JP2023094906A - Refrigerating container - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a refrigerating container that restrains the reduction of a cargo space in the interior of the container, and stably keeps an interior temperature.SOLUTION: A refrigerating container 100 comprises: a container body 1; an air refrigerant line having a suction port and a discharge port provided inside the container body 1; a compressor for compressing air sucked into the air refrigerant line; at least one heat exchanger constituted so as to cool the air compressed by the compressor; and a turbine provided in the air refrigerant line and constituted so as to expand the air. The compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine are arranged along a partition wall 10 separating an inside space 2 and an outside space 3 of the container body, in the outside space 3 of the container body 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to reefer containers.

A reefer container is a container with a refrigeration function that freezes or refrigerates goods such as cargo stored in a warehouse.

Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerating container configured such that an air passage for circulating air inside the container is provided inside the container, and the air flowing through the air passage is cooled by heat exchange in an evaporator. ing. An air passage in the container warehouse is provided with the above-described evaporator that constitutes a closed-cycle refrigerator, and a fan and a fan motor for circulating the air in the container.

JP-A-09-210534

In the refrigerating container described in Patent Document 1, the equipment (evaporator) that forms the refrigeration cycle and the equipment (fan and motor) for circulating the air in the refrigerator are provided in the refrigerator, so the cargo space in the refrigerator is narrow. Become. In addition, defrost operation is required to remove frost adhering to the evaporator (heat exchanger) placed inside the warehouse, which may reduce the low-temperature reliability of the cargo inside the warehouse. In addition, since a heating element such as a motor is arranged inside the refrigerator, a high-temperature portion or temperature unevenness may occur in the refrigerator.

In view of the circumstances described above, at least one embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerated container capable of suppressing reduction in the cargo space inside the container and stably maintaining the temperature inside the container. intended to

A refrigerated container according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises:
a container body;
an air refrigerant line having a suction port and a discharge port respectively provided inside the container body;
a compressor provided in the air refrigerant line for compressing air sucked into the air refrigerant line from the inside of the container body through the suction port;
at least one heat exchanger provided in the air refrigerant line and configured to cool the air compressed by the compressor;
a turbine disposed between the at least one heat exchanger and the outlet in the air refrigerant line and configured to expand the air cooled by the at least one heat exchanger;
with
The air refrigerant line is
a suction air line for guiding the air sucked from the suction port to the compressor;
a compressed air line for guiding the air compressed by the compressor to the turbine;
an expanded air line for guiding the air expanded by the turbine to the outlet;
including
The compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine are arranged in the outer space of the container body along a partition separating the inner space and the outer space of the container body.

An object of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a refrigerated container capable of suppressing a reduction in the cargo space inside the container and stably maintaining the temperature inside the container. do.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a reefer container according to some embodiments; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the reefer container shown in FIG. 1 as seen from another direction; It is a figure which shows typically the circuit of the refrigerator of the reefer container which concerns on one Embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the reefer container which concerns on one Embodiment from the direction shown by arrow A in FIG. It is the figure which looked the reefer container shown in FIG. 4 from the direction shown by arrow B in FIG. It is the figure which looked at the reefer container which concerns on one Embodiment from the direction shown by arrow A in FIG. It is the figure which looked the reefer container shown in FIG. 6 from the direction shown by arrow B in FIG. It is the figure which looked the reefer container 100 which concerns on one Embodiment from the side. It is a figure which shows typically the circuit of the refrigerator of the reefer container which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the circuit of the refrigerator of the reefer container which concerns on one Embodiment.

Several embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and are merely illustrative examples. do not have.

(Configuration of reefer container)
1 is a schematic perspective view of a reefer container according to some embodiments; FIG. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the refrigerated container shown in Figure 1 as seen from another direction, showing the interior of the container with some walls that make up the refrigerated container omitted;

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a reefer container 100 includes a container body 1 capable of accommodating articles such as cargo. The container body 1 has a ceiling wall 4, a bottom wall 5, a pair of short side walls 6,7 and a pair of long side walls 8,9. These walls partition the inner space 2 and the outer space 3 of the container body 1 .

The container body 1 may be a transport container used for transporting cargo or the like. The container body 1 may be a standard shipping container such as a 20ft container or a 40ft container.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a circuit of a refrigerator (refrigeration cycle) of a reefer container according to one embodiment. 4 and 6 are views of the refrigerated container according to one embodiment as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 2 (longitudinal direction of the container body 1). 5 and 7 are views of the refrigerated container shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, respectively, viewed from the inside of the container body 1 in the direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. 2 (opposite direction to FIGS. 4 and 6). be.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the inner space 2 of the container body 1 includes a blowout portion 14 including a blowout port 16 (opening) for blowing air into the inside of the container body 1, A suction section 18 is provided that includes a suction port 20 for drawing air. 3 to 5, illustration of the blowout portion 14 and the suction portion 18 is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the reefer container 100 includes an air refrigerant line 22 having the above-described inlet 20 and outlet 16, a compressor 24 provided in each of the air refrigerant lines 22, and at least one heat exchanger. 32 and a turbine 26 .

