US20140339241A1 - Vacuum Insulation For An Integrated Refrigerated Container - Google Patents
Vacuum Insulation For An Integrated Refrigerated Container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140339241A1 US20140339241A1 US14/366,780 US201214366780A US2014339241A1 US 20140339241 A1 US20140339241 A1 US 20140339241A1 US 201214366780 A US201214366780 A US 201214366780A US 2014339241 A1 US2014339241 A1 US 2014339241A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- exterior panel
- vacuum insulation
- interior
- cavity
- liner
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 55
- 229920005830 Polyurethane Foam Polymers 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000011496 polyurethane foam Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004964 aerogel Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910021485 fumed silica Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000011162 core material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004604 Blowing Agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013012 foaming technology Methods 0.000 description 2
- -1 for example Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012774 insulation material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D88/00—Large containers
- B65D88/74—Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents
- B65D88/741—Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents aerating by ambient air through openings in the wall
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
- B65D81/3888—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation wrappers or flexible containers, e.g. pouches, bags
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D90/02—Wall construction
- B65D90/022—Laminated structures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D90/02—Wall construction
- B65D90/04—Linings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
- F25D11/003—Transport containers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to a transport refrigeration system and, more particularly, to vacuum insulation bags to be used with blown polyurethane foam to increase the insulation properties of an integrated refrigerated container.
- refrigerated containers Products such as produce, meat and the like being shipped relatively long distances are conventionally placed within refrigerated containers. These refrigerated containers are specifically designed for conditioning an interior space with a temperature for the products for an extended period of time.
- the refrigerated containers utilize a transport refrigeration unit for cooling these products during transport.
- the refrigeration unit is typically secured to the front wall of the refrigerated container and circulates cooled air inside the interior space through evaporator fans which direct the air from the front of the container to the rear.
- refrigerated containers use polyurethane cell foam technology that is injected into the gap separating the outer wall from the inner liner.
- the polyurethane foam is used for both its insulation properties as well as for its structural integrity. But, air leakage and heat transfer is still an issue when using the polyurethane foam.
- An insulation technology is required that will overcome the drawbacks of the current cell foam technology being utilized.
- an insulation system for a cargo container includes at least one wall having an exterior panel and an interior liner, the exterior panel and the interior liner being substantially parallel to each other; a cavity disposed between the exterior panel and the interior liner, the cavity being coextensive with a surface area of each of the exterior panel and the interior liner; and at least one vacuum insulation bag disposed within the cavity, the at least one vacuum insulation bag being configured for insulating the interior liner from the exterior panel.
- a method for insulating a cargo container includes providing at least one wall having an exterior panel and an interior liner, the exterior panel and the interior liner being coextensive to each other; and positioning at least one vacuum insulation bag within a cavity, the at least one vacuum insulation bag being configured for insulating the interior liner from the exterior panel. Also, the cavity is disposed between the exterior panel and the interior liner, the cavity being coextensive with a surface area of each of the exterior panel and the interior liner.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an integrated container with a refrigeration system according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates schematic top view of a cross-section of the side wall of the integrated container according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a cross-section of the side wall of the integrated container but with reinforcement members inserted within the side wall according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Embodiments of an insulated integrated refrigerated container include walls that are formed from an inner liner and an exterior panel and enclose one or more vacuum insulation bags.
- the vacuum insulated bags are confined or sandwiched within a cavity provided between each of an exterior panel and inner liner, side and rear walls, roof, and floor or in combination with other commonly used insulation materials for improving the insulation properties of insulated integrated refrigerated container.
- the vacuum insulation bags are attached to an interior surface of the exterior panel and can be held in place with polyurethane foam having a blowing agent that fills the cavity after the vacuum insulation bags are attached.
- Other embodiments include reinforcing members when polyurethane foam is not utilized for structural support.
- the vacuum insulated bags use a polyurethane foam as a core material, however, but it is contemplated that other core materials can be used.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an integrated refrigerated container 100 including a cargo container 105 coupled to a refrigeration system 110 according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the integrated refrigerated container 100 which is shown formed into a generally rectangular construction, and includes opposed side walls 115 , a front wall 120 , a top wall 125 , a directly opposed bottom wall 130 , and a door or doors (not shown) attached on hinges at the rear end 135 .
