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WO2025024742A1 - Unité de réfrigération composite - Google Patents

Unité de réfrigération composite Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025024742A1
WO2025024742A1 PCT/US2024/039684 US2024039684W WO2025024742A1 WO 2025024742 A1 WO2025024742 A1 WO 2025024742A1 US 2024039684 W US2024039684 W US 2024039684W WO 2025024742 A1 WO2025024742 A1 WO 2025024742A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
refrigeration unit
wall
cargo
preforms
refrigeration
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
PCT/US2024/039684
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael Bodey
Jian Feng Karl TONG
Travis S. Mccloud
Bryan Yielding
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.)
Wabash National LP
Original Assignee
Wabash National LP
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 Wabash National LP filed Critical Wabash National LP
Publication of WO2025024742A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025024742A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
    • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
    • B60H1/00007—Combined heating, ventilating, or cooling devices
    • B60H1/00014—Combined heating, ventilating, or cooling devices for load cargos on load transporting vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
    • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
    • B60H1/00492—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices comprising regenerative heating or cooling means, e.g. heat accumulators
    • B60H1/005—Regenerative cooling means, e.g. cold accumulators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
    • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
    • B60H1/32—Cooling devices
    • B60H1/3204—Cooling devices using compression
    • B60H1/3232—Cooling devices using compression particularly adapted for load transporting vehicles
    • 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
    • F25D19/00—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors
    • F25D19/003—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors with respect to movable containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D33/00—Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
    • B62D33/04—Enclosed load compartments ; Frameworks for movable panels, tarpaulins or side curtains
    • B62D33/048—Enclosed load compartments ; Frameworks for movable panels, tarpaulins or side curtains for refrigerated goods vehicles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D20/00—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00
    • F28D20/02—Heat storage plants or apparatus in general; Regenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups F28D17/00 or F28D19/00 using latent heat

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to composite structures and temperature control units. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to composite refrigeration units for temperature control of a corresponding body. Such composite refrigeration units may be used in conjunction with new and/or existing cargo truck bodies, vans, trailers, storage units, or other structures where temperature control is desired.
  • Cargo vehicles are used in the transportation industry for transporting many different types of cargo. Certain cargo vehicles may be refrigerated and insulated to transport temperature-sensitive cargo. Cargo vehicles may be constructed using composite materials, which may lead to an absence of or reduction in metallic and wood materials and associated advantages, including simplified construction, thermal efficiency, reduced water intrusion and corrosion, and improved fuel efficiency through weight reduction, for example.
  • Refrigeration driven by phase changing materials requires a storage vessel to contain the material so that said material can be used for temperature control of a corresponding body.
  • Vessels containing phase changing materials for the purpose of refrigeration have unique design challenges due to thermal bridging, ice buildup from moisture, and longevity due to temperature differences between the phase changing material and ambient air.
  • the present disclosure provides a composite refrigeration unit for temperature control during transportation and/or storage of goods which are required to be maintained at certain temperatures.
  • the composite refrigeration unit includes varied use of composite panels and/or preforms for containment of phase change material with submerged piping to be used in conjunction with new and existing temperature-controlled bodies.
  • a refrigeration for a cargo vehicle comprising a first wall; a second wall spaced apart from the first wall; an open volume defined between the first and second wall; a phase-change material received within the open volume; and at least one removable fastener coupled to at least one of the first wall or the second wall, where the removable fastener is configured to couple with a portion of the cargo vehicle.
  • a refrigeration assembly for a cargo vehicle comprising a coolant tank removably coupled to the cargo vehicle; a coolant material configured to exhibit phase-change properties at a predetermined temperature based on parameters of the cargo vehicle; and a heat exchanger configured to adjust the temperature of the coolant material.
  • the refrigeration assembly may further comprise a third wall extending between the first and second walls and within the open volume to bifurcate the open volume.
  • the open volume may define a first chamber between the first, second, and third walls and a second chamber between the first, second, and third walls.
  • the first and second chambers may be configured to selectively receive the phase-change material.
  • At least one of the first and second walls may be formed of a plurality of preforms.
  • Each of the plurality of preforms may have an equal size.
  • At least one of the plurality of preforms may have a size different than that of the other preforms.
  • the at least one of the plurality of preforms may be positioned at an upper extend of the first wall and the size of the at least one preform is smaller than the size of the other preforms.
