EP4088070A1 - Revêtement calorifuge par matériau à changement de phase pour conteneurs - Google Patents

Revêtement calorifuge par matériau à changement de phase pour conteneurs

Info

Publication number
EP4088070A1
EP4088070A1 EP21703569.0A EP21703569A EP4088070A1 EP 4088070 A1 EP4088070 A1 EP 4088070A1 EP 21703569 A EP21703569 A EP 21703569A EP 4088070 A1 EP4088070 A1 EP 4088070A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
temperature control
control device
pcm
passive temperature
goods
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP21703569.0A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jonathan Neeld
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.)
DoubleDay Acquisitions LLC
Original Assignee
DoubleDay Acquisitions LLC
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by DoubleDay Acquisitions LLC filed Critical DoubleDay Acquisitions LLC
Publication of EP4088070A1 publication Critical patent/EP4088070A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • F25D3/02—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using ice, e.g. ice-boxes
    • F25D3/06—Movable containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/74—Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/02—Large containers rigid
    • B65D88/12—Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport
    • B65D88/14—Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport by air
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/74—Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents
    • B65D88/744—Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents heating or cooling through the walls or internal parts of the container, e.g. circulation of fluid inside the walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/48—Arrangements of indicating or measuring devices
    • 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
    • F25D2201/00—Insulation
    • F25D2201/10—Insulation with respect to heat
    • F25D2201/12—Insulation with respect to heat using an insulating packing material
    • F25D2201/128—Insulation with respect to heat using an insulating packing material of foil type
    • F25D2201/1282—Insulation with respect to heat using an insulating packing material of foil type with reflective foils
    • 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
    • F25D2303/085—Compositions of cold storage materials

Definitions

  • the disclosed technology pertains to phase change material insulators for providing passive cooling of shipping containers and storage containers.
  • Sensitive goods may be shipped in containers that include active protection features, passive protection features, or both.
  • Active protection features may include temperature control, climate control, internal power supplies, location tracking, and other features.
  • Passive protection features may include insulation materials, shock absorption materials, electromagnetic shielding, and other features.
  • active protection features While active protection features often provide the highest level of protection for sensitive goods, they are often the most complex and most expensive to implement and support. As a result, passive protection features may be combined with active protection features in order to improve overall performance of the shipping container, or may be used as a sole means of protection where appropriate (e.g., goods having low or moderate sensitivity, goods being shipped for short distances). Passive protection features for maintaining temperature or other climate aspects within a shipping container are typically limited in both the extent and the duration for which they can influence temperature. As an example, a block of ice may be considered a passive temperature protection feature that cools the air within a container, as well as any other surfaces or materials that the ice is in direct contact with.
  • the temperature control provided by a block of ice will be limited both by the ice’s own temperature (e.g., the temperature to which the ice is cooled prior to being placed in the shipping container) as well as the period of time that it takes to completely melt. Insulation materials and other conventional passive temperature protection features are limited in other ways. As a result, passive temperature protection features are typically incorporated into shipping containers due to their low cost and simplicity rather than their overall effectiveness relative to active temperature protection features.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary shipping container
  • FIG. 2 shows a front elevation view of the shipping container of FIG.l with a set of doors opened
  • FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another exemplary shipping container
  • FIG. 4 shows a front elevation view of the shipping container of FIG. 2 with a set of doors opened.
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a cargo pallet including an exemplary cover
  • FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of an exemplary material of the cover of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 6A shows a cross sectional view of an exemplary polymer microcapsule of the material of FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram showing components of an assembled cargo pallet
  • FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an exemplary modular cover
  • FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the modular cover of FIG. 8 focused on an exemplary conditioning indicator
  • FIG. 10 shows a cross sectional view of modular cover of FIG. 8 including the conditioning indicator
  • FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an exemplary envelope
  • FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an exemplary panel
  • FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view of the panel of FIG. 12
  • FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the shipping container of FIG. 3 with a plurality of panels installed
  • FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an exemplary door panel from the plurality of panels of FIG. 14;
  • FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an exemplary molded panel usable with a medical device;
  • FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of a set of exemplary steps that may be performed to prepare and use panels with shipped goods.
