Patent Application
20190234673
The present invention relates to adjusting temperature at a location within a target volume.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,670 discloses a self-contained cooler/freezer apparatus for carrying items in a frozen or refrigerated environment. The apparatus comprises an insulated container which is divided into two portions. The first portion is utilized for item storage and the second portion houses a pressurized coolant compartment for storing a dry ice. The pressurized coolant compartment comprises removable insulation panel. In essence, the pressurized coolant compartment is a controllable heat sink. Within a short period of time, the dry ice starts to sublimate, thereby forming cold gaseous carbon dioxide at a high pressure. The cold gaseous carbon dioxide is circulated throughout the insulated container via a solenoid actuated gas feed valve, thereby further cooling the first portion of the insulated container. A thermostatic controller activates the gas feed valve based upon temperature readings from thermocouples located within the first portion of the insulated container. A pressure relief valve is positioned within the insulated container to prevent the pressure within the insulated container from building beyond a maximum value. The sublimation of the dry ice causes pressure that is relieved outside the apparatus.
When cold gaseous carbon dioxide formed from sublimation of the dry ice is conducted out of the apparatus, the carbon dioxide cannot be used for cooling anymore.
If the gaseous carbon dioxide is unevenly distributed temperature differences within the insulated container may become unacceptable.
An object of the present invention is to alleviate at least part of the disadvantages identified above. The object of the present invention is achieved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims describe embodiments of the present invention.
According to an aspect there is provided an arrangement for adjusting temperature in at least one location within a target volume, comprising:
Some embodiments provide controlling temperature in a target volume. Using sound waves to control gas output provides accurate and fast temperature control.
Some embodiments provide improved utilisation of the cooling capacity in dry ice. The sublimed dry ice is not directly relieved outside of the apparatus, but the sublimed dry ice is used to cool down solid dry ice. In this way the sublimation rate of the dry ice can be controlled.
Embodiments are described with reference to the attached drawings in which
Various embodiments herein concern temperature regulation within target a volume. The temperature regulation may comprise cooling and/or heating a target volume by gas flow.
Some embodiments describe utilizing dry ice as coolant. Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2). Dry ice sublimes at −78.5° C. at Earth atmospheric pressures. In sublimation of the solid dry ice, the dry ice is transitioned directly from a solid phase to a gas phase without passing through an intermediate liquid phase. In the following sublimed dry ice refers to dry ice in the gas phase. The extreme cold of the solid dry ice makes the solid dry ice dangerous to handle without protection due to burns caused by freezing (frostbite). While generally not very toxic, the outgassing from it can cause hypercapnia due to buildup in confined locations.
Some embodiments describe heating a target volume such as a storage container by heated gas.
In various embodiments, a temperature regulated apparatus utilizing dry ice as coolant and an arrangement comprising the temperature regulated apparatus utilizing dry ice as coolant may be referred to a dry-ice based cooling system. The dry-ice based cooling system may be provided with a heating system for heating a target volume for example a storage container. The heating system may comprise at least a heat battery pack and means for transferring heat from the heat battery pack to the target volume. Examples of the means comprise means for convective heat transfer and means for feeding heated gas. Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, where the same or similar items are referenced by the same reference signs.
Accordingly, at least one embodiment concerns a temperature regulated apparatus having one or more dry ice containers and a storage container forming a target volume, wherein sublimed dry ice may be fed from the dry ice containers to the storage container for cooling the storage container.
The dry ice may be first used in the temperature regulated apparatus as coolant for cooling the storage container 2 and after the target temperature or temperature range has been reached within the storage container, the dry ice may be used for cooling the dry ice container. Since the coolant fed to the enclosure is sublimed dry ice that has not been used for cooling the storage container, the coolant has a high cooling capacity and the coolant may efficiently cool down the container for dry ice and thereby the dry ice within the container. The cooling capacity of the coolant may be determined as the capability, for example measured in Watts, of removing heat. Cooling the container for dry ice provides that the sublimation rate of the dry ice may be controlled, e.g. reduced. The sublimation rate may be defined by weight of dry ice sublimed per a time unit, e.g. kg/h.
The sublimation of the dry ice may be caused by warming-up of the dry ice. The warming-up of the dry ice may be caused by the prevailing temperature in the environment of the temperature regulated apparatus being higher than the sublimation temperature of dry ice.
The target temperature or temperature range of the storage container may be defined by the type of items stored in the storage container. The items may be organic items that require storing in a specific temperature or temperature range such that their properties may be maintained during the time the items are stored the storage container. Examples of organic items comprise human organs, animal organs, living matter, bacteria growth and viral growth. It should be appreciated that the target temperature or temperature range may be represented by a pressure value or a pressure range within the storage container.
The dry ice container and the enclosure may be sealed such that the containers may hold a pressure caused by gas generated from sublimation of the dry ice. The dry ice container and the enclosure may be connected together such that they form a sealed entity for efficient transfer of sublimed dry ice between the storage container, the enclosure and the dry ice container within the enclosure.
The heat battery pack and the enclosure may be sealed such that the containers may hold a pressure caused by gas heated by the heat battery pack. The heat battery pack and the enclosure may be connected together such that they form a sealed entity for efficient transfer of heated gas between the storage container, the enclosure and the dry ice container within the enclosure.