The air refrigerant line 22 is a passage extending from the suction port 20 to the blowout port 16, and air sucked from the inside of the container body 1 through the suction port 20 flows. Compressor 24 is configured to compress air drawn into air refrigerant line 22 via suction port 20 . At least one heat exchanger 32 is configured to cool the hot, high pressure air compressed by compressor 24 . Turbine 26 is configured to expand air cooled in at least one heat exchanger 32 . The low-temperature air expanded by the turbine 26 is guided to the blowout port 16 by the air refrigerant line 22 and is blown out into the container body 1 through the blowout port 16 . That is, the air refrigerant line 22, the compressor 24, at least one heat exchanger 32, and the turbine 26 constitute a refrigerator (refrigerating cycle) that uses the air from inside the container body 1 as a refrigerant.

Here, the air refrigerant line 22 includes a suction air line 22A for guiding the air sucked from the suction port 20 to the compressor 24, and a compressed air line 22B for guiding the air compressed by the compressor 24 to the turbine 26. and an expanded air line 22C for guiding the air expanded by the turbine 26 to the outlet 16.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, at least one heat exchanger 32 includes first heat exchanger 34 and second heat exchanger 36 . The first heat exchanger 34 is configured to exchange heat between air flowing through the suction air line 22A and air flowing through the compressed air line 22B. The second heat exchanger 36 is provided on the upstream side of the first heat exchanger 34 in the compressed air line 22B. configured to exchange heat with a cooling fluid (e.g., water) other than the

The high-temperature and high-pressure air compressed by the compressor 24 is cooled in the compressed air line 22B by a heat exchanger with a cooling fluid (eg, water) in the second heat exchanger 36, and then sent to the first heat exchanger 34. It is further cooled by heat exchange with relatively cool air flowing through the cooling air line.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the second heat exchanger 36 cools the air flowing in the compressed air line towards the first heat exchanger 34 by heat exchange with water. configured as In one embodiment, the second heat exchanger 36 is supplied with water via a water circulation line 38, as shown in FIG. The water circulation line 38 is provided with a radiator 40 and a pump 42 that constitute a cooling device 39 for cooling water. The water whose temperature has been raised by heat exchange with the air in the second heat exchanger 36 is cooled by the cooling device 39 including the radiator 40 . Cooling device 39 includes fan 41 for air-cooling radiator 40 .

In some embodiments, compressor 24 and turbine 26 may be coupled together via a rotating shaft. 3, 4 and 6, the compressor 24 and turbine 26 are each connected to a rotating shaft 30, which is the output shaft of a motor 28 for driving the compressor 24; Therefore, they are connected to each other via the rotating shaft 30 .

The motor 28 is supplied with current from a power source (generator, etc.) not shown. Further, in the turbine 26, part of the expansion energy generated when the air expands is recovered, and the recovered expansion energy assists the driving of the compressor 24.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the suction air line 22A, the compressed air line 22B and the expansion air line 22C are each formed by piping.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the piping forming the suction air line 22A includes piping 48 provided between the suction port 20 and the inlet of the first heat exchanger 34 and and piping 50 provided between the outlet of the vessel 34 and the compressor 24 . Further, the piping forming the compressed air line 22B includes a piping 52 provided between the outlet of the compressor 24 and the inlet of the second heat exchanger 36, the outlet of the second heat exchanger 36 and the first heat exchanger. piping 54 provided between the inlet of the first heat exchanger 34 and piping 56 provided between the outlet of the first heat exchanger 34 and the inlet of the turbine 26 . Further, the piping forming the expanded air line 22</b>C includes a piping 58 provided between the outlet of the turbine 26 and the blowout port 16 .

Each pipe forming the air refrigerant line 22 may be formed by connecting a plurality of pipe portions via a flange or the like.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6, a compressor 24, at least one heat exchanger 32 (first heat exchange The second heat exchanger 34 and the turbine 26 are arranged in the outer space 3 of the container body 1 along the partition wall 10 separating the inner space 2 and the outer space 3 of the container body 1 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6, the above-mentioned equipment provided in the air refrigerant line 22 are arranged along the short side wall 7 as the bulkhead 10 . Note that in FIG. 1, some of the above-described devices provided in the air refrigerant line 22 are schematically shown by chain double-dashed lines.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6, a cover 12 may be provided that surrounds the above-described equipment provided in the outer space 3 of the container body 1 from above, below and from the sides.

4 to 7, a pipe 48 between the suction port 20 and the first heat exchanger 34 is provided so as to pass through a hole 49 provided in the short side wall 7 (partition wall 10). may Also, the pipe 58 between the turbine 26 and the blowout port 16 may be provided so as to pass through a hole 59 provided in the short side wall 7 (the partition wall 10).