  • PCM phase change material
  • Such PCM features are advantageous in providing additional or alternative passive temperature control, and thus may be used in conjunction with or as a replacement for conventional passive temperature control features such as ice, insulation, air gaps, and other features.
  • water e.g., water in liquid form or, as ice, water in solid form
  • the use of water is not always possible or appropriate for shipping containers.
  • shipped goods are often sensitive to water, and so the use of water as a basic PCM introduces additional risks and requires additional safeguards and systems to address such risks.
  • a liquid salt hydrate may be encapsulated into a polymer microcapsule of varying sizes that is able to contain the liquid through multiple phase change cycles.
  • the microcapsule When the microcapsule is conditioned for freezing temperatures, the salt hydrate will freeze within the capsule.
  • the salt hydrate When exposed to a later temperature differential, the salt hydrate will phase change back to a liquid while absorbing thermal energy from its surroundings. While in liquid state, the impermeable microcapsule prevents the salt hydrate from evaporating or otherwise escaping.
  • Microcapsules or other advanced PCMs may then be incorporated into coatings or other treatments that may be applied to target objects.
  • advanced PCM coatings and treatments may be advantageously implemented to provide a variety of features and applications for shipping containers. By improving passive temperature control for shipping containers such implementations may reduce the burden on active temperature control features and, in some cases, allow for certain goods that typically require active temperature control to instead be shipped using only passive temperature control.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 each show a shipping container (10) that may benefit from some or all of the PCM features described.
  • the shipping container (10) includes a structure (12) (e.g., walls, ceiling, and floor, typically produced with one or layers of materials that are durable and/or provide a high insulation value) and a set of doors (14) that may be opened to provide access to an interior (16).
  • the size and layout of the interior (16) may be varied for particular applications.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 each show an alternate shipping container (30). Similar to the shipping container (10) of FIG.
  • the shipping container (30) includes a structure (32) (e.g., walls, ceiling, and a floor) and doors (34) that may be opened to provide access to an interior (36).
  • a structure (32) e.g., walls, ceiling, and a floor
  • doors (34) that may be opened to provide access to an interior (36).
  • the shipping container (10) of FIG. 1 may have dimensions that are suitable for transport in larger aircrafts, while the shipping container (30) of FIG. 3 may have dimensions that are suitable for transport in smaller aircrafts or ground vehicles.
  • Evolutions in shipping markets, shipping vehicles, shipping and practices continue to drive demand for a wide variation in size and shape of interior and exterior portions of shipping containers.
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a fully assembled cargo pallet (40) that includes a PCM cover (100).
  • a set of cargo (44) e.g., one or more stacked or placed boxes, packages, or other objects
  • the cargo (44) may be secured to the pallet by straps, tape, wrap, or other means and is typically stacked and arranged to provide a roughly cuboid overall shape for the cargo pallet (40).
  • additional boxes, frames, or other sub-structures may be added to the cargo pallet (40) to provide additional protection and shaping, if desired.
  • the PCM cover (100) When assembly of the cargo pallet (40) is completed, the PCM cover (100) may be placed over the cargo (44) to provide additional insulation and passive temperature control.
  • An edge (102) of the PCM cover (100) is shown as being partially pulled back to expose the cargo (44) within. When installed, the edge (102) overlaps with another edge (103) of the PCM cover (100) to minimize the possibility of exposure of the cargo (44).
  • the edges (102, 103) may additionally be coupled to each other with buttons, ties, Velcro, adhesives, zippers, or other fastening means.
  • the edges (102, 103) of the PCM cover (100) may be in different positions to allow for varying ways in which it can be placed onto or provide access to the cargo (44) (e.g., a flap may hang from a top of the PCM cover (100) and may couple with overlapping edges on one or more sides).
  • the PCM cover (100) may not include any openable flap portions, and instead may be slid onto the cargo (44) from above.
  • Other variations on the shape and characteristics of the PCM cover (100) exist and will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.
  • the PCM cover (100) provides a passive temperature control advantage for the cargo (44), especially where a snug fit between the PCM cover (100) and the cargo (44) can be achieved.
  • FIG. 6 that figure shows a cross sectional view of a material of the PCM cover (100).
  • the PCM cover (100) may be implemented with one or more layers, as may be desirable for a particular implementation.