In an embodiment, the temperature regulated apparatus may comprise a plurality of dry ice containers and/or heat battery packs 3a, 3b, 3c that are operatively connected to the storage container. The number of dry ice containers may be determined according to the needed cooling capacity. The needed cooling capacity may be determined on the basis of a plurality of factors comprising for example outside temperature of the cooling apparatus, target temperature or temperature range of the storage container and volume of the storage container. The number of heat battery packs may be determined according to the needed heating capacity in a similar manner.
In an embodiment, the enclosure 1 may have a door for removal of one or more dry ice containers or heat battery packs. Since the storage container is sealed, the dry ice containers and heat battery packs may be removed through the door without the sublimed dry ice or heated gas being released from the storage container.
In an embodiment the storage container 2 and the enclosure 1 may be connected such that, when a pressure within the storage container exceeds a threshold for pressure within the storage container, sublimed dry ice that has a reduced cooling capacity from cooling the storage container may be relieved from the storage container to the enclosure. In this way sublimed dry ice from the storage container may be used to heat up the sealed container holding the dry ice and increase the sublimation rate of the dry ice. The sublimed dry ice may be relieved through a relief valve 8 that connects the storage container and the enclosure.
In an embodiment the enclosure 1 may have a relief valve 9 that is caused to relieve sublimed dry ice from the enclosure and out of the cooling apparatus, when a threshold for pressure within the enclosure is exceeded. The relief valve may provide that accumulation of sublimed dry ice within the temperature regulated apparatus may be prevented.
Preferably the relief valves 8, 9 may be caused to relief the sublimed dry ice before the pressure reaches the triple-point of dry ice. In this way the pressure within the temperature regulated apparatus may be kept sufficiently low, i.e. below the triple point, to avoid the sublimed dry ice from transforming into liquid. The relief valves maybe caused to relieve sublimed dry ice on the basis of the pressure difference of the connected spaces. The relief valves also provide that the relieved sublimed dry ice flows only in one direction, thereby preventing relieved sublimed dry ice from returning.
In an embodiment the temperature regulated apparatus may comprise a fluid line 10 for connecting the dry ice container and/or heat battery pack, and the storage container 2, and a temperature controllable valve 7 arranged to regulate the flow of sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas to the storage container from the fluid line on the basis of the temperature within the storage container. The temperature controllable valve may enable and disable flow of the sublimed dry ice and/or the heated gas to the storage container such that the storage container may be maintained at the target temperature or the target temperature range.
The flow of the dry ice and/or heated gas may be enabled by opening the valve, and the flow of the dry ice and/or heated gas may be disabled by closing the valve. Accordingly, when the temperature controllable valve is open the sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas may flow to the storage container from the fluid line. When the temperature controllable valve is closed, the sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas cannot enter the storage container.
The temperature controllable valve may operate as a thermostat that may capable of sensing the temperature within the storage container by a sensor ‘S’. The temperature controlled valve may be connected to the sensor ‘S’ for obtaining temperature measurements from inside of the storage container and for enabling or disabling the flow of the sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas into the storage container on the basis of the temperature measurements from the sensor. When the temperature within the storage container is above the target temperature, the flow of sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas into the storage container may be enabled and when the temperature within the storage container is at the target temperature or lower than the target temperature the flow of sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas into the storage container may be disabled.
In an embodiment a fluid line 10 may be connected to the enclosure by a valve 6 that may be controlled on the basis of at least one of a pressure within the fluid line and control of the flow of sublimed dry ice by a temperature controllable valve 7 arranged to regulate the flow of sublimed dry ice to the storage container. When the pressure within the fluid line exceeds a threshold for pressure, the valve 6 may be controlled to open and allow the sublimed dry ice to flow to the enclosure 1. The threshold pressure may be defined on the basis of the amount of dry ice and with respect to a cooling need of the storage container 2.
The cooling need may be determined on the basis of whether the storage container is at the target temperature or target temperature range. The cooling need causes the control of the temperature controlled valve. When the storage container is not at the target temperature or the target temperature range, the temperature controllable valve 7 arranged to regulate the flow of sublimed dry ice to the storage container from the fluid line may be opened, and when the storage container is at the target temperature or the target temperature range, the storage container does not need to be cooled and the temperature controllable valve may be closed. Accordingly, the valve 6 may be arranged to open when the temperature controllable valve is closed and the threshold for pressure within the fluid line is exceeded. In this way the sublimed dry ice is may be conducted to the enclosure for cooling the dry is container without further cooling the storage container.
On the other hand, the valve 6 may be closed if the threshold for pressure within the fluid line is not exceeded and/or when the temperature controllable valve is open 7. Accordingly, the fluid line may hold sublimed dry ice to be fed to the storage container for cooling the storage container, and on the other hand if there is no need for cooling the storage container the sublimed dry ice may be conducted to the enclosure for cooling down the dry ice container such that the sublimation rate of the dry ice may be reduced.
The connections between the dry ice container, heat battery pack, the storage container and the enclosure may be provided by means for conducting sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas. Examples of such means comprise a fluid line 10, a fluid passage and a fluid duct and a fluid hose. The means for conducting sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas may be controllable to provide operative connections between the dry ice container, heat battery pack, the storage container and the enclosure. The operative connections may allow enabling and disabling the flow of sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas between the dry ice container or heat battery pack and the storage container, and between the dry ice container and the enclosure. The control of the conduction of the dry ice and/or heated gas may be provided by one or more valves 5a, 5b, 5c, 6, 7, 8 that may be opened for enabling flow of sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas, and closed for disabling flow of sublimed dry ice. The opening and closing of the valves may be controlled by pressure of the sublimed dry ice, heated gas and/or temperature of the storage container.