In the above-described embodiment, the refrigerator includes the compressor 24, the heat exchangers 32 (34, 36) and the turbine 26 installed in the outer space 3 of the container body 1, and uses the air inside the container body 1 as a refrigerant. (refrigeration cycle) is constructed. Therefore, since these devices are not provided in the inner space 2 of the container body 1, it is possible to secure a wide cargo space inside the container.
In addition, in the above-described embodiment, since it is not necessary to provide a heat exchanger such as an evaporator in the inner space 2 of the container body 1, there is no need to perform a defrost operation for defrosting such a heat exchanger. . Alternatively, the air inside the container body 1 naturally circulates from the blowout port 16 to the suction port 20 due to the difference between the pressure at the blowout port 16 and the pressure at the suction port 20 (arrow in FIG. 2). ), no fan is required to circulate the air inside the refrigerator. Therefore, the temperature inside the container does not rise due to the provision of the fan and the fan motor inside the container. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the internal temperature at the desired temperature.
In the above-described embodiment, the equipment constituting the refrigerator (the compressor 24, the heat exchangers 32 (34, 36) and the turbine 26) is placed in a relatively narrow space along the partition wall 10 in the outer space 3 of the container body 1. ) is placed. As described above, since the installation area of the refrigerator added to the container body 1 is small, the reefer container 100 including the refrigerator can be appropriately used as a container for transportation or the like.
Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to obtain the reefer container 100 that is capable of suppressing the reduction of cargo space inside the container and stably maintaining the temperature inside the container.

In some embodiments, a motor capable of rotating at 50,000 rpm or higher is used as the motor (eg, motor 28 described above) for driving compressor 24 . The motor may be an inverter motor.

Thus, by using a motor that can be used at high rotational speeds of 50,000 rpm, relatively small compressors and turbines can be employed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and weight of the equipment that constitutes the refrigerator.

In some embodiments, at least two of the compressor 24, at least one heat exchanger 32, and turbine 26 are arranged vertically. That is, at least two of the above-mentioned are positioned to be offset from each other in the vertical direction.

For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the compressor 24 and turbine 26 and the first heat exchanger 34 (heat exchanger 32) are arranged vertically. Also, the compressor 24, the turbine 26, and the second heat exchanger 36 (the heat exchanger 32) are arranged vertically. A first heat exchanger 34 (heat exchanger 32) and a second heat exchanger 36 (heat exchanger 32) are arranged vertically.

In the above-described embodiment, at least two of the compressor 24, at least one heat exchanger 32, and turbine 26, which constitute the refrigerator, are arranged in the vertical direction. installation area can be reduced. That is, the installation area of the refrigerator added to the container body 1 can be reduced.

As described above, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 36 are arranged vertically.

In the above-described embodiment, the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 36, which are relatively large among the devices that make up the refrigerator, are arranged in the vertical direction. It is possible to effectively reduce the installation area of the equipment in That is, the installation area of the refrigerator added to the container body 1 can be reduced.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first heat exchanger 34 is positioned above the second heat exchanger 36 in the vertical direction.

Normally, the suction port 20 is provided above the blowout port 16 inside the container body 1 . In this regard, in the above-described embodiment, the first heat exchanger 34 is positioned relatively high, so the pipe 48 between the suction port 20 and the first heat exchanger 34 can be made relatively short. can. Therefore, the heat input to the refrigerant (air) from the outside air or the like via this pipe is suppressed, and the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is improved.

Here, FIG. 8 is a side view of the reefer container 100 according to one embodiment.
In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the second heat exchanger 36 is positioned relatively downward, so for example, when using a generator 60 of the type suspended from the end of the ceiling of the container as shown in FIG. However, the second heat exchanger 36, the cooling device 39 used together with the second heat exchanger 36, and the generator 60 described above are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the partition wall 10 (in FIG. 8, the longitudinal direction of the container body 1). are easily arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed from the same direction). Therefore, the generator 60 is less likely to hinder the operation of the cooling device 39 (for example, the fan 41 or the like).

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the compressor 24 and the turbine 26 are arranged vertically between the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 36 .

According to the above-described embodiment, since the first heat exchanger 34, the second heat exchanger 36, the compressor 24 and the turbine 26 are arranged vertically, the outer space of the container body 1 3, the installation area of the equipment can be further reduced.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, since the compressor 24 and the turbine 26 are provided between the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 36, the first heat exchanger 34 or the second heat exchanger 36 , the length of the piping (for example, the piping 52 or the piping 56, etc.) connecting between the compressor 24 or the turbine 26 can be easily shortened. Therefore, heat input to the refrigerant (air) from outside air or the like via these pipes can be suppressed. Alternatively, since the piping 52 through which relatively high-temperature air flows between the outlet of the compressor 24 and the second heat exchanger 36 can be shortened, heat is released from the piping 52 through surrounding piping and equipment. Heating of the refrigerant can be suppressed. Therefore, the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is improved.

In some embodiments, at least one heat exchanger 32 (first heat exchanger 34 and/or second heat exchanger 36) may comprise a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. In particular, when the at least one heat exchanger 32 includes a plurality of vertically arranged heat exchangers (the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 36), one of the heat exchangers arranged above 32 (first heat exchanger 34 in the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) may comprise a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. Plate heat exchangers or microchannel heat exchangers may be made from materials including aluminum or titanium.

