EP1110043B1 - Method and device for cooling a container - Google Patents

Method and device for cooling a container Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1110043B1
EP1110043B1 EP99941617A EP99941617A EP1110043B1 EP 1110043 B1 EP1110043 B1 EP 1110043B1 EP 99941617 A EP99941617 A EP 99941617A EP 99941617 A EP99941617 A EP 99941617A EP 1110043 B1 EP1110043 B1 EP 1110043B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
refrigerating
cold storage
storage plate
medium
insulating container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99941617A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1110043A1 (en
Inventor
Franz Luerken
H. Peter Jachmich
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH
Original Assignee
Messer Griesheim GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Messer Griesheim GmbH filed Critical Messer Griesheim GmbH
Publication of EP1110043A1 publication Critical patent/EP1110043A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1110043B1 publication Critical patent/EP1110043B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D3/10—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using liquefied gases, e.g. liquid air
    • F25D3/105—Movable containers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D3/02—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using ice, e.g. ice-boxes
    • F25D3/06—Movable containers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D9/00—Devices not associated with refrigerating machinery and not covered by groups F25D1/00 - F25D7/00; Combinations of devices covered by two or more of the groups F25D1/00 - F25D7/00
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
    • F25D2303/082—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid disposed in a cold storage element not forming part of a container for products to be cooled, e.g. ice pack or gel accumulator
    • F25D2303/0822—Details of the element
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
    • F25D2303/084—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled
    • F25D2303/0844—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled above the product
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
    • F25D2331/804—Boxes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for cooling a Insulated container and their use.
  • EP-A2-0 816 781 A corresponding device and a method according to the closest prior art is shown in EP-A2-0 816 781.
  • the MG Gas Products snow-shooting system uses individual floors a transport container cooled with -78.9 ° C cold carbon dioxide snow (gas current, issue 44, page 39, Messer Griesheim GmbH, 1993).
  • a use of dry ice for cooling purposes is in DE 29 29 666 A1 described.
  • a drawer holds dry ice in one for the transportation of food and beverages in passenger aviation provided insulating container is arranged.
  • Liquid nitrogen is used to cool insulated containers.
  • the in one vacuum insulated container stored under a refrigerated vehicle Nitrogen is sprayed in gaseous form in the cargo area, where it provides thermal energy to the cargo area air withdrawn to cool the temperature-sensitive substances contained therein (Gaslique, issue 51, page 8, Messer Griesheim GmbH, 1996).
  • cold storage plates which with a liquid, a so-called “eutectic liquid” or cooling brine are filled for cooling purposes used.
  • these liquids are called “eutectic liquid” called.
  • eutectic liquid By cooling the eutectic liquid freezes in the Cold storage plate and can store the cold.
  • latent Heat of fusion during the melting process of the frozen eutectic liquid heat is extracted from the surroundings and the surroundings cool down.
  • the maximal Efficiency of the cold storage plate is given when the eutectic Liquid is completely frozen. To do this, the freezing temperature should at least 5 ° C below the melting temperature of the eutectic liquid.
  • a cold storage plate with a freezing temperature of - 21 ° C to be cooled down to at least -26 ° C.
  • the term "cold storage plate” here includes all containers with fixed or flexible walls, for example also Foil bags that have a cavity to hold the frozen or solid Have liquid.
  • Cooling modules with cryogenic liquid or snow-shaped carbon dioxide or cryogenic liquid nitrogen as cooling media are only for special insulated containers can be used and due to the relatively low temperatures Cooling media negatively affect or damage the goods to be cooled, especially in direct contact with the goods to be cooled.
  • Cold storage plates have only a relatively small and often inadequate one Cooling capacity.
  • Dry ice also has a relatively low level Cooling capacity and is also relatively expensive.
  • the known cooling systems are so far not flexible enough, that means Cooling capacity cannot be adjusted so, for example, on the one hand To cool frozen goods and on the other hand fresh service goods with one system.
  • the existing insulated containers cannot be used optimally.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to provide an apparatus and a method for To create an insulated container, which can also be used for different purposes Cooling tasks optimally adapted cooling capacities can be guaranteed.
  • insulated container all conceivable types are at least to understand partially closed containers, for example containers, Cupboards, trolleys or trolleys, usually one have thermally insulating wall and in which temperature sensitive Products maintaining a certain temperature for one can be stored or transported for a certain period of time.
  • the device according to the invention has the advantage that part of the cooling capacity of the first cooling medium is initially absorbed by the second cooling medium can be. An initial hypothermia of the to cooling goods can be avoided. Later the coldness of the second Coolant released again, which significantly extends the cooling time.
  • the second cooling medium thus acts as a cold buffer and cold storage.
  • a cooling module is designed so that a cooling effect of a first cooling medium through an evaporating cryogenic liquefied supercritical or solid gas is achieved, and a cold storage plate is so formed that a cooling effect of a second cooling medium by a heat-consuming melting process of a solid substance or mixture of substances is achieved.
  • evaporating cryogenic liquefied, supercritical or solid gas is here at normal room temperature (approx. 23 ° C) and at normal pressure (approx.
  • At least one cooling module and at least one Cold storage plate arranged adjacent.
  • the cooling module and / or Cold storage plate within the thermally insulating walls of the Insulated container are arranged.
  • the cooling module and / or at least one Cold storage plate adjacent to a wall of the insulated container to arrange and train so that the cold content of the wall of the Insulated container is cooled, the wall in particular also the top of the insulated container.
  • At least one cooling module and at least one Cold storage plate arranged adjacent the arrangement is done in such a way that at least some of the cold is released from the cooling module is led directly to the cold storage plate.
  • the cooling module has an opening, which is arranged or designed so that the escaping from the opening essentially gaseous first cooling medium corresponding to at least one arranged cold storage plate is supplied.
  • This is advantageous with With the help of the gaseous first cooling medium, essentially the second one Cooled cooling medium and, if necessary, the wall of the insulating container cooled before the first cooling medium to the atmosphere in the interior of the Insulated container that directly surrounds the goods to be cooled.
  • the cooling module has an opening on the top.
  • the cold storage plate is below the cooling module in the Insulated container arranged.
  • the cold storage plate thus advantageously acts as a buffer against excessive cooling effect on the underside of the cooling module.
  • the cooling module is made of stainless steel, particularly preferably made of RVS 304.
