Claims:1. A cargo preservation system, the system comprising:
a power source;
at least one air moving unit, coupled to the power source, adapted to facilitate airflow within an enclosure, the enclosure adapted to position the cargo therein;
a plurality of sensors configured to measure internal environmental conditions of the enclosure;
a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors and the at least one air moving unit, the controller configured to:
receive data pertaining to the internal environmental conditions of the enclosure from at least one of the plurality of sensors; and
operate at least one of humidifiers, water atomizer units, the at least one air moving unit and a combination thereof in response to the internal environmental conditions within the enclosure deviating from ideal internal environmental conditions, and thereby preserving the cargo within the enclosure.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cargo is one of a perishable cargo and a non-perishable cargo.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one air moving unit facilitates one of the airflow within passages formed between one or more cargo placed in the enclosure and the airflow throughout the enclosure.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one air moving unit is positioned in close proximity to the cargo and along the enclosure.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors is one of a temperature sensor, an anemometer, a moisture sensor, a hall effect sensor, and a humidity sensor.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal environmental conditions is one of, an internal temperature, relative humidity level and moisture content within the enclosure.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ideal internal environmental conditions of the enclosure varies based on type of the cargo placed/stored within the enclosure.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enclosure is one of a cargo hold of a transportation vehicle and a warehouse.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cargo hold of the transportation vehicle is selected based on type of the cargo required to be transported by the transportation vehicle.

10. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cargo hold of the transportation vehicle is one of a flatbed, a bed with removable bars, a bed with removable frames to aid in stacked arrangement of the cargo, a bed with sliding chains, and a combination thereof.

11. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to determine a plurality of operating parameters to operate at least one of the humidifiers, the water atomizer units, and the air moving unit based on one of,
a surrounding environmental condition of a location of the warehouse, and
a surrounding environmental condition of a location of the transportation vehicle and a speed of the transportation vehicle.

12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of operating parameters is one of:
an operating time and an idle time to operate one of the humidifiers, the water atomizer units and the at least one air moving unit; and
an airflow rate of the at least one air moving unit within one of the transportation vehicle and the warehouse.

13. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the controller receives data pertaining to the surrounding environmental conditions of the location of each of the warehouse and the transportation vehicle from at least a weather reporting module.

14. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the surrounding environmental condition is one of a surrounding temperature, relative humidity level, moisture content, a precipitation level and wind speed surrounding one of the cargo hold of the transportation vehicle and the warehouse.

15. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured to determine the plurality of operating parameters to operate one of the humidifiers, the water atomizer units, the at least one air moving unit and combination thereof based on a combination of a start location and an end location of the transportation vehicle, periodically updated surrounding environmental conditions received from the weather reporting module, the internal environmental conditions of the cargo hold of the transportation vehicle, the speed of the transportation vehicle, and an exposure state of the cargo hold of the transportation vehicle.

16. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the exposure state of the enclosure is one of an open state, a closed state, a semi open state, and a semi closed state.

17. A method for cargo preservation, the method comprises the steps of:
receiving, by a controller, data pertaining to internal environmental conditions of an enclosure from at least one of a plurality of sensors;
receiving, by the controller, data pertaining to a surrounding environmental condition of a location of the enclosure from at least a weather reporting module;
determining a plurality of operating parameters to operate one of humidifiers, water atomizer units, an at least one air moving unit and a combination thereof based on one of a periodically updated surrounding environmental condition received from the weather reporting module, the internal environmental conditions of the enclosure, an exposure state of the enclosure, and a combination thereof; and
operating by the controller, at least one of the humidifiers, the water atomizer units, the at least one air moving unit and a combination thereof in response to the internal environmental conditions within the enclosure deviating from ideal internal environmental conditions, and thereby preserving the cargo within the enclosure.