In an example of controlling a valve by pressure of the sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas, the valve may be manually set a threshold pressure. When the threshold pressure is met, the valve may be opened and if the threshold pressure is not met, the valve may be closed. The threshold pressure may be set such that the storage container may be maintained in the target temperature or temperature range. It should be appreciated that also magnetic valves may be used. The magnetic valve may be caused to open and close on the basis of the current temperature within the storage container and a result of the comparison of the current temperature with the target temperature or with the target temperature range. The current temperature may be measured by sensor ‘S’. On the other hand, and particularly, when the sublimed dry ice is not conducted to the storage container the dry ice may be conducted to the enclosure for cooling the dry ice container. However, once the storage container needs cooling, the cooling of the dry ice container is topped and the sublimed dry ice is conducted to the storage container. The cooling need of the storage container may be determined on the basis of the target temperature or target temperature range not being met in the storage container.
In an embodiment one or more dry ice containers and/or heat battery packs may be connected to the fluid line 10 by a quick-release coupling 4a, 4b, 4c and a back-pressure valve 5a, 5b, 5c. The back-pressure valve 5a, 5b, 5c provides that sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas discharged from the dry ice container or heat battery pack does not return to the dry ice container or the heat battery pack and the sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas may be kept within the fluid line, when the dry ice container or heat battery packs is released e.g. when being replaced. Accordingly, the back-pressure valve and the quick-release coupling may form a part of the fluid line 10. In this way the storage container may be cooled down by the sublimed dry ice preserved within the fluid line after the dry ice container is disconnected from the fluid line, or respectively heated by the heated gas preserved within the fluid line after the heat battery pack is disconnected.
In an embodiment, components of the temperature regulated apparatus that generate heat may be installed within the enclosure 1. In this way the heat generated from the components may be used to increase the sublimation rate of the dry ice. In one example, one or more parts of the temperature control system of
The units of the temperature control system in
The controller may be a processor, microcontroller or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for example. The controller may have a memory for storing a computer program for execution by the controller. The controller and the memory may form processing means for carrying out an embodiment described herein. The processing means may be a computer or a part of computer.
In an embodiment there is provided a computer program comprising computer program code for execution on a computer to cause one or more functionalities according to an embodiment, when said product is run on a computer. The computer program may be embodied on a computer-readable storage medium.
In an embodiment there is provided a computer program product for a computer, comprising a computer program according to an embodiment.
An embodiment concerns a computer program embodied on a computer-readable storage medium, the computer program comprising program to execute a process comprising a method according an embodiment.
When the temperature within the storage container is at the target temperature or the temperature range, the temperature controllable valve 7 may be closed such that sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas cannot flow to the storage container. When the temperature within the storage container is higher than the target temperature or temperature range the temperature controllable valve 7 may be opened such that sublimed dry ice may flow to the storage container for cooling the storage container. When the temperature within the storage container is lower than the target temperature or temperature range the temperature controllable valve 7 may be opened such that heated gas may flow to the storage container for heating the storage container. It should be appreciated that instead or additionally to using a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor may be used, whereby the pressure measured by the pressure sensor may be used for controlling the valve in a similar manner as the measured temperature.
In the following, embodiments for rapid temperature regulation are described. The temperature regulation may comprise heating and/or cooling a target volume, for example a storage container. The above described embodiments and one or more features described therein may be implemented in the following embodiments for rapid temperature regulation for obtaining explicit or implicit advantages described above, and for implementing the embodiments. It should be appreciated that some features described below may be implemented in the above embodiments for obtaining explicit or implicit advantages in the above embodiments.
In the apparatus for rapid temperature regulation, the connections for allowing flow of sublimed dry ice and/or heated gas to and/or from the units may be provided as described in the above embodiments described with reference to
The fluid flow control element may be controllable to enable and disable flow of the sublimed dry ice and/or heated outside air to the storage container from the dry ice container or the heat battery pack. The fluid flow control element may be a valve, for example a temperature controllable valve. The fluid flow control element may be controlled by a controller of a temperature control system.
The convection element for heat transfer between the dry ice container and the storage container may be capable of conducting heat between the storage container and the dry ice in the dry is container without flow of sublimed dry ice to the storage container. A convection element for a dry ice container may have at least two surfaces, one of which is connected to dry ice and one of which is connected to the fluid inside the storage container for transferring heat from the storage container to the dry ice. The convection element for dry ice container may cause rapid cooling of the fluid next to the convection element, which causes convection in the storage container. In convection within the storage container, the fluid within the storage container is moved by the temperature difference of the fluid cooled down by the convection element and the fluid at a higher temperature in the storage container. In one example, the fluid in the storage container is the warmer the longer the distance to the convection element is, whereby in convection, fluid cooled down by the convection element is moved away from the convection element and warmer fluid is moved towards the convection element. The fluid in the storage container may be gas, for example air, sublimed dry ice, air and their mixture.
