Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure in general relates to refrigeration systems, and more specifically, to a portable temperature-controlled refrigeration system implemented for a vehicle or as a standalone device.

BACKGROUND
Refrigeration systems play a critical role in various sectors including food storage, medical preservation, and climate control. Conventionally, these systems have relied on vapor compression technology, typically driven by alternating current (AC) motors, direct current (DC) motors, or internal combustion (IC) engines utilizing gas or liquid fuel. However, such conventional systems pose challenges in terms of energy efficiency, environmental impact, and reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in alternative energy sources to power refrigeration systems, particularly solar energy due to its renewable and sustainable nature. Solar-powered refrigeration systems offer the potential to reduce carbon emissions, decrease reliance on traditional energy grids, and provide reliable cooling solutions in off-grid or remote areas.

However, the integration of compressors with solar power systems has been limited by challenges related to power management, system compatibility, and overall efficiency. Accordingly, there is a need to address the aforementioned challenges.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the disclosure and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, a portable temperature-controlled refrigeration system for a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a multi-power unit and a refrigeration unit coupled to the multi-power unit. The refrigeration unit is configured to be electrically operated via a direct current (DC)-alternating current (AC) multi-input voltage received at the multi-power point, wherein the multi-power point is configured to receive the DC-AC multi-input voltage via a traction system of the vehicle, and one or more solar panels mounted on the vehicle. The one or more solar panels are detachably connected to the refrigeration unit. Further, the refrigeration unit further comprises a solid-state cooling unit and a vapor compression unit driven by an electric compressor, wherein each of the solid-state cooling unit and the vapor compression unit function are configured to be operated simultaneously.

In another embodiment, a portable temperature-controlled refrigeration system is disclosed. The system comprises a multi-power unit; and a refrigeration unit coupled to the multi-power unit and configured to be electrically operated via a direct current (DC)-alternating current (AC) multi-input voltage received at the multi-power point. The multi-power point is configured to receive the DC-AC multi-input voltage via one or more solar panels detachably connected to the refrigeration unit, AC grid, and a DC/AC external source. The refrigeration unit further comprises a solid-state cooling unit and a vapor compression unit driven by an electric compressor, wherein each of the solid-state cooling unit and the vapor compression unit function are configured to be operated simultaneously.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a portable temperature-controlled refrigeration system, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a refrigeration unit, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a multi-power unit of the portable temperature-controlled refrigeration system supplying power to external sources, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure; and
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary illustration of 5X expansion solar array image.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”

The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.

More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language “MUST comprise” or “NEEDS TO include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as “there NEEDS to be one or more . . . ” or “one or more element is REQUIRED.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having an ordinary skill in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should NOT be necessarily taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present disclosure utilizes the innovation in the field of refrigeration technology providing direct current (DC) motor-integrated compressors, offering advantages such as improved efficiency, lower energy consumption, and compatibility with various power sources.

To address the aforementioned challenges, the present disclosure introduces a novel approach by combining a direct DC motor-integrated compressor with a unique multi-power unit (which may be solar powered). This innovative system is designed to derive input power from multiple sources, including solar panels, AC grid power, stationary storage batteries, and any DC/AC source compatible with the system. By integrating these components seamlessly, the present disclosure aims to overcome the limitations of conventional refrigeration systems and provide a highly efficient, versatile, and environmentally friendly cooling solution. Such a multi power unit is not available and integrated in such a manner, as the present disclosure proposes for refrigeration systems to preserve materials, fresh produce, agricultural/ diary products, chemicals, medicines, etc.

In other words, the present disclosure provides a self-powered offgrid system which is capable of preserving agricultural produce, industrial chemicals, medicines, etc. in off grid areas, construction sites, remote areas utilizing solar power. Further, the system provided herein may also work as a microgrid in remote areas utilizing solar energy so harvested.

The integration of a direct DC motor-integrated compressor with a solar-powered multi-power unit represents a significant advancement in the field of refrigeration technology. The present disclosure provides a unique design, functionality, and applications of the systems as discussed herein, paving the way for widespread adoption of sustainable and energy-efficient refrigeration systems across various industries and applications.

