquisition, such as data from one or more sensors, and/or a power monitor. In some embodiments, the controller includes circuitry for temperature control, such as by sending a control signal to an operatively attached compressor. In some embodiments, the controller includes circuitry for temperature display, such as by sending control signals to an operatively attached display unit. In some embodiments, the controller comprises: circuitry for receiving data from one or more sensors; circuitry for evaluating the received data for one or more predetermined settings; circuitry for transmitting a control signal in response to the detected value satisfying one or more predetermined set points; and a circuit for externally transmitting the received data to the refrigeration device. For example, in some embodiments, the controller may be configured to: receiving data from a plurality of temperature sensors; evaluating the received data against a predetermined maximum and/or minimum; transmitting a control signal in response to the detected maximum and/or minimum value; and transmit a signal including the received data to a monitoring system.

In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the refrigeration device will be used in locations with intermittent power availability, such as due to periodic failure of the municipal power grid or unavailability of solar energy. The refrigeration device may comprise, for example, a battery attached to at least one active refrigeration unit. The refrigeration device may be configured to conditionally run the active refrigeration unit using battery power, for example in the absence of power for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 2 days, 3 days, or 4 days). For example, if a temperature sensor located within the refrigeration device detects a temperature above a predetermined threshold level, the refrigeration device may be configured to conditionally operate the active refrigeration unit using battery power.

In some embodiments, refrigeration devices are contemplated for use in locations having variable power availability, such as power sources having a voltage that varies over time. The refrigeration device may comprise, for example, a variable power control system attached to at least one active refrigeration unit. In some embodiments, the variable power control system may be designed to accept power from different sources, such as 120, 230VAC, and 12 to 24 VDC. In some embodiments, the variable power control system may include a power converter. For example, a power converter may be configured to convert AC input power to DC. For example, the power converter may be configured to convert a variable AC input power to 220V AC. In some embodiments, the variable power control system includes an automatic voltage regulator. For example, a refrigeration device configured for a location with poor grid function may be configured to accept power in the range of 90V AC to 250V AC and convert the input to stable 220V AC using an integrated automatic voltage regulator. The refrigeration device may include one or more voltage and/or current sensors positioned and configured to detect the supply of power to the refrigeration device. The sensor may be attached to the controller, and/or the transmitter unit, and/or the memory unit. The refrigeration device may include a potentiostat. The refrigeration device may comprise a power conditioning unit. Some embodiments of the refrigeration device are designed to operate with or without conventional power from a power grid, such as a municipal power grid. For example, the refrigeration device may be configured to allow operation from mains power when available, and from a backup power source such as a photovoltaic unit at other times. For example, a refrigeration device may be configured to operate in response to input from a user, allowing power from the power grid, and to operate in response to other input, such as the availability of solar energy, powered by a backup power source (such as a photovoltaic unit). For example, some embodiments include a photovoltaic unit configured to provide power to a battery. For example, some embodiments include a photovoltaic unit configured to provide power directly to a refrigeration device. Some embodiments include a photovoltaic unit having a peak power of 50 watts (W). Some embodiments include a photovoltaic unit having a peak power of 100 watts (W). Some embodiments include a photovoltaic unit having a peak power of 150 watts (W). Some embodiments include a photovoltaic unit having a peak power of 200 watts (W). Some embodiments are configured to utilize energy from different sources depending on availability and user preferences. For example, some embodiments include circuitry for accepting power from the photovoltaic unit, and a controller that directs the accepted power directly to the active refrigeration system or to the battery. The selection may be guided by the user through an interface or controlled based on predetermined criteria, such as time of day, outside temperature, or temperature information from one or more temperature sensors within the refrigeration unit. Some embodiments include a controller configured to respond to a detected condition of a refrigeration device. Some embodiments include a circuit configured to be powered from a 12 volt (V) battery through a power inverter, rated between 1.5KW and 2.0KW, to start and power an existing active refrigeration system of a refrigeration appliance. Some embodiments are configured to provide power from the sealed battery to the thermoelectric unit under control of the controller in response to information from the temperature sensor within the storage area. For embodiments in which the internal storage area of the temperature controlled vessel is in the range of 15 liters (L) to 50L, a 50W peak photovoltaic unit should be able to continuously maintain a predetermined temperature range of between about 2 ℃ to 8 ℃, with a maximum output time of one hour per 24 hours of photovoltaic cells. The system may also include a charge monitor configured to ensure that the battery is not depleted below a preset threshold, such as 80% of its charge, to extend battery life during use.

Some embodiments include a power monitor operatively connected to a refrigeration device. Some embodiments include a power monitor positioned between the power source and other components of the refrigeration device. Some embodiments include a power monitor positioned after the voltage cutoff switch. Some embodiments include a power monitor positioned between the power stabilizer and the compressor. For example, the embodiment shown in fig. 3 includes a power monitor 390 operably connected to a wire connection 395 to a power source. Some embodiments include a power monitor operably attached to the controller. For example, fig. 3 depicts an embodiment that includes a power monitor 390 operatively connected to a controller 380 with a wire connector. The power monitor may comprise a power sampling unit, for example a 1kHz power sampling unit. The power monitor may include a power sampling unit, such as a 2kHz power sampling unit. The power monitor may comprise a power sampling unit, for example a 3kHz power sampling unit. The power monitor may include a power sampling unit, such as a 4kHz power sampling unit. The power monitor may comprise a power sampling unit, for example a 5kHz power sampling unit. The power monitor may include a surge protector that may be configured to operate in a surge condition anticipated according to the anticipated geographic area of use of the refrigeration unit. The power monitor may include a high voltage disconnect switch, such as a high voltage disconnect switch configured to actuate at a predetermined maximum voltage of the refrigeration device. The power monitor may include a low voltage disconnect switch, such as a low voltage disconnect switch configured to actuate at a predetermined minimum voltage of the refrigeration device. The power monitor may include a voltage regulator. The power monitor may include a battery. For example, the power monitor may include a battery configured to provide sufficient power to monitor for a power outage and to resume power.

In some embodiments, a refrigeration device comprises: a first section of a set of evaporator coils positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of one or more walls that substantially form a liquid-impermeable container; a second section of the set of evaporator coils, the second section being located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; and a frame sized and shaped to enclose one or more containers for freezing the phase change material, the frame in thermal contact with the first section of the set of evaporator coils. In some embodiments, a refrigeration device comprises: a first set of evaporator coils positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of one or more walls that substantially form a liquid-impermeable container; a second set of evaporator coils located within the liquid-impermeable container interior space; and a frame sized and shaped to enclose one or more containers for freezing the phase change material, the frame in thermal contact with the first set of evaporator coils.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 3, the refrigeration unit 100 includes one or more walls 340 that substantially form the storage region 310. The walls may, for example, be substantially flat and attached at substantially right angles to each other. The storage region may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped structure as shown in fig. 3. The storage region may include an aperture positioned and sized to reversibly mate with a door (see, e.g., fig. 1 and 2). The storage area may include internal shelves, racks, and similar features. In some embodiments, the storage area is configured for medical storage, such as for storage of vaccine vials and/or pharmaceutical packaging.

In some embodiments, a refrigeration device includes a heat transfer system comprising: a first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form a condenser, the condenser being in thermal contact with one or more walls that substantially form a liquid-impermeable container; a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form an evaporator in thermal contact with one or more walls substantially forming a storage region; and a connector having a hollow interior attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior of the condenser and the hollow interior of the evaporator. The liquid and vapor flow paths formed by the connectors allow liquid to flow downward and vapor to flow upward within a single connector. In some embodiments, there is a single connector that forms a bi-directional liquid and vapor flow path between the hollow interior space of the evaporator and the hollow interior space of the condenser. In some embodiments, there are two or more connectors, wherein each connector independently forms a bi-directional liquid and vapor flow path between the hollow interior space of the evaporator and the hollow interior space of the condenser. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the refrigeration device comprises a heat transfer system comprising a first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected to form a condenser 350 in thermal contact with one or more walls 320 substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container 300. Figure 3 also illustrates a refrigeration device that includes a heat transfer system that includes a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected to form an evaporator 360 in thermal contact with one or more walls 340 that substantially form the storage region 310. The embodiment shown in fig. 3 includes a connector 370 having a hollow interior attached to both the condenser 350 and the evaporator 360, the connector 370 forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior of the condenser 350 and the hollow interior of the evaporator 360. In some embodiments, the heat transfer system includes a continuous substantially sealed hollow interior space, and an evaporative liquid sealed within the continuous substantially sealed hollow interior space. As shown in fig. 3, in some embodiments, the connector is a substantially linear structure that is positioned substantially vertically when the refrigeration unit is in the use position.