The convection element for heat transfer between the storage container and the heat battery pack may have at least two surfaces, one of which is connected to cartridges within the heat battery pack and one of which is connected to the fluid inside the storage container for transferring heat from the cartridges to the storage container. The convection element for heat transfer between the storage container and the heat battery pack may cause rapid heating of the fluid next to the convection element, which causes convection in the storage container. The fluid in the storage container may be gas, for example air, sublimed dry ice, air and their mixture.
In an embodiment, the convection element 11a, 11b, 11c is arranged in a wall in the dry ice container or heat battery pack 3a, 3b, 3c and the storage container has a receptacle for receiving the wall for transferring heat by the convection element in the wall positioned in the receptacle. In this way the convection element may be brought into contact with the fluid inside the storage container.
In an example, the convection element may be formed in a wall of the dry ice container or heat battery pack 3a, 3b, 3c. The dry ice within the dry ice container may rest on the convection element that may transfer heat from the storage container to the dry ice. On the other hand, the cartridges within the heat battery pack may be connected to the convection element that may transfer heat from the cartridges to the fluid inside the storage container. The wall of the storage container may comprise holes that each serve as a receptacle for a dry ice container and/or a heat battery pack. Accordingly, dry ice containers and/or heat battery packs may be received in the holes. The dry ice containers and/or heat battery packs positioned in the holes may be sealed such that fluids may not flow through the holes between the storage container and the dry ice container. Seals may be provided on either the dry ice container and/or heat battery to avoid the leakage of fluid through the holes.
In one implementation example, the surface of the convection element connected to the dry ice may be a surface directed upwards and the surface connected to the fluid within the storage container may be a surface directed downwards. Accordingly, the dry ice may be supported on the surface directed upwards.
The convection element may be of suitable material and structure for conducting heat. Examples of the suitable materials comprise metals, such as steel, aluminium and copper. Examples of the suitable structures comprise structures that prevent flow of gas such as a sheet.
The door may be movable between the closed position and the open position for example by an electric motor that may be controlled by a controller of a temperature control system. In this way the temperature control system may control to enable or disable convective heat transfer.
Referring to
CaO2+CO2=CaCO3+O2 (1).
Accordingly, the sublimed dry ice input to the CaO2 container may be captured by the CaO2 container into Calcium Carbonate, CaCO3, and Oxygen. In this way the sublimation of the dry ice does not increase the level of carbon dioxide outside of the apparatus. The level of carbon dioxide is important in many environments, where people are present, since a too high level of carbon dioxide in the air may cause some people feel drowsy and even suffocation of people. Moreover, since the carbon dioxide is captured, there are no carbon dioxide emissions from the apparatus due to sublimation of the dry ice.
It should be appreciated that although the CaO2 container is described with reference to the apparatus for rapid temperature regulation in
Referring to
Referring to
The controller may be connected to a user interface 15 for allowing a user to enter the target temperature and for the user to monitor the current temperature of the storage container. Accordingly, the user interface may be provided by a combination of user input means and user output means. Examples of the user input means comprise a button, a keypad, a keyboard and touch screen. Examples of the user output means comprise a display, a touch screen, an audio speaker, a lamp. The functionalities of the user interface may be provided by an application that is executed on a computer, for example a tablet computer or a smart phone. At least part of the functionalities of the controller or all the functionalities of the controller may be implemented in the application executed in the computer.
The method may start 50, when temperature measurements may be obtained from the storage container for controlling the cooling. The measurements may be obtained, when the temperature control system is operational. A deviation of the current temperature from the target temperature may be measured 52. The current temperature may be a measurement of the temperature inside the storage container. Preferably the current temperature represents the temperature in a defined time period or one or more time instants. The target temperature may be a fixed temperature or set by user via a user interface. The deviation of the current temperature from the target temperature may be compared 54 with a threshold value.
If 54 the deviation of the current temperature inside the storage container is higher than a threshold value for the deviation, the storage container may be cooled by convective heat transfer 56 from the storage container to dry ice, or heated by convective heat transfer 56 from a heat battery pack to the storage container. The convective heat transfer may be performed by a convection element.
In an embodiment, if 54 the deviation of the current temperature inside the storage container is not higher than a threshold value for the deviation, the storage container may be cooled by flowing 58 sublimed dry ice to the storage container, or heated by flowing 58 heated gas to the storage container. The flow of sublimed dry ice may be provided by a fluid flow control element.
The method may end 59 after the dry ice is consumed, heating capability of the heat battery pack is exhausted or the cooling of the container is stopped otherwise, for example by the user. In an embodiment sublimed dry ice consumed in the cooling phases may be conducted out of the storage container and captured in CaO2. The CaO2 container may be connected to the apparatus as described in
It should be appreciated that the method steps 52, 54, 56 and 58 may be repeated and the measurement 52 may be performed at the same time with the cooling or heating, i.e. during the cooling or heating, in step 56 or step 58. Accordingly, the current cooling or heating phase in step 56 or 58 may be maintained until a new deviation is measured 52 that meet the condition for changing the cooling or heating phase to another cooling or heating phase. The cooling phases of the method allow cooling down the storage container rapidly to the target temperature or close to the target temperature by the convective heat transfer when the deviation is high. When the deviation is small, the cooling may be performed by the flow of sublimed dry ice. The heating phases of the method allow heating up the storage container rapidly to the target temperature or close to the target temperature by the convective heat transfer when the deviation is high. When the deviation is small, the heating may be performed by the flow of heated gas. The flow of sublimed dry ice and may be controlled for efficient utilisation of the cooling capacity as described in the embodiments with reference to
In an embodiment, the threshold value for the deviation is the same for applying 56 the convective heat transfer and the cooling 58 by flow of sublimed dry ice or heating by flow of heated gas. The same threshold value may allow determining the cooling or heating phase to be applied based on the measured deviation.