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a portable temperature-controlled refrigeration system, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure.

Referring to Figure 1, a refrigeration system 100 incorporating a unique multi-power unit 110 and a refrigeration unit 112 comprising a direct current (DC) motor integrated compressor is depicted herein. The system 100 offers flexibility in terms of power input, drawing from various sources 102-108 to ensure efficient and reliable operation. Specifically, the multi-power unit 110 may be powered by a traction system 102 of a vehicle, one or more solar panels 104, an AC grid 106, and an AC/DC source 108.

In one embodiment, the system 100 may be a portable system installed on a vehicle for transport of various goods, organs, etc. The traction system 102 of the vehicle may encompass one or more mechanical and electrical components responsible for propelling the vehicle, including the motor, battery, transmission, and powertrain. The multi-power unit 110 may be configured to draw power from the traction system 102 of the vehicle. Specifically, the traction system 102 allows the system 100 to utilize the DC power from the vehicle’s existing traction battery (typically used for propulsion). This provides an additional and readily available power source, particularly beneficial for mobile applications such as refrigerated vans or campers.

In one embodiment, the one or more solar panels 104 may be one of the primary power sources for the system 100. These photovoltaic panels capture solar energy and convert it into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. The solar panels 104 convert sunlight into DC electricity, providing a renewable and environmentally friendly power source for the refrigeration system. The number and capacity of the solar panels 104 depends on the specific application and desired cooling output. The solar panels 104 are connected to the multi-power unit 110 via dedicated wiring or connectors. In an embodiment, the solar panels 104 may be mounted on a vehicle where the refrigeration unit 112 is being integrated, and the solar panels 104 may be detachably connected to the refrigeration unit 112.

In one embodiment, the one or more solar panels 104 are high efficiency panels oriented in an efficient manner with 1X-9X surface area increase, and wherein the one or more solar panels are installed with a specially engineered folding mechanism and are configured to be controlled via an energy management technique. Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary illustration of 5X expansion solar array image. In an exemplary embodiment, the solar panels 104 do not have any connectors in front, and all connections and soldering are on the back side, thereby increasing effective power generation area.

In an embodiment, the multi-power unit 110 may be configured to draw power from the conventional alternating current (AC) grid 106. This serves as a backup or supplementary power source during periods of low sunlight or when the cooling demand exceeds the solar panel capacity, thereby ensuring continuous operation of the system 100.

Additionally, the multi-power unit 110 may be configured to draw power from various other DC/AC sources 108, such as, but not limited to, a stationary battery, portable solar generators, wind turbines (converted to DC through an inverter), auxiliary DC power outlets in vehicles, and DC power generated by other appliances (with proper compatibility checks). The storage battery may serve as an energy storage solution, storing excess energy generated by the solar panels 104 or supplied from the AC grid 106. The stored energy can be utilized to power the system 100 during periods of low solar irradiance or grid power outages.

The multi-power unit 110 is configured to collect power from various sources 102-108, and provide power to the refrigeration unit 112 for its smooth operation. The multi-power unit 110 and the refrigeration unit 112 are discussed in conjunction with Fig. 2.

Referring to Figure 2, the multi-power unit 110 and the refrigeration unit 112 are depicted. The multi-power unit 110 may comprise a controller unit 201. The controller 201 manages the overall operation of the system 100 and receives DC-AC multi-input voltage via various sources as listed above. In an embodiment, the controller 201 monitors power input from various sources 102-108, prioritizes power usage based on user preferences or pre-set algorithms (e.g., prioritizing solar first, then battery, then grid, etc.), and ensures the efficient operation of the compressor 206 and other components as discussed herein.

In one embodiment, the controller 201 may be a multi-power solar unit controller which may optimize the power output from the solar panels by ensuring they operate at their most efficient voltage and current point (maximum power point).

In one embodiment, the refrigeration unit 112 may include a solid state cooling unit 202, a vapor compression unit 204, a compressor 206, and a DC motor 208. The solid state cooling unit 202 represents a thermoelectric cooler, and may utilize the Peltier effect to achieve refrigeration by transferring heat from one side of a device to the other using electricity. The vapor compression unit 204 represents a vapor compression refrigeration system. It utilizes a compressor 206 to circulate refrigerant through a closed loop, achieving cooling through the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation.