- the walls 115 - 130 may be formed from an inner liner and an exterior panel (shown in FIG. 2 ) comprising for example welded corrugated steel or aluminum in order to provide significant strength and structural integrity.
- the integrated refrigerated container 100 may be approximately twenty feet in length, with a width and height of approximately eight feet. However, these dimensions may vary depending on the particular environment in which the integrated refrigerated container 100 is utilized.
- the refrigeration system 110 is integrated into a front cavity 140 within the cargo container 105 .
- the front cavity 140 houses components of the refrigeration system 110 , which is provided for cooling an interior space (not shown) enclosed by walls 115 - 130 and the door or doors (not shown).
- FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic top view of a cross-section of the side wall 115 of the integrated refrigerated container 100 including at least one vacuum insulation bag 210 according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the side wall 115 may include an exterior sheet metal panel 205 , adjacent to the ambient environment, and an interior liner 215 , adjacent to the interior space being conditioned.
- the exterior panel 205 and interior liner 215 cooperate to enclose a cavity 220 that is generally coextensive with the surface area of the panel 205 and the liner 215 .
- the exterior panel 205 may be formed of sheet aluminum while the inner liner may include a resin impregnated fiber panel, or the like.
- the side wall 115 may include a plurality of substantially similar vacuum insulation bags such as, for example, the vacuum insulation bag 210 that is confined or sandwiched within the cavity 220 .
- the plurality of vacuum insulation bags 210 are inserted into the cavity 220 along an interior surface of the exterior panel 205 and held in place with insulating material such as, for example, polyurethane foam 225 having a blowing agent that is “foamed-in” the cavity 220 after one or more of the vacuum insulation bags 210 is attached.
- the polyurethane foam 225 expands upon curing and fills the areas surrounding the vacuum insulation bags 210 within the cavity 220 .
- the vacuum insulation bag 210 may be attached to the interior surface for example with pins, nails, screws, tape, glue, or other similar types of materials prior to filling the cavity with polyurethane foam 225 .
- one or more vacuum insulation bags 210 may be utilized within cavities formed between the interior liner 215 and each of the side walls 115 ( FIG. 1 ), the front wall 120 ( FIG. 1 ), the top wall 125 ( FIG. 1 ), and the bottom wall 130 ( FIG. 1 ) that are held in place with insulating material such as, for example, polyurethane foam 225 having a blowing agent that is “foamed-in” into the cavities to hold the insulation bags 210 in place.
- the vacuum insulation bag 210 may include a substantially gas-tight barrier film or outer layer surrounding a rigid core or filler insulation from which air has been evacuated.
- the barrier film may be made of a non-permeable wall that prevents air from entering the vacuum insulation bag 210 while the filler or core is a rigid and highly-porous material to support the barrier film once the air has been evacuated.
- the filler is polyurethane foam, fumed silica, aero gel or glass fiber, however, other materials for the filler may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention.
- a gas absorbent also referred to as “getter” may be added to the filler material to collect gases leaked through the barrier film or offgassed from the barrier film.
- the barrier film may be formed into a pouch into which the filler material is inserted.
- a vacuum is applied to the bag 210 in order to evacuate air from the core material after which the barrier film is heat sealed to form the bag 210 .
- a plurality of polymeric film layers are used as the edge layers having an inner metalized or aluminum layer with a thickness of, in one non-limiting example, 23 microns may be used.
- the vacuum insulation bag 210 having a length of about 2 feet (0.6096 meter), a width of about 2 feet (0.6096 meter) or 4 feet (1.2192 meter), and a thickness in the range of about 10 millimeter to about 25 millimeter may be utilized, however, other vacuum insulation bags 210 of various sizes may be utilized.
- the width (distance from the exterior panel 205 to the interior liner 215 ) may be decreased in order to provide a closer fit with the vacuum insulation bags 210 .
- the polyurethane foam 225 provides structural integrity to the side wall 115 by supporting the exterior panel 205 to the inner liner 215 in addition to providing insulation properties between exterior panel 205 and inner liner 215 .