In some embodiments, the evaporator and/or condenser of the heat transfer system are connected to a plurality of walls of the liquid-impermeable container and the storage area. See, for example, fig. 7. In some embodiments, a first set of air-impermeable structures connected to form a condenser is contiguous with and in thermal contact with two or more walls of a liquid-impermeable container. For example, the condenser may be made of a plurality of hollow tubes that are fused together and positioned in thermal contact with two or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container. For example, the condenser may be made of a single roll bonded structure that is bent and positioned to form the walls of the liquid impermeable container. In some embodiments, a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected to form an evaporator is adjacent to and in thermal contact with two or more walls of the storage region. For example, the evaporator may be made of a plurality of hollow tubes that are fused together and positioned in thermal contact with two or more walls of the storage area. For example, the evaporator may be made of a single roll bonded structure that is bent and positioned to form multiple walls of the storage area.

In some embodiments, the heat transfer system forms a unidirectional thermal conductor within the refrigeration device. As used herein, "unidirectional thermal conductor" refers to a structure configured to allow heat transfer in one direction along its long axis while substantially inhibiting heat transfer in the opposite direction along the same long axis. The unidirectional thermal conductor is designed and implemented to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy (e.g., heat) in one direction along the length of the unidirectional thermal conductor while substantially inhibiting the transfer in the opposite direction along the length of the unidirectional thermal conductor. In some embodiments, for example, the unidirectional thermal conductor comprises a linear heat pipe device. In some embodiments, for example, the unidirectional thermal conductor comprises a thermosyphon. In some embodiments, for example, the unidirectional thermal conductor comprises a thermal diode device. For example, the unidirectional thermal conductor may comprise a hollow tube made of a thermally conductive material that is sealed at each end and that contains an evaporative liquid in volatile liquid form and in gaseous form. For example, the unidirectional thermal conductor may include a tubular structure having a substantially sealed interior region and an evaporative fluid sealed within the substantially sealed interior region. In some embodiments, for example, the unidirectional thermal conductor is configured as a copper tube having a diameter of 1/2 inches. In some embodiments, the unidirectional thermal conductor may be made in whole or in part using roll bonding techniques. In some embodiments, the unidirectional thermal conductor may include an internal geometry positioned and configured to distribute evaporative liquid along an inner surface of the unidirectional thermal conductor. For example, the unidirectional thermal conductor may include a channel, passage, or similar structure having a size, shape, and location that distributes the evaporative liquid along the inner surface. In some embodiments, the unidirectional thermal conductor may include an internal capillary structure at the entire interior or at a particular region of the interior. In some embodiments, the unidirectional thermal conductor may include an internal sintered structure at the entire interior or at a particular region of the interior.

In some embodiments, the unidirectional thermal conductor may comprise a plurality of hollow branch structures, each hollow branch structure being in vapor connection with one another, each comprising an evaporative liquid in volatile liquid form and in gaseous form. Some embodiments include a plurality of unidirectional thermal conductors. For example, some embodiments include a plurality of unidirectional thermal conductors arranged in parallel along a single axis. For example, some embodiments include multiple unidirectional thermal conductors used in different areas of a refrigeration device, the multiple unidirectional thermal conductors functioning independently of each other. Some embodiments include multiple unidirectional thermal conductors containing the same evaporative liquid. Some embodiments include multiple unidirectional thermal conductors containing different evaporative liquids, for example located in different areas of the refrigeration device.

The unidirectional thermal conductor is configured such that the liquid and gaseous forms of the vaporized liquid will be in thermal equilibrium. The unidirectional thermal conductor is substantially evacuated during manufacture and then sealed with a gas-impermeable seal such that substantially all of the gas present within the unidirectional thermal conductor is in the form of a gas of the liquid present. The vapor pressure within the unidirectional thermal conductor is substantially entirely that of the liquid such that the total vapor pressure is substantially equal to the partial pressure of the liquid. The unidirectional thermal conductor includes an internal flow path for vaporizing the liquid and its vapor. In some embodiments, the unidirectional thermal conductor includes an internal flow path sufficient to cause two-phase flow of vaporized liquid inside the unidirectional thermal conductor. For example, the connector may include a bi-directional internal flow path. For example, the connector may include liquid and vapor flow paths. In some embodiments, the unidirectional thermal conductor may be configured to operate in a substantially vertical position, with heat transfer from the lower end to the upper end occurring by vapor rising within the unidirectional thermal conductor and condensing at the upper end. In some embodiments, the unidirectional thermal conductor comprises an evaporative liquid, wherein a desired surface level of the evaporative liquid is located within a storage area of the temperature-controlled container when the unidirectional thermal conductor is in its intended position within the container.

In some embodiments, for example, the unidirectional thermal conductor comprises an evaporative liquid comprising one or more alcohols. In some embodiments, for example, the unidirectional thermal conductor comprises an evaporative liquid comprising one or more liquids commonly used as refrigerants. In some embodiments, for example, the unidirectional thermal conductor comprises water. In some embodiments, for example, the unidirectional thermal conductor comprises an evaporative liquid comprising: R-134A refrigerant, isobutane, methanol, ammonia, acetone, water, isobutylene, pentane, or R-404 refrigerant.

Some embodiments include a unidirectional thermal conductor comprising an elongated structure. For example, the unidirectional thermal conductor may comprise a substantially tubular structure. The unidirectional thermal conductors may be configured in a substantially linear configuration. The unidirectional thermal conductors may be configured in a substantially non-linear configuration. For example, the unidirectional thermal conductors may be configured as a non-linear tubular structure. In some embodiments, one or more thermally conductive units are attached to an outer surface of the unidirectional thermal conductor. For example, one or more planar structures (such as fin structures) made of a thermally conductive material may be attached to an outer surface of the unidirectional thermal conductor and positioned to facilitate heat transfer between the unidirectional thermal conductor and adjacent areas. The unidirectional thermal conductor may be made of a thermally conductive metal. For example, the unidirectional thermal conductor may comprise copper, aluminum, silver or gold.

In some embodiments, the unidirectional thermal conductor may comprise a substantially elongated structure. For example, the unidirectional thermal conductor may comprise a substantially tubular structure. The substantially elongated structure includes an evaporative liquid sealed within the structure with a gas-impermeable seal. For example, the unidirectional thermal conductor may include a welded or crimped gas-tight seal. In some embodiments, evaporating the liquid comprises one or more of: water, ethanol, methanol or butane. The selection of the evaporative liquid in an embodiment depends on factors including the evaporation temperature of the evaporative liquid in the particular unidirectional thermal conductor structure in this embodiment, including the gas pressure within the unidirectional thermal conductor. The inner space of the unidirectional thermal conductor structure comprises a gas pressure below the vapor pressure of the vaporized liquid comprised in this embodiment. When the unidirectional thermal conductor is positioned in a substantially vertical position within the temperature-controlled container, the evaporative liquid evaporates from a lower portion of the unidirectional thermal conductor, wherein the resulting vapor rises to an upper portion of the unidirectional thermal conductor and condenses, thereby transferring thermal energy from the lower portion to the upper portion of the unidirectional thermal conductor. In some embodiments, the unidirectional thermal conductor comprises a structure comprising an insulated region positioned between the condensation end and the evaporation end, the insulated region positioned between the liquid-impermeable container and a storage region of the refrigeration device.

Some embodiments include a unidirectional thermal conductor attached to the thermally conductive coupling block and the heat pipe. The coupling block and heat pipe may, for example, be positioned and configured to moderate heat transfer along the length of the unidirectional heat conductor.