18. A cargo preservation apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
a power source;
at least one air moving unit, coupled to the power source, adapted to facilitate airflow within an enclosure;
a plurality of sensors configured to measure internal environmental conditions of the enclosure;
a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors and the at least one air moving unit, the controller configured to:
receive data pertaining to the internal environmental conditions of the enclosure from at least one of the plurality of sensors; and
operate one of humidifiers, water atomizer units, the at least one air moving unit and a combination thereof in response to the internal environmental conditions within the enclosure deviating from ideal internal environmental conditions, and thereby preserving the cargo within the enclosure.
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: SYSTEM FOR PRESERVATION OF CARGO AND METHOD THEREOF

APPLICANT:
CLIMATE ETC TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED, HAVING ADDRESS AT IBC KNOWLEDGE PARK, 8TH & 9TH FLOOR – TOWER C & D, NO. 4/1, BANNERGHATTA MAIN ROAD, BANGALORE, 560029, INDIA

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to cargoes, and more particularly relates to preservation of cargoes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Storage and transportation are the two essential tasks required to be performed during the production cycle of a product, i.e., from an initial stage during transportation of raw materials to the final stage of transportation of the manufactured product. In most cases, it may not be possible for manufacturers to have factories located at sites in proximity to areas where the raw materials are available due to various limitations or in proximity to areas where the manufactured product is required to be distributed.
[0003] Accordingly, it is required for the raw materials or manufactured product, hereinafter referred to as “the goods”, to be stored in a warehouse and/or transported as per the requirement. The goods are one of perishable goods, such as tea leaves, fruits, pharmaceutical products and the like and non-perishable goods, such as mobile phones, laptops and the like. During the course of storing the goods in the warehouse and/or transporting the goods, manufactures tend to face various difficulties, resulting in spoilage of the goods and in-turn loss on the investment made on the goods.
[0004] While kept in storage, the goods are stacked against one another within a warehouse. As all the goods (preferably perishable goods) are stacked over one another and in proximity to each other, heat is generated and the goods may be subjected to physical damage. In addition, since the warehouse is generally completely sealed in order to secure the goods therein, the environmental conditions, such as relative humidity within the warehouse may not be at the ideal environmental conditions at which the goods are required to be stored. Accordingly, the heat generated and the adverse/non-suitable environmental conditions within the warehouse, may damage the goods, leading to loss of goods.
[0005] Similarly, during transportation, the goods may be stacked within/or on a cargo hold of a vehicle. The goods may be required to be transported across long distances depending on the distribution locations. During the period of this journey, the goods may be exposed to varying environmental conditions and, in certain cases, heat generated by the vehicle. Exposure of the goods to the adverse/non-suitable environmental conditions may prevent preservation of the goods as per the standard requirement and thereby resulting in spoilage of the goods and in-turn loss on the investment made on the goods.
[0006] In order to ensure that the goods are not exposed to the adverse/non-suitable environmental conditions, it is required to undertake preventive measures at the right time before it is too late, especially when the goods have a short shelf life. The preventive measures that are required to be undertaken depends on type of the goods. For example, if the goods are perishable in nature, such as tea leaves, the user is required to sprinkle water over the teas leaves at regular intervals in order to maintain environmental condition required for preservation of the tea leaves and hence retaining their flavor when they reach the distribution locations. However, practically the user may not be able to ensure that the goods are maintained at ideal environmental conditions required for preservation of the goods throughout the journey or throughout the time the goods are stored in the warehouse.
[0007] In view of the above, there is a dire requirement for an alternative system and/or method to preserve goods.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a method, a system and an apparatus for cargo preservation.
[0009] In one aspect of the invention, a cargo preservation system is provided. The system includes a power source and an at least one air moving unit coupled to the power source. The at least one air moving unit is adapted to facilitate airflow within an enclosure. The enclosure is adapted to position the cargo within the enclosure. The system further includes a plurality of sensors configured to measure internal environmental conditions of the enclosure. A controller of the system is in communication with the plurality of sensors and the at least one air moving unit. The controller is configured to receive data pertaining to the internal environmental conditions of the enclosure from at least one of the plurality of sensors. Based on the data, the controller is further configured to operate one of humidifiers, water atomizer units, the at least one air moving unit and a combination thereof in response to the internal environmental conditions within the enclosure deviating from ideal internal environmental conditions, and thereby preserving the cargo within the enclosure.