- the side wall 115 includes a plurality of vacuum insulation bags 310 without polyurethane foam according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the embodiment in FIG. 3 is substantially the same as the embodiment in FIG. 2 with the principal exception that the side wall 115 includes an exterior panel 305 and an interior liner 315 supported by a plurality of substantially similar reinforcing members 325 .
- the reinforcing members 325 are, in an embodiment, made from aluminum or stainless steel structural members that reinforce the connection between the exterior panel 305 and the interior liner 315 .
- the exterior panel 305 and the inner liner 315 cooperate to enclose a cavity 320 , which is generally coextensive with the surface area of the panel 305 and the liner 315 .
- side wall 115 includes a plurality of vacuum insulation bags such as, for example, vacuum insulation bag 310 that is confined or sandwiched within the cavity 320 and attached to the interior surface of exterior panel 305 for example with pins, nails, screws, tape, glue, or other similar types of materials.
- vacuum insulation bags 310 may be utilized within cavities formed between the interior liner 315 and each of side walls 115 ( FIG. 1 ), the front wall 120 ( FIG. 1 ), the top wall 125 ( FIG. 1 ), and bottom wall 130 ( FIG. 1 ) that are held in place with pins, nails, screws, tape, glue, or other similar types of materials.
- the vacuum insulation bag 310 is substantially the same as the vacuum insulation bag 210 that is shown and described in FIG. 2 .
- the width distance from exterior panel 305 to interior liner 315
- inventions relate to an integrated refrigerated container having one or more vacuum insulation bags.
- the vacuum insulation bags are confined or sandwiched within a cavity provided between the outer panel and inner liner forming the walls of the container.
- the vacuum insulation bags are attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel and held in place with polyurethane foam having a blowing agent that is filled into the cavity after the vacuum insulation bags are attached.
- Other embodiments include reinforcing members when polyurethane foam is not utilized for structural support.
Abstract
An insulation system for a cargo container (105), includes at least one wall (115, 120, 125, 130) having an exterior panel (205) and an interior liner (215), the exterior panel and the interior liner being substantially parallel to each other; a cavity disposed between the exterior panel and the interior liner, the cavity being coextensive with a surface area of each of the exterior panel and the interior liner; at least one vacuum insulation bag (210) disposed within the cavity (220), the at least one vacuum insulation bag (210) being configured for insulating the interior liner from the exterior panel.
Description
- This invention relates generally to a transport refrigeration system and, more particularly, to vacuum insulation bags to be used with blown polyurethane foam to increase the insulation properties of an integrated refrigerated container.
- Products such as produce, meat and the like being shipped relatively long distances are conventionally placed within refrigerated containers. These refrigerated containers are specifically designed for conditioning an interior space with a temperature for the products for an extended period of time. The refrigerated containers utilize a transport refrigeration unit for cooling these products during transport. The refrigeration unit is typically secured to the front wall of the refrigerated container and circulates cooled air inside the interior space through evaporator fans which direct the air from the front of the container to the rear.
- Generally, insulation and air leakage is a concern when shipping produce and meat in these refrigerated containers. Typically, refrigerated containers use polyurethane cell foam technology that is injected into the gap separating the outer wall from the inner liner. The polyurethane foam is used for both its insulation properties as well as for its structural integrity. But, air leakage and heat transfer is still an issue when using the polyurethane foam. An insulation technology is required that will overcome the drawbacks of the current cell foam technology being utilized.
- According to one aspect of the invention, an insulation system for a cargo container includes at least one wall having an exterior panel and an interior liner, the exterior panel and the interior liner being substantially parallel to each other; a cavity disposed between the exterior panel and the interior liner, the cavity being coextensive with a surface area of each of the exterior panel and the interior liner; and at least one vacuum insulation bag disposed within the cavity, the at least one vacuum insulation bag being configured for insulating the interior liner from the exterior panel.
- According to another aspect of the invention, a method for insulating a cargo container includes providing at least one wall having an exterior panel and an interior liner, the exterior panel and the interior liner being coextensive to each other; and positioning at least one vacuum insulation bag within a cavity, the at least one vacuum insulation bag being configured for insulating the interior liner from the exterior panel. Also, the cavity is disposed between the exterior panel and the interior liner, the cavity being coextensive with a surface area of each of the exterior panel and the interior liner.