In the embodiments described above, the at least one heat exchanger 32 is a relatively lightweight heat exchanger, such as a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. Therefore, the heat exchanger can be installed on a wall surface, and can be easily installed upward. Therefore, since the heat exchanger and other devices can be easily arranged in the vertical direction, the installation area of the devices in the outer space 3 of the container body 1 can be easily reduced.

Here, the partition 10 has a first end 62 and a second end 64, which are both ends in the horizontal direction. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, of the horizontal ends of the partition wall 10, the end on the long side wall 9 side of the container body 1 is the first end 62, and the end on the long side wall 8 side is the second end 64. be.

In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first heat exchanger 34 and the compressor 24 and the turbine 26 connected to each other via a rotating shaft 30 extending along the horizontal direction are arranged vertically. arrayed. The inlet of the first heat exchanger 34 in the compressed air line 22B is located closer to the second end 64 in the horizontal direction than the outlet of the first heat exchanger 34 in the compressed air line 22B. It is positioned closer to the first end 62 than the compressor 24 in the horizontal direction. 6, the inlet of the first heat exchanger 34 in the compressed air line 22B is the connecting portion between the first heat exchanger 34 and the pipe 54. As shown in FIG. Also, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 34 in the compressed air line 22B is the connecting portion between the first heat exchanger 34 and the pipe 56 .

According to the above-described embodiment, the first heat exchanger 34 and the compressor 24 and turbine 26 having a common rotating shaft 30 are arranged vertically, and horizontally the first heat exchanger 34 in the compressed air line 22B. The outlet of heat exchanger 34 and turbine 26 are located near first end 62 . Therefore, the length of the pipe 56 forming the compressed air line 22B between the outlet of the first heat exchanger 34 and the inlet of the turbine 26 can be easily shortened. Therefore, the heat input to the refrigerant (air) from outside air or the like via the pipe 56 can be suppressed, and the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is improved.

In some embodiments, the length of tubing 52 forming the portion of compressed air line 22B between the outlet of compressor 24 and second heat exchanger 36, for example as shown in FIG. It is shorter than the length of piping 50 that forms the portion of line 22A between first heat exchanger 34 and the inlet of compressor 24 .

In this case, since the pipe 52 between the outlet of the compressor 24 and the second heat exchanger 36, through which relatively high-temperature air flows, is relatively short, the heat radiated from the pipe 52 causes the refrigerant to flow through the surrounding pipes and equipment. heating can be suppressed. Therefore, the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is improved.

In some embodiments, the compressor 24 and the turbine 26 are arranged vertically between the first heat exchanger 34 and the second heat exchanger 36, for example as shown in FIG. Then, among both ends of the second heat exchanger 36 in the horizontal direction, at the end on the second end 64 side of the partition wall 10, a A pipe 52 forming part is connected.

According to the above-described embodiment, in the horizontal direction, the compressor 24 of the compressor 24 and the turbine 26 is positioned closer to the second end 64, and the outlet of the compressor 24 in the compressed air line 22B is connected to the second heat exchanger. A pipe 52 forming a portion between the second heat exchanger 36 is connected to the second end 64 side of the second heat exchanger 36 . Therefore, it is easy to shorten the above-mentioned piping 52 through which relatively high-temperature air flows. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the refrigerant from being heated through surrounding pipes and equipment due to the heat radiated from the pipe 52 . Therefore, the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is improved.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the cooling device 39 (radiator 40 and/or fan 41, etc.) for cooling the cooling fluid supplied to the second heat exchanger 36 is arranged horizontally. It may be located closer to the second end 64 of the partition wall 10 than the second end 64 of the partition wall 10 . Further, piping for supplying cooling fluid from the cooling device 39 to the second heat exchanger 36 (in the illustrated embodiment, piping forming the water circulation line 38) is located on the second end 64 side of the second heat exchanger 36. may be connected to the end of the In this way, by concentrating the piping connected to the second heat exchanger 36 on the second end 64 side, the second heat exchanger 36 and the cooling device 39 can be horizontally arranged side by side in a narrow installation space. Cheap.

In some embodiments, a portion of piping 58 forming expanded air line 22C between the outlet of turbine 26 and outlet 16, for example as shown in FIGS. 4-7 (particularly FIGS. 5 and 7) is exposed to the inner space 2 of the container body 1.

In the above-described embodiment, a portion of the piping 58 through which the low-temperature air flows between the outlet of the turbine 26 and the blowout port 16 is exposed in the inner space 2 of the container body 1. can be shortened. Therefore, the heat input from the outside air or the like to the refrigerant (air) through the pipe 58 is suppressed, and the efficiency of the refrigerating cycle is improved.

In some embodiments, the length H1 of the portion of the piping 58 that forms the inflation air line 22C that is exposed to the inner space 2 of the container body 1 is at least half the height H0 of the container body 1 (i.e., H0/ 2 or more) (see FIGS. 5 and 7).

