FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE
Specification
(See Section 10 andRule 13)
COLD STORAGE ARRANGEMENT
SOLERCOOL LTD.
an U.S. Company, of 814 Princeton Drive, Terrace Park, Ohio 45174, USA
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE NATURE OF THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to the field of cold storage space for storing perishable commodities.
BACKGROUND
Perishable commodities, such as, milk, meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits, ornamental flovvers and other floricultural products tend to perish when stored in natural environmental condition. When the prevailing natural environmental condition has high temperature, it is favorable for growth of micro-organisms. Hence, perishable commodities are required to be stored at a low temperature in order to retard the growth of micro-organisms and thus increasing their shelf life. This is because low temperature retards the activity and growth of micro-organisms and thus enables preserving perishable comraodities in their natural state for a certain period of time. The degree to which the temperature is required to be lowered is dependent on storage time and the type of commodity to be stored.
In order to cater to the problem of storing perishable commodities, astorage space maintained at a low temperature is used for storing the perishable commodities. Conventionally, a storage room is formed within a thermally insulated housing having a cold air discharge port and a warm air return port • provided at the base of the thermally insulated housing. The thermally . insulated housing communicates with a machine room located under the thermally insulated housing through the cold air discharge port and the warm air return port. A cooling unit, having a cooler, a blower and a compressor is mounted in the machine room and helps in maintaining the temperature of

the storage space at a desired low temperature. However, conventional arrangement of the storage room involves increased maintenance due to leakage of cold air between the thermally insulated housing and the machine room through openings provided for the cold air discharge port and the warm air return port. Further, the conventional storage room involves complicated mounting operations. The conventional storage room involves extensive usage of electrical energy and hence in areas where there is shortage of electrical energy, the working of the conventional storage room is required to be stalled until the supply of electrical energy is restored or is not a viable option. This result in commodities stored within the conventional storage room to perish or cold storage facility to be unavailable for storing the perishable commodities.
Hence, there is felt a need for a cold storage arrangement which overcomes the drawbacks and deficiencies of a conventional cold storage room.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the system of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment'herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cold storage arrangement which is easy to install at a wide variety of locations.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cold storage arrangement which is easy to maintain.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cold storage arrangement which enables storage of commodities over an extended time period.
An added object of the present disclosure is to provide a cost effective cold storage arrangement.
An additional object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient and reliable cold storage arrangement.
An added object of the present disclosure is to provide an affordable and sustainable cold storage arrangement.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cold storage arrangement extending adequate protection to the commodities stored therein.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an ecofriendly cold storage arrangement utilizing renewable green energy,
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cold storage arrangement operable in locations having non-existent/unreliable/expensive electrical infrastructure.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY
In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided a cold storage arrangement for preservation of perishable commodities over an extended time period, the arrangement comprising:
a chamber covered by a ceiling;
an insulated partitioning wall adapted to partition the chamber into an insulated compartment and a non-insulated compartment,
a pair of opposing vents are defined on the non-insulated for inlet and outlet of atmospheric air;
a refrigeration unit mounted on the insulated partitioning wall, the refrigeration unit adapted to coolingly circulate refrigerated dehumidified air to the insulated compartment via a duct, the insulated compartment adapted to be maintained at a desired temperature;
an air filtration unit adapted to filter the atmospheric air entering through one of the vents to form filtered atmospheric air, the filtered atmospheric air adapted to withdraw heat from the refrigeration unit and is expelled to the environment; and
a powering system housed within the non-insulated compartment, the powering system adapted to receive power from at least an array of solar panels supported on the ceiling, the powering system adapted to controllably charge a battery bank, having at least one battery, via an inverter.