In an embodiment, when the current cooling phase is the phase of flowing 58 sublimed dry ice to the storage container, the threshold value for evaluating the deviation may be high and when the current cooling phase is the phase of convective heat transfer 56, the threshold for evaluating the deviation may be low. The different threshold values allow avoiding frequent changes from one cooling phase to another. Accordingly, the different thresholds allow avoiding a ping-pong effect between the cooling phases. The actual values for the threshold may be designed according to implementation.
In an embodiment, when the current heating phase is the phase of flowing 58 heated gas to the storage container, the threshold value for evaluating the deviation may be high and when the current heating phase is the phase of convective heat transfer 56, the threshold for evaluating the deviation may be low. The different threshold values allow avoiding frequent changes from one cooling phase to another. Accordingly, the different thresholds allow avoiding a ping-pong effect between the heating phases. The actual values for the threshold may be designed according to implementation.
The method may start 70, when at least one cooling phase is applied. The cooling phase may be applied as described in step 56 or 58 in
During the cooling, a current temperature of the storage container may be measured 72. If 74 the current temperature of the storage container is below the target temperature, the storage container may be heated 76 by a free air flow from outside the storage container or by heated gas from the heat battery pack. The free air flow may be provided via a controllable vent in the storage container. The cooling phases applied to the storage container may be cut-off 76 during the heating. Accordingly, the convective heat transfer may be stopped and/or the flow of sublimed dry ice to the storage container may be stopped, when the storage container is heated. The dry ice container may be operatively connected to the enclosure for conducting sublimed dry ice from the dry ice container to the enclosure, when the target temperature of the storage container is met. Accordingly, since the current temperature is less than the target temperature, the target temperature is met and the sublimed dry ice may be conducted to the enclosure for cooling the dry ice container. The operative connection between the dry ice container and the enclosure may be provided by the fluid line 10 and the coupling 4a, 4b, 4c and the valve 6 in
The method may end 78 if 74 the current temperature is at the target temperature or temperature range from the target temperature, or higher. Since the current temperature is not less than the target temperature or a temperature range, heating is not needed and the heating may be stopped. When the current temperature is higher than the target temperature or temperature range storage container may be cooled by convective heat transfer and/or flow of sublimed dry ice described in various embodiments herein.
Inner wall structures according to embodiments are now explained in the following with reference to
In an embodiment the inner wall structure may comprise one or more parts of a temperature regulated apparatus described in an embodiment. Preferably the parts comprise one or more dry ice containers 3a, 3b, 3c and/or heat battery packs 3a, 3b, 3c and a storage container 2. Accordingly, the inner wall structure may comprise a temperature regulated apparatus described in the above embodiments that is adapted to accommodate substantially the whole volume of the transport container when installed within the transport container.
The inner wall structure may comprise a first portion 16 comprising at least one sealed container 3a, 3b, 3c for dry ice and/or a heat battery pack 3a, 3b, 3c, and a second portion 18 comprising a storage container 2. The at least one sealed container 3a, 3b, 3c for dry ice and/or heat battery pack 3a, 3b, 3c may be operatively connected to a storage container 2 for cooling the storage container to a target temperature or to a target temperature range by sublimed dry ice from the at least one sealed container for dry ice and/or by heated gas. In this way the transport container enclosing the inner wall structure may be capable of utilizing dry ice and/or heated gas for adjusting the temperature within the transport container.
In an example, the second portion 18 comprising a storage container 2 may comprise a support frame 15, 19, 20, 21 and cover parts 22, 23, 24, 25 capable of being installed on the support frame. The cover parts may provide thermal insulation such that the temperature within the storage container may be protected against the conditions prevailing outside the inner wall structure of the transport container and the conditions prevailing outside the transport container.
The support frame may be configured from side frames 20 for each side wall of the inner wall structure, a floor frame 21 and a top frame 15. The side frame, floor frame and the top frame may be adapted such that they may be attached together. The support frame may have frame adapters 19 for attaching side frames to each other, and side frames to floor frame and top frame. When attached together the support frame may form a frame for the storage container.
The cover parts may comprise a floor 22, a top cover 25 and side covers 24 and cover adapters 23 for attaching side covers to each other, and side frames to floor and top cover. The cover parts and the dry ice containers and/or heat battery packs may be installed on the support frame to form the portions of the inner wall structure. In this way items stored on the floor within the storage container may be supported by the support frame and the dry ice containers and/or heat battery packs may be supported above the storage container for utilizing dry ice and/or heated gas for adjusting the temperature within the transport container. Thanks to the arrangement of cover parts and the support frame, items place within the storage container may be measured by weight sensors positioned under the floor as will be described below in more detail.