  • the at least one removable fastener may be configured to be received within at least on pre-existing aperture of the cargo vehicle.
  • the at least one removable fastener may be configured to couple with a front wall of a cargo body of the cargo vehicle.
  • the refrigeration unit may further comprise at least one fluid conduit extending between the open volume and a portion of a cargo body of the cargo vehicle.
  • the fluid conduit may be configured to receive the phase-change material.
  • the coolant material may be an engineered phase-change material.
  • the heat exchanger may be positioned within an interior of a cargo body of the cargo vehicle, and the coolant tank may be positioned along an exterior surface of the cargo body.
  • the refrigeration assembly may further comprise at least one fluid conduit configured to extend between the coolant tank and the heat exchanger.
  • At least a portion of the coolant tank may be comprised of the same material as a portion of the cargo vehicle.
  • the portion of the coolant tank and the portion of the cargo vehicle may be comprised of a plurality of preforms.
  • the plurality of preforms of the coolant tank may include at least a first preform and a second preform.
  • the first preform may be larger than the second preform.
  • the first preform may be positioned generally at a lower extent of the coolant tank.
  • the coolant tank may have at least a first compartment and a second compartment, each selectively configured to receive the coolant material.
  • the heat exchanger may include a first heat exchanger fluidly coupled to the first compartment and a second heat exchanger fluidly coupled to the second compartment.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cargo vehicle having a cargo body having a floor assembly, a roof, right and left sidewalls, and a front wall or nose;
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the right sidewall of FIG. 1, the right sidewall being formed of composite material;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outer surface of the nose of the cargo vehicle defining an opening for mounting a refrigeration unit;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mounting wall of a composite refrigeration unit;
  • FIG. 5 is a top view of the composite refrigeration unit of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 6 is a front view of the composite refrigeration unit of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a cooling system including the composite refrigeration unit of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic of a cooling system including a controller for temperature adjustment and the composite refrigeration unit of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an internal temperature of the cargo vehicle of FIG. 1 using the cooling system of FIG. 8.
  • a cargo vehicle 100 for supporting and transporting cargo.
  • the illustrative straight frame vehicle 100 extends along a longitudinal axis L from a front end 102 to a rear end 104 and includes a motorized truck 106 that powers a plurality of wheels 108 or other traction devices, a chassis 110, and a bumper assembly 120.
  • the illustrative vehicle 100 further includes a cargo body 130 having a floor assembly 140 for supporting cargo, a roof 150, right and left sidewalls 160R, 160L, a front wall or nose 170, and a rear door assembly 180 having a rear frame 182 and a door (not shown) to access the cargo body 130.
  • cargo body 130 is an enclosed body that is supported atop chassis 110.
  • Cargo body 130 may be refrigerated and/or insulated to transport temperature-sensitive cargo. While the concepts of this disclosure are described in relation to a refrigerated truck body, it will be understood that they are equally applicable to other vehicles generally, and more specifically to refrigerated van semi-trailers, dry freight trailers, including dry freight van semi-trailers, other commercial box trailers, and the like. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a number of different applications and embodiments and is not specifically limited in its application to the particular embodiments depicted herein.
  • Cargo body 130 may be constructed, at least in part, of composite panels.
  • the floor 140, roof 150, right and left sidewalls 160R, 160L, and/or nose 170 of the composite cargo body 130 may be constructed of composite materials.
  • the floor 140, roof 150, right and left sidewalls 160R, 160L, and/or nose 170 of the composite cargo body 130 may be referred to herein as composite panels.
  • Each composite panel may be a single, unitary component, which may be formed from a plurality of layers permanently coupled together.
  • Exemplary composite materials for use in the composite cargo body 130 include fiber-reinforced polymers or plastics (FRPs), for example glass-fiber-reinforced polymers or plastics (GFRPs) and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers or plastics (CRPs).
  • FRPs fiber-reinforced polymers or plastics
  • GFRPs glass-fiber-reinforced polymers or plastics
  • CPPs carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers or plastics
  • a laminated composite right sidewall 160R is shown in cross-section in FIG. 2.
  • the illustrative sidewall 160R of FIG. 2 includes a core layer 200, an outer skin layer 210 that faces outwardly from the cargo body 130 (FIG. 1) toward the surrounding environment, and an inner skin layer 220 that faces inwardly toward the cargo in cargo body 130 (FIG. 1).