  • the layers shown in FIG. 6 include an outer layer (104), a core (106), and an inner layer (108).
  • the core (106) will typically provide most or all of the PCM based temperature control, while the other layers may be selected to provide protection for the core (106), to provide additional insulation, or to aid in heat exchange between the core (106) and proximate cargo (44).
  • the outer layer (104) and the inner layer (108) may each be a flexible thermal foil that reflects radiant heat.
  • the core (106) may be a flexible cloth layer that has received a PCM treatment (e.g., the cloth may have been soaked in or coated with liquid polymer or adhesive that carries a plurality of polymer microcapsules).
  • an exemplary polymer microcapsule 120 comprising a liquid salt hydrate 122 encapsulated in a polymer 124.
  • Microcapsule 120 may vary in size such that microcapsule 120 is able to contain the salt hydrate 122 through multiple phase change cycles. For instance, when microcapsule 120 is conditioned for freezing temperatures, the salt hydrate 122 can freeze within microcapsule 120. When exposed to a later temperature differential, the salt hydrate 122 can phase change back to a liquid while absorbing thermal energy from its surroundings. While in liquid state, polymer 124 inhibits the salt hydrate 122 from evaporating or otherwise escaping.
  • the cargo (44) receives the reflective benefit of two layers of thermal foil (104, 108), an insulation value from the cloth of the core (106), and also a phase change initiated heat absorption from the PCM treatment of the cloth (106).
  • the PCM cover (100) is conditioned prior to use (e.g., by placing into a freezer or other cooled environment to reduce the temperature of a PCM such as a salt hydrate) the resulting equivalent insulation value or passive temperature control value exceeds that of cloth or foil alone.
  • each layer and the type of material used for each layer may be varied depending upon a particular application, and the number of layers may also be varied, with such variations being apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.
  • some implementations may lack an inner layer (108) so that the core (106) may directly contact the cargo (44).
  • Some implementations may include two core layers and three foil layers to further increase the volume of PCM microcapsules carried by the PCM cover (100). Layer type may also vary across the PCM cover (100).
  • flat sides of the PCM cover (100) may include a core layer (106) that is semi-rigid and provides a higher concentration or larger size of PCM microcapsules, while each comer (105) of the PCM cover (100) includes a core layer (106) that is more flexible due to a lower concentration or smaller size of PCM microcapsules.
  • PCM treated fabric to implement the core (106) differs from conventional PCM fabric uses in a number of ways.
  • PCM fabrics are incorporated into personal goods such as cold weather garments, athletic garments, sleeping bags, and other goods that a person is in direct contact with during use.
  • user comfort e.g., breathability, comfort against skin, flexibility
  • the PCM treatment of fabric can instead maximize thermal performance (e.g., by increasing the size or concentration of microcapsules, or characteristics of the carrier fluid used in coating or treating) without regard to comfort.
  • the PCM carrier fluid that is applied to the core (106) may dry or cure as a semi-flexible rubberized coating having its own insulation value and carrying a high concentration of encapsulated PCM.
  • Covers such as the PCM cover (100) may be readily implemented in different sizes and shapes to provide custom fitting to cargo or to provide a variety of standard sizes. Additionally, while the cargo pallet (40) includes one cover, multiple covers may be used when preparing a cargo pallet. As an example, FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram showing interior components of an assembled cargo pallet such as the cargo pallet (40). Individual loads of cargo (e.g., separate goods, goods from separate customers) are represented as boxes, while PCM covers are represented as dashed lines. The PCM cover (100) can be seen surrounding the entire cargo pallet (40). A cargo load (45) is positioned on the pallet (42) and a second PCM cover (110) is placed on and surrounds the cargo load (45).
  • cargo load (45) is positioned on the pallet (42) and a second PCM cover (110) is placed on and surrounds the cargo load (45).
  • each additional cargo load (46, 47) is positioned in a stack on the pallet (42), and each additional cargo load (46, 47) is also wrapped by an individual PCM cover (112, 114).
  • PCM cover (112, 114).
  • layers of PCM covering may be provided, including a layer that surrounds all of the goods as well as individualized layers as may be desired for particular goods.
  • PCM covers may be produced in allows for goods to be wrapped in a desired number of layers.