The inner wall structure according to an embodiment may further comprise at least one sealed container 3a, 3b, 3c for dry ice that may be enclosed within another sealed container 1, and the at least one sealed container 3a, 3b, 3c for dry ice may be operatively connected to said another sealed container 1 for conducting sublimed dry ice from the at least one sealed container 3a, 3b, 3c for dry ice to said another sealed container 1, when the target temperature of the storage container is met. Accordingly, the dry ice may be enclosed within an enclosure.
In an embodiment the inner wall structure may have a support frame 21 on which a floor 22 of the storage container is resiliently installed and one or more weight sensors 26 may be positioned on the frame under the floor of the storage container for operating with the floor of the storage container for measuring weight of the contents of the storage container. The frame may comprise installation positions 27, e.g. holes, for installing the weight sensors to the frame. The resilient installation of the floor may transfer the weight of the items placed on the floor of the storage container such that the items and/or their weight may be detected by the weight sensors. The resilient installation may be provided by the material of the structure and/or material of the floor. The items positioned on the floor of the storage container may cause activation of the sensors, whereby presence of items may be detected within the storage container. The weight sensors may be capable of measuring weight, whereby each item placed within the storage container or removed from the storage container may cause a new measurement value. The measurement values may be applied in monitoring one or more of the following: a number of items within the storage container, total weight of the items within the storage container and weight of single items within the storage container. In one example the support frame may have the form of a diagonal cross, like the shape of the letter X in Roman type. The arms for the diagonal cross extend diagonally over the cover part supported by the support frame. The weight sensor may be positioned away to one or more positions of the diagonal cross said positions comprising: arms of the cross, to middle of the cross. Preferably a weight sensor positioned in the arm of the cross away from the middle of the cross and the end of the arm. Possible locations for the weight sensor in the arms may be in the middle of the arm and towards the end of the arm away from the middle of the arm.
In an embodiment an inner wall structure according to an embodiment may be collapsible. In this way the volume needed by the inner wall structure, when the inner wall structure is collapsed may be small, whereby efficiency of storage and transportation of collapsed the inner wall structures may be provided.
In an example, the support frame may have the form of a diagonal cross, like the shape of the letter X in Roman type. The arms for the diagonal cross extend diagonally over the cover part supported by the support frame. The arms of the diagonal cross may be formed of parts that are interconnected movable for collapsing the sides of the inner wall structure. The support frames may have a locking mechanism for locking the arms of the diagonal cross and avoiding collapse of the support members.
In an embodiment a transport container may comprise the inner wall structure. The inner wall structure may be slidably interchangeable from the transport container. In this way the inner wall structure may be installed within the transport container and removed from the transport container by sliding movement. Sliding of the inner wall structure may be provided, when the inner wall structure has one or more skids that allow easy sliding in and/or out of the transport container. The material of the support frame and the transport container may be adapted to support the sliding. Accordingly, the surfaces of the support frame that is acting against the transport container may be adapted to support sliding between the transport container and the support frame.
It should be appreciated that the inner wall structure may not need separate skids, but the support frame of the inner wall structure may serve the purpose of the skids. Accordingly, particularly a portion 21 of the support frame for supporting the floor 22 may be used as skids.
In an embodiment the transport container may be a cargo container or a transport cabinet. A cargo container may be a standard intermodal freight container conventionally used in cargo ships for example. A transport cabinet may be a cabinet movable manually by personnel by pushing and pulling. Such transport cabinets are conventional for example in grocery shops, where temperature sensitive goods are received in the transport cabinets from trucks at loading ramp and thereafter moved between inside to the grocery shop for storage or directly to the sales area.
The transport container may be made of material capable of providing sufficient protection to the inner wall structure against external contact during transportation. The type of material and strength of the material may be adapted on the basis of the kind of transportation the container is utilized and the level of protection needed. For example when the transport container is utilized in sea transportation the transport container may be made of material conventionally used in standard intermodal freight containers. Accordingly it should be appreciated that the material may be for example plastic, composite, steel or stainless steel.
The door or cover may have more than one part 32, 34, which both may be opened and closed. The door parts may form double doors. Each of the door parts or cover parts may cover only a portion ‘p1’, ‘p2’ of the side of the transport container. In this way items may be removed and inserted into the storage container without opening the transport container all the way, whereby flow of outside air to the storage container may be hindered at least partially. The door parts may be substantially equally large such that they cover a substantially similar portion of the transport container. Preferably the door parts are dimensioned such that one 32 of the parts is larger than the other 34. In this way items within the storage portion may be accessed opening the smaller portion and flow of outside air to the storage container may be hindered more than if the parts were substantially equally large.
The door and door parts may be connected to the transport container by hinges 36 such that they are movable to the open position and closed position.
It should be appreciated that instead of doors a single cover or cover parts may be adapted with the transport container such that they may be removed from the transport container and installed to transport container for closing the transport container similar to the door and door parts. The cover and cover parts may be attached to the transport container by latches.
In an embodiment, the doors may have gripping portions 38, for example handles, for facilitating operating the doors to the open or closed position. The gripping portions may be arranged in a recess such that the surface of the transport container may be substantially flush.
The controller ‘CNTL’ may be connected to a weight sensor 26 such that the valves 6, 7 may be opened and closed on the basis of the measurements of the temperature sensor and the weight sensor. The weight sensor 26 may be positioned on the support frame 21 under the floor 22 of the storage container for operating with the floor of the storage container for measuring weight of the contents of the storage container.