The insulated compartment may include an insulated door with a product discharge door for movement of the commodities into and out of the insulated compartment.
The non-insulated compartment may include an access door for repair and maintenance.
The refrigeration unit includes a condenser, a compressor and an evaporator enclosed with a cabinet. The cabinet may be made of a high density polymer shell.
Additionally, the battery bank may be charged by a mains AC supply through a converter.
Optionally, the battery bank may be intermittently charged by a mains AC supply through a convenor.
Typically, the convertor is selected from the group consisting of a rectifier, an AC/DC converter, a transformer and switched-mode power supply.
Additionally, a battery health indicator may be adapted to indicate a level of charge in each of the batteries and an overall charge of the battery bank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The cold storage arrangement of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates the side view of the cold storage arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates the front view of the cold storage arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure;

Figure 3a illustrates the rear view of the cold storage arrangement in
accordance with the present disclosure;
Figure 3b illustrates product discharge door defined on the insulated door of
the cold storage arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates a sectional side view of the cold storage arrangement
with an insulated compartment and a non-insulated compartment in
accordance with the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates an internal venting assembly of the cold storage
arrangement;
Figure 6 illustrates the components located within the non-insulated
compartment; and
Figure 7 illustrates the power system of the cold storage arrangement in
accordance with the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the cold storage arrangement of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the

embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those ofcskill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
Referring to the accompanied drawings, the cold storage arrangement, in accordance with the present disclosure is generally indicated by the reference numeral 10 and is particularly shown in Figure 1 to Figure 3a of the drawing. The cold storage arrangement (10) comprises a chamber (12), a refrigeration unit (28) and a powering system (32).
The chamber (12) has an insulated compartment (14) and a non-insulated, as shown in Figure 4, compartment (16) insulatingly separated from each other by an insulating partition wall (13). The insulated compartment (14) is located on the operative front side of the chamber (12), as illustrated in Figure 4, while the non-insulated compartment (16) is located on the rear side of the chamber (12). The chamber (12) is provided with a roof (18) which forms the ceiling for the chamber (12). The roof (18) enables supporting a plurality of solar panels (20) arranged in at least one array. In one embodiment, the plurality of solar panels (20) is arranged on a frame so as to define an inclination angle (9) with the roof (18) at the end of the non-insulated chamber (16). The cold storage arrangement (10) is mounted such that the non-insulated chamber (16) faces southward. The inclination angle (0) is approximately equal to the latitude angle of the location wherein the cold storage arrangement (10) is mounted. The solar panels (20) utilize solar energy for charging a plurality of batteries in a battery bank (34) of the

powering system (32) during daylight hours. The batteries are sufficiently charged during the daylight hours so as to operate the cold storage arrangement (10) during night hours. A battery back-up system is provided to run the refrigeration unit (28) over an extended period of time to cater to
j i
unavailability of adequate sunlight. Additionally, alternate provision is provided to operate the refrigeration unit (28) on generator power or electrical energy form the mains supply line.
The insulated compartment (14) provides a storage space for storing of perishable commodities at a predetermined low temperature. The perishable commodities are accommodated within the insulated compartment (14) using stacking bins or shelves depending on the necessity of the perishable commodities. The insulated compartment (14) is provided with an insulated door (22), illustrated in Figure 2, for accessing the insulated compartment (14) and allow easy movement of commodities into and out of the chamber (12). Additionally, a product discharge door (23), illustrated in Figure 3b, is installed with the insulated door (22) in order to allow movement of the commodities into and out of the insulated compartment (14). This helps in preserving the cold air within the insulated compartment (14) as the insulated door (22) is not required to be kept open for a longer period of time. Further, the insulated compartment (14) is provided with an LED lighting arrangement which is run by the powering system (32), illustrated in Figure 7.
The non-insulated compartment (16) houses the powering system (32), the refrigeration unit (28) and the air filtration unit (30). The refrigeration unit (28) houses a condenser, a compressor and an evaporator, enclosed within a