  • liquid nitrogen or liquid is used as the first cooling medium or solid carbon dioxide, but particularly preferably liquid nitrogen, used.
  • solid carbon dioxide here is carbon dioxide granular, lumpy or snow-shaped, but preferably snow-shaped Form to understand.
  • a liquid is a eutectic liquid use.
  • the eutectic liquid has a freezing temperature of 0 to -40 ° C, particularly preferably from about -2 to -4 ° C.
  • the cold storage plate (s) from the insulating container removable, so that it can be easily replaced
  • the Invention is also provided that for certain applications, for Example of deep-freeze transport, including the cooling module from the insulated container is removable and can be replaced just as easily.
  • the height of the cooling module is 50 to 200 mm, preferably 60 to 100 mm.
  • the thermal insulation of the cooling module is preferred vacuum insulation.
  • the vacuum of this vacuum insulation is preferably less than 20 mbar, particularly preferably 0.01 to 1 mbar.
  • a gas filling the interior with carbon dioxide or argon be used.
  • the cooling module with the aid of a filling device first cooling medium supplied to a device for controlling the filling quantity is assigned, which has a shut-off device and one in operative connection with the shut-off device has standing timer, with the help of which Duration of the supply of the first cooling medium is controlled in the cooling module.
  • a valve or a slide, for example, is used as the shut-off device used.
  • Cold storage plate has devices which are operatively connected to appropriate facilities of the insulated container and inserting the insulating container, storage in the insulating container and easy removal from the insulated container.
  • the intake volume of the cooling module is up to 20,000 g, preferably 500 to 15000g, on the first cooling medium. It can be beneficial Differing amount of first cooling medium can be filled into the cooling module.
  • the amount of the first cooling medium to be filled is of a variety of Depending on parameters, for example depending on the outside temperature temperature to be observed in the insulated container, the initial temperature of the Insulated container, the type of product in the insulated container, the duration of the Keep cool, the mode of transport and / or the type and size of the insulated container
  • the opening for filling the Cooling module with the first cooling medium at the same time as an opening for releasing the formed gaseous first cooling medium is used.
  • This opening can be advantageous be provided with a flap, which by its own mass due to the Gravity or with the help of a suitable locking mechanism is kept closed and only at a certain pressure inside the Cooling module opened by gaseous first cooling medium forming can be.
  • the opening of the cooling module can, especially when using carbon dioxide as the first cooling medium, according to the invention with an essentially only for that Gaseous first cooling medium permeable structure may be provided.
  • Cooling module granular, lumpy or snow-shaped, solid carbon dioxide supplied, so can entrained or emerging, essentially Gaseous carbon dioxide through the opening in the cooling module with the gas permeable structure escape, so that essentially the entire Amount of solid carbon dioxide supplied remains in the cooling module and for Cooling is available.
  • the cooling module has a connection piece for the insulating Evacuate wall of the cooling module or the existing vacuum measure up.
  • the substantially vertical wall of the Insulated container so formed on the inner surface for example by a certain, lamellar structure of the surface that in the upper area of the Insulating container resulting gaseous first cooling medium better in the lower region of the insulating container falls or flows.
  • This can advantageously Temperature distribution within the insulated container can be improved.
  • the object is further achieved by a method in which the cooling of the Insulated container by at least one cooling module and at least one if necessary Cold storage plate is made using at least two cooling media if required, wherein a cooling effect of a first cooling medium from its release a cooling module is achieved in its environment, and in which, if necessary Cooling effect of a second cooling medium in a cold storage plate whose change in state is achieved, the second cooling medium in the Cold storage plate remains and is not released in its environment.
  • the method has a cooling effect of a first Cooling medium through an evaporating cryogenic liquefied, supercritical or solid gas is achieved and a cooling effect of a second cooling medium becomes by a heat-consuming melting process of a solid substance or Fabric mixture achieved.
  • a eutectic liquid is used as the second cooling medium used.
  • At least part of the cooling capacity of the first cooling medium is consumed by the second cooling medium to convert at least partially liquid state into a solid state.
  • an insulated container the facilities has to accommodate at least one cooling module, which has a first Contains cooling medium and is designed so that a cooling effect Release of the first cooling medium from the cooling module in its environment is achieved, and has facilities to at least one Record cold storage plate, which contains a second cooling medium and so is formed that a cooling effect of the second cooling medium by a Change in state of the second cooling medium is achieved, the second Cooling medium remains in the cold storage plate and not in its vicinity is released.
  • the insulating container has appropriate facilities to the previously described Embodiments of the device and the method for cooling analogously apply and perform.
  • the inventive method, the device and the insulating container preferably used for cooling food.
  • the insulating container 1 shown in Fig. 1 has a thermally insulating Wall 2 on. Inside the insulating container 1 there is a cooling module 3 and a cooling module Cold storage plate 4 arranged.
  • the cooling module 3 has a double wall Stainless steel, the space between which is evacuated.
  • Cooling module 3 is an advantageous arrangement of the cooling module 3 and the Cold storage plate 4 shown in the insulating container 1.
  • the cooling module 3 In the upper area within of the insulating container 1 with a thermally insulating wall 2 is one Cold storage plate 4 is arranged and below the cold storage plate 4 is a Cooling module 3 arranged.
  • a nozzle 6 On the end face 5 of the cooling module 3 are a nozzle 6 for filling with liquid nitrogen and a nozzle 7 for evacuation and arranged to control the vacuum.
  • the cooling module 3 has an opening 8 on the top (hatched area in Fig. 2), causing escaping gaseous first cooling medium essentially first to the Cold storage plate 4 arrives to cool it.
  • the first cooling medium is thus initially the second cooling medium added, thereby filling the cooling module 3 with the first cooling medium an initial hypothermia of the goods to be cooled can be avoided.
  • the second cooling medium thus advantageously acts as Cold buffers and cold stores.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for cooling an isolating container (1). According to the invention, at least one coolant module (3) is associated to said device. Said module comprises a first coolant agent and is designed in such a way that a cooling effect is produced in the environment of the coolant module (3) through release of the first cooling agent out of said module (3). Simultaneously, a cold accumulation plate (4) is also associated to said device. Said plate contains a second cooling agent and is designed in such a way that the cooling effect of the second cooling agent is produced through a change of state of said second cooling agent which remains in the cold accumulation plate (4) and is not released in the environment of said plate.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 und ein Verfahren zum Kühlen eines Isolierbehälters sowie deren Verwendung.The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for cooling a Insulated container and their use.