In the above-described embodiment, the length H1 of the pipe 58 through which the low-temperature air flows between the outlet of the turbine 26 and the blowout port 16 is H0/2 or more, which is relatively long. can be shortened. Therefore, heat input to the refrigerant (air) from outside air or the like via the pipe 58 can be effectively suppressed.

In some embodiments, outlet 16 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) has an opening that is larger in size than the inner diameter of tubing 58 forming inflation air line 22C. For example, the equivalent diameter of the outlet 16 (opening) is larger than the inner diameter of the pipe 58 .

According to the above-described embodiment, the outlet 16 for blowing out the air expanded by the turbine 26 to the inner space 2 of the container body 1 has a size larger than the inner diameter of the pipe 58 forming the expanded air line 22C. Therefore, even if the moisture in the air is evaluated and frost occurs in the turbine, the frost reaching the outlet from the piping is suppressed from accumulating in the outlet, and the frost is discharged from the outlet together with the air. easier to be In this way, the pressure loss due to accumulation of frost at the turbine outlet is reduced, so that the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is improved.

In some embodiments, the suction port 20 is provided with a filter portion 21 for removing foreign matter. The filter section 21 includes a member or the like having a plurality of holes or meshes, and has a plurality of openings formed by these holes, meshes, or the like. The size (equivalent diameter, etc.) of the plurality of openings of the filter portion 21 is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe 58 forming the expanded air line 22C. Alternatively, the size of the opening of the inlet 20 may be smaller than the size of the opening of the outlet 16 .

According to the above-described embodiment, since the filter portion 21 having a plurality of openings smaller in size than the inner diameter of the pipe 58 forming the expanded air line 22C is provided at the suction port 20, the air refrigerant line through the suction port 20 Entry of foreign matter into 22 can be effectively suppressed.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, a partition wall separates an area outside the container body 1 where the compressor 24, the heat exchanger 32, and the turbine 26 are installed, and the inner space 2 of the container body 1. 10 (short side wall 7 of container body 1 in the example shown in FIG. 1) extends along a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of container body 1 .

In the above-described embodiment, the equipment ( Compressor 24, heat exchangers 32 (34, 36) and turbine 26) are located. Therefore, the installation area of the refrigerator added to the container body 1 can be reduced, and the reefer container 100 including the refrigerator can be appropriately used as a container for transportation or the like.

In one embodiment, the compressor 24, the at least one heat exchanger 32 and the turbine 26 are arranged in the outer space 3 such that the length L1 from the bulkhead 10 in the longitudinal direction of the container body 1 is equal to the length of the container body 1 It may be arranged within a range of 1/10 or less of the height L0 (see FIG. 1).

In this case, the installation area of the equipment constituting the refrigerator is within a range of 1/10 or less of the length L0 of the container body. Therefore, since the installation area of the refrigerator added to the container main body 1 is small, the refrigeration container 100 including the refrigerator can be appropriately used as a container for transportation or the like.

For example, when the container body is a 20 ft container (length L0: about 6.1 m, width W0: about 2.4 m, height H0: about 2.6 m), the length (L1) of the above installation area is 610 mm or less. may be

9 and 10 are diagrams schematically showing the circuit of the refrigerator (refrigeration cycle) of the reefer container 100 according to one embodiment. It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 except for the following description.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9, refrigerated container 100 includes a circulation line 44 for circulating a portion of the air flowing through compressed air line 22B to the inlet of compressor 24 . In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the circulation line 44 is provided with a valve 45 for adjusting the flow rate of the air circulated to the inlet of the compressor 24 via the circulation line 44 .

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the reefer container 100 includes an exhaust line 46 for exhausting a portion of the air flowing through the compressed air line 22B out of the air refrigerant line 22. As shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the discharge line 46 is provided with a valve 47 for adjusting the flow rate of air discharged out of the air refrigerant line 22 through the discharge line 46 .

In these embodiments, even when the rotation speed of the compressor 24 is changed to adjust the output of the refrigeration cycle, etc., the flow rate of the air flowing through the air refrigerant line 22 is adjusted according to the rotation speed of the compressor 24. can be adjusted appropriately. Therefore, the refrigerator can be properly operated.

The contents described in each of the above embodiments are understood as follows, for example.

(1) A reefer container (100) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention,
a container body (1);
an air refrigerant line (22) having an inlet (20) and an outlet (16) respectively provided inside the container body;
a compressor (24) provided in the air refrigerant line for compressing air sucked into the air refrigerant line from the inside of the container body through the suction port;
at least one heat exchanger (32) provided in the air refrigerant line and configured to cool the air compressed by the compressor;
a turbine (26) in the air refrigerant line and configured to expand the air cooled in the at least one heat exchanger;
with
The air refrigerant line is
a suction air line (22A) for guiding the air sucked from the suction port to the compressor;
a compressed air line (22B) for guiding the air compressed by the compressor to the turbine;
an expanded air line (22C) for guiding the air expanded by the turbine to the outlet;
including
The compressor, the at least one heat exchanger and the turbine are mounted in a partition wall (10) separating the inner space (2) and the outer space of the container body in the outer space (3) of the container body. placed along.