- Other aspects, features, and techniques of the invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.
- Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the FIGURES:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an integrated container with a refrigeration system according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 illustrates schematic top view of a cross-section of the side wall of the integrated container according to an embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a cross-section of the side wall of the integrated container but with reinforcement members inserted within the side wall according to an embodiment of the invention. - Embodiments of an insulated integrated refrigerated container include walls that are formed from an inner liner and an exterior panel and enclose one or more vacuum insulation bags. In embodiments, the vacuum insulated bags are confined or sandwiched within a cavity provided between each of an exterior panel and inner liner, side and rear walls, roof, and floor or in combination with other commonly used insulation materials for improving the insulation properties of insulated integrated refrigerated container. In an embodiment, the vacuum insulation bags are attached to an interior surface of the exterior panel and can be held in place with polyurethane foam having a blowing agent that fills the cavity after the vacuum insulation bags are attached. Other embodiments include reinforcing members when polyurethane foam is not utilized for structural support. In one example, the vacuum insulated bags use a polyurethane foam as a core material, however, but it is contemplated that other core materials can be used.
- Referring now to the drawings,
FIG. 1 illustrates an integrated refrigeratedcontainer 100 including acargo container 105 coupled to arefrigeration system 110 according to an embodiment of the invention. The integrated refrigeratedcontainer 100, which is shown formed into a generally rectangular construction, and includesopposed side walls 115, afront wall 120, atop wall 125, a directly opposedbottom wall 130, and a door or doors (not shown) attached on hinges at therear end 135. The walls 115-130 may be formed from an inner liner and an exterior panel (shown inFIG. 2 ) comprising for example welded corrugated steel or aluminum in order to provide significant strength and structural integrity. In an example, the integrated refrigeratedcontainer 100 may be approximately twenty feet in length, with a width and height of approximately eight feet. However, these dimensions may vary depending on the particular environment in which the integrated refrigeratedcontainer 100 is utilized. Therefrigeration system 110 is integrated into afront cavity 140 within thecargo container 105. Thefront cavity 140 houses components of therefrigeration system 110, which is provided for cooling an interior space (not shown) enclosed by walls 115-130 and the door or doors (not shown). -
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic top view of a cross-section of theside wall 115 of the integrated refrigeratedcontainer 100 including at least onevacuum insulation bag 210 according to an embodiment of the invention. Theside wall 115 may include an exteriorsheet metal panel 205, adjacent to the ambient environment, and aninterior liner 215, adjacent to the interior space being conditioned. Theexterior panel 205 andinterior liner 215 cooperate to enclose acavity 220 that is generally coextensive with the surface area of thepanel 205 and theliner 215. Theexterior panel 205 may be formed of sheet aluminum while the inner liner may include a resin impregnated fiber panel, or the like. Also, theside wall 115 may include a plurality of substantially similar vacuum insulation bags such as, for example, thevacuum insulation bag 210 that is confined or sandwiched within thecavity 220. The plurality ofvacuum insulation bags 210 are inserted into thecavity 220 along an interior surface of theexterior panel 205 and held in place with insulating material such as, for example,polyurethane foam 225 having a blowing agent that is “foamed-in” thecavity 220 after one or more of thevacuum insulation bags 210 is attached. Thepolyurethane foam 225 expands upon curing and fills the areas surrounding thevacuum insulation bags 210 within thecavity 220. Thevacuum insulation bag 210 may be attached to the interior surface for example with pins, nails, screws, tape, glue, or other similar types of materials prior to filling the cavity withpolyurethane foam 225. In embodiments, one or morevacuum insulation bags 210 may be utilized within cavities formed between theinterior liner 215 and each of the side walls 115 (FIG. 1 ), the front wall 120 (FIG. 1 ), the top wall 125 (FIG. 1 ), and the bottom wall 130 (FIG. 1 ) that are held in place with insulating material such as, for example,polyurethane foam 225 having a blowing agent that is “foamed-in” into the cavities to hold theinsulation bags 210 in place. - The