  • room temperature produce placed on a pallet may only require a single layer of PCM covering during transit while a batch of liquid medicine may require several layers, such that the cargo (46) includes additional internal PCM cover layers not shown in FIG. 7 (e.g., additional covers for internal boxes or packages, or PCM fabric sleeves in which one or more vials or bottles of a medicine may be placed during transit).
  • FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an exemplary modular cover (200).
  • the modular cover (200) is shown as a rectangular section of PCM treated fabric, having characteristics and variations such as those described above in the context of the PCM cover (100).
  • multiple modular covers (200) may be connected to each other and used to cover, surround, or wrap goods (e.g., individual boxes and/or entire pallet loads, as shown in FIG. 7), or may be placed individually on top of, between, or within shipped goods.
  • a surface (202) of the modular cover (200) includes two overlapping edges (204, 205) that include corresponding buttons, ties, zippers, Velcro, or other fasteners to allow for multiple modular covers (200) to be attached end to end to create a desired shape or size of PCM cover.
  • a modular cover may have more than two connecting or overlapping edges as may be desired, or may couple together in positions other than along an edge.
  • the modular cover (200) may have more than two overlapping and interconnectable edges.
  • some implementations of the modular cover (200) may not have dedicated edges for coupling, and instead may have a plurality of Velcro sections across the surface (202) that may couple with a back surface opposite the surface (202). In this manner, the modular covers (200) may be coupled together in nearly any desired shape whether rectangular or irregular.
  • Some implementations of the modular cover (200) also include a conditioning indicator (206) that indicates the extent to which the modular cover has been conditioned (e.g., cooled and/or frozen) prior to use.
  • FIG. 9 shows a magnified view of the conditioning indicator (206) extending from the surface (202), though it should be understood that it may also be fully or partially embedded within the body of the modular cover (200), or may rest entirely on top of the surface (202) (e.g., an adhesive temperature label or indicator).
  • the conditioning indicator includes a visual indicator (208) that provides some visual indication of the conditioning (e.g., the temperature) of the core (106) of the modular cover (200). This may include a changing color, a changing pattern, a moving needle, or, where the conditioning indicator (206) includes a power supply, a digital numerical display of a detected temperature.
  • FIG. 10 shows a cross sectional view of the modular cover (200), with the conditioning indicator (206) implemented as a partially embedded temperature sensor.
  • a probe (210) is embedded within the surface (202) and reaches the core layer (106).
  • the probe (210) may provide electrical signals (e.g., current, a change in voltage, etc.) or may provide a thermally conductive path that is coupled to the body of the conditioning indicator (206).
  • output would be displayed via the visual indicator (208) based on signals received from the probe (210).
  • a thermochromic material within the conditioning indicator (206) would be cooled by the surface (202) and/or probe (210) and would change colors to indicate a current temperature, or change colors to indicate when a temperature threshold was reached.
  • multiple modular covers (200) may be stored in a conditioning area (e.g., a freezer) and, when needed, may be selected and used based upon feedback from conditioning indicators (206).
  • a conditioning area e.g., a freezer
  • the conditioning indicator (206) may be placed near or on an edge of the surface (202), or on a cable that extends from the surface (202), in order to aid in later visual confirmation of conditioning from amongst many modular covers (202) that are stacked on shelves or arranged in rows.
  • conditioning indicators (206) may also indicate when modular covers (200) should be changed or replaced during transit, where conditioned replacements are available. Additionally, while the conditioning indicator (206) is shown as being included on the modular cover (202), it should be understood that the same or a similar device may also be included on the PCM cover (100) or on any other PCM fabric, structure, or feature described herein.
  • FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an exemplary envelope (300) that may be formed of PCM fabric as similarly described in the context of the PCM cover (100) and the modular cover (200).
  • the PCM envelope (300) includes a body (302) and an openable flap (304) that define an interior envelope section (306) of varying dimension.
  • the flap (304) may couple to the body (302) when closed using buttons, Velcro, adhesive, or other fastening means.
  • the PCM envelope (300) may be conditioned as described with other PCM features, and goods may be placed in the envelope section (306). This may be useful for storing small and sensitive goods such as liquid medications or fragile electronics, as the envelope section (306) receives additional protection from temperature and shock.
  • the PCM envelope (300) may itself be placed within another box or cargo, such as the cargo (44), as may be desired for particular goods.
  • Rigid PCM components are generally referred to herein as “panels,” even where they include surface contouring or interior spaces designed to fit certain application.
  • PCM panels may be applied to palletized cargo such as the cargo pallet (40), may be used as filler for palletized cargo or within boxes, and may be applied to the shipping container itself to provide additional physical protection and passive temperature control.
  • PCM panels may also be used to fabricate containers such as boxes or envelopes (e.g., such as the PCM envelope (300)) where a rigid structure may be preferable to a flexible body.
  • FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a PCM panel (400).
  • the PCM panel (400) is rectangular, though its shape and other dimensions (e.g., length, width, and depth) may be varied for a particular application as will be described below.
  • a surface (402) of the PCM panel (400) fits the internal contents snugly and may provide a small amount of structural rigidity and conductive or reflective insulation, while the interior of the PCM panel (400) provides the majority of the structural rigidity.
  • An edge (404) of the PCM panel (400) may be formed of the same material and material sheet as the surface (402) so that the interior contents of the PCM panel (400) may be sealed within a substantially uninterrupted exterior skin. As an example, this may include placing the formed interior structure of the PCM panel (400) within a vacuum bag or sleeve and then vacuum sealing the sleeve onto the interior structure to provide a rigid, durable, sealed panel.
  • FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view of the PCM panel (400).
  • the PCM panel (400) makes up the surface (402) and the edge (404) of the PCM panel (400) and seals the interior layers.
  • the material of the outer layer (406) may include one or more of a plastic or polymer, a paper product, a thermal foil, or other materials.
  • the PCM panel (400) may support one or more interior layers, as may be desired for a particular application. As shown in FIG. 13, the PCM panel (400) includes a first layer (408), a core layer (410), and a second layer (412).
  • the core layer (410) is the primary source of PCM capsules and rigidity, while the first layer (408) and the second layer (412) may provide additional PCM capsules, improved physical protection, improved insulation, or other characteristics.
  • the core layer (410) may be formed of a composite material that includes PCM capsules, structural fibers or other filler material, and a binding material such as an adhesive, rubber, or polymer that may be dried or cured to bind the structural material and PCM capsules into a rigid or semi-rigid piece.
  • a binding material such as an adhesive, rubber, or polymer that may be dried or cured to bind the structural material and PCM capsules into a rigid or semi-rigid piece.
  • one implementation of the core layer (410) may include a mix of PCM capsules and polymer structural fibers suspended within an expanding urethane foam.
  • a highly porous fibrous structure may be produced that may be permeated with a PCM capsule fluid that dries, cures, or is otherwise contained within porous gaps.
  • a grid or netting of interconnected structural fibers may also be overlaid on each side of the core layer (410) and/or spread throughout the core layer (410) for additional durability.
  • the first layer (408) and the second layer (412) may be, for example, foam sheets to provide additional protection and insulation, rigid polymer gridworks to provide additional rigidity, or PCM fabrics such as those described above to provide additional physical protection and concentration of PCM capsules.
  • the type and number of layers included in a particular panel may be varied greatly depending upon a particular application.
  • some implementations of the PCM panel (400) include only the core layer (410) (e.g., a semi-rigid PCM capsule and fiber composite) and the outer layer (406) (e.g., a thermal foil wrapped vacuum sealed skin). Some implementations may additionally include PCM fabric layers as the first (408) and second layers (412), to provide additional shock and impact protection, insulation, and PCM temperature control. Some implementations may include multiple core layers, multiple outer layers, or multiple other layers, with any such variations being apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.
  • PCM panels (400) may be fabricated in various shapes and sizes by varying the number of layers, the thickness of layers, the shape of the core layer (410), or by separately fabricating and then coupling together multiple individual pieces (e.g., assembling 5 PCM panels to create a box).
  • This flexibility allows PCM panels (400) to be created and used in a variety of applications for shipping containers. As an example, this could include applying panels to surfaces of goods, inserting panels between or within goods, using shaped panels to fill gaps within a container to provide additional temperature control and prevent shifting during transit, and other uses. [0059] This could also include applying PCM panels (400) on one or more surfaces of a shipping container, as shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the shipping container (30) with a plurality of PCM panels installed.
  • the shipping container (30) is shown with the set of doors (34) opened.
  • PCM panels may have a variety of surface textures, but are shown in FIG. 14 as having a dot- pattern texture to emphasize their location within the interior (36) of the shipping container (30).
  • a set of wall panels (420, 422, 424) are installed on the walls of the interior (36), and may be held in place by, for example, friction, adhesives, clips or rails, or pocket portions of the structure (32) that are designed to receive a panel.
  • a ceiling panel is installed on the ceiling of the interior (36) and may be held in place using similar means as the wall panels (420, 422, 424).
  • the panels (420, 422, 424, 426) may be inserted into a set of rails that run along a surface of the interior and slid into place so that the rails align and hold them against the wall.
  • a set of mechanical clips or grips e.g., a spring grip, screw grip, or insertable grip
  • each panel may be secured in place by the combined set of installed panels (e.g., the rear wall panel (422) may be friction fit between the other wall panels (420, 424), and each of the set of wall panels (420, 422, 424) may be friction between the floor and a ceiling panel (426)).
  • an air gap may be present between a wall of the interior (36) and an outer wall of the structure (32).
  • a panel may be inserted into the air gap between the inner and outer walls.
  • a floor panel (428) is shown installed within a pocket below the floor of the interior (36).
  • a door panel (430) can also be seen installed on an interior face of one of the doors (34), while the other door (34) is shown without a panel.
  • the exposed door (34) includes a set of contoured portions (38) along its inner face.
  • the door facing portion of the door panel (430) is shown in FIG. 15, where a contoured inner surface (434) of the door panel (430) can be seen opposite a flat outer surface (432).
  • the contoured inner surface (434) has been shaped to fit within the set of contoured portions (38) of the doors (34) and to expose the flat outer surface (432) when installed.
  • the door panel (430) may be installed on each door using, for example, adhesives, guides or rails, mechanical clips, grips, or bolts, or other fastening means.
  • a set of PCM panels may be fabricated in shapes and sizes to fit an interior of a shipping container. Once fabricated, the PCM panels may be conditioned to a desired temperature (e.g., at or below freezing) when not in use. When goods are shipped in the shipping container, the set of PCM panels may be removed from conditioning storage and installed within the shipping container. Once installed, goods may be placed in the shipping container.
  • a desired temperature e.g., at or below freezing
  • Further preparation may include inserting additional PCM panels within the interior of the shipping container (e.g., to fill gaps, separate goods, prevent shifting), installing PCM covers (e.g., such as the PCM cover (100)) on goods, and placing certain goods within PCM envelopes (e.g., such as the PCM envelope (300)), for example.
  • additional PCM panels within the interior of the shipping container (e.g., to fill gaps, separate goods, prevent shifting)
  • PCM covers e.g., such as the PCM cover (100)
  • PCM envelopes e.g., such as the PCM envelope (300)
  • FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a molded panel (440) that has been shaped to contain a medical device (50) during shipment.
  • the medical device (50) may be, for example, an MRI machine, x-ray machine, or other scanning or imaging system. Temperature control, shock and impact control, and other protective measures are often advantageous or required when equipment such as the medical device (50) is shipped.
  • the molded panel (440) may be constructed from one or more individual PCM panels (e.g., a combination of flat PCM panels such as the PCM panel (400) and contoured PCM panels such as the door panel (430)) to provide an outer shell (442) that houses an interior (444).
  • two molded panels (440) may be assembled about the medical device (50) and coupled together with tape, wrap, rope or straps, or by being boxed within another structure or container.
  • the molded panel (440) may be fabricated to custom shapes and sizes or fabricated to fit standard types and sizes of goods as may be desired.
  • the molded panels (440) may be used similarly to other PCM features by conditioning each panel and then installed them on goods shortly before transit.
  • FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of a set of exemplary steps that may be performed to prepare and use panels with shipped goods.
  • a set of characteristics may be determined (500) for a particular application for PCM panels or other features are desired. This may include determining the size and shape of goods, the size and shape of a shipping container interior, the type of goods being shipped and any associated temperature requirements, the presence and function of other active or passive temperature control features, and other details.
  • one or more core layers may be shaped and produced (502). As an example, this may include fabricating core layers of a certain shape and size to fit an interior of a shipping container based upon determined (500) dimensions, or may include fabricating core layers of a certain thickness or providing multiple core layers based upon determined (500) temperature control requirements. Additional layers may also be created and/or applied (504) to the core layers, which may include adding additional structural substrates, PCM fabrics, reflective or non-conductive surfaces, and other layers. Selection of additional layers may also be base don the determined (500) characteristics, as shipping requirements, shipping container dimensions, and other factors may indicate a need for extra rigidity, physical durability, or PCM based temperature control.
  • the assembly may be sealed within an outer layer material to produce (506) a usable panel.
  • This may include sealing the layers within a thermal foil vacuum seal exterior skin, wrapping the layers in a plastic or polymer, or sealing the layers within a treated paper product.
  • Produced (506) panels may then be conditioned (508) by placing them in a cool environment until a desired temperature is reached (e.g., a temperature of the core layer or innermost concentration of PMC capsules).
  • Conditioning (508) may also include applying or placing conditioning indicators on panels as they are produced (506) or as they are conditioned (508). When panels have reached a desired temperature, they may be selected (e.g., based upon a total time of conditioning, a visual indication from a conditioning indicator, or other criteria) and installed (510) on or within a shipping container or a set of goods.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

Les matériaux à changement de phase (PCM) tel qu'un hydrate de sel liquide peut être stocké dans des capsules de différentes tailles et appliqué à des tissus et des fibres pour fabriquer des éléments PCM qui fournissent une régulation de température passive pour le transport de conteneurs et de marchandises. Dans un mode de réalisation, des enveloppes en tissu à PCM (100) peuvent être placées sur une fret palettisé (44) et sur des marchandises individuelles. Des pièces de tissu modulaires peuvent être combinées et interconnectées pour couvrir des marchandises. Les enveloppes en tissu peuvent mettre en évidence des performances thermiques sur le confort ou l'esthétique lors de la sélection de la taille des microcapsules et des matériaux de revêtement. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, des capsules à PCM (120) peuvent être combinées à une charge de fibres, façonnées selon les besoins, et scellées à l'intérieur d'une peau extérieure pour produire des panneaux à PCM rigides ayant diverses formes. Des panneaux (400) peuvent être utilisés pour aligner des intérieurs ou des extérieurs de conteneurs ou de marchandises d'expédition. Les panneaux peuvent être façonnés pour comprendre des contours qui s'adaptent étroitement contre une surface souhaitée, ou pour comprendre des parties intérieures dans lesquelles des produits peuvent être insérés.
EP21703569.0A 2020-01-08 2021-01-08 Revêtement calorifuge par matériau à changement de phase pour conteneurs Pending EP4088070A1 (fr)

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US202062958361P 2020-01-08 2020-01-08
PCT/US2021/012658 WO2021142232A1 (fr) 2020-01-08 2021-01-08 Revêtement calorifuge par matériau à changement de phase pour conteneurs

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US6004662A (en) * 1992-07-14 1999-12-21 Buckley; Theresa M. Flexible composite material with phase change thermal storage
JP3292676B2 (ja) * 1997-05-23 2002-06-17 サンデン株式会社 車載用保冷庫
IL154989A0 (en) * 2000-09-21 2003-10-31 Outlast Technologies Inc Multi-component fibers having reversible thermal properties
US20160223269A1 (en) * 2015-02-04 2016-08-04 Outlast Technologies, LLC Thermal management films containing phase change materials
SG11201708213WA (en) * 2015-10-06 2018-04-27 Panasonic Ip Man Co Ltd Cold storage apparatus and method of displaying state of cold storage element
JP6795908B2 (ja) * 2016-05-12 2020-12-02 富士フイルム富山化学株式会社 搬送容器
GB201611031D0 (en) * 2016-06-24 2016-08-10 Softbox Systems Ltd A passive temperature control system for transport and storage containers
GB2559451B (en) * 2017-01-31 2020-09-02 Hunt Tech Limited Improvements relating to insulation

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WO2021142232A1 (fr) 2021-07-15
US20210206565A1 (en) 2021-07-08

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