According to the above configuration (1), the refrigerator (freezer) includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a turbine installed in the outer space of the container body, and uses the air inside the container body (air inside the container) as a refrigerant. cycle) is constructed. Therefore, since these devices are not provided in the inner space of the container body, it is possible to secure a wide cargo space inside the container.
In addition, in the above configuration (1), there is no need to provide a heat exchanger such as an evaporator in the inner space of the container body, so there is no need to perform a defrost operation for defrosting such a heat exchanger. . Alternatively, the air inside the container body naturally circulates from the air outlet to the air inlet due to the difference in pressure between the air outlet and the air inlet. No need. Therefore, the temperature inside the container does not rise due to the provision of the fan and the fan motor inside the container. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the internal temperature at the desired temperature.
In the configuration (1) above, the equipment constituting the refrigerator is arranged in a relatively narrow space along the partition outside the container body. In this way, since the installation area of the refrigerator added to the container body is small, the refrigerating container including the refrigerator can be appropriately used as a container for transportation or the like.
Therefore, according to the above configuration (1), it is possible to obtain a refrigerated container that is capable of suppressing a reduction in cargo space inside the container and stably maintaining the temperature inside the container.

(2) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) above,
At least two of the compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine are vertically arranged.

According to the configuration (2) above, since at least two of the compressor, at least one heat exchanger, and turbine that constitute the refrigerator are arranged in the vertical direction, the equipment in the outer space of the container body Installation area can be reduced. That is, it is possible to reduce the installation area of the refrigerator added to the container body.

(3) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) or (2) above,
The at least one heat exchanger is
a first heat exchanger (34) for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the suction air line and the air flowing through the compressed air line;
a second heat exchanger (36) for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the compressed air line toward the first heat exchanger and a cooling fluid other than the air flowing through the air refrigerant line;
including
The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are arranged in the vertical direction.

According to the above configuration (3), the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, which are relatively large among the devices constituting the refrigerator, are arranged in the vertical direction, so that the outer space of the container body It is possible to effectively reduce the installation area of the equipment in That is, it is possible to reduce the installation area of the refrigerator added to the container body.

(4) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (3) above,
The first heat exchanger is positioned above the second heat exchanger in the vertical direction.

Normally, the suction port is provided above the blowout port inside the container body. In this regard, in the configuration of (4) above, since the first heat exchanger is positioned relatively upward, the pipe (pipe forming the air refrigerant line) between the suction port in the chamber and the first heat exchanger can be shortened. Therefore, the heat input to the refrigerant (air) through this pipe is suppressed, and the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is improved.
In addition, in the configuration of (4) above, since the second heat exchanger is located relatively below, even when using a generator that is suspended from the end of the ceiling of the container, the second heat exchanger The generator and the cooling device used with the heat exchanger and the generator described above tend to be arranged so as not to overlap. Therefore, it is difficult for the generator to hinder the operation of the cooling device (for example, the fan).

(5) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (3) or (4) above,
The compressor and the turbine are arranged between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the vertical direction.

According to the configuration (5) above, since the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the compressor, and the turbine are arranged in the vertical direction, the equipment in the outer space of the container body is The installation area can be further reduced.
Further, in the configuration of (5) above, since the compressor and the turbine are provided between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger and the compressor or turbine It is easy to shorten the length of the piping (the piping forming the air refrigerant line) connecting between the Therefore, heat input to the refrigerant (air) via these pipes can be suppressed. Alternatively, since the piping through which the relatively high-temperature air flows between the outlet of the compressor and the second heat exchanger can be shortened, the refrigerant is heated via the surrounding piping and equipment by heat radiation from the piping. can be suppressed. Therefore, the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is improved.

(6) In some embodiments, in the configuration of any one of (3) to (5) above,
The length of a pipe (52) forming a portion of the compressed air line between the outlet of the compressor and the second heat exchanger is equal to the length of the suction air line between the first heat exchanger and the compressor. shorter than the length of the pipe (50) forming the section between it and the inlet of the machine.

According to the above configuration (6), since the piping through which the relatively high-temperature air flows between the outlet of the compressor and the second heat exchanger is relatively short, the surrounding piping and equipment are damaged by the heat released from the piping. It is possible to suppress the refrigerant from being heated through. Therefore, the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is improved.

(7) In some embodiments, in the configuration of any one of (2) to (6) above,
the septum has a first horizontal end (62) and a second horizontal end (64);
the at least one heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanger for heat exchange between the air flowing through the suction air line and the air flowing through the compressed air line;
the compressor and the turbine are connected to each other via a rotating shaft (30) extending along the horizontal direction;
The first heat exchanger, the compressor, and the turbine are arranged in the vertical direction,
The inlet of the first heat exchanger in the compressed air line is located closer to the second end in the horizontal direction than the outlet of the first heat exchanger in the compressed air line,
The turbine is located closer to the first end than the compressor in the horizontal direction.