In some embodiments, the first set of vapor-impermeable structures that connect with the hollow interior spaces to form the condenser form a branching structure. For example, FIG. 3 shows a branched zig-zag pattern connected to form the structure of the condenser 350. For example, the zigzag pattern may be positioned and configured to evenly distribute the internal fluid to form the active heat transfer region. In some embodiments, the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected with the hollow interior space to form the condenser form a branched structure, wherein each end of a branch of the branched structure is a topmost region of the branch. In some embodiments, the first set of vapor-impermeable structures that join in hollow interior spaces to form the condenser form a branching structure, wherein the branches join at the top of the branching structure. In some embodiments, at least one wall that substantially forms a liquid-impermeable container is made from one or more roll-bonded sheets. For example, one or more roll-bonded panels may be fabricated to include a first set of vapor-impermeable structures having hollow interior spaces that are joined to form a condenser of a refrigeration device, and one or more roll-bonded panels may be integrated into one or more walls that substantially form a liquid-impermeable container. In some embodiments, a first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected with the hollow interior space to form a condenser is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container. For example, the first set of vapor-impermeable structures may be part of a roll-bonded structure that forms one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container. In some embodiments, a first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected with the hollow interior space to form a condenser is in direct thermal contact with at least one wall of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

In some embodiments, the second set of vapor-impermeable structures that connect with the hollow interior spaces to form the evaporator form a branching structure. For example, fig. 3 shows a branched zigzag pattern connected to form the structure of the evaporator 360. For example, the zigzag pattern may be positioned and configured to evenly distribute the internal fluid to form the active heat transfer region. In some embodiments, the second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the evaporator form a branching structure, wherein each end of a branch of the branching structure is a lowermost region of the branch. In some embodiments, the second set of vapor-impermeable structures that join in hollow interior spaces to form the evaporator form a branching structure, wherein the branches join at the bottom of the branching structure. In some embodiments, at least one wall substantially forming the storage region is made of one or more roll-bonded panels. For example, one or more roll-bonded panels may be fabricated to include a second set of vapor-impermeable structures having hollow interior spaces that are joined to form an evaporator of a refrigeration device, and one or more roll-bonded panels may be integrated into one or more walls that substantially form a storage region. The roll-bonded panels may be made as a unit and then bent or flexed to form the storage region and/or the walls of the liquid impermeable container. In some embodiments, a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected with the hollow interior space to form an evaporator is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the storage region. In some embodiments, a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected with the hollow interior space to form the evaporator is in direct thermal contact with at least one wall of the one or more walls of the storage region. For example, the second set of vapor-impermeable structures may be part of a roll-bonded structure that forms one or more walls of the storage region.

Fig. 4 depicts an embodiment of a refrigeration device 100 that includes a sensor 410 located within the liquid-impermeable container 300 at a location between the inner surface of the container wall 320 and a set of evaporator coils 330. The sensor may for example be a temperature sensor, such as an electronic temperature sensor. Some embodiments include: at least one sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls and the set of evaporator coils; and a controller operably attached to the at least one active refrigeration unit and the sensor. The sensor may be operably connected to the controller using a wireless connection. The sensor may be operably connected to the controller with a wire connector. In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to send a signal including the sensed data to the controller at fixed time intervals (such as every hour, every 2 hours, or every 3 hours). In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to send a signal including the sensed data to the controller at fixed time intervals, such as every minute, every 2 minutes, or every 3 minutes. In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to send a signal including the sensed data to the controller at fixed time intervals (such as every second, every 2 seconds, or every 3 seconds). In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to send a signal comprising sensed data to the controller when the sensed parameter is outside a certain preset value range. For example, in some embodiments, the temperature sensor is configured to send a signal to an attached controller in response to the temperature sensor detecting a temperature outside a predetermined range of values, such as above 3 degrees celsius or below 0 degrees celsius.

In some embodiments, the controller includes circuitry for turning on and off the active refrigeration unit in response to data received from the sensor. For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 4, the refrigeration unit is calibrated to operate efficiently when a set of evaporator coils 330 is positioned within the liquid-impermeable container 300 and a phase change material is positioned at location 305 around the set of evaporator coils 330. When the active refrigeration unit is in operation, the compressor 335 acts to cool the set of refrigeration coils 330, thereby cooling the phase change material at location 305 located around the set of evaporator coils 330. The refrigeration device 100 may, for example, be calibrated to operate efficiently when the phase change material is cold enough to freeze to a location (e.g., the freeze line 400) within the liquid-impermeable container 300. The temperature sensor 410 is positioned between the intended frost line 400 and the wall 320 of the liquid-impermeable container 300 that is in direct contact with the condenser 350.

Some embodiments include a heat transfer system calibrated to maintain an internal temperature of a storage region within a predetermined temperature range while a phase change material located within a liquid-impermeable container is maintained within the predetermined temperature range. For example, a refrigeration device may include sufficient insulation where, over an expected ambient temperature range, the heat transfer system will remove heat from the storage area at a rate equal to the heat leak from the storage area, and thus passively maintain the interior temperature of the storage area within a preset temperature range. Factors included in the calibration of the heat transfer system include the physical properties (e.g., thermally conductive properties) of the material from which the heat transfer system is made, the evaporative liquid within the heat transfer system, the location and configuration of the heat transfer system relative to the storage area and the liquid-impermeable container, and the phase change material used within the liquid-impermeable container.

Some embodiments include: at least one sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls and the set of evaporator coils; and a controller operably attached to the at least one active refrigeration unit and the sensor. Some embodiments include: at least one sensor positioned adjacent to an inner wall of the storage region; and a controller operably attached to the at least one active refrigeration unit and the sensor. Some embodiments include: at least one sensor positioned adjacent to an evaporator of the heat transfer system; and a controller operably attached to the at least one active refrigeration unit and the sensor. Some embodiments further comprise circuitry for turning on and off at least one active refrigeration unit in response to data received from the sensor. For example, a temperature sensor may be located within the liquid-impermeable container and operably connected to a controller configured to receive a signal from the temperature sensor and send a control signal (such as an on/off control signal) to the at least one active refrigeration unit in response to the received signal from the temperature sensor. In an embodiment, the liquid-impermeable container may be configured to include water as the phase change material, and the temperature sensor is positioned and calibrated to detect whether the water is frozen or nearly frozen (e.g., within a temperature range between 2 degrees celsius and-1 degree celsius). The controller attached to the temperature sensor may include circuitry configured to send a "turn off" control signal to the active refrigeration unit when the received data indicates a freezing temperature, e.g., 0 degrees celsius or less. The controller may further include circuitry configured to send an "on" control signal to the active refrigeration unit when the received data indicates a sufficiently warm temperature, e.g., 2 degrees celsius or higher.

Some embodiments include a heat transfer system that allows variable heat flow from a storage area to a liquid impermeable container. Some embodiments include a heat transfer system having at least one thermal control device coupled to a connector, the thermal control device positioned and configured to reversibly control a size of a hollow interior space of the connector. By reversibly controlling the size of the hollow interior space of the connector, the amount of liquid and vapor flow of the evaporative liquid within the heat transfer system, and thus the heat flow rate, can be varied.

As used herein, a "thermal control device" is a device positioned and configured to regulate the flow of an evaporative liquid in a liquid or vapor state through a heat transfer system between an evaporation end and a condensation end. The thermal control device changes configuration in response to the stimulus, thereby changing heat transfer along the entire attached heat transfer system. In some embodiments, the thermal control device operates in a binary state, opening or closing a flow path within the heat transfer system. In some embodiments, the thermal control device operates in an analog manner, with multiple possible states opening and closing flow paths within the heat transfer system to different levels. For example, the thermal control device may include a valve having a plurality of partially restricted configurations. For example, the thermal control device may include a valve that may be stably set to a plurality of positions including a flow restriction of 20% through the valve, a flow restriction of 30% through the valve, a flow restriction of 40% through the valve, a flow restriction of 50% through the valve, a flow restriction of 60% through the valve, a flow restriction of 70% through the valve, and a flow restriction of 80% through the valve. For example, the thermal control means may comprise a valve acting as a solenoid valve. The thermal control device may increase or decrease the thermal energy transferred through the heat transfer system by controlling the flow of the vaporized liquid. For example, the thermal control device may be configured to regulate the flow of the evaporative liquid in a liquid or vapor state through the heat transfer system in response to the temperature. In some embodiments, the thermal control device is a passive device. For example, the passive thermal control device may include a bimetallic element configured to change position in response to temperature changes within the heat transfer system. In some embodiments, the thermal control device is an active device, such as requiring electrical power to operate and being actively controlled by a controller. For example, the thermal control device may include an electrically operable valve internal to the heat transfer system (such as within the connector), a valve attached to the controller, and a power source external to the heat transfer system. For example, in some embodiments, the thermal control device includes a valve (such as a globe valve), a motor operably connected to the valve, and a battery operably connected to the motor. In some embodiments, the thermal control device is located entirely within the conditioned heat transfer system. In some embodiments, the thermal control device is located partially inside and partially outside the conditioned heat transfer system, for example, including one or more power couplers or control features.

For example, fig. 5 depicts an embodiment of a thermal control device 500 that includes a connector 370 attached to a heat transfer system. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal control device 500 includes valves positioned and attached in a manner that reversibly controls the flow of vapor and fluid within the connector 370, thereby adjusting the thermodynamic properties of the heat transfer system. In some embodiments, the valve is operably connected to a controller, and the controller includes circuitry configured to send a control signal to the valve. For example, the valve may be operably connected to the controller using a wireless connection. For example, the valve may be operably connected to the controller with a wire connector. For example, the controller may include circuitry configured to send control signals to the valve in response to data received by the controller from a sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container. For example, the controller may include circuitry configured to send control signals to the valve in coordination with control signals sent by the controller to the compressor. In some embodiments, the thermal control device is a passive device and is not operably connected to the controller. For example, the thermal control device may include a mechanism calibrated to open and close a valve attached to the connector in response to the temperature of the connector.

Some embodiments include a heating element positioned adjacent to a condenser of a heat transfer system, wherein the heating element is configured to reversibly and controllably provide heat to the condenser to prevent the condenser from cooling below a predetermined minimum temperature. For example, the heating element may comprise an electrical heating element in some embodiments, the heating element being operably connected to the controller and configured to respond to control signals sent from the controller. The controller may be configured to receive signals from the temperature sensor and to send control signals to the heating element in response to data from the temperature sensor. For example, one embodiment may include a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to the evaporator, wherein the temperature sensor sends data to the controller, and the controller sends a control signal to the heating element in response to data received from the temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to receive data from the active refrigeration unit and send control signals to a heating element positioned adjacent to a condenser of the heat transfer system in response to the data received from the active refrigeration unit. For example, the controller may be configured to turn on the heating element after the active refrigeration unit has been operating for a period of time (such as 6 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours).

In some embodiments, the refrigeration device includes a second storage region positioned and configured to maintain an interior space thereof within a second temperature range. For example, the second temperature range may be below freezing (e.g., below 0 degrees celsius). In some embodiments, the second temperature range may be between-5 degrees Celsius and-15 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the second temperature range may be between-15 degrees Celsius and-25 degrees Celsius. The refrigeration device may, for example, be configured with a second door positioned for access by a user to the second storage area (see, e.g., fig. 2). Some embodiments of the refrigeration device further comprise: a frame attached to an outer surface of the one or more walls substantially forming the liquid-impermeable container at a location distal to the condenser, the frame having a size and shape that encloses the one or more containers for freezing the phase change material; and at least one tensioner within the frame oriented to press one or more containers against one or more walls. In some embodiments, the frame includes at least one positioning element oriented to facilitate positioning of the one or more containers for frozen phase change material adjacent to the outer surface of the one or more walls. Some embodiments include wherein the set of evaporator coils comprises an outer portion positioned adjacent to the frame on the exterior of the liquid-impermeable container and an inner portion positioned within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container. Some embodiments include two or more sets of evaporator coils independently attached to the compressor, wherein a first set of evaporator coils is located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container and a second set of evaporator coils is positioned adjacent to the exterior of the liquid-impermeable container.

For example, fig. 6 depicts an embodiment in which a frame 600 is attached to the outer surface of the wall 320 of the liquid-impermeable container 300. The liquid-impermeable container includes an interior location 305 that, when the embodiment is in use, will include a phase change material surrounding a set of evaporator coils; for illustration purposes, the set of evaporator coils is not shown in fig. 6. The frame is positioned and oriented to hold a container 610 for freezing phase change material adjacent to a portion 640 of the outer surface of the wall 320 of the liquid-impermeable container 300. For example, the container for holding the frozen phase change material may, in some embodiments, comprise a WHO standard ice bag for home visits. The embodiment of frame 600 shown in fig. 6 includes a substantially flat outer portion 650 oriented to position container 610 for frozen phase change material adjacent to portion 640 of the outer surface of wall 320. A positioning element 620 comprising two substantially flat opposing surfaces is located between the inner surface of the substantially flat outer portion 650 of the frame and the substantially flat outer wall of the container 610 for frozen phase change material. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6, frame 600 includes two unique positioning elements 620. Each positioning element includes a tab 625 at one end, the tab 625 being sized and shaped to facilitate a user to reversibly slide the positioning element relative to the frame 600 to facilitate removal of an adjacent container 610. The substantially flat outer portion 650 of the frame 600 may include a guide 630 sized and shaped to position one or more tabs of each positioning element 620, thereby maintaining the relative orientation of the positioning elements 620 with respect to the frame 600. Some embodiments include one or more tensioning elements within the frame oriented and configured to hold one or more containers for freezing phase change material in direct contact with an outer surface of a wall of the liquid-impermeable container. For example, the frame may include an internal torsion spring. For example, the frame may include a semi-elliptical spring positioned and oriented to hold the container.

Some embodiments include a frame attached to an outer surface of one or more walls substantially forming the liquid-impermeable container at a location distal to the condenser, the frame having a size and shape to enclose the one or more containers for freezing the phase change material, wherein the frame is located within the second liquid-impermeable container. The frame may be positioned and configured to hold one or more containers for freezing phase change material in thermal contact with the second liquid-impermeable container. The second liquid-impermeable container may be configured to contain a material having thermal properties sufficient to freeze and maintain a frozen state of one or more containers for freezing phase change material in thermal contact with the second liquid-impermeable container. The second liquid-impermeable container may be configured to contain a phase change material. In some embodiments, the second liquid-impermeable container may be configured to contain a second phase change material having a lower freezing temperature than the first phase change material. In some embodiments, the second liquid-impermeable container may be configured to contain a second phase change material having a higher melting point than the first phase change material. For example, in embodiments where the first liquid-impermeable container includes water as the phase change material, the second liquid-impermeable container includes a brine having a freezing temperature lower than that of the (non-saline) water. For example, in embodiments where the first liquid-impermeable container includes water as the phase change material, the second liquid-impermeable container includes a phase change material having a freezing temperature of-10 degrees celsius. For example, in embodiments where the first liquid-impermeable container includes water as the phase change material, the second liquid-impermeable container includes a phase change material having a freezing temperature of-20 degrees celsius.

Some embodiments of a refrigeration device include: one or more walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold a phase change material within a refrigeration device interior space, wherein the one or more walls integrally include a first set of vapor-impermeable structures whose empty interior spaces are connected to form a condenser; at least one active refrigeration unit comprising a set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; one or more walls substantially defining a storage area and integrally including a second set of vapor-impermeable structures having hollow interior spaces connected to form an evaporator; and a connector attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior space of the condenser and the hollow interior space of the evaporator, wherein the condenser, the evaporator, and the connector form a heat transfer system integral with the refrigeration device.

Some embodiments include wherein the connector is sized and shaped to allow both liquid and vapor to flow between an interior space of an evaporator and an interior space of a condenser of the heat transfer system. For example, fig. 5 depicts a connector 370 positioned between the evaporator 360 and the condenser 350 of a heat transfer system integrated with the refrigeration device 100. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, the heat transfer system operates with the fluid and vapor flowing along a linear, substantially vertical (i.e., up and down in the view of fig. 5) path, with bi-directional movement within each hollow interior of the heat transfer system.

Fig. 7 depicts an embodiment of a refrigeration device 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid-impermeable container 300 is made of a wall 320. Both of the walls 320 of the liquid-impermeable container 300 are in thermal contact with a condenser 350 of the heat transfer system. For example, the walls may be made of a roll-bonded layered material including a condenser that is bent and positioned to form the walls of the liquid-impermeable container. A set of evaporator coils 330 is located within the liquid-impermeable container 300 and a sensor 410 is positioned between an edge of the set of evaporator coils 330 and the interior of a wall 320 of the liquid-impermeable container 300 that is in thermal contact with a portion of the condenser 350. The set of evaporator coils 330 is operably attached to a compressor 335, which may be further attached to a controller 380 and a power monitor 390. The refrigeration device 100 includes a power connector 395 to a power source, such as a power grid system. The embodiment of the condenser 350 shown in fig. 7 is made to include multiple internal circuits in the liquid and vapor flow paths within the condenser 350. The refrigeration unit 100 shown in fig. 7 includes two connectors 370 within the heat transfer system. Each connector 370 provides a bi-directional liquid and vapor flow path for evaporative liquid within the hollow interior of the heat transfer system.

The refrigeration unit 100 shown in fig. 7 also includes a storage region 310 substantially defined by walls 340. Both of the walls 340 of the storage region 310 are in thermal contact with the evaporator 360 of the heat transfer system. For example, the walls may be made of a roll-bonded layered material comprising an evaporator, which is bent and positioned to form the walls of the storage region. In the embodiment shown in fig. 7, the evaporator 360 includes two distinct paths, one integrated on each side of the evaporator 360. The two distinct paths are each configured to provide a bi-directional liquid and vapor flow path within the hollow interior space. The two paths within the interior space of the evaporator 360 are connected at their lowest point 700.