Eine entsprechende Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren nach dem nächstkommenden Stand der Technik zeigt EP-A2-0 816 781.A corresponding device and a method according to the closest prior art is shown in EP-A2-0 816 781.

Seit langer Zeit sind Methoden bekannt, die das Verderben von Lebensmitteln oder von anderen temperaturempfindlichen Stoffen hinauszögern. Insbesondere durch Kühlverfahren lassen sich die meisten Lebensmittel im verarbeiteten Zustand konservieren. Denn mit sinkender Temperatur verlangsamen sich physikalische, chemische, mikrobielle und enzymatische Reaktionen.Methods for spoiling food have been known for a long time or delay other temperature sensitive substances. In particular Most foods can be processed in the cooling process Preserve condition. Because as the temperature drops, they slow down physical, chemical, microbial and enzymatic reactions.

Zum Transport und zur Lagerung verderblicher Waren, insbesondere von Lebensmitteln, werden daher gekühlte Behälter eingesetzt.For the transport and storage of perishable goods, especially of Chilled containers are used.

Bei dem Snow-Shooting-System von MG Gas Products werden einzelne Etagen eines Transportbehälters mit -78,9 °C kaltem Kohlendioxid-Schnee gekühlt (Gas aktuell, Heft 44, Seite 39, Messer Griesheim GmbH, 1993).The MG Gas Products snow-shooting system uses individual floors a transport container cooled with -78.9 ° C cold carbon dioxide snow (gas current, issue 44, page 39, Messer Griesheim GmbH, 1993).

Eine Verwendung von Trockeneis für Kühlzwecke ist in der DE 29 29 666 A1 beschrieben. Eine Schublade dient zur Aufnahme von Trockeneis, die in einem zum Transport von Speisen und Getränken in der Passagierluftfahrt vorgesehenen Isolierbehälter angeordnet ist.A use of dry ice for cooling purposes is in DE 29 29 666 A1 described. A drawer holds dry ice in one for the transportation of food and beverages in passenger aviation provided insulating container is arranged.

Flüssiger Stickstoff wird zur Kühlung von Isolierbehältern eingesetzt. Beispielsweise wird beim Cryogen®-Trans-Verfahren der in einem vakuumisolierten Behälter unter einem Kühlfahrzeug gespeicherte flüssige Stickstoff gasförmig im Laderaum versprüht, wo er der Laderaumluft Wärmenergie entzieht, um die darin befindlichen temperaturempfindlichen Stoffe zu kühlen (Gas aktuell, Heft 51, Seite 8, Messer Griesheim GmbH, 1996).Liquid nitrogen is used to cool insulated containers. For example, with the Cryogen®-Trans process, the in one vacuum insulated container stored under a refrigerated vehicle Nitrogen is sprayed in gaseous form in the cargo area, where it provides thermal energy to the cargo area air withdrawn to cool the temperature-sensitive substances contained therein (Gas aktuell, issue 51, page 8, Messer Griesheim GmbH, 1996).

Auch Kältespeicherplatten, welche mit einer Flüssigkeit, einer sogenannten "eutektischen Flüssigkeit" oder Kühlsole gefüllt sind, werden zu Kühlzwecken eingesetzt. Im folgenden werden diese Flüssigkeiten "eutektische Flüssigkeit" genannt. Durch Abkühlung gefriert die eutektische Flüssigkeit in der Kältespeicherplatte und kann die Kälte speichern. Durch den Verbrauch latenter Schmelzwärme beim Aufschmelzvorgang der gefrorenen eutektischen Flüssigkeit wird der Umgebung Wärme entzogen und die Umgebung kühlt ab. Die maximale Wirksamkeit der Kältespeicherplatte ist gegeben, wenn die eutektische Flüssigkeit vollständig gefroren ist. Dazu sollte die Gefriertemperatur mindestens um 5°C unter der Schmelztemperatur der eutektischen Flüssigkeit liegen. Beispielsweise sollte eine Kältespeicherplatte mit einer Gefriertemperatur von - 21 °C auf mindestens -26 °C abgekühlt werden. Der Begriff "Kältespeicherplatte" umfaßt hier alle Behälter mit festen oder flexiblen Wänden, beispielsweise auch Folienbeutel, die einen Hohlraum zur Aufnahme der gefrorenen bzw. festen Flüssigkeit aufweisen.Also cold storage plates, which with a liquid, a so-called "eutectic liquid" or cooling brine are filled for cooling purposes used. In the following, these liquids are called "eutectic liquid" called. By cooling the eutectic liquid freezes in the Cold storage plate and can store the cold. By using latent Heat of fusion during the melting process of the frozen eutectic liquid heat is extracted from the surroundings and the surroundings cool down. The maximal Efficiency of the cold storage plate is given when the eutectic Liquid is completely frozen. To do this, the freezing temperature should at least 5 ° C below the melting temperature of the eutectic liquid. For example, a cold storage plate with a freezing temperature of - 21 ° C to be cooled down to at least -26 ° C. The term "cold storage plate" here includes all containers with fixed or flexible walls, for example also Foil bags that have a cavity to hold the frozen or solid Have liquid.

Die genannten Systeme weisen bestimmte Nachteile auf:The systems mentioned have certain disadvantages:

Kühlmodule mit tiekaltem flüssigen oder schneeförmigen Kohlendioxid oder tiekaltem flüssigen Stickstoff als Kühlmedien sind nur für spezielle Isolierbehälter einsetzbar und können aufgrund der relativ tiefen Temperaturen dieser Kühlmedien das zu kühlende Gut negativ beeinflussen oder schädigen, insbesondere bei einem direkten Kontakt mit dem zu kühlenden Gut. Kältespeicherplatten weisen eine nur relativ geringe und oftmals unzureichende Kühlleistung auf. Trockeneis besitzt ebenfalls nur eine relativ geringe Kühlleistung und ist zudem relativ teuer.Cooling modules with cryogenic liquid or snow-shaped carbon dioxide or cryogenic liquid nitrogen as cooling media are only for special insulated containers can be used and due to the relatively low temperatures Cooling media negatively affect or damage the goods to be cooled, especially in direct contact with the goods to be cooled. Cold storage plates have only a relatively small and often inadequate one Cooling capacity. Dry ice also has a relatively low level Cooling capacity and is also relatively expensive.

Die bekannten Kühlsysteme sind bislang nicht flexibel genug, daß bedeutet die Kühlleistung kann nicht so angepaßt werden, um zum Beispiel einerseits Tiefkühlwaren und andererseits Frischdienstwaren mit einem System zu kühlen. Die vorhandenen Isolierbehälter können so nicht optimal genutzt werden.The known cooling systems are so far not flexible enough, that means Cooling capacity cannot be adjusted so, for example, on the one hand To cool frozen goods and on the other hand fresh service goods with one system. The existing insulated containers cannot be used optimally.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zum Kühlen eines Isolierbehälters zu schaffen, mit welchem auch für unterschiedliche Kühlaufgaben optimal angepaßte Kühlleistungen gewährleistet werden können. The object of the invention is therefore to provide an apparatus and a method for To create an insulated container, which can also be used for different purposes Cooling tasks optimally adapted cooling capacities can be guaranteed.

Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch eine Vorrichtung mit den kennzeichnenden Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.The object is achieved by a device with the distinctive Features of claim 1 solved.

Unter dem Begriff "Isolierbehälter", sind alle denkbaren Arten von zumindest teilweise geschlossenen Behältern zu verstehen, zum Beispiel Container, Schränke, Transportkarren (Trolleys) oder Transportwagen, die in der Regel eine thermisch isolierende Wandung aufweisen und worin temperaturempfindliche Produkte unter Aufrechterhaltung einer bestimmten Temperatur für eine bestimmte Zeitdauer gelagert oder transportiert werden können.Under the term "insulated container", all conceivable types are at least to understand partially closed containers, for example containers, Cupboards, trolleys or trolleys, usually one have thermally insulating wall and in which temperature sensitive Products maintaining a certain temperature for one can be stored or transported for a certain period of time.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung hat den Vorteil, daß ein Teil der Kälteleistung des ersten Kühlmediums zunächst von dem zweiten Kühlmedium aufgenommen werden kann. Dadurch kann vorteilhaft eine anfängliche Unterkühlung des zu kühlenden Gutes vermieden werden. Später wird die Kälte des zweiten Kühlmediums wieder freigesetzt, wodurch die Kühlzeit deutlich verlängert wird. Das zweite Kühlmedium wirkt so als Kältepuffer und Kältespeicher.The device according to the invention has the advantage that part of the cooling capacity of the first cooling medium is initially absorbed by the second cooling medium can be. An initial hypothermia of the to cooling goods can be avoided. Later the coldness of the second Coolant released again, which significantly extends the cooling time. The second cooling medium thus acts as a cold buffer and cold storage.