  • Each of these laminated layers 200, 210, 220 is described further below.
  • the core layer 200 of the composite sidewall 160R may include one or more structural supports or preforms 202.
  • Exemplary preforms 202 for use in core layer 200 include PRISMA ® preforms provided by Compsys, Inc. of Melbourne, Florida.
  • Each preform 202 may include an inner foam core 204, an intermediate layer 206, and an outer FRP layer 208, each of which is described further below.
  • the inner foam core 204 of each preform 202 may include a self-expanding, selfcuring structural foam material. Suitable foams include polyurethane foams, such as a methylene-diphenyl-methane diisocyanate (MDI) based rigid polyurethane foam, for example.
  • MDI methylene-diphenyl-methane diisocyanate
  • the outer FRP layer 208 (which may be referred to herein as the "first" FRP layer 208) of each preform 202 may include a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers configured to enhance the structural properties of the surrounding polymer matrix.
  • Suitable reinforcing fibers include glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers (e.g., Kevlar® fibers available from DuPont Protection Technologies of Richmond, Virginia), linear polyethylene or polypropylene fibers (e.g., Spectra® fibers available from Honeywell International Inc. of Morris Plains, New Jersey), or polyester fibers.
  • the reinforcing fibers may be present in fabric form, which may be mat, woven, or knit, for example.
  • Exemplary fabrics include chopped fiber fabrics, such as chopped strand mats (CSM), and continuous fiber fabrics, such as 0°/90° fiberglass fabrics, +45°/-45° fiberglass fabrics, +60°/-60° fiberglass fabrics, 0° warp unidirectional fiberglass fabrics, and other stitched fiber fabrics, for example.
  • Exemplary fabrics are commercially available from Vectorply Corporation of Phenix City, Alabama and include the E-LM 1810 fiberglass fabric with 0° unidirectional fibers, the E-LTM 3610 fiberglass fabric with 0°/90° fibers, and the EL TM 2408 fiberglass fabric with 0° /90° fibers, for example.
  • Such fabrics may have an area density of about 800 g/m2 to about 1,500 g/m2 or more.
  • the intermediate layer 206 of each preform 202 may serve as a transition layer for coupling the inner foam core 204 to the outer FRP layer 208.
  • the intermediate layer 206 may be sufficiently porous to at least partially receive foam from the adjacent foam core 204 and the polymer matrix from the adjacent FRP layer 208.
  • the intermediate layer 206 may be a nonwoven fabric with continuous or chopped fibers.
  • the individual preforms 202 of the core layer 200 may be designed to accommodate the needs of the particular application. For example, in areas of the final structure requiring more strength and/or insulation, a low-density foam core 204 may be replaced with a high-density foam core 204 or a hard, plastic block.
  • the individual preforms 202 of the core layer 200 may also be sized, shaped, and arranged in a manner that accommodates the needs of the particular application. For example, in areas of the final structure requiring less strength (for example, most areas of the roof 150), the preforms 202 may be relatively large in size, with the foam cores 204 spanning relatively large distances before reaching the surrounding layers 206, 208.
  • the preforms 202 may be relatively small in size, with the foam cores 204 spanning relatively small distances before reaching the surrounding layers 206, 208. Stated differently, the preforms 202 may be shaped as relatively wide panels in areas of the final structure requiring less strength and as relatively narrow support beams in areas of the final structure requiring more strength.
  • the outer skin layer 210 of the composite sidewall 160R may include a FRP layer 212 and an outer gel coat 214.
  • the FRP layer 212 (which may be referred to herein as the "second" FRP layer 212) may be similar to the above-described first FRP layer 208, including a polymer matrix reinforced with suitable reinforcing fibers.
  • a plurality of different reinforcing fiber layers may be stacked together and used in combination to form the FRP layer 212.
  • a chopped fiber fabric e.g., CSM
  • CSM chopped fiber fabric
  • the chopped fibers may help support and maintain the adjacent continuous fibers in place, especially around comers or other transitions. Also, the chopped fibers may serve as a web to resist column-type loads in compression, while the adjacent continuous fibers may resist flange-type loads in compression. Adjacent reinforcing fiber layers may be stitched or otherwise coupled together to simplify manufacturing, to ensure proper placement, and to prevent shifting and/or bunching.