In some embodiments, a refrigeration device includes a heat transfer system including an evaporator, a condenser, and one or more connectors, wherein each connector forms dual vapor and liquid flow channels between an interior space of the evaporator and an interior space of the condenser. In some embodiments, a refrigeration device includes a heat transfer system including an evaporator, a condenser, and a connector. In some embodiments, a refrigeration device includes a heat transfer system including an evaporator, a condenser, and two connectors. For example, two connectors may be positioned adjacent to two different faces of the refrigeration unit. For example, two connectors may be positioned adjacent to a single face of the refrigeration device. In some embodiments, a refrigeration device includes a heat transfer system including an evaporator, a condenser, and three connectors. For example, three connectors may be positioned adjacent three different sides of the refrigeration device, such as two side surfaces and one back surface. For example, three connectors may be positioned adjacent to a single face of the refrigeration device.

Some embodiments include a first set of vapor-tight structures connected by hollow interior spaces to form a condenser. The vapor impermeable structure is also liquid impermeable. Depending on the embodiment, the vapor impermeable structure may be made of a tube, a tubular structure, a region of roll bonded material, or other material. Some embodiments include a condenser formed from a first set of vapor-impermeable structures, wherein the vapor-impermeable structures have a plurality of portions, and each portion is connected to a connector at a lower location. Some embodiments include a condenser formed from a first set of vapor-impermeable structures, where the vapor-impermeable structures have a plurality of portions, and each portion is connected to a connector at a lower location and to at least one other portion at an upper location. Some embodiments include a condenser formed from a first set of vapor-impermeable structures, wherein the vapor-impermeable structures have a plurality of portions, and each portion is connected to a connector at a lower location and at least one intermediate location height. For example, in some embodiments, the first set of vapor-impermeable structures form a zig-zag pattern, and the structures are connected to each other at intersections of the pattern.

Some embodiments include a second group of vapor-impermeable structures connected by hollow interior spaces to form an evaporator. The vapor impermeable structure is also liquid impermeable. Depending on the embodiment, the vapor impermeable structure may be made of a tube, a tubular structure, a region of roll bonded material, or other material. Some embodiments include an evaporator formed from a second set of vapor-impermeable structures, where the vapor-impermeable structures have a plurality of portions, and each portion is connected to a connector at an upper location. Some embodiments include an evaporator formed from a second set of vapor-impermeable structures, where the vapor-impermeable structures have a plurality of portions, and each portion is connected to a connector at an upper location and to at least one other portion at a lower location. Some embodiments include an evaporator formed from a second set of vapor-impermeable structures, wherein the vapor-impermeable structures have a plurality of portions, and each portion is connected to a connector at an upper location and at least one intermediate location level. For example, in some embodiments, the second set of vapor-impermeable structures form a zig-zag pattern, and the structures are connected to each other at intersections of the pattern.

In some embodiments, the heat transfer system is made of a continuous roll bonding material, wherein the roll bonding material includes an evaporator, a condenser, and one or more connectors. For example, the roll-bond material may be made with desired internal channels to form the evaporator, condenser and one or more channels between the evaporator and condenser, wherein the initially substantially flat roll-bond material is bent at the time of manufacture to form the storage region and/or walls of the liquid-impermeable container. For example, a roll bonded material made to include an evaporator, a condenser, and one or more connectors and that is substantially flat at the time of manufacture may be reconfigured to form the sides of the storage region and/or liquid impermeable container after manufacture, and the reconfigured form may be integrated into a refrigeration device during assembly of the refrigeration device. In some embodiments, a refrigeration device comprises: one or more walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold a phase change material inside a refrigeration device; at least one active refrigeration unit comprising a set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; a sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls and the set of evaporator coils; one or more walls substantially forming a storage region; a heat transfer system, the heat transfer system comprising: a first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form a condenser, the condenser being in thermal contact with one or more walls that substantially form a liquid-impermeable container; a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form an evaporator in thermal contact with one or more walls substantially forming a storage region; and a connector attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior space of the condenser and the hollow interior space of the evaporator; and a controller operably attached to the at least one active refrigeration unit and the sensor.

In some embodiments, the refrigeration device further comprises: a thermally conductive wall integral with the liquid-impermeable container, the thermally conductive wall including an area that protrudes beyond an edge of the liquid-impermeable container; a housing attached to an area of the thermally conductive wall that protrudes beyond an edge of the liquid-impermeable container of the thermally conductive wall, the housing including a thermally insulating layer adjacent the area of the thermally conductive wall; and a frame attached within the housing, the frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing the phase change material. During use, as heat passes through the sides of the refrigeration unit, the heat spreads along the thermally conductive wall, including to the liquid-tight container. This heat dissipation helps maintain the internal storage region of the enclosure within a predetermined temperature range to freeze the one or more containers of phase change material. For example, the thermally conductive wall may comprise a thermally conductive metal, such as copper or aluminum. For example, the insulation layer may comprise a standard insulating material as used in refrigeration equipment, such as foam insulation or one or more vacuum insulation panels. A frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material, wherein the frame is attached within the enclosure, may include frame elements, such as one or more positioning elements and/or one or more tensioning elements.

Fig. 8 depicts aspects of a refrigeration device in a basic cross-sectional view. For illustration purposes, fig. 8 shows portions of a refrigeration device that may be combined with other features described herein. Fig. 8 depicts a liquid-impermeable container 300 that includes a substantially planar wall 320. The interior space of liquid-impermeable container 300 includes a region 305 therein of a size and shape to form a space adjacent a set of refrigeration coils. The outer vertical wall of the substantially planar wall 320 of the liquid-impermeable container 300 is a thermally conductive wall 805. The thermally conductive wall 805 in combination with the lower outer wall 830 and the lower wall of the liquid-impermeable container 300 forms an enclosure 810. Positioned within the housing 810 adjacent to the walls of the housing 810 is a thermal insulation layer 820. A frame 600 having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material is positioned within insulation layer 820. In the illustrated embodiment, inner wall 850 separates insulation from phase change material layer 840 positioned between insulation 820 and frame 600. In an embodiment, the system is integrated in such a way that the system operates as a unique system configured specifically for the function of the refrigeration device, and any associated computing devices of the system operate as a special purpose computer for the claimed system, rather than a general purpose computer. In an embodiment, at least one associated computing device of the system operates as a special purpose computer for the claimed system, rather than a general purpose computer. In an embodiment, at least one associated computing device of the system is hardwired with a specific ROM to instruct the at least one computing device. In embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that refrigeration devices and systems implement improvements in at least the field of intermittent power source based refrigeration technology, such as in remote or resource challenged areas.

The disclosure has been made with reference to various exemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the various operational steps and components for performing the operational steps may be implemented in alternative ways depending on the particular application or in consideration of any number of cost functions associated with operation of the system; for example, one or more steps may be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps.

Furthermore, the principles of the present disclosure, including components, may be reflected in a computer program product on a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code means embodied in the storage medium. Any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be used, including magnetic storage devices (hard disks, floppy disks, etc.), optical storage devices (CD-ROMs, DVDs, blu-ray discs, etc.), flash memory, and/or the like. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified. For example, the computer program instructions may be integrated into the circuitry of the controller of an embodiment of the refrigeration appliance. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including means which implement the specified function. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified.

In a general sense, the various aspects described herein may be implemented individually and/or collectively by various types of hardware, software (e.g., a high-level computer program serving as a hardware specification), firmware, and/or any combination thereof, and may be viewed as being comprised of various types of "circuitry". Thus, as used herein, "circuitry" includes, but is not limited to, circuitry having at least one discrete circuit, circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially performs the processes and/or apparatuses described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially performs the processes and/or apparatuses described herein), circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., in the form of memory (e.g., random access, flash memory, read only, etc.)), and/or circuitry forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, an optoelectronic device, etc.). The subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital manner, or some combination thereof.

The present specification has been described with reference to various embodiments. However, various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope thereof. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to various embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, or apparatus.

Aspects of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

1. a refrigeration device comprising:

one or more walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold a phase change material inside a refrigeration device;

at least one active refrigeration unit comprising a set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container;

one or more walls substantially forming a storage region; and

a heat transfer system, the heat transfer system comprising: a first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form a condenser, the condenser being in thermal contact with one or more walls that substantially form a liquid-impermeable container; a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form an evaporator in thermal contact with one or more walls substantially forming a storage region; and a connector having a hollow interior attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior of the condenser and the hollow interior of the evaporator.

2. The refrigeration device of clause 1, wherein the liquid-impermeable container is positioned above the storage area in the refrigeration device.

3. The refrigeration unit of clause 1, wherein the liquid impermeable container comprises:

an orifice having a size, shape, and location that allows the set of evaporator coils to extend over the orifice; and

a liquid-impermeable seal between a surface of the orifice and a surface of the set of evaporator coils.

4. The refrigeration device of clause 1, wherein the one or more walls that substantially form the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, and the condenser is positioned adjacent to a surface of at least one of the plurality of layers.

5. The refrigeration device of clause 1, wherein the one or more walls that substantially form the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the one or more layers comprises non-planar regions to form a plurality of sides of the liquid-impermeable container.

6. The refrigeration device of clause 1, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the storage region comprise an aperture having a location, size, and shape that forms an access opening.

7. The refrigeration device of clause 1, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the storage region comprise an aperture having a position, size, and shape that reversibly mates with a door.

8. The refrigeration apparatus of clause 1, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the storage region form five sides of a rectangular parallelepiped structure.

9. The refrigeration device of clause 1, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the storage region comprise a plurality of layers, and the evaporator is positioned adjacent to a surface of at least one of the plurality of layers.

10. The refrigeration apparatus of clause 1, wherein the at least one active refrigeration unit comprises:

an active refrigeration system.

11. The refrigeration apparatus of clause 1, wherein the at least one active refrigeration unit comprises:

an electric compression system.

12. The refrigeration unit of clause 1, wherein the at least one active refrigeration unit including the set of evaporator coils comprises:

a first section of the set of evaporator coils positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the one or more walls that substantially form the liquid-impermeable container;

a second section of the set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; and

a frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material, the frame being in thermal contact with the first section of the set of evaporator coils.

13. The refrigeration unit of clause 1, wherein the heat transfer system forms a unidirectional heat conductor within the refrigeration unit.

14. The refrigeration unit of clause 1, wherein the heat transfer system comprises a continuous substantially sealed hollow interior space, and a vaporized liquid sealed within the continuous substantially sealed hollow interior space.

15. The refrigeration unit of clause 1, wherein the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected with a hollow interior space to form the condenser form a branching structure.

16. The refrigeration unit of clause 1, wherein the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the condenser is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

17. The refrigeration unit of clause 1, wherein the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the condenser is in direct thermal contact with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

18. The refrigeration unit of clause 1, wherein the second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected with hollow interior spaces to form the evaporator form a branching structure.

19. The refrigeration unit of clause 1, wherein the second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the evaporator is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

20. The refrigeration unit of clause 1, wherein the second set of vapor-impermeable structures that connect with a hollow interior to form the evaporator are in direct thermal contact with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

21. The refrigeration unit of clause 1, wherein the connector is a substantially linear structure that is positioned substantially vertically when the refrigeration unit is in the use position.

22. The refrigeration unit of clause 1, wherein the connector includes a plurality of conduits attached at first ends to the evaporator and at second ends to the condenser, and wherein each conduit is positioned and configured to provide a bi-directional flow path for liquid and vapor between the interior of the evaporator and the interior space of the condenser.

23. The refrigeration apparatus according to clause 1, further comprising:

a phase change material located within the liquid-impermeable container.

24. The refrigeration apparatus according to clause 1, further comprising:

an access cover within a top surface of the liquid-impermeable container, the access cover configured for user access into an interior space of the liquid-impermeable container.

25. The refrigeration apparatus according to clause 1, further comprising:

at least one valve connected to the connector, the valve being positioned and configured to reversibly control a size of the hollow interior space of the connector.

26. The refrigeration apparatus according to clause 1, further comprising:

at least one sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls and the set of evaporator coils; and

a controller operably attached to the at least one active refrigeration unit and the sensor.

27. The refrigeration unit of clause 26, wherein the controller comprises:

a circuit for turning on and off the at least one active refrigeration unit in response to data received from the sensor.

28. The refrigeration apparatus according to clause 1, further comprising:

a thermal control device connected to the connector, the thermal control device positioned and configured to reversibly control a size of the hollow interior space of the connector;

at least one sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls and the set of evaporator coils; and

a controller operably attached to the thermal control device and the sensor.

29. The refrigeration unit of clause 28, wherein the controller comprises:

a circuit for sending a control signal to the thermal control device in response to data received from the sensor.

30. The refrigeration apparatus according to clause 1, further comprising:

a frame attached to an outer surface of the one or more walls substantially forming the liquid-impermeable container at a location distal to the condenser, the frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material; and

at least one tensioner within the frame oriented to press the one or more containers against the one or more walls.

31. The refrigeration apparatus of clause 30, wherein the frame includes at least one positioning element oriented to assist in positioning the one or more containers for frozen phase change material adjacent the outer surface of the one or more walls.

32. The refrigeration unit of clause 30, wherein the frame is located within a second liquid-impermeable container.

33. The refrigeration apparatus according to clause 1, further comprising:

a housing surrounding the liquid-impermeable container, the set of evaporator coils, one or more walls substantially forming a storage area, and the heat transfer system; and

a door within the housing positioned to reversibly allow a user to access the storage area.

34. The refrigeration apparatus according to clause 1, further comprising:

a power monitor operably attached to the controller.

35. The refrigeration apparatus according to clause 1, further comprising:

a thermally conductive wall integral with the liquid-impermeable container, the thermally conductive wall comprising an area that protrudes beyond an edge of the liquid-impermeable container;

a housing attached to the area of the thermally conductive wall that protrudes beyond an edge of the liquid-impermeable container of the thermally conductive wall, the housing including a thermally insulating layer adjacent to the area of the thermally conductive wall; and

a frame attached within the enclosure, the frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material.

36. A refrigeration device comprising:

one or more walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold a phase change material within a refrigeration device interior space, wherein the one or more walls integrally comprise a first set of vapor-impermeable structures whose hollow interior spaces are connected to form a condenser;

at least one active refrigeration unit comprising a set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container;

one or more walls substantially forming a storage region and integrally including a second set of vapor-impermeable structures whose hollow interior spaces are connected to form an evaporator; and

a connector attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior space of the condenser and the hollow interior space of the evaporator, wherein the condenser, the evaporator, and the connector form a heat transfer system integral with the refrigeration device.

37. The refrigeration device of clause 36, wherein the liquid-impermeable container is positioned above the storage area in the refrigeration device.

38. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the liquid impermeable container comprises:

an orifice having a size, shape, and location that allows the set of evaporator coils to extend over the orifice; and

a liquid-impermeable seal between a surface of the orifice and a surface of the set of evaporator coils.

39. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the one or more walls that substantially form the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, and the condenser is positioned adjacent to a surface of at least one of the plurality of layers.

40. The refrigeration device of clause 36, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the one or more layers comprises non-planar regions to form a plurality of sides of the liquid-impermeable container.

41. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected with hollow interior spaces to form the condenser form a branching structure.

42. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the condenser is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

43. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the condenser is in direct thermal contact with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

44. The refrigeration apparatus of clause 36, wherein the at least one active refrigeration unit comprises:

an active refrigeration system.

45. The refrigeration apparatus of clause 36, wherein the at least one active refrigeration unit comprises:

an electric compression system.

46. The refrigeration apparatus of clause 36, wherein the at least one active refrigeration unit comprises:

a first section of the set of evaporator coils positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the one or more walls that substantially form the liquid-impermeable container;

a second section of the set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; and

a frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material, the frame being in thermal contact with the first section of the set of evaporator coils.

47. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the storage region comprise an aperture having a location, size, and shape that forms an access opening.

48. The refrigeration device of clause 36, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the storage region comprise an aperture having a position, size, and shape that reversibly mates with a door.

49. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the storage region form five sides of a rectangular parallelepiped structure.

50. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the storage region comprise a plurality of layers, and the evaporator is positioned adjacent to a surface of at least one of the plurality of layers.

51. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior to form the evaporator form a branching structure.

52. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the evaporator is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

53. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the evaporator is in direct thermal contact with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

54. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the connector is a substantially linear structure that is positioned substantially vertically when the refrigeration unit is in the use position.

55. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of conduits attached at first ends to the evaporator and at second ends to the condenser, and wherein each conduit is positioned and configured to provide a bi-directional flow path for liquid and vapor between the interior space of the evaporator and the interior space of the condenser.

56. The refrigeration device of clause 36, wherein the heat transfer system forms a unidirectional heat conductor within the refrigeration device.

57. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, wherein the heat transfer system comprises a continuous substantially sealed hollow interior space, and a vaporized liquid sealed within the continuous substantially sealed hollow interior space.

58. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, further comprising:

a phase change material located within the liquid-impermeable container.

59. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, further comprising:

an access cover within a top surface of the liquid-impermeable container, the access cover configured for user access into an interior space of the liquid-impermeable container.

60. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, further comprising:

at least one thermal control device connected to the connector, the thermal control device positioned and configured to reversibly control a size of the hollow interior space of the connector.

61. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, further comprising:

at least one sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls and the set of evaporator coils; and

a controller operably attached to the at least one active refrigeration unit and the sensor.

62. The refrigeration unit of clause 61, wherein the controller comprises:

a circuit for turning on and off the at least one active refrigeration unit in response to data received from the sensor.

63. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, further comprising:

a thermal control device connected to the connector, the thermal control device positioned and configured to reversibly control a size of the hollow interior space of the connector;

at least one sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls and the set of evaporator coils; and

a controller operably attached to the thermal control device and the sensor.

64. The refrigeration unit of clause 63, wherein the controller comprises:

a circuit for sending a control signal to the thermal control device in response to data received from the sensor.

65. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, further comprising:

a frame attached to an outer surface of the one or more walls substantially forming the liquid-impermeable container at a location distal to the condenser, the frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material; and

at least one tensioner within the frame oriented to press the one or more containers against the one or more walls.

66. The refrigeration apparatus of clause 65, wherein the frame includes at least one positioning element oriented to facilitate positioning the one or more containers for frozen phase change material adjacent the outer surface of the one or more walls.

67. The refrigeration unit of clause 65, wherein the frame is located within a second liquid-impermeable container.

68. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, further comprising:

a housing surrounding the liquid-impermeable container, the set of evaporator coils, one or more walls substantially forming a storage area, and the heat transfer system; and

a door within the housing positioned to reversibly allow a user to access the storage area.

69. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, further comprising:

a power monitor operably attached to the controller.

70. The refrigeration unit of clause 36, further comprising:

a thermally conductive wall integral with the liquid-impermeable container, the thermally conductive wall comprising an area that protrudes beyond an edge of the liquid-impermeable container;

a housing attached to the area of the thermally conductive wall that protrudes beyond an edge of the liquid-impermeable container of the thermally conductive wall, the housing including a thermally insulating layer adjacent to the area of the thermally conductive wall; and

a frame attached within the enclosure, the frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material.

71. A refrigeration device comprising:

one or more walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold a phase change material inside a refrigeration device;

at least one active refrigeration unit comprising a set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container;

a sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls and the set of evaporator coils;

one or more walls substantially forming a storage region;

a heat transfer system, the heat transfer system comprising: a first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form a condenser, the condenser being in thermal contact with one or more walls that substantially form a liquid-impermeable container; a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form an evaporator in thermal contact with one or more walls substantially forming a storage region; and a connector attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior space of the condenser and the hollow interior space of the evaporator; and

a controller operably attached to the at least one active refrigeration unit and the sensor.

72. The refrigeration device of clause 71, wherein the liquid-impermeable container is positioned above the storage area in the refrigeration device.

73. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the liquid-impermeable container comprises:

an orifice having a size, shape, and location that allows the set of evaporator coils to extend over the orifice; and

a liquid-impermeable seal between a surface of the orifice and a surface of the set of evaporator coils.

74. The refrigeration apparatus of clause 71, wherein the one or more walls that substantially form the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, and the condenser is positioned adjacent to a surface of at least one of the plurality of layers.

75. The refrigeration apparatus of clause 71, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the one or more layers comprises non-planar regions to form a plurality of sides of the liquid-impermeable container.

76. The refrigeration apparatus of clause 71, wherein the at least one active refrigeration unit comprises:

an active refrigeration system.

77. The refrigeration apparatus of clause 71, wherein the at least one active refrigeration unit comprises:

an electric compression system.

78. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the at least one active refrigeration unit including the set of evaporator coils comprises:

a first section of the set of evaporator coils positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the one or more walls that substantially form the liquid-impermeable container;

a second section of the set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; and

a frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material, the frame being in thermal contact with the first section of the set of evaporator coils.

79. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls and the set of evaporator coils is positioned to be immersed in a phase change material when the refrigeration unit is in use.

80. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls and the set of evaporator coils comprises:

a temperature sensor.

81. The refrigeration device of clause 71, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the storage region comprise an aperture having a location, size, and shape that forms an access opening.

82. The refrigeration device of clause 71, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the storage region comprise an aperture having a position, size, and shape that reversibly mates with a door.

83. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the storage region form five sides of a rectangular parallelepiped structure.

84. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the one or more walls substantially forming the storage region comprise a plurality of layers, and the evaporator is positioned adjacent to a surface of at least one of the plurality of layers.

85. The refrigeration device of clause 71, wherein the heat transfer system forms a unidirectional heat conductor within the refrigeration device.

86. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the heat transfer system comprises a continuous substantially sealed hollow interior space, and a evaporative liquid sealed within the continuous substantially sealed hollow interior space.

87. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected with hollow interior spaces to form the condenser form a branching structure.

88. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the condenser is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

89. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the condenser is in direct thermal contact with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

90. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the second group of vapor-impermeable structures connected with hollow interior spaces to form the evaporator form a branching structure.

91. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the evaporator is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

92. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the evaporator is in direct thermal contact with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

93. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the connector is a substantially linear structure that is positioned substantially vertically when the refrigeration unit is in the use position.

94. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of conduits attached at first ends to the evaporator and at second ends to the condenser, and wherein each conduit is positioned and configured to provide a bi-directional flow path for liquid and vapor between the interior space of the evaporator and the interior space of the condenser.

95. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, wherein the controller comprises:

a circuit for turning on and off the at least one active refrigeration unit in response to data received from the sensor.

96. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, further comprising:

a phase change material located within the liquid-impermeable container.

97. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, further comprising:

an access cover within a top surface of the liquid-impermeable container, the access cover configured for user access into an interior space of the liquid-impermeable container.

98. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, further comprising:

at least one thermal control device connected to the connector, the at least one thermal control device positioned and configured to reversibly control a size of the hollow interior space of the connector.

99. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, further comprising:

a thermal control device connected to the connector, the thermal control device positioned and configured to reversibly control a size of the hollow interior space of the connector, the thermal control device operably attached to the controller and configured to receive a control signal from the controller.

100. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, further comprising:

a frame attached to an outer surface of the one or more walls substantially forming the liquid-impermeable container at a location distal to the condenser, the frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material; and

at least one tensioner within the frame oriented to press the one or more containers against the one or more walls.

101. The refrigeration apparatus of clause 100, wherein the frame comprises at least one positioning element oriented to facilitate positioning the one or more containers for frozen phase change material adjacent the outer surface of the one or more walls.

102. The refrigeration unit of clause 100, wherein the frame is located within a second liquid-impermeable container.

103. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, further comprising:

a housing surrounding the liquid-impermeable container, the set of evaporator coils, one or more walls substantially forming a storage area, and the heat transfer system; and

a door within the housing positioned to reversibly allow a user to access the storage area.

104. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, further comprising:

a power monitor operably attached to the controller.

105. The refrigeration unit of clause 71, further comprising:

a thermally conductive wall integral with the liquid-impermeable container, the thermally conductive wall comprising an area that protrudes beyond an edge of the liquid-impermeable container;

a housing attached to the area of the thermally conductive wall that protrudes beyond an edge of the liquid-impermeable container of the thermally conductive wall, the housing including a thermally insulating layer adjacent to the area of the thermally conductive wall; and

a frame attached within the enclosure, the frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material.

All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in any application data sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, to the extent they do not conflict herewith. While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (34)

1. A refrigeration device comprising:

one or more walls forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold a phase change material inside a refrigeration device;

at least one active refrigeration unit comprising a set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container;

one or more walls forming a storage area; and

a heat transfer system, the heat transfer system comprising: a first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form a condenser, the condenser in thermal contact with the one or more walls forming a liquid-impermeable container; a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected with their hollow interior spaces to form an evaporator, the evaporator in thermal contact with the one or more walls forming a storage region; and a connector having a hollow interior attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior of the condenser and the hollow interior of the evaporator;

wherein the refrigeration device further comprises any one of the following three structures a), b) and c):

a) the at least one active refrigeration unit comprises: a first section of the set of evaporator coils positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container; a second section of the set of evaporator coils, the second section being located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; and a frame sized and shaped to enclose one or more containers for freezing the phase change material, the frame being in thermal contact with the first section of the set of evaporator coils;

b) the refrigeration apparatus further includes: a frame attached to an outer surface of the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container at a location distal to the condenser, the frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material; and at least one tensioner within the frame oriented to press the one or more containers against the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container;

c) the refrigeration apparatus further includes: a thermally conductive wall integral with the liquid-impermeable container, the thermally conductive wall comprising an area that protrudes beyond an edge of the liquid-impermeable container; a housing attached to the area of the thermally conductive wall that protrudes beyond the edge of the liquid-impermeable container of the thermally conductive wall, the housing including a thermally insulating layer adjacent to the area of the thermally conductive wall; and a frame attached within the enclosure, the frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing the phase change material.