Erfindungsgemäß ist ein Kühlmodul so ausgebildet, daß eine Kühlwirkung eines ersten Kühlmediums durch ein verdampfendes tiefkaltes verflüssigtes, überkritisches oder festes Gas erzielt wird, und eine Kältespeicherplatte ist so ausgebildet, daß eine Kühlwirkung eines zweiten Kühlmediums durch einen wärmeverzehrenden Aufschmelzvorgang eines festen Stoffes oder Stoffmischung erzielt wird. Unter dem Begriff "verdampfendes tiefkaltes verflüssigtes, überkritisches oder festes Gas" ist hier ein bei normaler Raumtemperatur (ca. 23 °C) und bei Normaldruck (ca. 1 bar) als Gas vorliegender Stoff oder Stoffgemisch, zum Beispiel Stickstoff, Kohlendioxid oder Luft zu verstehen, welcher oder welches bei der entsprechenden Temperatur und bei entsprechendem Druck in einem flüssigen, überkritischen oder festen Zustand ist, wobei der Begriff "fester" Zustand auch eine stückige, körnige oder schneeförmige Form mitumfaßt.According to the invention, a cooling module is designed so that a cooling effect of a first cooling medium through an evaporating cryogenic liquefied supercritical or solid gas is achieved, and a cold storage plate is so formed that a cooling effect of a second cooling medium by a heat-consuming melting process of a solid substance or mixture of substances is achieved. Under the term "evaporating cryogenic liquefied, supercritical or solid gas "is here at normal room temperature (approx. 23 ° C) and at normal pressure (approx. 1 bar) as a gas or Understanding a mixture of substances, for example nitrogen, carbon dioxide or air, which or which at the appropriate temperature and at corresponding pressure is in a liquid, supercritical or solid state, where the term "solid" also means a lumpy, granular or includes snow-like shape.

Gemäß der Erfindung sind mindestens ein Kühlmodul und mindestens eine Kältespeicherplatte benachbart angeordnet.According to the invention, at least one cooling module and at least one Cold storage plate arranged adjacent.

Nach der Erfindung ist es vorgesehen, daß das Kühlmodul und/oder die Kältespeicherplatte innerhalb der thermisch isolierenden Wandungen des Isolierbehälters angeordnet sind.According to the invention it is provided that the cooling module and / or Cold storage plate within the thermally insulating walls of the Insulated container are arranged.

Es ist erfindungsgemäß vorgesehen, das Kühlmodul und/oder mindestens eine Kältespeicherplatte benachbart zu einer Wand des Isolierbehälters so anzuordnen und so auszubilden, daß durch deren Kälteinhalt die Wand des Isolierbehälters gekühlt wird, wobei die Wand insbesondere auch die Oberseite des Isolierbehälters sein kann.According to the invention, the cooling module and / or at least one Cold storage plate adjacent to a wall of the insulated container to arrange and train so that the cold content of the wall of the Insulated container is cooled, the wall in particular also the top of the insulated container.

Erfindungsgemäß sind mindestens ein Kühlmodul und mindestens eine Kältespeicherplatte benachbart angeordnet, wobei die Anordnung so erfolgt, daß zumindest ein Teil der abgegebenen Kälte aus dem Kühlmodul direkt zu der Kältespeicherplatte geführt wird.According to the invention, at least one cooling module and at least one Cold storage plate arranged adjacent, the arrangement is done in such a way that at least some of the cold is released from the cooling module is led directly to the cold storage plate.

Nach der Erfindung ist es vorgesehen, daß das Kühlmodul eine Öffnung aufweist, die so angeordnet oder ausgebildet ist, daß das aus der Öffnung entweichende, im wesentlichen gasförmige erste Kühlmedium mindestens einer entsprechend angeordneten Kältespeicherplatte zugeführt wird. Dadurch wird vorteilhaft mit Hilfe des gasförmigen ersten Kühlmediums im wesentlichen zuerst das zweite Kühlmedium gekühlt und gegebenenfalls die Wandung des Isolierbehälters gekühlt, bevor das erste Kühlmedium an die Atmosphäre im Innenraum des Isolierbehälters gelangt, die das zu kühlende Gut direkt umgibt. According to the invention, it is provided that the cooling module has an opening, which is arranged or designed so that the escaping from the opening essentially gaseous first cooling medium corresponding to at least one arranged cold storage plate is supplied. This is advantageous with With the help of the gaseous first cooling medium, essentially the second one Cooled cooling medium and, if necessary, the wall of the insulating container cooled before the first cooling medium to the atmosphere in the interior of the Insulated container that directly surrounds the goods to be cooled.

Nach der Erfindung weist das Kühlmodul eine Öffnung an der Oberseite auf.According to the invention, the cooling module has an opening on the top.

Erfindungsgemäß ist die Kältespeicherplatte unterhalb des Kühlmoduls im Isolierbehälter angeordnet. Die Kältespeicherplatte wirkt so vorteilhaft als Puffer gegen eine zu starke Kühlwirkung der Unterseite des Kühlmoduls.According to the cold storage plate is below the cooling module in the Insulated container arranged. The cold storage plate thus advantageously acts as a buffer against excessive cooling effect on the underside of the cooling module.

Nach der Erfindung ist das Kühlmodul aus Edelstahl, besonders bevorzugt aus RVS 304, hergestellt.According to the invention, the cooling module is made of stainless steel, particularly preferably made of RVS 304.

Als erstes Kühlmedium wird erfindungsgemäß flüssiger Stickstoff oder flüssiges oder festes Kohlendioxid, besonders bevorzugt aber flüssiger Stickstoff, eingesetzt. Unter dem Begriff "festes Kohlendioxid" ist hier Kohlendioxid in körniger, stückiger oder schneeförmiger, vorzugsweise jedoch schneeförmiger Form, zu verstehen.According to the invention, liquid nitrogen or liquid is used as the first cooling medium or solid carbon dioxide, but particularly preferably liquid nitrogen, used. The term "solid carbon dioxide" here is carbon dioxide granular, lumpy or snow-shaped, but preferably snow-shaped Form to understand.

Es ist nach der Erfindung vorgesehen, als Flüssigkeit eine eutektische Flüssigkeit einzusetzen.According to the invention, it is provided that a liquid is a eutectic liquid use.