vacuum insulation bag 210 may include a substantially gas-tight barrier film or outer layer surrounding a rigid core or filler insulation from which air has been evacuated. The barrier film may be made of a non-permeable wall that prevents air from entering thevacuum insulation bag 210 while the filler or core is a rigid and highly-porous material to support the barrier film once the air has been evacuated. In a non-limiting example, the filler is polyurethane foam, fumed silica, aero gel or glass fiber, however, other materials for the filler may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. A gas absorbent (also referred to as “getter”) may be added to the filler material to collect gases leaked through the barrier film or offgassed from the barrier film. The barrier film may be formed into a pouch into which the filler material is inserted. A vacuum is applied to thebag 210 in order to evacuate air from the core material after which the barrier film is heat sealed to form thebag 210. In an example, a plurality of polymeric film layers are used as the edge layers having an inner metalized or aluminum layer with a thickness of, in one non-limiting example, 23 microns may be used. In some non-limiting examples, thevacuum insulation bag 210 having a length of about 2 feet (0.6096 meter), a width of about 2 feet (0.6096 meter) or 4 feet (1.2192 meter), and a thickness in the range of about 10 millimeter to about 25 millimeter may be utilized, however, othervacuum insulation bags 210 of various sizes may be utilized. In one embodiment, the width (distance from theexterior panel 205 to the interior liner 215) may be decreased in order to provide a closer fit with thevacuum insulation bags 210. It is to be appreciated that thepolyurethane foam 225 provides structural integrity to theside wall 115 by supporting theexterior panel 205 to theinner liner 215 in addition to providing insulation properties betweenexterior panel 205 andinner liner 215. - In an embodiment, illustrated in
FIG. 3 , theside wall 115 includes a plurality ofvacuum insulation bags 310 without polyurethane foam according to an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment inFIG. 3 is substantially the same as the embodiment inFIG. 2 with the principal exception that theside wall 115 includes anexterior panel 305 and aninterior liner 315 supported by a plurality of substantially similar reinforcingmembers 325. The reinforcingmembers 325 are, in an embodiment, made from aluminum or stainless steel structural members that reinforce the connection between theexterior panel 305 and theinterior liner 315. Further, theexterior panel 305 and theinner liner 315 cooperate to enclose acavity 320, which is generally coextensive with the surface area of thepanel 305 and theliner 315. Further,side wall 115 includes a plurality of vacuum insulation bags such as, for example,vacuum insulation bag 310 that is confined or sandwiched within thecavity 320 and attached to the interior surface ofexterior panel 305 for example with pins, nails, screws, tape, glue, or other similar types of materials. One or morevacuum insulation bags 310 may be utilized within cavities formed between theinterior liner 315 and each of side walls 115 (FIG. 1 ), the front wall 120 (FIG. 1 ), the top wall 125 (FIG. 1 ), and bottom wall 130 (FIG. 1 ) that are held in place with pins, nails, screws, tape, glue, or other similar types of materials. Thevacuum insulation bag 310 is substantially the same as thevacuum insulation bag 210 that is shown and described inFIG. 2 . In one embodiment, the width (distance fromexterior panel 305 to interior liner 315) may be decreased in order to provide a closer fit with thevacuum insulation bags 310. - The technical effects and benefits of embodiments relate to an integrated refrigerated container having one or more vacuum insulation bags. The vacuum insulation bags are confined or sandwiched within a cavity provided between the outer panel and inner liner forming the walls of the container. The vacuum insulation bags are attached to the interior surface of the exterior panel and held in place with polyurethane foam having a blowing agent that is filled into the cavity after the vacuum insulation bags are attached. Other embodiments include reinforcing members when polyurethane foam is not utilized for structural support.
- The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. While the description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, it is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangement not hereto described will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiment of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (18)
1. An insulation system for a cargo container, comprising:
at least one wall having an exterior panel and an interior liner, the exterior panel and the interior liner being substantially parallel to each other;
a cavity disposed between the exterior panel and the interior liner, the cavity being coextensive with a surface area of each of the exterior panel and the interior liner; and
at least one vacuum insulation bag disposed within the cavity, the at least one vacuum insulation bag being configured for insulating the interior liner from the exterior panel.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising expandable polyurethane foam disposed within the cavity, the polyurethane foam expanding around the at least one vacuum insulation bag upon curing.