[0010] In one embodiment, the cargo is one of a perishable cargo and a non-perishable cargo.
[0011] In another embodiment, the at least one air moving unit facilitates one of the airflow within passages formed between one or more cargo placed in the enclosure and the airflow throughout the enclosure.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the at least one air moving unit is positioned in close proximity to the cargo and along the enclosure.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the plurality of sensors is one of a temperature sensor, an anemometer, a hall effect sensor, and a humidity sensor.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the internal environmental conditions is one of, an internal temperature, relative humidity and moisture content within the enclosure.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the ideal internal environmental conditions of the enclosure varies based on type of the cargo placed/stored within the enclosure.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the enclosure is one of a cargo hold of a transportation vehicle and a warehouse.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the cargo hold of the transportation vehicle is selected based on type of the cargo required to be transported by the transportation vehicle.
[0018] In yet another embodiment, the cargo hold of the transportation vehicle is one of a flatbed, a bed with removable bars, a bed with removable frames to aid in stacked arrangement of the cargo, a bed with sliding chains, and a combination thereof.
[0019] In yet another embodiment, the controller is configured to determine a plurality of operating parameters to operate at least one of the humidifiers, the water atomizer units, and the at least one air moving unit based on one of a surrounding environmental condition of a location of the warehouse, and a surrounding environmental condition of a location of the transportation vehicle and a speed of the transportation vehicle.
[0020] In yet another embodiment, the plurality of operating parameters is one of, an operating time and an idle time to operate one of the humidifiers, the water atomizer units and the at least one air moving unit, and an airflow rate of the at least one air moving unit within one of the transportation vehicle and the warehouse.
[0021] In yet another embodiment, the controller receives information pertaining to the surrounding environmental conditions of the location of each of the warehouse and the transportation vehicle from at least a weather reporting module.
[0022] In yet another embodiment, the surrounding environmental condition is one of a surrounding temperature, relative humidity, moisture content, a precipitation level and wind speed surrounding one of the cargo hold of the transportation vehicle and the warehouse.
[0023] In yet another embodiment, the controller is further configured to determine the plurality of operating parameters to operate one of the humidifiers, the water atomizer units, the at least one air moving unit and combination thereof based on a combination of a start location and an end location of the transportation vehicle, periodically updated surrounding environmental conditions received from the weather reporting module, the internal environmental conditions of the cargo hold of the transportation vehicle, the speed of the transportation vehicle, and an exposure state of the cargo hold of the transportation vehicle.
[0024] In yet another embodiment, the exposure state of the enclosure is one of an open state, a closed state, a semi open state, and a semi closed state.
[0025] In another aspect of the invention, a method for preservation of cargo is provided. The method includes receiving, by a controller, data pertaining to internal environmental conditions of an enclosure from at least one of a plurality of sensors. The method further includes receiving, by the controller, information pertaining to surrounding environmental conditions of a location of the enclosure from at least a weather reporting module. The method thereafter determines a plurality of operating parameters to operate one of humidifiers, water atomizer units, an at least one air moving unit and a combination thereof based on a combination of a periodically updated surrounding environmental conditions received from the weather reporting module, the internal environmental conditions of the enclosure, and an exposure state of the enclosure. On determination, the method includes operating by the controller, one of the humidifiers, the water atomizer units, the at least one air moving unit and combination thereof in response to the internal environmental conditions within the enclosure deviating from ideal internal environmental conditions, and thereby preserving the cargo within the enclosure.