Nach der Erfindung besitzt die eutektische Flüssigkeit eine Gefriertemperatur von 0 bis -40 °C, besonders bevorzugt von ca. -2 bis -4 °C.According to the invention, the eutectic liquid has a freezing temperature of 0 to -40 ° C, particularly preferably from about -2 to -4 ° C.

Erfindungsgemäß ist die Kältespeicherplatte(n) aus dem Isolierbehälter entnehmbar, so daß diese leicht ausgetauscht werden kann, wobei es gemäß der Erfindung ebenso vorgesehen ist, daß für bestimmte Anwendungsfälle, zum Beispiel Tiefkühltransporte, auch das Kühlmodul aus dem Isolierbehälter entnehmbar ist und ebenso leicht ausgewechselt werden kann.According to the cold storage plate (s) from the insulating container removable, so that it can be easily replaced, according to the Invention is also provided that for certain applications, for Example of deep-freeze transport, including the cooling module from the insulated container is removable and can be replaced just as easily.

Nach der Erfindung beträgt die Höhe des Kühlmoduls 50 bis 200 mm, vorzugsweise 60 bis 100 mm.According to the invention, the height of the cooling module is 50 to 200 mm, preferably 60 to 100 mm.

Erfindungsgemäß ist die thermische Isolierung des Kühlmodules vorzugsweise eine Vakuumisolierung. Das Vakuum dieser Vakuumisolierung beträgt vorzugsweise kleiner 20 mbar, besonders bevorzugt 0,01 bis 1 mbar. Zur Verbesserung der hermischen Isoliereigenschaften kann bei dem genannten Vakuum-Druck eine Gasfüllung des Innenraums mit Kohlendioxid oder Argon verwendet werden.According to the invention, the thermal insulation of the cooling module is preferred vacuum insulation. The vacuum of this vacuum insulation is preferably less than 20 mbar, particularly preferably 0.01 to 1 mbar. to Improvement of the hermetic insulating properties can be said Vacuum pressure a gas filling the interior with carbon dioxide or argon be used.

Nach der Erfindung wird dem Kühlmodul mit Hilfe einer Befülleinrichtung das erste Kühlmedium zugeführt, der eine Vorrichtung zur Steuerung der Befüllmenge zugeordnet ist, welche eine Absperreinrichtung und einen in Wirkverbindung mit der Absperreinrichtung stehenden Zeitgeber aufweist, mit dessen Hilfe die Zeitdauer der Zufuhr des ersten Kühlmediums in das Kühlmodul gesteuert wird. Als Absperreinrichtung wird beispielsweise ein Ventil oder ein Schieber eingesetzt. Durch die Steuerung der Befüllzeit können so, bei einem gegebenen Druck des ersten Kühlmediums bei dem Befüllvorgang, dem Kühlmodul differierende Mengen des ersten Kühlmediums zugeführt werden, um eine zeitlich gewünschte Kältekonservierung der Stoffe innerhalb des Isolierbehälters einzustellen. Für bestimmte Anwendungsfälle ist es vorteilhaft aber ebenso möglich, alternativ oder zusätzlich eine Regelung des Druckes des ersten Kühlmediums zur Steuerung der zuzuführenden Menge an erstem Kühlmedium einzusetzen.According to the invention, the cooling module with the aid of a filling device first cooling medium supplied to a device for controlling the filling quantity is assigned, which has a shut-off device and one in operative connection with the shut-off device has standing timer, with the help of which Duration of the supply of the first cooling medium is controlled in the cooling module. A valve or a slide, for example, is used as the shut-off device used. By controlling the fill time, at a given time Pressure of the first cooling medium during the filling process, the cooling module Differing amounts of the first cooling medium are supplied at a time Desired cold preservation of the substances within the insulated container adjust. For certain applications it is also advantageous possible, alternatively or additionally, a regulation of the pressure of the first Cooling medium for controlling the amount of first cooling medium to be supplied use.

Die gemäß der Erfindung lösbar mit dem Isolierbehälter verbundene Kältespeicherplatte(n) weist Einrichtungen auf, welche in Wirkverbindung mit entsprechenden Einrichtungen des Isolierbehälters stehen und ein Einschieben in den Isolierbehälter, eine Lagerung im Isolierbehälter und ein leichtes Entfernen aus dem Isolierbehälter ermöglichen.The detachably connected to the insulating container according to the invention Cold storage plate (s) has devices which are operatively connected to appropriate facilities of the insulated container and inserting the insulating container, storage in the insulating container and easy removal from the insulated container.

Erfindungsgemäß beträgt das Aufnahmevolumen des Kühlmoduls bis zu 20000 g, vorzugsweise 500 bis 15000g, an erstem Kühlmedium. Es können vorteilhaft differierende Menge an erstem Kühlmedium in das Kühlmodul eingefüllt werden. Die Menge an einzufüllendem ersten Kühlmedium ist von einer Vielzahl von Parametern abhängig, zum Beispiel abhängig von der Außentemperatur, der einzuhaltenden Temperatur im Isolierbehälter, der Anfangstemperatur des Isolierbehälters, dem im Isolierbehälter befindlichen Produkttyp, der Dauer der Kühlhaltung, der Transportweise und/oder der Art und Größe des IsolierbehältersAccording to the invention, the intake volume of the cooling module is up to 20,000 g, preferably 500 to 15000g, on the first cooling medium. It can be beneficial Differing amount of first cooling medium can be filled into the cooling module. The amount of the first cooling medium to be filled is of a variety of Depending on parameters, for example depending on the outside temperature temperature to be observed in the insulated container, the initial temperature of the Insulated container, the type of product in the insulated container, the duration of the Keep cool, the mode of transport and / or the type and size of the insulated container

Es ist nach der Erfindung vorgesehen, daß die Öffnung zum Befüllen des Kühlmoduls mit dem ersten Kühlmedium zugleich als Öffnung zum Freisetzen des gebildeten gasförmigen ersten Kühlmediums dient. Vorteilhaft kann diese Öffnung mit einer Klappe versehen sein, die durch die eigene Masse aufgrund der Schwerkraft oder mit Hilfe von einem geeigneten Verschlußmechanismus geschlossen gehalten wird und erst bei einem bestimmten Druck im Innern des Kühlmoduls durch sich bildendes gasförmiges erstes Kühlmedium geöffnet werden kann.It is provided according to the invention that the opening for filling the Cooling module with the first cooling medium at the same time as an opening for releasing the formed gaseous first cooling medium is used. This opening can be advantageous be provided with a flap, which by its own mass due to the Gravity or with the help of a suitable locking mechanism is kept closed and only at a certain pressure inside the Cooling module opened by gaseous first cooling medium forming can be.

Die Öffnung des Kühlmoduls kann, insbesondere beim Einsatz von Kohlendioxid als erstes Kühlmedium, nach der Erfindung mit einer im wesentlichen nur für das gasförmige erste Kühlmedium durchlässigen Struktur versehen sein. Wird dem Kühlmodul körniges, stückiges oder schneeförmiges, festes Kohlendioxid zugeführt, so kann dabei mitgeführtes oder entstehendes, im wesentlichen gasförmiges Kohlendioxid über die im Kühlmodul angeordnete Öffnung mit der gasdurchlässigen Struktur entweichen, so daß im wesentlichen die gesamte Menge an zugeführtem festen Kohlendioxid im Kühlmodul verbleibt und für Kühlzwecke zur Verfügung steht.The opening of the cooling module can, especially when using carbon dioxide as the first cooling medium, according to the invention with an essentially only for that Gaseous first cooling medium permeable structure may be provided. Will that Cooling module granular, lumpy or snow-shaped, solid carbon dioxide supplied, so can entrained or emerging, essentially Gaseous carbon dioxide through the opening in the cooling module with the gas permeable structure escape, so that essentially the entire Amount of solid carbon dioxide supplied remains in the cooling module and for Cooling is available.

Das Kühlmodul weist gemäß der Erfindung einen Stutzen auf, um die isolierende Wandung des Kühlmoduls zu evakuieren bzw. das vorhandene Vakuum zu messen.According to the invention, the cooling module has a connection piece for the insulating Evacuate wall of the cooling module or the existing vacuum measure up.

Gemäß der Erfindung wird die im wesentlichen senkrecht stehende Wandung des Isolierbehälters an deren Innenfläche so ausgebildet, zum Beispiel durch eine bestimmte, lammellenartige Struktur der Oberfläche, daß im oberen Bereich des Isolierbehälters entstehendes gasförmiges erstes Kühlmedium besser in den unteren Bereich des Isolierbehälters fällt bzw. strömt. Dadurch kann vorteilhaft die Temperaturverteilung innerhalb des Isolierbehälters verbessert werden. According to the invention, the substantially vertical wall of the Insulated container so formed on the inner surface, for example by a certain, lamellar structure of the surface that in the upper area of the Insulating container resulting gaseous first cooling medium better in the lower region of the insulating container falls or flows. This can advantageously Temperature distribution within the insulated container can be improved.

Die Aufgabe wird ferner durch ein Verfahren gelöst, bei dem die Kühlung des Isolierbehälters durch mindestens ein Kühlmodul und bei Bedarf mindestens eine Kältespeicherplatte mit Hilfe von mindestens zwei Kühlmedien bei Bedarf erfolgt, wobei eine Kühlwirkung eines ersten Kühlmediums durch dessen Freisetzen aus einem Kühlmodul in dessen Umgebung erzielt wird, und bei dem bei Bedarf eine Kühlwirkung eines zweiten Kühlmediums in einer Kältespeicherplatte durch dessen Zustandsänderung erzielt wird, wobei das zweite Kühlmedium in der Kältespeicherplatte verbleibt und nicht in deren Umgebung freigesetzt wird. Dabei ist es zum Beispiel für Lebensmitteltransporte besonders vorteilhaft, daß ein einziger Isolierbehälter einerseits durch die Verwendung des Kühlmoduls ohne zusätzliche Kältespeicherplatte für Tiefkühlzwecke verwendet werden kann und andererseits bei der Kombination des Kühlmoduls mit zusätzlicher Kältespeicherplatte für Frischdienstzwecke eingesetzt werden kann. Vorzugsweise ist aber auch die gleichzeitige Verwendung von mindestens einem Kühlmodul und mindestens einer Kältespeicherplatte nach der Erfindung vorgesehen.The object is further achieved by a method in which the cooling of the Insulated container by at least one cooling module and at least one if necessary Cold storage plate is made using at least two cooling media if required, wherein a cooling effect of a first cooling medium from its release a cooling module is achieved in its environment, and in which, if necessary Cooling effect of a second cooling medium in a cold storage plate whose change in state is achieved, the second cooling medium in the Cold storage plate remains and is not released in its environment. there it is particularly advantageous for food transports, for example, that a only insulating container on the one hand by using the cooling module without additional cold storage plate can be used for deep-freezing purposes and on the other hand, when combining the cooling module with additional ones Cold storage plate can be used for fresh service purposes. However, the simultaneous use of at least one is also preferred Cooling module and at least one cold storage plate according to the invention intended.

Nach der Erfindung wird bei dem Verfahren eine Kühlwirkung eines ersten Kühlmediums durch ein verdampfendes tiefkaltes verflüssigtes, überkritisches oder festes Gas erzielt und eine Kühlwirkung eines zweiten Kühlmediums wird durch einen wärmeverzehrenden Aufschmelzvorgang eines festen Stoffes oder Stoffmischung erzielt.According to the invention, the method has a cooling effect of a first Cooling medium through an evaporating cryogenic liquefied, supercritical or solid gas is achieved and a cooling effect of a second cooling medium becomes by a heat-consuming melting process of a solid substance or Fabric mixture achieved.

Nach der Erfindung wird als zweites Kühlmedium eine eutektische Flüssigkeit eingesetzt.According to the invention, a eutectic liquid is used as the second cooling medium used.

Nach der Erfindung ist es vorgesehen, daß zumindest ein Teil der Kälteleistung des ersten Kühlmediums verbraucht wird, um das zweite Kühlmedium von einem zumindest teilweise flüssigen Zustand in einen festen Zustand zu überführen.According to the invention it is provided that at least part of the cooling capacity of the first cooling medium is consumed by the second cooling medium to convert at least partially liquid state into a solid state.

Erfindungsgemäß verdampft eine Menge von 200 bis 2000 g, vorzugsweise ca. 800 bis 1200 g, an erstem Kühlmedium innerhalb einer Stunde. According to the invention, an amount of 200 to 2000 g, preferably approx. 800 to 1200 g, on the first cooling medium within an hour.

Die Aufgabe wird femer durch einen Isolierbehälter gelöst, der Einrichtungen aufweist, um mindestens ein Kühlmodul aufzunehmen, welches ein erstes Kühlmedium enthält und so ausgebildet ist, daß eine Kühlwirkung durch Freisetzen des ersten Kühlmediums aus dem Kühlmodul in dessen Umgebung erzielt wird, und der Einrichtungen aufweist, um mindestens eine Kältespeicherplatte aufzunehmen, welche ein zweites Kühlmedium enthält und so ausgebildet ist, daß eine Kühlwirkung des zweiten Kühlmediums durch eine Zustandsänderung des zweiten Kühlmediums erzielt wird, wobei das zweite Kühlmedium in der Kältespeicherplatte verbleibt und nicht in deren Umgebung freigesetzt wird. Nach der Erfindung ist es vorgesehen, daß der Isolierbehälter entsprechende Einrichtungen aufweist, um die zuvor beschriebenen Ausgestaltungen der Vorrichtung und des Verfahrens zum Kühlen sinngemäß anzuwenden und durchzuführen.The task is also solved by an insulated container, the facilities has to accommodate at least one cooling module, which has a first Contains cooling medium and is designed so that a cooling effect Release of the first cooling medium from the cooling module in its environment is achieved, and has facilities to at least one Record cold storage plate, which contains a second cooling medium and so is formed that a cooling effect of the second cooling medium by a Change in state of the second cooling medium is achieved, the second Cooling medium remains in the cold storage plate and not in its vicinity is released. According to the invention it is provided that the insulating container has appropriate facilities to the previously described Embodiments of the device and the method for cooling analogously apply and perform.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren, die Vorrichtung und der Isolierbehälter werden vorzugsweise verwendet zum Kühlen von Lebensmitteln.The inventive method, the device and the insulating container preferably used for cooling food.