2. The refrigeration device of claim 1, wherein the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, and the condenser is positioned adjacent a surface of at least one of the plurality of layers.

3. The refrigeration device of claim 1, wherein the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the one or more layers comprises non-planar regions to form a plurality of sides of the liquid-impermeable container.

4. The refrigeration device of claim 1, wherein the one or more walls forming the storage region comprise a plurality of layers, and the evaporator is positioned adjacent to a surface of at least one of the plurality of layers.

5. The refrigeration unit of claim 1, wherein the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the condenser is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

6. The refrigeration unit of claim 1, wherein the second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior to form the evaporator is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

7. The refrigeration unit of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of conduits attached at first ends to the evaporator and at second ends to the condenser, and wherein each conduit is positioned and configured to provide a bi-directional flow path for liquid and vapor between the interior space of the evaporator and the interior space of the condenser.

8. The refrigeration unit of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one valve connected to the connector, the valve being positioned and configured to reversibly control a size of the hollow interior space of the connector.

9. The refrigeration unit of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container and the set of evaporator coils; and

a controller operably attached to the at least one active refrigeration unit and the sensor.

10. The refrigeration unit of claim 1, further comprising:

a thermal control device connected to the connector, the thermal control device positioned and configured to reversibly control a size of the hollow interior space of the connector;

at least one sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container and the set of evaporator coils; and

a controller operably attached to the thermal control device and the sensor.

11. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising:

a power monitor operably attached to the controller.

12. A refrigeration device comprising:

one or more walls forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold a phase change material inside a refrigeration device, wherein the one or more walls integrally comprise a first set of vapor-impermeable structures whose hollow interior spaces are connected to form a condenser;

at least one active refrigeration unit comprising a set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container;

one or more walls forming a storage region and integrally including a second set of vapor-impermeable structures whose hollow interior spaces are connected to form an evaporator; and

a connector attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming liquid and vapor flow paths between the hollow interior space of the condenser and the hollow interior space of the evaporator, wherein the condenser, the evaporator, and the connector form a heat transfer system integral with the refrigeration device;

wherein the refrigeration device further comprises any one of the following three structures a), b) and c):

a) the at least one active refrigeration unit comprises: a first section of the set of evaporator coils positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container; a second section of the set of evaporator coils, the second section being located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; and a frame sized and shaped to enclose one or more containers for freezing the phase change material, the frame being in thermal contact with the first section of the set of evaporator coils;

b) the refrigeration apparatus further includes: a frame attached to an outer surface of the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container at a location distal to the condenser, the frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material; and at least one tensioner within the frame oriented to press the one or more containers against the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container;

c) the refrigeration apparatus further includes: a thermally conductive wall integral with the liquid-impermeable container, the thermally conductive wall comprising an area that protrudes beyond an edge of the liquid-impermeable container; a housing attached to the area of the thermally conductive wall that protrudes beyond the edge of the liquid-impermeable container of the thermally conductive wall, the housing including a thermally insulating layer adjacent to the area of the thermally conductive wall; and a frame attached within the enclosure, the frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing the phase change material.

13. The refrigeration device of claim 12, wherein the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, and the condenser is positioned adjacent a surface of at least one of the plurality of layers.

14. The refrigeration device of claim 12, wherein the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the one or more layers comprises non-planar regions to form a plurality of sides of the liquid-impermeable container.

15. The refrigeration unit of claim 12, wherein the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior to form the condenser form a branching structure.

16. The refrigeration unit of claim 12, wherein the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the condenser is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

17. The refrigeration unit of claim 12, wherein the one or more walls forming the storage region form five sides of a rectangular parallelepiped structure.

18. The refrigeration unit of claim 12, wherein the second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior to form the evaporator form a branching structure.

19. The refrigeration unit of claim 12, wherein the second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior to form the evaporator is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

20. The refrigeration unit of claim 12, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of conduits attached at first ends to the evaporator and at second ends to the condenser, and wherein each conduit is positioned and configured to provide a bi-directional flow path for liquid and vapor between the interior space of the evaporator and the interior space of the condenser.

21. The refrigeration unit of claim 12, further comprising:

at least one sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container and the set of evaporator coils; and

a controller operably attached to the at least one active refrigeration unit and the sensor.

22. The refrigeration unit of claim 12, further comprising:

a thermal control device connected to the connector, the thermal control device positioned and configured to reversibly control a size of the hollow interior space of the connector;

at least one sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container and the set of evaporator coils; and

a controller operably attached to the thermal control device and the sensor.

23. The refrigeration apparatus of claim 21 or 22, further comprising:

a power monitor operably attached to the controller.

24. A refrigeration device comprising:

one or more walls forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold a phase change material inside a refrigeration device;

at least one active refrigeration unit comprising a set of evaporator coils located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container;

a sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container and the set of evaporator coils;

one or more walls forming a storage area;

a heat transfer system, the heat transfer system comprising: a first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected by their hollow interior spaces to form a condenser, the condenser in thermal contact with the one or more walls forming a liquid-impermeable container; a second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected with their hollow interior spaces to form an evaporator, the evaporator in thermal contact with the one or more walls forming a storage region; and a connector attached to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming a liquid and vapor flow path between the hollow interior space of the condenser and the hollow interior space of the evaporator; and

a controller operably attached to the at least one active refrigeration unit and the sensor;

wherein the refrigeration device further comprises any one of the following three structures a), b) and c):

a) the at least one active refrigeration unit comprises: a first section of the set of evaporator coils positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container; a second section of the set of evaporator coils, the second section being located within the interior space of the liquid-impermeable container; and a frame sized and shaped to enclose one or more containers for freezing the phase change material, the frame being in thermal contact with the first section of the set of evaporator coils;

b) the refrigeration apparatus further includes: a frame attached to an outer surface of the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container at a location distal to the condenser, the frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing phase change material; and at least one tensioner within the frame oriented to press the one or more containers against the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container;

c) the refrigeration apparatus further includes: a thermally conductive wall integral with the liquid-impermeable container, the thermally conductive wall comprising an area that protrudes beyond an edge of the liquid-impermeable container; a housing attached to the area of the thermally conductive wall that protrudes beyond the edge of the liquid-impermeable container of the thermally conductive wall, the housing including a thermally insulating layer adjacent to the area of the thermally conductive wall; and a frame attached within the enclosure, the frame having a size and shape that encloses one or more containers for freezing the phase change material.

25. The refrigeration device of claim 24, wherein the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, and the condenser is positioned adjacent a surface of at least one of the plurality of layers.

26. The refrigeration device of claim 24, wherein the one or more walls forming the liquid-impermeable container comprise a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the one or more layers comprises non-planar regions to form a plurality of sides of the liquid-impermeable container.

27. The refrigeration unit of claim 24, wherein the sensor located within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container and the set of evaporator coils is positioned to be immersed in a phase change material when the refrigeration unit is in use.

28. The refrigeration unit of claim 24, wherein the sensor positioned within the liquid-impermeable container between the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container and the set of evaporator coils comprises:

a temperature sensor.

29. The refrigeration unit of claim 24, wherein the first set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior space to form the condenser is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

30. The refrigeration unit of claim 24, wherein the second set of vapor-impermeable structures connected in a hollow interior to form the evaporator is integral with at least one of the one or more walls of the liquid-impermeable container.

31. The refrigeration unit of claim 24, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of conduits attached at first ends to the evaporator and at second ends to the condenser, and wherein each conduit is positioned and configured to provide a bi-directional flow path for liquid and vapor between the interior space of the evaporator and the interior space of the condenser.

32. The refrigeration unit of claim 24, further comprising:

at least one thermal control device connected to the connector, the at least one thermal control device positioned and configured to reversibly control a size of the hollow interior space of the connector.

33. The refrigeration unit of claim 24, wherein the frame is positioned within a second liquid-impermeable container when the refrigeration unit includes the b) structure.

34. The refrigeration unit of claim 24, further comprising:

a power monitor operably attached to the controller.

Images