KR101295619B1 - The method of circulating inner air of storage vessel using thermoelectric element - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method for circulating the air inside a storage container by using a thermoelement is provided to maintain the freshness of agricultural products for a long time and to keep the agricultural products fresh only by transporting and delivering the storage container. CONSTITUTION: A method for circulating the air inside a storage container by using a thermoelement performs the following steps: comparing the temperature of the storage container storing agricultural products with a target temperature (S10); and operating a first thermoelement including a heat absorption unit, which is arranged to face the inside of the storage container, and mixing the cool air from the heat absorption unit and the air inside the storage container box, when the temperature inside the storage container is higher than the target temperature by a predetermined value, and operating a second thermoelement including a heat emission unit, which is arranged to face the inside of the storage container, and mixing the hot air from the heat emission unit and the air inside the storage container, when the temperature inside the storage container is lower than the target temperature by the predetermined value (S20). [Reference numerals] (AA) Temperature inside the storage container is higher than the target temperature by a predetermined value; (BB) Temperature inside the storage container is lower than the target temperature by a predetermined value; (CC) Operate a first thermoelement including a heat absorption unit, which is arranged to face the inside of the storage container; (DD) Operate a second thermoelement including a heat emission unit, which is arranged to face the inside of the storage container; (EE) Mix the cool air from the heat absorption unit and the air inside the storage container box; (FF) Mix the hot air from the heat emission unit and the air inside the storage container; (S10) Compare the temperature inside the storage container with the target temperature

Description

The method of circulating inner air of storage vessel using thermoelectric element}

The present invention relates to a method of circulating air in a storage container using a thermoelectric element installed in the storage container in order to maintain the freshness of the agri-food for a long time.

Recently, the necessity of freshly circulating meat, seafood, fresh vegetables and fruits at low temperatures is increasing day by day. Especially, in order to keep food at low temperatures, refrigerated vehicles, cold storage warehouses for freezing and refrigeration, and freezing for small packages Because of the need for boxes, the industry related to such cold chain systems is also continuing to grow. However, unlike the external growth of the distribution industry, the cold chain system is still in the introduction stage, and is focused on show-cases, commercial freezers, and courier-type ice packs that can be encountered at the cold storage and consumer stages of production. .

Among the cold distribution targets, agricultural products are most sensitive to temperature changes, and when using an ice box, there is a short period of time in which the agricultural products can be delivered in a fresh state. In addition, in the case of transporting agricultural products using a tower car equipped with a freezer and a refrigerator, not only does it consume too much power to operate the freezer and the refrigerator, but also removes the produce from the freezer and the refrigerator and then freezes the other refrigerators and refrigerators. During the process of transferring to the facility and facilities there is a problem that the agricultural products are left at room temperature, deteriorated or deteriorated.

On the other hand, techniques for utilizing a thermoelectric element for refrigeration or freezing are known. Here, a thermoelectric element is a metal element composed of a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor, and refers to a device in which Peltier endothermic and heat dissipation, which is one of three effects of thermoelectricity, is generated by flowing a DC current, and is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2007-0102189 Ho (hereinafter referred to as 'prior invention') discloses a refrigerator to which a thermoelectric element is applied.

Referring to the preceding invention, a case is inserted into a storage compartment of a refrigerator, and the case is composed of an inner case and an outer case. A cold storage space is formed between the inner case and the outer case, and the cold storage material is accommodated in the cold storage space. The cold air generated by the thermoelectric element is blown into the inner case by a fan, and even if the case is removed and placed outside, the cold air is released from the coolant to keep the contents fresh for a certain time. . However, the thermoelectric element operates only when power is supplied from the refrigerator, and the thermoelectric element does not operate at all when the case is removed and placed outdoors. As a result, in the case where the case is placed outdoors, the present invention functions only until a limit time at which the cold storage material can release cold air, unlike the conventional ice box, and after that, the function falls.

In addition, in the case of the preceding invention, since a separate fan is not provided in the case when the case is separated from the storage, the cold air cannot be evenly circulated throughout the inner case. Therefore, although cold air is supplied from the cold storage material to the inner case, there is a problem that the cold air stays in only a part of the inner case, and that the contents stored in the inner case cannot be evenly cooled.

The present invention has been conceived to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method of circulating air inside a storage container using a thermoelectric element, which can maintain freshness of agri-food for a long time.

Another object of the present invention is a method of circulating air in a storage container using a thermoelectric element, which can keep agri-food fresh simply by transporting a storage container containing agri-food without separate refrigeration, freezing and heating facilities and facilities. Is to provide.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of circulating air in a storage container using a thermoelectric element, which does not require a separate fan for circulating cold or warm air.