  • the outer gel coat 214 may be a polymer- rich or polymer-only layer that provides a smooth outer finish in a desired color.
  • the inner skin layer 220 of the composite sidewall 160R may include a FRP layer 222 and an optional inner gel coat 224.
  • the FRP layer 222 (which may be referred to herein as the "third" FRP layer 222) may be similar to the above-described first and second FRP layers 208, 212, including a polymer matrix reinforced with suitable reinforcing fibers.
  • the inner gel coat 224 may be a polymer-rich or polymer-only layer similar to the abovedescribed outer gel coat 214 that provides a smooth inner finish in a desired color.
  • the composite panels of the present disclosure may be formed by a layered molding process.
  • An exemplary molding process involves (1) applying a gel-coat resin onto a mold surface to form the outer gel coat 214, (2) layering the reinforcing fibers of the outer FRP layer 212, the preforms 202 of the core layer 200, the reinforcing fibers of the inner FRP layer 222, and any other desired layers onto the outer gel coat 214, (3) wetting out the layers 212, 200, 222, and any other applied layers with at least one laminating resin to impregnate and/or coat the fibers, (4) optionally applying another gel-coat resin onto the layers 212, 200, 222 to form the inner gel coat 224, and (5) curing the materials upon the mold surface (either sequentially and/or simultaneously) to form a single, integral, laminated composite sidewall 160R.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates cargo body nose 170 which, illustratively, is configured for a refrigerated cargo body.
  • the nose 170 may be comprised of composite panels or beams manufactured as described in Section 2, wherein such beams may be arranged horizontally or vertically and to an optimal thickness as determined by the desired function for cargo body 130 (FIG. 1).
  • the nose 170 defines an opening 172 to facilitate the mounting of a trailer refrigeration unit (not shown) for the temperature control within the cargo body 130 (FIG. 1).
  • an elastomeric gasket (not shown) may be installed on the outer surface of the nose within the opening 172 of the nose 170 to assist with sealing of the refrigeration unit within the opening 172 as is known in the art.
  • a plurality of mounting units 300 are strategically positioned and coupled to the nose 170 to facilitate the proper positioning and mounting of the trailer refrigeration unit as discussed further herein.
  • Composite refrigeration unit 400 includes a plurality of preforms 202 similar to those discussed above.
  • the preforms 202 are arranged to form a first wall 402, a second wall 404 opposite of first wall 402, a third wall 406 extending between first wall 402 and second wall 404, a fourth wall 408 opposite third wall 406 and extending between first wall 402 and second wall 404, and a floor 410 extending along a collective first end of first wall 402, second wall 404, third wall 406, and fourth wall 408, so that first wall 402, second wall 404, third wall 406, fourth wall 408, and floor 410 form a chamber 411 therebetween configured to hold phase change material as discussed further herein.
  • first wall 402 and second wall 404 may formed from a panel of a plurality of preforms 202 while third wall 406, fourth wall 408, and floor 410 may be formed of one or more preforms 202.
  • each preform 202 of the first wall 402 and second wall 404 may vary to account for hydrostatic pressure and amount of support needed for containment and transportation of phase change material discussed further herein.
  • the height of preforms 202 furthest from floor 410 may be less than the height of preforms 202 nearest floor 410 to provide greater structural support and reinforcement accounting for gradient hydrostatic pressure increase from the top of refrigeration unit 400 to the bottom of refrigeration unit 400.
  • the thickness of each preform 202 may be varied according to the insulation needs of each composite refrigeration unit 400 and/or that of corresponding cargo body 130 in view of the ambient embodiment.
  • a composite refrigeration unit for a cargo body having a regularly scheduled route in a tropical environment may include preforms having a thicker structure compared to a preform 202 of a composite refrigeration unit for a cargo body having a regularly scheduled route in a tundra environment due to the required insulation differences to keep phase change material cold and therefore chill the corresponding cargo body as described further herein.
  • composite refrigeration units according to the present disclosure may be tailored for individual need in view of phase change material used, purpose of corresponding cargo body or other composite body, target temperature, ambient environment, and other considerations.
  • Composite refrigeration unit 400 is configured to be mounted to existing, conventional, new, and/or newly designed cargo bodies, such as cargo body 130, by being mounted within opening 172 of nose 170 as discussed above in Section 3.
  • composite trailer refrigeration unit 400 includes a plurality of mounting brackets 412 which correspond to mounting units 300 of nose 170 as discussed above in Section 3. Placement of mounting brackets 412 correspond with industry standard for the corresponding cargo body or other composite body or vehicle unit to allow for replacement of conventional refrigeration units.
  • Mounting brackets 412 may be embedded within outer skin layer 210 of the composite structure making up second wall 404 or be otherwise bonded to second wall 404 using permanent adhesive, resin, or another bonding mechanism known in the art.
  • Composite refrigeration unit 400 may further include endcaps 414 at corners of composite refrigeration unit 400 to provide additional structural support, ensure alignment of walls 402, 404, 406, 408, and further facilitate sealing of composite refrigeration unit 400.
  • endcaps 414 are included at a first corner formed by first wall 402 and third wall 406 and at a second corner formed by first wall 402 and fourth wall 408; however, endcaps 414 may also be included at additional comers formed by any of first wall 402, second wall 404, third wall 406, fourth wall 408, and floor 410.
  • Endcaps 414 may be embedded within outer skin layer 210 of the composite structure making up any of the corresponding walls or be otherwise secured to composite refrigeration unit using adhesive, resin, or another bonding mechanism known in the art.
  • a divider 416 may be positioned within chamber 411 and bonded to each of an interior surface 418 of first wall 402 and an interior surface 420 of second wall 408 to form two compartments 411a, 41 lb within chamber 411.
  • divider 416 may bifurcate chamber 411.
  • Bifurcated chamber 411 provide composite refrigeration unit 400 with a modular design - that is, bifurcated chamber 411 may be filled with phase change material according to the individual need and circumstance of the corresponding cargo body or other storage or transportation body. In some circumstances, only one of compartments 411a or 411b may contain phase change material. In other circumstances, both compartments 411a and 41 lb may contain phase change material.
  • compartments 411a, 41 lb may only be partially filled.
  • composite refrigeration unit may include one single merged chamber 411; similarly, in other embodiments chamber 411 may include more than two compartments.
  • each of the compartments or single chamber may be filled partially or fully with phase change material as fitting for the circumstance of the corresponding body of composite refrigeration unit 400.
  • second wall 404 includes two apertures 422 for each compartment 411a, 411b of composite refrigeration unit 400.
  • Apertures 422 provide a passthrough for piping to facilitate cooling of the corresponding body of composite refrigeration unit 400 as described further herein.
  • second wall 404 may include two apertures for the entirety of composite refrigeration unit 400 or four or more apertures to facilitate multiple piping circuits as desired.
  • second wall 404 preferably includes as least two apertures for each compartment, although greater or fewer apertures may be considered according to the temperature control needs of the corresponding body and/or the piping arrangement for the corresponding cooling system as described further herein. While apertures 422 are illustrated as being formed within second wall 404, apertures 422 may be formed in any wall 402, 404, 406, 408 or floor 410 to facilitate passthrough of cooling system piping.
  • composite refrigeration unit 400 is configured to receive and retain phase change material within chamber 411.
  • the phase change material may be engineered to maintain certain phases, i.e., solid or liquid, at desired predetermined temperatures.
  • the phase change material may be a gel-like material or another known material, such as water.
  • the phase change material exhibits a solid-to-solid, solid-to-gel, and/or gel-to-gel phase transition to maintain a generally consistent density and therefore a generally consistent volume and composite structure weight. In freight carriage applications, this prevents change in load of the cargo body, for example. This also omits the need for consideration of space to be saved for expansion/contraction of the material upon phase change.
  • phase change material preferably has a high latent heat that stores and releases large amounts of heat when melting or freezing, respectively.
  • the volume of phase change material within composite refrigeration unit 400 is dependent on the desired use and corresponding thermal requirements of the corresponding body.
  • Piping 502 is illustratively formed of a metallic material having a high value coefficient of thermal conductivity, e.g., copper, aluminum, brass, steel bronze, etc., and contains a refrigerant fluid, such as glycol or another refrigerant fluid.
  • piping 502 is formed of a material that allows for efficient heat transfer between contained refrigerant fluid and the phase change material, i.e., so that the phase change material efficiently removes heat energy from the refrigerant fluid.
  • Piping 502 extends between composite refrigeration unit 400 and heat exchanger 504.
  • Heat exchanger 504 may be mounted to an interior of cargo body 130 or other corresponding body to facilitate temperature control of said body with composite refrigeration unit 400. In some embodiments, heat exchanger 504 may be mounted directly to composite refrigeration unit 400.
  • a pump 506 may be operated to pump freshly chilled refrigerant fluid from composite refrigeration unit 400 to heat exchanger 504 for cooling of cargo body 130.
  • the refrigerant fluid may then be pumped from heat exchanger 504 back into composite refrigeration unit 400 and through the piping 502 positioned within chamber 411, where the phase change material chills the refrigerant fluid as it flows through the piping 502 positioned within chamber 411 due to the thermally conductive material of the piping 502 as described above. As such, a flow circuit is formed via cooling system 400.
  • each individual compartment 411a, 41 lb may include individual piping and/or an individual heat exchanger 504.
  • each compartment may include individual piping routed to a single, common heat exchanger.
  • multiple instances of piping may be used, where each instance of piping may be routed to a single, common heat exchanger or to individual heat exchangers.
  • each compartment 411 may include individual piping instances wherein each piping instance is fluidly coupled to one or more additional piping instances.
  • a single piping circuit is formed. In other embodiments, multiple piping circuits are formed.
  • Heat exchanger 504 may include, for example, a finned tube heat exchanger, a fan arranged with a plurality of tubes containing the chilled refrigerant fluid to blow air by said plurality of tubes to chill the air and thereby the interior of the cargo body or other composite structure, a radiator, and/or another heat exchanger capable of functioning to fulfill the purpose of heat exchanger 504 as described herein, i.e., to use the freshly chilled refrigerant fluid to control the temperature of a cargo body or other composite structure.
  • cooling system 500 may further include a controller 507 operatively coupled to heat exchanger 504 and/or pump 506 and a thermal sensor 508 operatively coupled to controller 507.
  • Thermal sensor 508 is configured to measure the internal temperature of cargo body 130 or other corresponding composite structure and transmit said internal temperature to controller 507.
  • Controller 507 is configured to compare the current internal temperature to one or more predetermined target or threshold temperatures to determine operation of cooling system 500 as described further herein.
  • cooling system 500 does not include a controller and/or a thermal sensor 508 and pump 506 and/or heat exchanger 504 continually operates while cooling system 500 is active, i.e., until cooling system 500 is manually shut off or is put in a charging mode as described further herein.
  • method 600 for cooling cargo body 130 or another composite structure using cooling system 500 including controller 507 and thermal sensor 508 is illustrated.
  • thermal sensor 508 detects the internal temperature of cargo body 130 and transmits said internal temperature to controller 507.
  • Controller 507 compares the internal temperature to a first predetermined temperature threshold, i.e., a target temperature, at box 604.
  • pump 506 and/or heat exchanger 504 is operated to chill the interior of cargo body 130 at box 606 and the thermal sensor 508 and controller 507 continue monitoring of the internal temperature. If, at box 604, the internal temperature is at or below the first predetermined temperature threshold, pump 506 and/or heat exchanger 504 cease or do not start operation at box 608.
  • thermal sensor 508 detects the internal temperature of cargo body 130 and transmits said internal temperature to controller 507 at box 610.
  • Controller 507 compares the internal temperature to a second predetermined temperature threshold, i.e., a grace temperature, at box 612. If the internal temperature is above the second predetermined temperature threshold, pump 506 and/or heat exchanger 504 is operated to chill the interior of cargo body 130 at box 614 and thermal sensor 508 and controller 507 continue monitoring of the internal temperature at box 602. If, at box 612, the internal temperature is at or below the second predetermined temperature threshold, pump 506 and/or heat exchanger 504 cease or do not start operation at box 616 and thermal sensor 508 and controller 507 continue monitoring of the internal temperature at box 610.
  • a second predetermined temperature threshold i.e., a grace temperature
  • the second predetermined temperature may generally be a temperature higher than the first predetermined temperature that is still an acceptable temperature for cargo body 130.
  • the second predetermined temperature and the first predetermined temperature may be the same; in other words, rather than moving from box 608 to box 610 and box 612, method 600 may return from box 608 to box 602.
  • method 600 is cyclical and continues as long as cooling system 500 is operational, i.e., until cooling system 500 is manually shut off or placed in a charging mode as described further herein.
  • the phase change material provides cooling to the refrigerant fluid throughout a work cycle of the vehicle (i.e., cargo body 130) or other composite structure, such as during a delivery route or chilled storage event.
  • the heat exchange between the phase change material and the refrigerant fluid causes the phase change material to warm from its solid or frozen phase toward a liquid/gel or molten phase.
  • piping 502 may be disconnected from heat exchanger 504 and selectively fluidly coupled to an external heat exchanger 510 to recharge the phase change material, or, in other words, chill the phase change material toward and/or to a solid or frozen phase.
  • external heat exchanger 510 is coupled to piping 502 as described above.
  • the refrigerant fluid is pumped from composite refrigeration unit 400 to external heat exchanger 510 for cooling of the refrigerant fluid, which is then pumped from external heat exchanger 510 to composite refrigeration unit 400.
  • the freshly chilled refrigerant fluid is then pumped through piping 502 contained within chamber 411, where the refrigerant fluid chills the phase change material due to the thermally conductive material of piping 502 as described above. As such, a flow circuit is formed.
  • the charging mode as described herein may optionally be used during off-peak windows to allow for low-cost power usage during operation of external heat exchanger 510.
  • Composite nose 170 as described herein and/or other composite bodies pertaining to vehicles, buildings, and the like, may be free from conventional refrigeration units, which may make the corresponding composite body lighter. Additionally, because conventional refrigeration units require the use of engines, composite refrigeration units according to the teachings provided herein reduces engine exhaust emissions, reduces noise, and requires less energy for operation. Reduction or elimination of use of conventional refrigeration units further mitigates road hazards such as fires resulting from overheating refrigeration unit engines and reduction or elimination of additional fuel tanks that must be carried on the vehicle for operation of said engines.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

La présente divulgation concerne une unité de réfrigération composite pour le contrôle de température pendant le transport et/ou le stockage de marchandises qui doivent être maintenues à certaines températures. L'unité de réfrigération composite comprend l'utilisation variée de panneaux et/ou de préformes composites pour le confinement d'un matériau à changement de phase avec une tuyauterie immergée à utiliser conjointement avec de nouveaux corps à température contrôlée existants.
PCT/US2024/039684 2023-07-26 2024-07-26 Unité de réfrigération composite Pending WO2025024742A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US202363528953P 2023-07-26 2023-07-26
US63/528,953 2023-07-26

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015030309A1 (fr) * 2013-08-27 2015-03-05 Korea Institiute Of Industrial Technology Module de stockage au froid ayant une structure de grille métallique d'espacement inégal, conteneur frigorifique ayant des modules de stockage au froid installés dans celui-ci, et véhicule frigorifique
US20170292759A1 (en) * 2014-09-09 2017-10-12 Xalt Energy A refrigerated container, a system for refrigeration, and a method of refrigerating the container
US20200208900A1 (en) * 2018-12-31 2020-07-02 Thermo King Corporation Methods and systems for energy efficient defrost of a transport climate control system evaporator
US20210310749A1 (en) * 2018-08-17 2021-10-07 Biofreshtec S.L. Thermal accumulator containing a pcm, and refrigerated container equiped with said thermal accumulator
US20230173870A1 (en) * 2021-12-02 2023-06-08 Hyundai Motor Company Apparatus for absorbing shock and control method thereof

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015030309A1 (fr) * 2013-08-27 2015-03-05 Korea Institiute Of Industrial Technology Module de stockage au froid ayant une structure de grille métallique d'espacement inégal, conteneur frigorifique ayant des modules de stockage au froid installés dans celui-ci, et véhicule frigorifique
US20170292759A1 (en) * 2014-09-09 2017-10-12 Xalt Energy A refrigerated container, a system for refrigeration, and a method of refrigerating the container
US20210310749A1 (en) * 2018-08-17 2021-10-07 Biofreshtec S.L. Thermal accumulator containing a pcm, and refrigerated container equiped with said thermal accumulator
US20200208900A1 (en) * 2018-12-31 2020-07-02 Thermo King Corporation Methods and systems for energy efficient defrost of a transport climate control system evaporator
US20230173870A1 (en) * 2021-12-02 2023-06-08 Hyundai Motor Company Apparatus for absorbing shock and control method thereof

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