Bei der Kühlung eines Isolierbehälters mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und dem Verfahren, insbesondere mit einem relativ flachen Kühlmodul, ergeben sich die Vorteile einer wirtschaftlichen Verwendung eines Kühlmediums, einer relativ langen Kühlzeit mit hoher Temperaturkonstanz, einer wählbaren Temperatur im Innenraum des Isolierbehälters durch Austausch der Kältespeicherplatte(n) ohne eine Temperatursteuerung insbesondere im Temperaturbereich von -26 bis +8°C und darüber hinaus sowie einer platzsparenden und an den jeweiligen Isolierbehälter angepaßten Geometrie des Kühlmoduls und/oder Kältespeicherplatte(n), wodurch ein Einsatz auch von relativ kleinen Isolierbehältern möglich ist. Es hat sich ferner gezeigt, daß die Kälteleistung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und des Verfahrens so hoch sein kann, daß für bestimmte Anwendungsfälle auf eine sonst übliche Vorkühlung des Isolierbehälters vor dessen Einsatz verzichtet werden kann. When cooling an insulated container with the device according to the invention and the method, in particular with a relatively flat cooling module the advantages of an economical use of a cooling medium, one relatively long cooling time with high temperature constancy, a selectable Temperature inside the insulated container by exchanging the Cold storage plate (s) without a temperature control especially in Temperature range from -26 to + 8 ° C and beyond and one space-saving and adapted to the respective insulated container Cooling module and / or cold storage plate (s), which also makes use of relative small insulated containers is possible. It has also been shown that the Cooling capacity of the device according to the invention and the method so high can be that for certain applications to an otherwise usual pre-cooling of the insulated container can be dispensed with before it is used.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung sowie das Verfahren werden nun anhand von Abbildungen (Fig. 1 und Fig. 2) beispielhaft näher erläutert.

  • Die Fig. 1 zeigt einen Isolierbehälter mit einem Kühlmodul und einer Kältespeicherplatte.
  • Die Fig. 2 zeigt einen Ausschnitt aus einem Isolierbehälter mit einem Kühlmodul und einer Kältespeicherplatte.
    • The device according to the invention and the method are now explained in more detail by way of example with reference to figures (FIGS. 1 and 2).
  • 1 shows an insulated container with a cooling module and a cold storage plate.
  • 2 shows a section of an insulated container with a cooling module and a cold storage plate.

    • Der in Fig. 1 dargestellte Isolierbehälter 1 weist eine thermisch isolierende Wandung 2 auf. Innerhalb des Isolierbehälters 1 ist ein Kühlmodul 3 sowie eine Kältespeicherplatte 4 angeordnet. Das Kühlmodul 3 weist eine Doppelwand aus Edelstahl auf, deren Zwischenraum evakuiert ist.The insulating container 1 shown in Fig. 1 has a thermally insulating Wall 2 on. Inside the insulating container 1 there is a cooling module 3 and a cooling module Cold storage plate 4 arranged. The cooling module 3 has a double wall Stainless steel, the space between which is evacuated.

    In der Fig. 2 ist eine vorteilhafte Anordnung des Kühlmoduls 3 sowie der Kältespeicherplatte 4 im Isolierbehälter 1 dargestellt. Im oberen Bereich innerhalb des Isolierbehälters 1 mit thermisch isolierender Wandung 2 ist eine Kältespeicherplatte 4 angeordnet und unterhalb der Kältespeicherplatte 4 ist ein Kühlmodul 3 angeordnet. An der Stirnfläche 5 des Kühlmoduls 3 sind ein Stutzen 6 für die Befüllung mit flüssigem Stickstoff sowie ein Stutzen 7 zur Evakuierung und zur Kontrolle des Vakkums angeordnet. Das Kühlmodul 3 weist eine Öffnung 8 an deren Oberseite (schraffierte Fläche in Fig. 2) auf, wodurch entweichendes gasförmiges erstes Kühlmedium im wesentlichen zuerst an die Kältespeicherplatte 4 gelangt, um diese zu kühlen. Ein Teil der Kälteleistung des ersten Kühlmediums wird so zunächst von dem zweiten Kühlmedium aufgenommen, wodurch beim Befüllen des Kühlmoduls 3 mit erstem Kühlmedium eine anfängliche Unterkühlung des zu kühlenden Gutes vermieden werden kann. Bei einer Erhöhung der Temperatur innerhalb des Isolierbehälters 1 wird die Kälte des zweiten Kühlmediums wieder freigesetzt, wodurch die gesamte Kühlzeit deutlich verlängert wird. Das zweite Kühlmedium wirkt so vorteilhaft als Kältepuffer und Kältespeicher.2 is an advantageous arrangement of the cooling module 3 and the Cold storage plate 4 shown in the insulating container 1. In the upper area within of the insulating container 1 with a thermally insulating wall 2 is one Cold storage plate 4 is arranged and below the cold storage plate 4 is a Cooling module 3 arranged. On the end face 5 of the cooling module 3 are a nozzle 6 for filling with liquid nitrogen and a nozzle 7 for evacuation and arranged to control the vacuum. The cooling module 3 has an opening 8 on the top (hatched area in Fig. 2), causing escaping gaseous first cooling medium essentially first to the Cold storage plate 4 arrives to cool it. Part of the cooling capacity of the The first cooling medium is thus initially the second cooling medium added, thereby filling the cooling module 3 with the first cooling medium an initial hypothermia of the goods to be cooled can be avoided. When the temperature inside the insulating container 1 increases, the cold becomes of the second cooling medium is released again, reducing the total cooling time is significantly extended. The second cooling medium thus advantageously acts as Cold buffers and cold stores.