[0026] In yet another aspect of the invention, a cargo preservation apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a power source and an at least one air moving unit coupled to the power source. The at least one air moving unit is adapted to facilitate airflow within an enclosure. The apparatus includes a plurality of sensors configured to measure internal environmental conditions of the enclosure. A controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors and the at least one air moving unit and the controller is configured to receive data pertaining to the internal environmental conditions of the enclosure from at least one of the plurality of sensors. Thereafter, the controller operates one of humidifiers, water atomizer units, the at least one air moving unit and a combination thereof in response to the internal environmental conditions within the enclosure deviating from ideal internal environmental conditions, and thereby preserving the cargo within the enclosure.
[0027] Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. The features and advantages described in this summary and in the following detailed description are not all-inclusive, and particularly, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, in view of the drawings, specification, and claims hereof. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, resort to the claims being necessary to determine such inventive subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, are illustrative of one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and together with the description explain various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and are intended to be illustrative. Further, the accompanying figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, and any values or dimensions in the accompanying figures are for illustration purposes only and may or may not represent actual or preferred values or dimensions. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment for cargo preservation, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a cargo preservation system, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the cargo preservation system within an enclosure, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the cargo preservation system within the enclosure, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary illustration of a transportation vehicle for cargo preservation, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary illustration of a transportation vehicle for cargo preservation, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary illustration of a transportation vehicle for cargo preservation, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic representation of a cargo preservation apparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; and
[0037] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of a method for cargo preservation, the cargo positioned within the enclosure, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. References to various elements described herein, are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the invention to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims. Moreover, relational terms such as first and second, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity from the other, without necessarily implying any actual relationship or between such entities.
[0039] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an environment 100 for preservation of a cargo 110. The environment 100 includes a cargo preservation system 105 (hereinafter referred to as “the system 105”) for preservation of the cargo 110. The system 105 is positioned within an enclosure 115, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0040] The cargo 110 is one of a perishable cargo and a non-perishable cargo. The perishable cargo includes goods that tend to decay or get spoiled if not preserved, such as, but not limited to, food items, grains, tea leaves, and pharmaceutical products. The non-perishable items include goods such as, but not limited to, hardware products. The cargo 110 may be positioned within the enclosure 115.
[0041] In one embodiment, the enclosure 115 is an indoor structure, such as a warehouse 305 (as shown in FIG. 3), a cargo storage area, a framework, and a cargo confinement area. In another embodiment, the enclosure 115 is a cargo hold 405 (as shown in FIG. 4), and a cargo storage carriage of a transportation vehicle 410 (as shown in FIG. 4), such as a heavy-duty truck, light-weight truck, pick-up-truck, mini-van, cargo ship, cargo plane and the like.
[0042] The environment 100 includes a power source 120 adapted to generate power or energy required to operate the system 105. In one embodiment, the power source 120 is an alternator of the transportation vehicle 410, a battery pack, a generator, solar panels, and the like. Further, the environment 100 includes a preservation unit 125 coupled to the power source 120. The preservation unit 125 is adapted to maintain ideal environmental conditions within the enclosure 115. The ideal environmental conditions pertain to a permissible internal temperature, relative humidity level, and moisture content within the enclosure 115 required to preserve the cargo 110 positioned therein. In a preferred embodiment, the ideal environmental condition within the enclosure 115 varies based on the type of the cargo 110. Further and more specifically, the ideal environmental condition within the enclosure 115 varies for each of the perishable cargo positioned therein.