In order to achieve the above object, the air circulation method inside a storage container using a thermoelectric device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes comparing a target temperature with a temperature inside a storage container that can accommodate agri-food (S10). ; And when the temperature inside the storage container is higher than the target temperature by a predetermined reference, driving the first thermoelectric element having the heat absorbing portion disposed to face the inside of the storage container to mix the cold from the heat absorbing portion with the air inside the storage container, If the temperature inside the container is lower than the target temperature by a predetermined criterion, driving the second thermoelectric element having a heat generating part disposed to face the inside of the storage container to mix warmth from the heat generating part and air in the storage container (S20). It includes;

Preferably, the air circulation method inside the storage container using the thermoelectric element, the storage container is stored in a temperature maintaining equipment maintained at a target temperature before the step S10, so that the storage container at a temperature equal to or close to the target temperature. Perform the step (S5) to make.

Preferably, the first thermoelectric element is installed on a wall of the storage container, and the second thermoelectric element is installed on a wall of the storage container facing the first thermoelectric element.

Preferably, the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element are spaced apart from each other on the bottom of the storage container.

Preferably, a phase change material pack filled with a phase change material is formed in at least one of the heat absorbing portion of the first thermoelectric element and the heat generating portion of the second thermoelectric element.

Preferably, the difference between the temperature of the heat absorbing portion when the first thermoelectric element is driven and the temperature of the heat generating portion when the second thermoelectric element is driven is 4 ° C to 8 ° C.

Preferably, the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element are selectively driven by being supplied with power from a power supply provided in the storage container.

Preferably, the voltage output from the power supply is 8V ~ 13V.

Preferably, the temperature inside the storage container is measured by a temperature sensor positioned between the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element.

According to the air circulation method inside the storage container using the thermoelectric device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention has the following effects.

First, it is possible to provide an air circulation method inside a storage container using a thermoelectric element, which can maintain the freshness of agri-food for a long time.

Second, it is possible to provide a method of circulating air inside a storage container using a thermoelectric element capable of keeping the fresh food fresh simply by transporting a storage container containing agri-food without refrigeration, freezing, and heating facilities and facilities.

Third, it is possible to provide an air circulation method inside a storage container using a thermoelectric element, which does not require a separate fan for circulating cold or warm air.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the description of the invention given above, serve to further the understanding of the technical idea of the invention, And should not be construed as interpretation.
1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a delivery device in which internal air is circulated by an air circulation method inside a storage container using a thermoelectric device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram illustrating a method of circulating air in a storage container using a thermoelectric device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an air circulation method (hereinafter, referred to as an 'air circulation method') in a storage container using a thermoelectric device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The terms and words used in the present specification and claims should not be construed as limited to ordinary or dictionary terms and the inventor may appropriately define the concept of the term in order to best describe its invention It should be construed as meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in the specification and the drawings shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of the present invention, various modifications that can be replaced at the time of the present application It should be understood that there may be equivalents and variations.

In the drawings, the size of each element or a specific part constituting the element is exaggerated, omitted or schematically shown for convenience and clarity of description. Therefore, the size of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size. In the following description, it is to be understood that the detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of the air circulation method according to the present invention taking the case where the agri-food is accommodated in the storage container as an example, but this is for convenience of explanation, in addition to the agri-food in the storage container a variety of aquatic products, livestock products, yogurt, beverage It is clear that food can be accommodated and that the air circulation method according to the invention is not necessarily limited to a container for storing food.

1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a delivery device in which internal air is circulated by an air circulation method inside a storage container using a thermoelectric device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

First, the configuration of the delivery apparatus 100, which is an example to which the air circulation method according to the present invention is applied, will be described first, and a method of circulating the air inside the delivery apparatus 100 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 1, the delivery apparatus 100 includes a storage container 2 capable of accommodating agri-food, and a cover covering an opening of the storage container 2 so that the agricultural food can be inserted into and removed from the storage container 2 ( 4), a first thermoelectric element 10 formed on one side wall of the storage container 2, and a second thermoelectric element 20 formed on a wall facing the first thermoelectric element 10 of the storage container 2. ), A first phase change material pack 16 formed on the inner side of the first thermoelectric element 10, and a second phase change material pack 26 formed on the inner side of the second thermoelectric element 20. .

The storage container 2 and the lid 4 are preferably made of a material having excellent heat insulating performance such as styrofoam.