high-density polyethylene shell which provides protection thereto. The structural and functional configuration of the refrigeration unit (28) is preferably as disclosed in US patent number 5809789., the contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference. The refrigeration unit (28) is a cabinet partitioned into a cold cell and a warm cell by an insulated wall. The evaporator coil and the evaporator fan are situated within the cold cell and surrounded by the insulated wall while the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator fan motor are situated within the warm cell which is located outside the insulated wall. The refrigeration unit (28) being a compact self-contained cabinet enables easy installation, replacement and servicing.
The non-insulated compartment (16) provides security and weather protection to the powering system (32), the refrigeration unit (28) and the air filtration unit (30). The solar panels (20) are located on the roof (18) of the chamber (12). The battery bank (34) is positioned within the non-insulated compartment (16) so as to be in close proximity to the solar panels. The proximity of the solar panels (20) to the battery bank (34) minimizes the losses involved in the length of the electrical wiring involved and hence reduces the losses involved in transmitting electrical power from the solar panels (20). The non-insulated compartment (16) is provided with an entry door (26) to allow easy access to the non-insulated compartment (16), thus, facilitating maintenance of the powering system(32), the refrigeration unit (28) and the air filtration unit (30).
The non-insulated compartment (16) includes a pair of opposing vents (11) for fluidly communicating atmospheric air into and out of the non-insulated

compartment (16). The pair of opposing vents (11) is positioned opposite walls of the non-insulated compartment (16) to enable cross flow of the atmospheric air. The air filtration unit (30) is positioned in the path of the incoming atmospheric air through one of the vents (11) to enable filtering the incoming atmospheric air of dust and debris before being admitted into the condenser of the refrigeration unit (28). This helps in eliminating a potential build-up of dust and debris on the condenser and thus maintains the heat transfer efficiency of the refrigeration unit (28) for an increased time period and prevents the compressor from being damaged due to overheating.
The refrigeration unit (28), powered by the powering system (32), receives filtered atmospheric air from the air filtration unit (30) to carry out heat from the condenser and hence cools the condenser. The cooled condenser in turn cools the refrigerant which is circulated within the evaporator coils. The cooled refrigerant cools the evaporator coils. The air within the insulated compartment (14) is continuously circulated through the refrigeration unit (28) so as to flow over the evaporator coils and hence form refrigerated„ dehumidified air. The refrigerated dehumidified airjs recirculated through the refrigeration unit (28) by convection so as to maintain the temperature within the insulated chamber (14) at a desired level. The refrigerated dehumidified air from the refrigeration unit (28) is guided to the insulated compartment (14) via a duct (15), illustrated in Figure 5, for preserving the perishable commodities stored therein. The duct (15) covers a portion of the cold compartment of the refrigeration unit (28) and enables guiding the refrigerated dehumidified air from the refrigeration unit (28) towards the ceiling of the insulated chamber (14). The duct (15) enables dispersion of the refrigerated dehumidified air so as to be circulated within the insulated

chamber (14). The refrigerated dehumidified air dispersed within the insulated chamber (14) returns back to the refrigeration unit (28) through openings defined in the duct (15). The refrigerated dehumidified air is further cooled and recirculated within the insulated chamber (14). The cycle of recirculation is continued until the temperature within the insulated chamber (14) is reduced to the desired level. A temperature controller (24) communicates with the refrigeration unit (28). The temperature controller (24) enables in setting the temperature to be maintained with in the insulated chamber (14) at the desired level. Further, the temperature controller enables operating the refrigeration unit (28) in a cycle so as to maintain the insulated chamber (14) at the desired level.
The structural and functional configuration of the refrigeration unit (28) enables separation of heated portions and cold portions of the refrigeration unit (28) which capacitates the refrigeration unit (28) to deliver refrigerated cold air into the insulated compartment (14) with increased efficiency. The cold cell of the refrigeration unit (28) is positioned within„an opening provided on the insulating partition wall (13) while the warm cell of. the refrigeration unit (28) is positioned within the non-insulated compartment (16).The separation of heated portions and cold portions of the refrigeration unit (28) results in reduction of energy consumption by 25% in comparison to traditional refrigeration systems, thus maximizing the use of the solar electric power generated by the solar panels (20). Further, the high-density polyethylene shell and the components of the refrigeration unit (28) housed therein are substantially recyclable, making the refrigeration unit (28) ecofriendly and affordable.

The powering system (32), illustrated in Figure 7, comprises the plurality of batteries in the battery bank (34), shown in Figure 6, charged by the solar electric power supplied by the solar panels (20). The rate at which the battery bank (34) is charged by the solar panels (20) is regulated by a charge controller (36). The battery bank (34) supplies the required power for operation of the refrigeration unit (28) through an inverter (38). The level of charge in each of the batteries and the cumulative level of charge remaining in the battery bank (34) is indicated on a battery health indicator (42).
In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the powering system (32), the plurality of batteries in the battery bank (34) is alternatively charged by a mains AC supply (not shown). A converter (not shown) is provided to convert the voltage of the power supply from the mains AC supply (not shown) to obtain DC power of suitable voltage for charging the plurality of batteries in the battery bank (34). The converter (not shown) typically includes but is not limited to a rectifier, an AC/DC converter, transformers and SMPS (Switched-mode power supply) systems. In accordance with another aspect of the powering system (32), the mains AC supply (not shown) intermittently supplements the charging power derived from the solar panels (20). The refrigeration unit (28) of the chamber (12) is powered by the mains AC supply (not shown) in the event that, the battery bank (34) fails or is not charged enough to supply adequate power.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The technical advancements offered by the present disclosure include the realization of:

• use of solar power to operate a cold storage arrangement independent of alternate source of power;
• aeold storage arrangement which is easy to install at a wide variety of locations;
• minimal requirement of maintenance;
• enabling storage of commodities over an extended time period;
• a cost effective arrangement of cold storage for use by street vendors and specialty stores requiring storage of commodities at a temperature below ambient temperature; and
• an efficient and reliable arrangement for cold storage.
ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
The economic significance offered by the present disclosure includes the realization of:
• increasing the shelf life of perishable commodities;
• eliminating usage of electrical energy in the presence of solar energy; and
• reducing the economic loss incurred due to decay of the commodities.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired object s or results.
The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.
Wherever a range of values is specified, a value up to 10% below and above the lowest and highest numerical value respectively, of the specified range, is included in the scope of the disclosure.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

We claim:
1. A cold storage arrangement for preservation of perishable commodities over an extended time period, said arrangement comprising:
a chamber covered by a ceiling;
an insulated partitioning wall adapted to partition said chamber into an insulated compartment and a non-insulated compartment,
a pair of opposing vents are defined on said non-insulated for inlet and outlet of atmospheric air;
a refrigeration unit mounted on said insulated partitioning wall, said refrigeration unit adapted to coolingly circulate refrigerated dehumidified air to said insulated compartment via a duct; said insulated compartment adapted to be maintained at a desired temperature;
an air filtration unit adapted to filter the atmospheric air entering through one of said vents to form filtered atmospheric air, said filtered atmospheric air adapted to withdraw heat from said refrigeration unit and is expelled to the environment; and
a powering system housed within said non-insulated compartment, said powering system adapted to receive power from at least an array of solar panels supported on said ceiling, said powering system adapted to controllably charge a battery bank, having at least one battery, via an inverter.
a battery health indicator adapted to indicate a level of charge in each of said batteries and an overall charge of said battery bank through at least one first switch connected in series between said battery bank and at least one associated display unit.

2. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said insulated compartment includes an insulated door with a product discharge door for movement of the commodities into and , out of said insulated compartment.
3. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said non-insulated compartment includes an access door for repair and maintenance.
4. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said refrigeration unit includes a condenser, a compressor and an evaporator enclosed with a cabinet, said cabinet being made of a high density polymer shell.
5. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said battery bank is further adapted to be charged by a mains AC supply through a convenor.
6. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said battery bank is adapted to be intermittently charged by a mains AC supply through a converter.
7. The arrangement as claimed in claim 8 and claim 9, wherein said converter is selected from the group consisting of a rectifier, an AC/DC converter, a transformer and switched-mode power supply.
8. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1 further includes a battery health indicator adapted to indicate a level of charge in each of said batteries and an overall charge of said battery bank.