Further, the electric compressor 206 is coupled to the DC motor 208 and a solar powered multi-power unit (e.g., controller 201) for receiving DC-AC multi-input voltage for operation of the portable temperature-controlled refrigeration system 100. Also, the compressor 206 pressurizes the refrigerant gas, initiating the refrigeration cycle. The compressor in the present disclosure is specifically a DC motor 208 driven compressor. The DC motor 208 provides power to the compressor 206. The DC motor 208’s design allows for direct integration with the compressor for potentially improved efficiency. Additionally, due to the specifically designed DC motor 208 being directly integrated with the compressor 206 eliminates the need for separate motors and drive mechanisms, resulting in a compact and potentially more efficient design.
In one embodiment, the refrigeration unit 112 further comprises a heat insulation material to maintain a temperature range of a storage compartment in the refrigeration unit 112, the heat insulation material being made of a predefined resin formulation. The predefined resin formulation may be a resin foam placed inside the walls of the storage unit.

Figure 3 illustrates a multi-power unit 110 of the portable temperature-controlled refrigeration system supplying power to external sources, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the multi power unit 110 is configured to supply AC power to at least one AC external load 302 and to supply DC power to charge at least one external load 304.

The present disclosure provides the following numerous advantages:

The disclosed system provides for an intelligent switching mechanism with suitable converters for receiving and conditioning power.

Mobile Cooling Solution: By integrating the refrigeration system with the vehicle’s traction system, the invention provides a mobile cooling solution suitable for a variety of applications, including refrigerated transport, mobile medical units, and off-grid operations.

Energy Independence: The utilization of solar energy and other renewable power sources reduces dependency on traditional energy grids, enhancing the vehicle’s energy independence and sustainability.
Enhanced Efficiency: The direct DC motor integrated compressor and intelligent power management system optimize energy usage, resulting in improved overall efficiency and reduced operating costs for the vehicle.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A portable temperature-controlled refrigeration system (100) for a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a multi-power unit (110);
a refrigeration unit (112) coupled to the multi-power unit (110) and configured to be electrically operated via a direct current (DC)-alternating current (AC) multi-input voltage received at the multi-power point (110), wherein the multi-power unit (110) is configured to receive the DC-AC multi-input voltage via:
a traction system of the vehicle; and
one or more solar panels (104) mounted on the vehicle, wherein the one or more solar panels (104) are detachably connected to the refrigeration unit (112);
wherein the refrigeration unit (112) further comprises a solid-state cooling unit (202) and a vapor compression unit (204) driven by an electric compressor (206).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electric compressor (206) is coupled to a DC motor and a solar powered multi-power unit for receiving DC-AC multi-input voltage for operation of the portable temperature-controlled refrigeration system (100).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, the multi power unit (110) is configured to supply AC power to at least one AC external load and to supply DC power to charge at least one external load.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multi-power point (110) is further configured to receive the DC-AC multi-input voltage via:

AC grid; and
a DC/AC source external to the vehicle.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the refrigeration unit (112) further comprises a heat insulation material to maintain a temperature range of a storage compartment in the refrigeration unit, the heat insulation material being made of a predefined resin formulation.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more solar panels (104) are oriented in a predefined manner, and wherein the one or more solar panels (104) are installed with a folding mechanism and are configured to be controlled via an energy management technique.

7. A portable temperature-controlled refrigeration system (100), the system (100) comprising:
a multi-power unit (110);
a refrigeration unit (112) coupled to the multi-power unit (110) and configured to be electrically operated via a direct current (DC)-alternating current (AC) multi-input voltage received at the multi-power point (110), wherein the multi-power point (110) is configured to receive the DC-AC multi-input voltage via:
one or more solar panels (104) detachably connected to the refrigeration unit (112);
AC grid; and
a DC/AC external source;
wherein the refrigeration unit (112) further comprises a solid-state cooling unit (202) and a vapor compression unit (204) driven by an electric compressor (206).