The first thermoelectric element 10 is disposed to face the inside of the storage container 2 to lower the temperature in the storage container 2, and to face the outside of the storage container 2. And a heat generating portion 14 for dissipating heat absorbed through the heat absorbing portion 12 to the outside of the storage container 2. The heat absorbing portion side fin 12A may be formed on the surface of the heat absorbing portion 12 to increase heat transfer efficiency, and the heat generating portion side fin 14A may be formed on the surface of the heat generating portion 14 to increase heat transfer efficiency. . However, the heat absorbing part side pin 12A and the heat generating part side pin 14A may be omitted to form the first thermoelectric element 10 thinly and compactly.

The second thermoelectric element 20 is disposed on the heat absorbing portion 22 to face the outside of the storage container 2, and is disposed to face the inside of the storage container 2 and is absorbed through the heat absorbing portion 22. And a heat generating portion 24 for releasing the heat to the inside of the storage container 2 to increase the temperature in the storage container 2. The second thermoelectric element 20 is spaced apart from the first thermoelectric element 10. The heat absorbing portion side fins 22A may be formed on the surface of the heat absorbing portion 22 to increase the heat transfer efficiency, and the heat generating portion side fins 24A may be formed on the surface of the heat generating portion 24 to increase the heat transfer efficiency. . However, the heat absorbing portion side pin 22A and the heat generating portion side pin 24A may be omitted to form the second thermoelectric element 20 thinly and compactly.

The storage container 2 is typically formed in a generally rectangular or square shape when viewed from above, and if the storage container 2 is rectangular in shape, the first thermoelectric element 10 and the second thermoelectric element 20 are rectangular. They may be installed on the short sides facing each other, or may be installed on the long sides facing each other. Meanwhile, the first thermoelectric element 10 and the second thermoelectric element 20 do not have to be installed on sidewalls of the storage container 2, but may be spaced apart from each other on the bottom of the storage container 2.

The first thermoelectric element 10 plays a role of lowering the temperature in the storage container 2, and the second thermoelectric element 20 plays a role of raising the temperature in the storage container 2, so pay attention to the installation direction. Should. That is, in the first thermoelectric element 10, the heat absorbing portion 12 must face the inside of the storage container 2, and in the second thermoelectric element 20, the heat generating portion 24 must have the inside of the storage container 2. Must face

The first phase change material pack 16 filled with the phase change material is formed on the heat absorbing part 12 side of the first thermoelectric element 10, and the phase change material also appears on the heat generating part 24 side of the second thermoelectric element 20. The filled second phase change material pack 26 may be formed. Phase change material means a material having a property of storing heat or releasing heat as the state of a material changes from liquid to solid or liquid to solid according to temperature, and uses this property to store energy or It is used for the purpose of keeping the temperature constant. The phase change temperature is different depending on the type of phase change material, and the phase change material having a characteristic in which the phase change temperature of the specific phase change material and the target temperature in the storage container 2 are the same or close to each other is used. And the second phase change material pack 26. For example, when the target temperature inside the storage container 2 is 0 ° C, it is most preferable to fill the first phase change material pack 16 and the second phase change material pack 26 with a phase change material having a melting point of 0 ° C. desirable. It may be assumed that only the first phase change material pack 16 or the second phase change material pack 26 is installed in the delivery device 100 according to the present invention. In order to prevent a sudden change, it is preferable that both the first phase change material pack 16 and the second phase change material pack 26 are installed in the delivery device 100.

The temperature sensor 6 measures the temperature inside the storage container 2 and is preferably located between the first thermoelectric element 10 and the second thermoelectric element 20.

On the other hand, in order to store the agri-food in a fresh state without a separate cooling cycle or heating cycle for refrigeration, freezing, heating, the transportation device 100 is selective to the first thermoelectric element 10 and the second thermoelectric element 20. It further comprises a power supply unit 8 that can supply power. The power supply 8 is preferably a removable disposable or rechargeable battery. As the battery, a dedicated battery may be used, a commercially available 9V, 12V battery, or the like may be used, or a battery having a lower voltage may be connected and used. In order to maintain the agri-food at the target temperature for at least 36 hours or more without a separate cooling cycle or heating cycle for refrigeration, freezing and heating, the voltage of the power supply is preferably determined in the range of 8V to 13V.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a method of circulating air in a storage container using a thermoelectric device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

2, the air circulation method according to the present invention.

First, a step (S10) of comparing a temperature inside a storage container 2 capable of accommodating agri-food with a target temperature is performed. Here, the temperature inside the storage container 2 is measured by the temperature sensor 6, the temperature sensor 6 from the cold discharged from the first thermoelectric element 10 side and the heat emitted from the second thermoelectric element 20. The temperature sensor 6 is preferably located between the first thermoelectric element 10 and the second thermoelectric element 20 so that) may be affected to an equal degree.

Subsequently, when the temperature inside the storage container 2 is higher than the target temperature by a predetermined reference, the heat absorbing part is driven by driving the first thermoelectric element 10 having the heat absorbing part 12 disposed to face the inside of the storage container 2. Cooling unit from 12 and the air inside the storage container 2 are mixed, and when the temperature inside the storage container 2 is lower than the target temperature by a predetermined reference, the heat generating portion disposed to face the inside of the storage container 2. A step S20 of mixing the warmth from the heat generating unit 24 with the air inside the storage container 2 by driving the second thermoelectric element 20 having the reference numeral 24 is performed. Here, the first thermoelectric element 10 and the second thermoelectric element 20 are selectively driven by being supplied with power from the power supply 8 provided in the storage container 2.

On the other hand, before performing the step S10, by storing the storage container 2 in a temperature maintaining equipment (meaning a refrigeration facility, a freezing facility, or a warming facility) maintained at a target temperature, the storage container 2 is stored in a target temperature. It is possible to perform the step (S5) to the same temperature or to a temperature close to the target temperature, and when performing the step S5, the inside of the storage container (2) is maintained at a target temperature so that at least agri-food is stored in the storage container (2). ), It is not necessary to supply power to the first thermoelectric element 10 and the second thermoelectric element 20 from the power supply 8. Therefore, if the step S5 is performed before the step S10, the air inside the storage container 2 can be circulated for a longer time, and the period during which the agri-food can be freshly delivered by the delivery device 100 can be increased.

Hereinafter, specific numerical values will be described by way of example so that the air circulation method according to the present invention can be more easily understood. The target temperature is 0 ° C, the heat absorbing portion 12 is -3 ° C when the first thermoelectric element 10 is operating, and the heat generating part 24 is 3 ° C when the second thermoelectric element 20 is operating, and the external temperature. Is assumed to be 20 ° C.

 First, the delivery device 100 is put in a temperature maintaining facility maintained at 0 ° C. for a predetermined time to make the delivery device 100 at 0 ° C. or at a temperature close to 0 ° C. In this case, the phase change material filled in the first phase change material pack 16 and the second phase change material pack 26 is maintained at a solid state of 0 ° C. In this state, when the agri-food is placed in the storage container 2 of the delivery device 100 and the cover 4 is closed, the solid state filled inside the first phase change material pack 16 and the second phase change material pack 26. The temperature inside the storage container 2 may be maintained at 0 ° C. until the phase change material is 0 ° C. However, after that, the temperature inside the storage container 2 will rise higher than 0 degreeC.

When the temperature inside the storage container 2 sensed by the temperature sensor 6 is higher than a target temperature of 0 ° C. by a predetermined reference (for example, 1 ° C.), the first thermoelectric element 10 is driven by a controller (not shown). do. When the first thermoelectric element 10 is driven, the heat absorbing portion 12 becomes -3 ° C, and the heat absorbing portion 12 faces the inside of the storage container 2, so that the first phase change material pack 16 is cooled. . Since cold air is discharged from the cooled first phase change material pack 16 toward the inside of the storage container 2 and the air inside the storage container 2 has a higher temperature than the cooled first phase change material pack 16, The cold air from the first phase change material pack 16 and the air in the storage container 2 are mixed with each other to cause natural convection.

If the temperature inside the storage container 2 sensed by the temperature sensor 6 is lower than a target temperature of 0 ° C. by a predetermined reference (eg, 1 ° C.), the second thermoelectric element 20 may be a controller (not shown). Driven by. When the second thermoelectric element 20 is driven, the heat generating part 24 becomes 3 ° C., and the heat generating part 24 faces the inside of the storage container 2, so that the second phase change material pack 26 is heated. Since the warmth is released from the heated second phase change material pack 26 toward the inside of the storage container 2 and the air inside the storage container 2 has a lower temperature than the heated second phase change material pack 26, The warmth from the second phase change material pack 26 and the air inside the storage container 2 are mixed with each other to cause natural convection.

Although the case where the target temperature inside the storage container 2 is 0 degreeC was mentioned as the example, the target temperature can be set freely as many as 5 degreeC, 10 degreeC, etc., In this case, the 1st thermoelectric element 10 is movable. The temperature of the heat absorbing part 12 and the temperature of the heat generating part 24 when the second thermoelectric element 20 is operated should be set differently from the above-described example. Of course, the phase change material filled in the first phase change material pack 16 and the second phase change material pack 26 should have different melting point and different physical properties than the above-described example.