According to the configuration of (7) above, the first heat exchanger and the compressor and turbine having a common rotating shaft are arranged in the vertical direction, and in the horizontal direction, the first heat exchanger in the compressed air line and the turbine are located near the first end. Therefore, it is easy to shorten the length of the piping forming the compressed air line between the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the turbine. Therefore, the heat input to the refrigerant (air) through the pipe can be suppressed, and the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is improved.

(8) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (7) above,
The at least one heat exchanger is
the first heat exchanger;
a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the compressed air line toward the first heat exchanger and a cooling fluid other than the air flowing through the air refrigerant line;
The compressor and the turbine are arranged between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the vertical direction,
A portion of the compressed air line between the compressor and the second heat exchanger is connected to an end portion on the second end side of the partition wall among both end portions of the second heat exchanger in the horizontal direction. A forming pipe (52) is connected.

According to the above configuration (8), in the horizontal direction, between the compressor and the turbine, the compressor is positioned closer to the second end, and in the compressed air line, between the outlet of the compressor and the second heat exchanger is connected to the end of the second heat exchanger on the second end side. Therefore, it is easy to shorten the above-mentioned piping through which relatively high-temperature air flows. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the refrigerant from being heated through the surrounding pipes and equipment due to the heat radiated from the pipes. Therefore, the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is improved.

(9) In some embodiments, in any of the above configurations (1) to (8),
A portion of the pipe (58) forming the expanded air line between the turbine outlet and the blowout is exposed in the inner space of the container body.

According to the above configuration (9), a part of the pipe through which the low-temperature air flows (the pipe forming the expanded air line) between the turbine outlet and the blowout port is exposed to the inner space of the container body. A portion of the piping that is arranged in the outer space can be shortened. Therefore, the heat input to the refrigerant (air) through this pipe is suppressed, and the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is improved.

(10) In some embodiments, in the configuration of any one of (1) to (9) above,
The refrigerated container is
a circulation line (44) for circulating a portion of the air flowing through the compressed air line to the inlet of the compressor, or a discharge line for discharging the portion of the air out of the air refrigerant line; (46).

According to the above configuration (10), even when the rotation speed of the compressor is changed, the flow rate of the air flowing through the air refrigerant line can be appropriately adjusted according to the rotation speed of the compressor, A refrigerator can be properly operated.

(11) In some embodiments, in the configuration of any one of (1) to (10) above,
The refrigerated container is
a motor (28) for driving said compressor;
The motor can be used at speeds of 50,000 rpm and above.

According to the configuration (11) above, a motor that can be used at a high rotational speed of 50,000 rpm is used as the motor for driving the compressor, so a relatively small compressor and turbine can be employed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size and weight of the equipment that constitutes the refrigerator.

(12) In some embodiments, in the configuration of any one of (1) to (11) above,
The at least one heat exchanger comprises a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger.

According to configuration (12) above, the at least one heat exchanger is a relatively lightweight heat exchanger, including a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. Therefore, the heat exchanger can be installed on a wall surface, and can be easily installed upward. Therefore, since the heat exchanger and other devices can be easily arranged in the vertical direction, the installation area of the devices in the outer space of the container body can be easily reduced.

(13) In some embodiments, in the configuration of any one of (1) to (12) above,
The partition extends along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container body,
The compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine are arranged in the outer space such that the length (L1) from the bulkhead in the longitudinal direction is 1 of the length (L0) of the container body. /10 or less.

According to the configuration (13) above, the installation area for the equipment constituting the refrigerator is within a range of 1/10 or less of the length of the container body. Therefore, since the installation area of the refrigerator added to the container body is small, the refrigerating container including the refrigerator can be appropriately used as a container for transportation or the like.

(14) In some embodiments, in the configuration of any one of (1) to (13) above,
The outlet has an opening that is larger in size than the inner diameter of the pipe forming the expanded air line.

According to the configuration (14) above, the outlet for blowing out the air expanded by the turbine into the inner space of the container body is larger in size than the inner diameter of the pipe forming the expanded air line. Therefore, even if the moisture in the air is evaluated and frost occurs in the turbine, the frost reaching the outlet from the piping is suppressed from accumulating in the outlet, and the frost is discharged from the outlet together with the air. easier to be In this way, the pressure loss due to accumulation of frost at the turbine outlet is reduced, so that the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is improved.

(15) In some embodiments, in the configuration of any one of (1) to (14) above,
The refrigerated container is
A filter portion is provided at the suction port and has a plurality of openings having a size smaller than an inner diameter of a pipe forming the expanded air line.

According to the configuration (15) above, since the filter portion having a plurality of openings having a size smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe forming the expanded air line is provided, foreign matter can be effectively prevented from entering the air refrigerant line through the suction port. can be effectively suppressed.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes modifications of the above-described embodiments and modes in which these modes are combined as appropriate.