3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of reinforcing members coupled to each of the exterior panel and the inner liner.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of reinforcing members are orthogonally coupled to interior surfaces of each of the exterior panel and the inner liner.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the exterior panel is adjacent to an ambient environment.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the interior liner is adjacent to an interior space being conditioned.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one vacuum insulation bag is coupled to an interior surface of the exterior panel with at least one of pins, nails, screws, tape, or glue.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one vacuum insulation bag includes a barrier film enclosing an insulating material.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the insulating material is one of a polyurethane foam, fumed silica, aerogel, and glass fiber.
10. A method for insulating a cargo container, comprising:
providing at least one wall having an exterior panel and an interior liner, the exterior panel and the interior liner being coextensive to each other; and positioning at least one vacuum insulation bag within a cavity, the at least one vacuum insulation bag being configured for insulating the interior liner from the exterior panel;
wherein the cavity is disposed between the exterior panel and the interior liner, the cavity being coextensive with a surface area of each of the exterior panel and the interior liner.
11. The method of claim 10 , further comprising inserting expandable polyurethane foam within the cavity, wherein the expandable polyurethane foam expands upon curing to fill the cavity.
12. The method of claim 10 , further comprising coupling a plurality of reinforcing members to each of the exterior panel and the inner liner.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of reinforcing members are orthogonally coupled to interior surfaces of each of the exterior panel and the inner liner.
14. The method of claim 10 , wherein the exterior panel is adjacent to an ambient environment.
15. The method of claim 10 , wherein the interior liner is adjacent to an interior space being conditioned.
16. The method of claim 10 , further comprising coupling the at least one vacuum insulation bag to an interior surface of the exterior panel with at least one of pins, nails, screws, tape, or glue.
17. The method of claim 10 , wherein the at least one vacuum insulation bag includes a barrier film enclosing an insulating material.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the insulating material is one of polyurethane foam, fumed silica, aerogel, and glass fiber.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/366,780 US20140339241A1 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2012-12-13 | Vacuum Insulation For An Integrated Refrigerated Container |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161577855P | 2011-12-20 | 2011-12-20 | |
US14/366,780 US20140339241A1 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2012-12-13 | Vacuum Insulation For An Integrated Refrigerated Container |
PCT/US2012/069493 WO2013096087A1 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2012-12-13 | Vacuum insulation for an integrated refrigerated container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140339241A1 true US20140339241A1 (en) | 2014-11-20 |
Family
ID=47559654
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/366,780 Abandoned US20140339241A1 (en) | 2011-12-20 | 2012-12-13 | Vacuum Insulation For An Integrated Refrigerated Container |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140339241A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2794429B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103998355B (en) |
DK (1) | DK2794429T3 (en) |
SG (1) | SG11201403357UA (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013096087A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20160178270A1 (en) * | 2013-07-31 | 2016-06-23 | Liebherr-Hausgeraete Lienz Gmbh | Vacuum Insulation Body |
CN106524628A (en) * | 2016-11-12 | 2017-03-22 | 中科芯威科技无锡有限公司 | Mobile refrigerator with intelligent insulation bag |
US11293827B1 (en) | 2018-11-06 | 2022-04-05 | Rockwell Collins, Inc. | Thin section commercial cabin insulation with high thermal R-value |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR101886703B1 (en) * | 2016-09-29 | 2018-09-10 | 조연수 | apparatus having thermal insulator for keeping temperature of objects |
JP7052428B2 (en) * | 2018-03-05 | 2022-04-12 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Resin case |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DK2794429T3 (en) | 2016-07-25 |
CN103998355B (en) | 2016-11-09 |
WO2013096087A1 (en) | 2013-06-27 |
SG11201403357UA (en) | 2014-09-26 |
EP2794429B1 (en) | 2016-03-30 |
CN103998355A (en) | 2014-08-20 |
EP2794429A1 (en) | 2014-10-29 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |