EP4227606A1 - Autonomous refrigerated container for storage and thermostatted transport of products - Google Patents
Autonomous refrigerated container for storage and thermostatted transport of products Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4227606A1 EP4227606A1 EP22382110.9A EP22382110A EP4227606A1 EP 4227606 A1 EP4227606 A1 EP 4227606A1 EP 22382110 A EP22382110 A EP 22382110A EP 4227606 A1 EP4227606 A1 EP 4227606A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- thermostatted
- products
- transport
- supply
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 230000005291 magnetic effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000005298 paramagnetic effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000012809 cooling fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001131 transforming effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002355 dual-layer Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- CBENFWSGALASAD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ozone Chemical compound [O-][O+]=O CBENFWSGALASAD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
- F25D11/003—Transport 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
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B21/00—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
-
- 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
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2321/00—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B2321/002—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects by using magneto-caloric effects
-
- 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
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B27/00—Machines, plants or systems, using particular sources of energy
Definitions
- This invention concerns an autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted storage and transport of products, which can be used fixed, connected to the body of a vehicle or independently as a container of the type used in rail and maritime transport, which offers optimal services in the sense of thermal insulation, the refrigeration system used, and energy autonomy.
- the purpose of the invention is to provide a container able to operate autonomously, with minimum energy consumption thanks to optimal refrigeration and insulation, with energy generation and storage media specifically designed so as not to interfere with the normal operation/use of the container.
- This technique can be used to achieve extremely low temperatures, as well as temperature ranges such as those used in normal refrigerators. Therefore, if this system is compared with traditional refrigeration systems, magnetic refrigeration is safer, quieter, more compact and more efficient, in addition to the fact that not using gases that are harmful to the ozone layer is better for the environment.
- patent CN107031490A can be mentioned, which describes a lorry with a magnetically refrigerated compartment.
- the refrigeration system is powered electrically by the electrical circuit associated with the vehicle's alternator, so this solution does not apply to containers that are fully autonomous, such as those used in rail and maritime transport, as well as road transport in cases where the container must sometimes be disconnected from the vehicle transporting it.
- the autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted supply and transport of products set out in the invention proposes to satisfactorily solve the problem previously mentioned in each of the aspects discussed, and is particularly applicable to rail and lorry transport although its use on ships is also possible with its batteries fully charged including, ultimately, an auxiliary charging system with a connection to an external network.
- this type of container which includes a rectangular prismatic body with an internal chamber to hold the products to be transported under thermostatted conditions, including thermal insulation panels, one or more access doors, and a refrigeration system integrated into the container itself.
- the invention has the particular feature that said refrigeration system is embodied in a magnetic refrigeration system cooled by a cooling fluid, and powered electrically by a set of electrical batteries that are also integrated into the structure of the container.
- These electrical batteries are charged by a double energy generation system comprising a series of wind turbines integrated into the front and rear of the container, together with an energy generation system based on piezoelectric generators, associated with flaps that fold due to the effect of the wind.
- the base of the container can also be produced with a low, double bottom between which a system of piezoelectric generators would be integrated, which are responsible for absorbing the vibrations transmitted to the container during the journey and for transforming them into electrical energy for recharging said batteries.
- the doors providing access to the inside of the container may include magnetic seals, specifically a paramagnetic rubber perimeter lining that provides an optimal thermal seal for the chamber and prevents heat losses through these seals.
- the roof of the container may include a series of photovoltaic solar panels that supply the battery system, thus increasing container autonomy.
- the container will include a safety system for connection to an external electricity network belonging to the ship, train or lorry, so that the container can continue to operate if the batteries are drained at any point.
- the autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted supply and transport of products is based on the conventional structure of a refrigerated container, which includes a rectangular prismatic body (1) with an internal chamber to hold the products to be transported under thermostatted conditions, including thermal insulation through a series of lined panels accessed through one or more doors (2) and with a refrigeration system (3) integrated into the front-rear part of the container.
- the refrigeration system (3) is to be a magnetic refrigeration system cooled by a cooling fluid such as a gas (helium, for example).
- This refrigeration system is powered by a set of electrical batteries (4) integrated into the base (5) of the container, laid out horizontally to ensure a minimal effect on its charging capacity.
- the electrical batteries (4) are powered by two independent energy generation systems.
- the first of the systems involves a series of wind turbines (6) integrated into the front and top area of the container, which is usually in contact with the wind when the container is transported by lorry and by train, and that has no negative effect of the aerodynamics of the container.
- the second of the planned generation systems involves an energy generation system based on piezoelectric generators.
- piezoelectric generators will be associated with folding flaps (7) moved by the wind that operate the piezoelectric generators mentioned to obtain energy that is stored in the electrical batteries (4).
- flaps will preferably be located in line with the rear vertical edges of the container so as not to become an obstacle when opening and closing the doors, or when handling the container itself when hoisting and positioning it.
- the base (5) of the container may have a dual layer structure, with a low, double bottom, vertically movable, between which a system of piezoelectric generators would be integrated that is responsible for absorbing the vibrations transmitted to the container during the journey and for transforming them into electrical energy to charge said batteries (4).
- All the doors (2) providing access to the inside of the refrigeration chamber of the container will include magnetic seals by way of a paramagnetic rubber perimeter lining (8) to provide the optimal thermal seal of the chamber and prevent heat losses through these seals.
- the container will have means of connection (11) to an external electrical network which will obviously only be used in exceptional circumstances when the remaining energy generation and storage systems are insufficient for keeping the refrigeration system (3) permanently operational.
Landscapes
- 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)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
Fully autonomous refrigerated containers, which includes a gascooled magnetic refrigeration system (3), powered by a set of electrical batteries (4) integrated into the structure of the container, which are powered by two independent energy generation systems, a system based on wind turbines (6), and a piezoelectric generator system operated using vibrations and/or aerodynamics. The invention foresees a reduction in thermal loss by including magnetic seals in its access doors by way of a paramagnetic rubber perimeter lining profile (8).
Description
- Autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted storage and transport of products.
- This invention concerns an autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted storage and transport of products, which can be used fixed, connected to the body of a vehicle or independently as a container of the type used in rail and maritime transport, which offers optimal services in the sense of thermal insulation, the refrigeration system used, and energy autonomy.
- Therefore, the purpose of the invention is to provide a container able to operate autonomously, with minimum energy consumption thanks to optimal refrigeration and insulation, with energy generation and storage media specifically designed so as not to interfere with the normal operation/use of the container.
- The scope of the practical application of the invention concerns known vehicles with containers for the thermostatted transport of products that include refrigeration systems, particularly magnetic refrigeration systems.
- This technique can be used to achieve extremely low temperatures, as well as temperature ranges such as those used in normal refrigerators. Therefore, if this system is compared with traditional refrigeration systems, magnetic refrigeration is safer, quieter, more compact and more efficient, in addition to the fact that not using gases that are harmful to the ozone layer is better for the environment.
- In this sense, patent
CN107031490A can be mentioned, which describes a lorry with a magnetically refrigerated compartment. - The refrigeration system is powered electrically by the electrical circuit associated with the vehicle's alternator, so this solution does not apply to containers that are fully autonomous, such as those used in rail and maritime transport, as well as road transport in cases where the container must sometimes be disconnected from the vehicle transporting it.
- It should be noted that the inclusion of certain known energy generation systems in the containers would involve components that might have an extremely negative effect on the aerodynamics of the vehicle, resulting in it consuming more fuel, and these could affect the normal operation of the containers themselves by not allowing doors to open fully, stacking, cargo handling, etc.
- In addition, the solution given in patent
CN 107031490A presents another series of limitations or technical problems to be solved, including: - This type of container presents thermal sealing losses affecting its doors and areas providing access to the inside of the container. These losses, although not problematic (beyond the cost overrun) when the container's refrigeration system is connected to the vehicle transporting and powering it, represent a loss of autonomy in the case of an autonomous container.
- The refrigeration system uses water as a coolant, which has a limited capacity for heat transfer.
- The autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted supply and transport of products set out in the invention proposes to satisfactorily solve the problem previously mentioned in each of the aspects discussed, and is particularly applicable to rail and lorry transport although its use on ships is also possible with its batteries fully charged including, ultimately, an auxiliary charging system with a connection to an external network.
- Therefore, based on the conventional structure of this type of container, which includes a rectangular prismatic body with an internal chamber to hold the products to be transported under thermostatted conditions, including thermal insulation panels, one or more access doors, and a refrigeration system integrated into the container itself. The invention has the particular feature that said refrigeration system is embodied in a magnetic refrigeration system cooled by a cooling fluid, and powered electrically by a set of electrical batteries that are also integrated into the structure of the container.
- These electrical batteries are charged by a double energy generation system comprising a series of wind turbines integrated into the front and rear of the container, together with an energy generation system based on piezoelectric generators, associated with flaps that fold due to the effect of the wind. The base of the container can also be produced with a low, double bottom between which a system of piezoelectric generators would be integrated, which are responsible for absorbing the vibrations transmitted to the container during the journey and for transforming them into electrical energy for recharging said batteries.
- In line with another of the characteristics of the invention, the doors providing access to the inside of the container may include magnetic seals, specifically a paramagnetic rubber perimeter lining that provides an optimal thermal seal for the chamber and prevents heat losses through these seals.
- Optionally, in addition to the two aforementioned electrical generation systems, the roof of the container may include a series of photovoltaic solar panels that supply the battery system, thus increasing container autonomy.
- Finally, particularly in cases where the containers are stacked with others of the same type, such as in maritime transport where the energy generation system remains partially or completely unused due to the presence of adjacent containers, the container will include a safety system for connection to an external electricity network belonging to the ship, train or lorry, so that the container can continue to operate if the batteries are drained at any point.
- In addition to the description provided and to ensure a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with a preferred practical example thereof, a set of plans are provided as an integral part of said description that represent the following by way of illustration and not limitation:
-
Figure 1 - shows a schematic perspective view of an autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted supply and transport of products in line with the purpose of this invention. -
Figure 2 - shows a view similar to that ofFigure 1 corresponding to a second version of the container. - Given the figures provided, and specifically
Figure 1 , which is the preferred version of the invention, it can be seen that the autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted supply and transport of products is based on the conventional structure of a refrigerated container, which includes a rectangular prismatic body (1) with an internal chamber to hold the products to be transported under thermostatted conditions, including thermal insulation through a series of lined panels accessed through one or more doors (2) and with a refrigeration system (3) integrated into the front-rear part of the container. - Based on this conventional structure, the refrigeration system (3) is to be a magnetic refrigeration system cooled by a cooling fluid such as a gas (helium, for example).
- This refrigeration system is powered by a set of electrical batteries (4) integrated into the base (5) of the container, laid out horizontally to ensure a minimal effect on its charging capacity.
- As mentioned, the electrical batteries (4) are powered by two independent energy generation systems.
- The first of the systems involves a series of wind turbines (6) integrated into the front and top area of the container, which is usually in contact with the wind when the container is transported by lorry and by train, and that has no negative effect of the aerodynamics of the container.
- The second of the planned generation systems involves an energy generation system based on piezoelectric generators.
- These piezoelectric generators will be associated with folding flaps (7) moved by the wind that operate the piezoelectric generators mentioned to obtain energy that is stored in the electrical batteries (4).
- These flaps will preferably be located in line with the rear vertical edges of the container so as not to become an obstacle when opening and closing the doors, or when handling the container itself when hoisting and positioning it.
- Alongside this, the base (5) of the container may have a dual layer structure, with a low, double bottom, vertically movable, between which a system of piezoelectric generators would be integrated that is responsible for absorbing the vibrations transmitted to the container during the journey and for transforming them into electrical energy to charge said batteries (4).
- All the doors (2) providing access to the inside of the refrigeration chamber of the container will include magnetic seals by way of a paramagnetic rubber perimeter lining (8) to provide the optimal thermal seal of the chamber and prevent heat losses through these seals.
- In line with
Figure 2 , a second practical version of the invention has been planned in which the container also has a series of photovoltaic panels (9) installed on its roof (10), through which the system of electrical batteries is also supplied. - Finally, as a safety system, the container will have means of connection (11) to an external electrical network which will obviously only be used in exceptional circumstances when the remaining energy generation and storage systems are insufficient for keeping the refrigeration system (3) permanently operational.
Claims (7)
- Autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted supply and transport of products, of the type that includes a rectangular prismatic body (1) with an internal chamber to hold the products to be transported under thermostatted conditions, including thermal insulation through a series of lined panels accessed through one or more doors (2) and with a refrigeration system (3) integrated into the structure of the container, with the following structural characteristics:a) the refrigeration system (3) is a magnetic refrigeration system cooled by a cooling fluid.b) the refrigeration system (3) is powered by a set of electrical batteries (4) integrated into the structure of the container,c) the electrical batteries (4) are powered by two independent energy generation systems, a system based on wind turbines (6), and a piezoelectric generator system operated using vibrations and/or aerodynamics.d) The doors (2) accessing the inside of the refrigeration chamber of the container include magnetic seals by way of a paramagnetic rubber perimeter lining profile (8).
- Autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted supply and transport of products, according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that the fluid used in the magnetic refrigeration system (3) is a gas.
- Autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted supply and transport of products, according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that the piezoelectric generators are connected to folding flaps (7) at the front side area of the container and moveable in the wind.
- Autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted supply and transport of products, according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that the piezoelectric generators are connected to the base (5) of the container based on a dual layer structure, with a double bottom that can be moved vertically, and that provide a method for absorbing vibrations transmitted to the container during the journey and the transforming of these vibrations into electrical energy to charge the electrical batteries (4).
- Autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted supply and transport of products, according to claim 1, characterised by a series of photovoltaic solar panels (9) installed on its roof (10) to power the electrical battery system.
- Autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted supply and transport of products, according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that the electrical batteries (4) include a means of connection (11) to an external electrical network.
- Autonomous refrigerated container for the thermostatted supply and transport of products, according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that the electrical batteries (4) are integrated into the base (5) of the container, laid out horizontally.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP22382110.9A EP4227606A1 (en) | 2022-02-10 | 2022-02-10 | Autonomous refrigerated container for storage and thermostatted transport of products |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP22382110.9A EP4227606A1 (en) | 2022-02-10 | 2022-02-10 | Autonomous refrigerated container for storage and thermostatted transport of products |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4227606A1 true EP4227606A1 (en) | 2023-08-16 |
Family
ID=80462037
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP22382110.9A Withdrawn EP4227606A1 (en) | 2022-02-10 | 2022-02-10 | Autonomous refrigerated container for storage and thermostatted transport of products |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP4227606A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2512406A (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2014-10-01 | Perpetual V2G Systems Ltd | Improvements in or relating to powering and/or supplementing an existing energy supply at a premises |
CN107031490A (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2017-08-11 | 青岛农业大学 | Refrigerating transport vehicle and refrigerating method |
US20170261237A1 (en) * | 2016-03-10 | 2017-09-14 | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for providing temperature controlled portable container |
US20180274843A1 (en) * | 2015-12-04 | 2018-09-27 | Carrier Corporation | Transport container environmental control lid |
-
2022
- 2022-02-10 EP EP22382110.9A patent/EP4227606A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2512406A (en) * | 2013-03-22 | 2014-10-01 | Perpetual V2G Systems Ltd | Improvements in or relating to powering and/or supplementing an existing energy supply at a premises |
US20180274843A1 (en) * | 2015-12-04 | 2018-09-27 | Carrier Corporation | Transport container environmental control lid |
US20170261237A1 (en) * | 2016-03-10 | 2017-09-14 | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for providing temperature controlled portable container |
CN107031490A (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2017-08-11 | 青岛农业大学 | Refrigerating transport vehicle and refrigerating method |
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