As used herein, expressions such as "in a certain direction", "along a certain direction", "parallel", "perpendicular", "central", "concentric" or "coaxial", etc. express relative or absolute arrangements. represents not only such arrangement strictly, but also the state of being relatively displaced with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function can be obtained.
For example, expressions such as "identical", "equal", and "homogeneous", which express that things are in the same state, not only express the state of being strictly equal, but also have tolerances or differences to the extent that the same function can be obtained. It shall also represent the existing state.
Further, in this specification, expressions representing shapes such as a quadrilateral shape and a cylindrical shape not only represent shapes such as a quadrilateral shape and a cylindrical shape in a geometrically strict sense, but also within the range in which the same effect can be obtained. , a shape including an uneven portion, a chamfered portion, and the like.
Moreover, in this specification, the expressions “comprising”, “including”, or “having” one component are not exclusive expressions excluding the presence of other components.

1 container body 2 inner space 3 outer space 4 ceiling wall 5 bottom wall 6 short side wall 7 short side wall 8 long side wall 9 long side wall 10 partition wall 12 cover 14 blowout portion 16 blowout port 18 suction portion 20 suction port 21 filter portion 22 air refrigerant line 22A Suction air line 22B Compressed air line 22C Expanded air line 24 Compressor 26 Turbine 28 Motor 30 Rotating shaft 32 Heat exchanger 34 First heat exchanger 36 Second heat exchanger 38 Water circulation line 39 Cooling device 40 Radiator 41 Fan 42 Pump 44 circulation line 45 valve 46 discharge line 47 valve 48 pipe 49 hole 50 pipe 52 pipe 54 pipe 56 pipe 58 pipe 59 hole 60 generator 62 first end 64 second end 100 reefer container

Claims (15)

a container body;
an air refrigerant line having a suction port and a discharge port respectively provided inside the container body;
a compressor provided in the air refrigerant line for compressing air sucked into the air refrigerant line from the inside of the container body through the suction port;
at least one heat exchanger provided in the air refrigerant line and configured to cool the air compressed by the compressor;
a turbine in the air refrigerant line and configured to expand the air cooled in the at least one heat exchanger;
with
The air refrigerant line is
a suction air line for guiding the air sucked from the suction port to the compressor;
a compressed air line for guiding the air compressed by the compressor to the turbine;
an expanded air line for guiding the air expanded by the turbine to the outlet;
including
The compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine are arranged in an outer space of the container body along a partition separating an inner space and an outer space of the container body. 2. The reefer container of claim 1, wherein at least two of said compressor, said at least one heat exchanger, and said turbine are vertically aligned. The at least one heat exchanger is
a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the suction air line and the air flowing through the compressed air line;
a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the compressed air line toward the first heat exchanger and a cooling fluid other than the air flowing through the air refrigerant line;
including
The reefer container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are arranged vertically. The reefer container according to claim 3, wherein the first heat exchanger is positioned above the second heat exchanger in the vertical direction. The reefer container according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the compressor and the turbine are arranged between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the vertical direction. The length of a pipe forming a portion of the compressed air line between the compressor and the second heat exchanger is the length of the suction air line between the first heat exchanger and the compressor. 6. A reefer container as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, which is shorter than the length of the piping forming the part. The partition has a first end and a second end in the horizontal direction,
the at least one heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanger for heat exchange between the air flowing through the suction air line and the air flowing through the compressed air line;
the compressor and the turbine are connected to each other via a rotating shaft extending along the horizontal direction;
The first heat exchanger, the compressor, and the turbine are arranged in the vertical direction,
The inlet of the first heat exchanger in the compressed air line is located closer to the second end in the horizontal direction than the outlet of the first heat exchanger in the compressed air line,
7. The reefer container according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said turbine is located closer to said first end than said compressor in said horizontal direction. The at least one heat exchanger is
the first heat exchanger;
a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air flowing through the compressed air line toward the first heat exchanger and a cooling fluid other than the air flowing through the air refrigerant line;
including
The compressor and the turbine are arranged between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the vertical direction,
A portion of the compressed air line between the compressor and the second heat exchanger is connected to an end portion on the second end side of the partition wall among both end portions of the second heat exchanger in the horizontal direction. 8. A reefer container according to claim 7, wherein the forming piping is connected. 9. A part of the piping forming the expanded air line between the outlet of the turbine and the outlet is exposed in the inner space of the container body. refrigerated container. A circulation line for circulating a portion of the air flowing through the compressed air line to an inlet of the compressor, or a discharge line for discharging the portion of the air out of the air refrigerant line. Item 10. The reefer container according to any one of Items 1 to 9. a motor for driving the compressor;
11. A reefer container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor is operable at speeds above 50,000 rpm. 12. A reefer container according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one heat exchanger comprises a plate heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger. The partition extends along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the container body,
The compressor, the at least one heat exchanger, and the turbine, in the outer space, have a length from the bulkhead in the longitudinal direction within a range of 1/10 or less of the length of the container body. 13. A refrigerated container according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged in a 14. The reefer container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the outlet has an opening that is larger in size than the inner diameter of the piping forming the expanded air line. 15. The reefer container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a filter portion provided in said suction port and having a plurality of openings smaller in size than an inner diameter of a pipe forming said expanded air line.

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