On the other hand, if the difference between the temperature of the heat absorbing portion 12 when the first thermoelectric element 10 is driven and the temperature of the heat generating portion 24 when the second thermoelectric element 20 is driven is too large, the inside of the storage container 2 The agri-food stored in the bakery is subjected to severe temperature changes, which may cause the freshness of the agri-food to degrade or deteriorate. Therefore, the temperature of the heat absorbing portion 12 when the first thermoelectric element 10 is driven and the temperature of the heat generating portion 24 when the second thermoelectric element 20 is driven are different in the range of 4 ° C to 8 ° C. desirable.

As described above, according to the air circulation method according to the present invention, the cold air from the heat absorbing portion 12 of the first thermoelectric element 10 is mixed with the air in the storage container 2 or the second thermoelectric element 20 Since the warm air from the heat generating unit 24 is mixed with the air in the storage container 2 to cause natural convection, it is possible to circulate the air inside the storage container 2 without a separate fan. In addition, it is more than simply cooling or heating the agri-food until all the cold or warm air from the phase-change material packs 16 and 26 is discharged, thereby actively accumulating or accumulating the phase-change material packs 16 and 26 so that the agri-food can be greatly reduced. It has the advantage of keeping fresh at the target temperature for a long time.

In the conventional cold chain system, even if the agri-food is delivered to a vehicle equipped with a refrigeration, refrigeration, and heating facility, there is a problem that the agri-food is deteriorated because the box containing the agri-food is exposed to room temperature during the loading and unloading process. More serious. On the other hand, in the case of a delivery method using an ice box, there is a problem that the period for storing agri-food in a fresh state is too short. However, if the air circulation method according to the present invention is applied to the water delivery device 100, not only does not need the refrigeration, refrigeration and heating facilities and facilities, but also can store the agri-food in a fresh state for a long time as described above, and the unloading process. Even if the delivery device 100 is left at room temperature for a relatively long time, the heat storage, the cold storage process, and the air circulation inside the storage container 2 may continuously occur, thereby significantly reducing the logistics cost in delivering fresh foods. There is an advantage that can be saved.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the details thereof and that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. And various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

2: storage container 4: cover
6: temperature sensor 8: power supply
10: first thermoelectric element 12, 22: heat absorbing portion
12A, 22A: Fin on heat absorbing side 14A, 24A: Fin on heat sink side
16: first phase change material pack 20: the second thermoelectric element
26: second phase change material pack 100: water delivery device

Claims (9)

Comparing the target temperature and the temperature inside the storage container that can accommodate agri-food (S10); And
If the temperature inside the storage container is higher than the target temperature by a predetermined criterion, the first thermoelectric element having the heat absorbing portion disposed to face the inside of the storage container is driven to mix the cold from the heat absorbing portion with the air inside the storage container, When the internal temperature is lower than the target temperature by a predetermined reference, driving the second thermoelectric element having a heat generating unit disposed to face the inside of the storage container to mix warmth from the heat generating unit with air in the storage container (S20); Air circulation method inside the storage container using a thermoelectric element, comprising a. The method of claim 1,
Before the step S10, the step of storing the storage container in the temperature maintaining equipment maintained at the target temperature to make the storage container at a temperature equal to or close to the target temperature (S5), the thermoelectric element Air circulation method inside the storage container using. The method of claim 1,
The first thermoelectric element is installed on the wall of the storage container, the second thermoelectric element is installed on the wall of the storage container facing the first thermoelectric element, air in the storage container using a thermoelectric element Circulation method. The method of claim 1,
The first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element is spaced apart from each other on the bottom of the storage container, characterized in that the air circulation method inside the storage container using a thermoelectric element. The method of claim 1,
A phase change material pack filled with a phase change material is formed in at least one of the heat absorbing part of the first thermoelectric element and the heat generating part of the second thermoelectric element. . The method of claim 1,
The temperature difference between the temperature of the heat absorbing portion when the first thermoelectric element is driven and the temperature of the heat generating portion when the second thermoelectric element is driven is 4 ° C ~ 8 ° C, air in the storage container using a thermoelectric element Circulation method. The method of claim 1,
The first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element is powered from a power supply provided in the storage container is selectively driven, characterized in that the air circulation method inside the storage container using a thermoelectric element. The method of claim 7, wherein
The voltage output from the power supply is characterized in that 8V ~ 13V, air circulation method inside the storage container using a thermoelectric element. The method of claim 1,
The temperature inside the storage container is measured by a temperature sensor located between the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element, the air circulation method in the storage container using a thermoelectric element.

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