The units of the temperature control system in
a controller ‘CNTL’ connected at least to the temperature measurement device ‘S’ and the sound wave generator to cause generating one or more sound waves on the basis of the temperature obtained by the temperature measurement device such that the temperature at the location of temperature measurement is caused to decrease or increase towards a target temperature defined for the location. The sound waves input to the elements cause gas within the elements to be controllably output from the elements such that the temperature in the locations within the target volume may adjusted.
In
The gas input 1206 is capable of receiving gas into the element. The gas input may be connected operatively to one or more dry ice containers 3a, 3b, 3c for receiving sublimed dry ice from the dry ice containers. Additionally or alternatively, the gas input may be connected operatively to one or more heat battery packs 3a, 3b, 3c for receiving heated gas from the heat battery packs. The gas input may be connected for example to a fluid line 10 in a temperature regulated apparatus described in an embodiment for receiving sublimed dry ice and or heated gas. The gas flow out of the fluid line may be regulated by a temperature controllable valve. The gas output 1208, 1308 is capable of letting gas out of the element. The gas input 1204, 1304 is capable of receiving gas into the element. In some embodiments, the gas output may also serve for letting sound waves out of the element. However, letting sound waves out of the element may not be needed.
In an embodiment, the arrangement may comprise a temperature regulated apparatus comprising a sound wave based gas distribution system. The sound wave based gas distribution system may be provided by the devices that cause controlling gas output to a target by sound waves. Accordingly, the sound wave based gas distribution system may comprise at least one or more elements 1202, 1302, at least one temperature measurement device ‘S’, a sound wave generator 1210, 1310 and controller ‘CNTL’ described above.
In an example, the target volume may be a storage container 2 in a temperature regulated apparatus described in an embodiment. However, it should be appreciated that the arrangement may be utilized in connection with other target volumes, where temperature regulation is required, such as ware houses.
The sound wave generator 1210, 1310 may be capable of generating audible on non-audible sound waves 1212. Preferably the sound waves are non-audible, thus not audible to human such that use of the arrangement is silent. On the other hand audible sound waves to human may be preferred for conveying information. Conveying information with the sound waves may be preferred for example for attracting attention of people using the arrangement or being otherwise present nearby the arrangement. In one example the conveyed information is an alert sound.
In an example the sound wave generator 1210, 1310 may comprise means for converting an electrical audio signal into a corresponding sound. The sound wave generator may comprise a loudspeaker 1218, 1318 connected to a frequency converter 1216, 1316. The frequency converter may control the loudspeaker to generate a sound wave having a frequency adapted to controllably output gas from the elements. Preferably the frequency of the sound wave may be determined on the basis of the dimension, e.g. length, of the element and locations of the outputs, where output of the gas is controlled.
The elements may be capable of receiving pressurized gas via the gas inputs 1206. The gas may be sublimed dry ice from one or more dry ice containers connected to the elements by fluid lines. On the other hand the gas may be gas heated by one or more heat battery packs. The elements may of various shapes, for example tubular elements or planar elements described in
In an example the temperature measurement device, such as a temperature sensor, may be installed within the target volume close to the at least one location, where gas is output within the target volume.
In an embodiment a generated sound wave may have an amplitude node 1214 at an output 1208 arranged at the at least one location or the generated sound waves have a combined amplitude node 1214 at an output arranged at the at least one location. An example of the sound wave may be a standing wave that may be designed according to the dimensions of the elements. The amplitude node at the output provides that the sound wave is silent at the output, whereby the gas may flow out of the element. The gas output from the element 1202, 1302 may be pressurized by both the element and the sound wave. An example of the sound wave may be a standing wave.
In an embodiment a sound wave 1212 may correspond to a gas output pattern. The sound wave may define a flow rate specific to an output. In
In an embodiment the arrangement may comprise a plurality of temperature measurement devices ‘S’ capable of determining temperatures of a plurality of locations within the target volume and the generated sound wave or sound waves have nodes at the outputs arranged at the locations. In this way temperature measurements may be obtained from the locations for regulating the temperature in the locations by controlling gas output to the locations by sound waves.
In an embodiment, the planar elements 1302 comprise planar surfaces and the arrangement of planar elements comprises a plurality of sound wave generators that are spatially separated and connected to sides of different planar elements.
In an embodiment, an arrangement comprises a battery pack for generating heat, i.e. heat battery pack. The heat battery pack is operatively connected to the elements 1202, 1302, 1402, 1502 for feeding gas heated by the battery pack to the target volume. The heat battery pack may be connected to the elements by one or more fluid lines. One or more valves may be used for controlling the flow of heated gas. There may be more than one battery pack which may be connected to the element for feeding heated gas to the target volume.
In an embodiment, an arrangement comprises a temperature regulated apparatus having a dry ice container 3a, 3b, 3c, a storage container 2 forming a target volume, and sublimed dry ice is fed from the dry ice container to the storage container for cooling the storage container. In an example one or more fluid lines 10 are provided between the dry ice containers and the elements 1202, 1302, 1402, 1502 for feeding the sublimed dry ice to the storage container via the elements.