    Claims (18)

    1. Apparatus for refrigerating an insulating container (1) which is assigned at least one thermally insulated refrigerating module (3) which contains a first refrigerating medium and in which the at least one refrigerating module has an opening (8) and contains at least one cold storage plate (4) which contains a second refrigerating medium and is configured in such a way that a refrigerating effect of the second refrigerating medium is achieved by a change of state of the second refrigerating medium, the second refrigerating medium remaining in the cold storage plate (4) and not being released into its surroundings, characterized in that the opening (8) is arranged or configured in such a way that the substantially gaseous first refrigerating medium which escapes out of the opening (8) can be fed to the at least one appropriately arranged cold storage plate (4) in order to refrigerate it.
    2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, in which the at least one refrigerating module (3) is configured in such a way that a refrigerating effect of a first refrigerating medium is achieved by an evaporating cryogenic liquefied, hypercritical or solid gas, and in which the at least one cold storage plate (4) is configured in such a way that a refrigerating effect of a second refrigerating medium is achieved by a heat-consuming melting process of a solid material or material mixture.
    3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the at least one refrigerating module (3) and/or the at least one cold storage plate (4) are arranged within the thermally insulating walls (2) of the insulating container (1).
    4. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the at least one refrigerating module (3) and the at least one cold storage plate (4) are arranged adjacent to one another.
    5. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the at least one refrigerating module (3) and/or the at least one cold storage plate (4) are arranged adjacent to a wall (2) of the insulating container (1) in such a way and configured in such a way that the wall (2) of the insulating container (1) is refrigerated by their cold content.
    6. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the at least one cold storage plate (4) is arranged below the at least one refrigerating module (3) in the insulating container (1).
    7. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the at least one refrigerating module (3) contains liquid nitrogen or liquid or solid carbon dioxide as first refrigerating medium.
    8. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the at least one cold storage plate (4) contains a eutectic liquid.
    9. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the cold storage plate or cold storage plates (4) can be removed from the insulating container.
    10. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the at least one refrigerating module (3) has a thermal vacuum insulating means.
    11. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 10, in which the at least one refrigerating module (3) is assigned a filling device for the first refrigerating medium, which filling device is assigned an apparatus for controlling the filling amount, which apparatus has a shut-off device and a clock which is operatively connected to the shut-off device, with the aid of which clock the duration for feeding the first refrigerating medium into the at least one refrigerating module (3) is controlled.
    12. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 11, in which the at least one cold storage plate (4) is detachably connected to the insulating container (1) and has devices which are operatively connected to corresponding devices of the insulating container and make it possible to insert the at least one cold storage plate (4) into the insulating container (1), store it in the insulating container (1) and remove it easily from the insulating container (1).
    13. Method for refrigerating an insulating container (1), in which the insulating container (1) is refrigerated by at least one thermally insulated refrigerating module (3) and at least one cold storage plate (1) with the aid of at least two refrigerating media, substantially gaseous first cooling medium which escapes from the at least one refrigerating module (3) being fed to at least one appropriately arranged cold storage plate (4) which contains the second refrigerating medium and is configured in such a way that a refrigerating effect of the second refrigerating medium is achieved by a change of state of the second refrigerating medium, and the second refrigerating medium remains in the cold storage plate (4) and is not released into its surroundings.
    14. Method according to Claim 13, in which a refrigerating effect of a first refrigerating medium is achieved by an evaporating cryogenic liquefied, hypercritical or solid gas, and in which a refrigerating effect of a second refrigerating medium is achieved by a heat-consuming melting process of a solid material or material mixture.
    15. Method according to Claim 13 or 14, in which a eutectic liquid is used as second refrigerating medium.
    16. Method according to one of Claims 13 to 15, in which at least part of the cold output of the first refrigerating medium is consumed in order to convert the second refrigerating medium from an at least partially liquid state into a solid state.
    17. Insulating container (1) having at least one thermally insulated refrigerating module (3) which contains a first refrigerating medium and in which the at least one refrigerating module (3) has an opening (8) which is arranged or configured in such a way that the substantially gaseous first refrigerating medium which escapes out of the opening (8) is fed to at least one appropriately arranged cold storage plate (4), and the at least one cold storage plate (4) contains a second refrigerating medium and is configured in such a way that a refrigerating effect of the second refrigerating medium is achieved by a change of state of the second refrigerating medium, the second refrigerating medium remaining in the at least one cold storage plate (4) and not being released into its surroundings.
    18. Use of an apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 12 or of a method according to one of Claims 13 to 16 or of an insulating container (1) according to Claim 17 for refrigerating foodstuffs.
    EP99941617A 1998-09-03 1999-08-13 Method and device for cooling a container Expired - Lifetime EP1110043B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (3)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    DE19840262A DE19840262A1 (en) 1998-09-03 1998-09-03 Device and method for cooling a container
    DE19840262 1998-09-03
    PCT/EP1999/005961 WO2000014462A1 (en) 1998-09-03 1999-08-13 Method and device for cooling a container

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP1110043A1 EP1110043A1 (en) 2001-06-27
    EP1110043B1 true EP1110043B1 (en) 2004-11-03

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    ID=7879736

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP99941617A Expired - Lifetime EP1110043B1 (en) 1998-09-03 1999-08-13 Method and device for cooling a container

    Country Status (4)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP1110043B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE281639T1 (en)
    DE (2) DE19840262A1 (en)
    WO (1) WO2000014462A1 (en)

    Cited By (3)

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    US10661969B2 (en) 2015-10-06 2020-05-26 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Thermally insulated shipping system for pallet-sized payload, methods of making and using the same, and kit for use therein
    US11608221B2 (en) 2018-06-15 2023-03-21 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Shipping system for storing and/or transporting temperature-sensitive materials
    US11634266B2 (en) 2019-01-17 2023-04-25 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Thermally insulated shipping system for parcel-sized payload

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    DE10251484A1 (en) * 2002-11-05 2004-05-19 Linde Ag Cool container has at least one cooling module with coolant reservoir and hollow volume containing eutectic cooling liquid separated from coolant reservoir by plate, especially metal plate
    EP1431686B1 (en) 2002-12-19 2010-05-19 Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH Insulated container
    DE10259553A1 (en) * 2002-12-19 2004-07-15 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Insulating container used as a cooling module or cryo-accumulator in a cooling unit for storing or transporting liquefied gas or gas mixtures comprises a hollow chamber surrounded by walls and a thermal insulation having evacuated regions
    DE102013200746A1 (en) * 2013-01-18 2014-07-24 Blanco Professional Gmbh + Co Kg Container and method for cooling and / or keeping cool a chilled goods
    DE102014008902A1 (en) * 2014-06-14 2015-12-17 Gebhardt Transport- Und Lagersysteme Gmbh Thermosperre for cooling tank
    EP3450886B1 (en) * 2017-08-28 2021-05-26 Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH Cooling device for cooling a storage space of a cooling container and a respective cooling container
    IT202100003623A1 (en) * 2021-02-17 2022-08-17 Mange Srl METHOD FOR COOLING ACCUMULATORS AND TRANSPORTING PRODUCTS IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT

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    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US10661969B2 (en) 2015-10-06 2020-05-26 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Thermally insulated shipping system for pallet-sized payload, methods of making and using the same, and kit for use therein
    US11572227B2 (en) 2015-10-06 2023-02-07 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Thermally insulated shipping system for pallet-sized payload, methods of making and using the same, and kit for use therein
    US11608221B2 (en) 2018-06-15 2023-03-21 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Shipping system for storing and/or transporting temperature-sensitive materials
    US11634266B2 (en) 2019-01-17 2023-04-25 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Thermally insulated shipping system for parcel-sized payload

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    EP1110043A1 (en) 2001-06-27
    ATE281639T1 (en) 2004-11-15
    DE19840262A1 (en) 2000-03-09
    DE59911008D1 (en) 2004-12-09
    WO2000014462A1 (en) 2000-03-16

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