When the inner portion is within the outer cover, the breaking means 1603 may be capable of igniting the cartridges by damaging the separating means 1607 such that the CaO is brought into contact with water, whereby heat is generated. The breaking means may be an electromechanical device that may be capable exerting a mechanical force to the separating means controlled by an electric current. In an example the breaking means comprises a pin capable of being operated by an electric switch, whereby switch may cause the pin to damage the separating means controlled by an electric current. The separating means may be a thin film of material such as plastics.
In an embodiment, the replaceable inner portion 1604 comprises chambers for accommodating the cartridges, and the chambers have an upper opening 1608 through which heat generated from the cartridge is communicated to the outer cover for convective heat transfer from the battery pack. The upper opening may be an opening to the surface of the replaceable inner portion.
In an embodiment the replaceable inner portion 1604 comprises an input 1610 for receiving gas, e.g. outside air, or other fluid within the battery pack and an output capable of connecting directly or indirectly to a storage container for feeding the fluid from the input to the storage container via the output and a central duct 1614 of the replaceable inner portion. In an example the connection to the storage container may be provided by a fluid line in a temperature regulated apparatus. The gas received via the input may be air from outside the temperature regulated apparatus. The air may be heated by the chemical reaction for generating heated gas. The heated gas may be fed to the storage container for heating the contents therein. The input and output may be provided by corresponding openings.
In an embodiment the cartridges are arranged around a central duct 1614 of the replaceable inner portion such that the fluid fed from the input 1610 to the output 1612 is heated by the cartridges after the cartridges are ignited.
In an embodiment the replaceable inner portion 1604 comprises chambers for accommodating the cartridges and the chambers have bottom ends towards a central duct 1614 of the replaceable inner portion for heating the fluid fed from the input 1610 to the output 1612.
In an embodiment, the replaceable inner portion 1604 comprises a handle 1618 arranged remote from the output 1612. Since the handle is remote from the output of heated gas, the replaceable inner portion may be gripped safely.
An embodiment concerns an arrangement comprising a heat battery pack and a dry ice ice-based cooling system. The arrangement may be capable of performing method of
In an embodiment an arrangement comprises a storage container 2 forming a target volume, a door 1802 arranged at a doorway 1804 of the storage container 2 for accessing goods within the storage container; and at least one of the elements 1202, 1302, 1402, 1502 has at least one output 1208, 1308 directed across the doorway 1804 such that sound waves 1212 generated by the sound wave generator 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510 are capable of causing gas output across the doorway 1804 in response to detecting opening of the door 1802. In an example, the opening of the door may be detected by a switch that may be coupled to a controller capable of controlling gas flow from dry ice containers and/or heat battery packs. The arrangement may comprise a temperature regulated apparatus provided with doors and illustrated in
In an embodiment, the temperature regulated apparatus has at least two operation modes comprising a door closed mode and a door open mode, and in the door closed mode a first flow pattern is applied for guiding the sublimed dry ice or heated gas, and in the door open mode a second flow pattern is applied for guiding the sublimed dry ice or heated gas.
In an example, applying the flow pattern in the door open mode may comprise guiding all the sublimed dry ice or heated gas across the doorway 1804. In an example, applying the flow pattern in the door closed mode may comprise guiding the sublimed dry ice or the heated gas substantially evenly within the storage container 2. In an example, the temperature regulated apparatus comprises more than one guiding means, one of which comprises the guiding means for guiding sublimed dry ice or heated gas across the doorway 1804, and at least one other guiding means for distributing the sublimed dry ice or heated gas within the volume of the storage container, whereby the door closed mode may comprise feeding sublimed dry ice at least partially or only via the guiding means for distributing the sublimed dry ice or heated gas within the volume of the storage container. On the other hand the door open mode may comprise feeding sublimed dry ice or heated gas only via the guiding means for guiding sublimed dry ice or heated gas across the doorway 1804. Examples of the guiding means comprise a fluid line, a nozzle and an element 1202, 1302, 1402, 1502 which is capable of outputting gas and/or controlling gas output e.g. by sound waves.
In
In
In various embodiments described above, gas such as sublimed dry ice or heated outside air may be conducted to a target volume, e.g. a storage container, for regulating temperature of the target volume container to a target temperature or to a target temperature range. The sublimed dry ice may be obtained from one or more dry ice containers and the heated outside air may be obtained from one or more heat battery packs. The dry ice may flow out of the storage container provided by the pressure within the dry ice container being higher than the pressure within the storage container, the pressure within the enclosure around the dry ice container and/or the pressure within the fluid line. Accordingly, the temperature regulated apparatus according to various embodiments described herein may operate as powered by the sublimation of the dry ice and without further power sources. However, some embodiments may be implemented using magnetic valves, whereby accurate control of the temperature in the storage container and control of the sublimation rate may be obtained.
An apparatus or an arrangement described in an embodiment may comprise a temperature regulated apparatus, a temperature control system, dry-ice based cooling system, a heating system or a transport container capable of adjusting temperature in at least one location within a target volume, and comprise at least one or more elements comprising sound inputs, gas inputs and gas outputs, said gas outputs arranged in a plurality of locations in the target volume;
In various embodiments items and features are described with reference to at least one item and/or feature. Therefore, it is clear that there may be more than one described items and/or features and the description for the at least one item and/or feature applies to each of the one, two, three, four, and at least up to ten items and features.
It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as the technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20165775 | Oct 2016 | FI | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/FI2017/050715 | 10/12/2017 | WO | 00 |