[0043] In this regard, the preservation unit 125 includes, but is not limited to, an at least one air moving unit 130, one or more humidifiers 135, and one or more water atomizer units 140 arranged within the enclosure 115. Each of the at least one air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, and the water atomizer units 140 is coupled to the power source 120. The at least one air moving unit 130, herein after referred to as “the air moving unit 130”, is positioned in close proximity to the cargo 110 within the enclosure 115 and along the enclosure 115 so as to ensure that the enclosure 115 receives required airflow. On operation, the air moving unit 130 is adapted to facilitate air flow as per a requirement within the enclosure 115. The air moving unit 130 is adapted to provide airflow at varying speeds and multiple directions within the enclosure 115. In one embodiment, the air moving unit 130 is one of, but not limited to, an industrial air blower, centrifugal air movers, and axial air movers. Further, for the purpose of description and illustration, the illustrated embodiments include a single air moving unit 130. It is to be however understood that the system 105 of the environment 100 includes one or more air moving units 130 as per requirement within the enclosure 115, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0044] The humidifiers are adapted to maintain a uniform moisture level within the enclosure 115. The water atomizer units 140 are adapted to sprinkle or spray fluids, such as, but not limited to, water, an appropriate liquid, a particular type of gas, and/or a suitable gas over the cargo 110 which is positioned within the enclosure 115.
[0045] The environment 100 further includes a plurality of sensors 145 to measure internal environmental conditions within the enclosure 115. The plurality of sensors 145 is one of, but not limited to, a temperature sensor, an anemometer, a hall effect sensor, a moisture sensor, and a humidity sensor.
[0046] The environment 100 further includes a controller 150 in communication with the plurality of sensors 145 and the preservation unit 125. More specifically, the controller 150 is in communication with the plurality of sensors 145, the air moving unit 130, the humidifiers 135, and the water atomizer unit 140. The controller 150 is configured to receive data pertaining to the internal environmental conditions of the enclosure 115 from at least one of the plurality of sensors 145. In an embodiment, the controller 150 and the plurality of sensors 145 may communicate with each other via wired connections and/or wireless connections, such as, but not limited to Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), infrared, Wi-Fi, GPRS, LTE, Edge, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 150 is located within the enclosure 115. In alternate embodiments, the controller 150 is positioned in a location remotely accessible by one or more operators. Operational and functional aspects of the controller 150 will be explained in detail in the following figures.
[0047] In addition, the system 105 is in communication with a server 155. More specifically, the controller 150 of the system 105 is in communication with a server 155 via a network 160. In one embodiment, the controller 150 is pre-registered with the server 155. The controller 150 transmits the data pertaining to the internal environmental conditions within the enclosure 115 from the plurality of sensors 145 to the server 135. Subsequent to transmission of the data from the controller 150 to the server 155, a copy of the data is stored in the controller 150 for a temporary period in tandem with transmitting it to the server 155. By doing so, the controller 150 is not accumulated with data from the plurality of sensors 145 subsequent to transfer of the data to the server 155. Advantageously, the controller 150 is not burdened with large volume of data beyond the capacity of the controller 150, thereby ensuring effective and efficient operation of the controller 150. It may be understood that the server 155 may be implemented in a variety of computing systems, such as a mainframe computer, a network server, cloud, and the like.
[0048] In one embodiment, the network 160 can include wired connections and/or wireless connections, such as, but not limited to Local Area Network (LAN), Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), infrared, Wi-Fi, GPRS, LTE, Edge, and the like. In addition, the server 155 is in communication with a communication device 165 via the network 160. The communication device 165 is one of, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a handheld device, a laptop, a digital billboard provided within the enclosure 115. In one embodiment, the communication device 165 is in communication with the controller 150 via the network 160.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the cargo preservation system 105 for preserving the cargo 110, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The system 105 includes the plurality of sensors 145 arranged within the enclosure 115 and is adapted to measure the internal environmental conditions within the enclosure 115. The plurality of sensors 145 further transmit the data pertaining to the internal environmental conditions to the controller 150.
[0050] The controller 150 may include one or more transceivers 205, at least one processor 210, an input/output (I/O) interface 215, and a memory 220. The transceiver 205 may be implemented as a device capable of receiving and transmitting information. As per the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver 205 is initially configured to receive the data pertaining to internal environmental conditions within the enclosure 115.
[0051] The at least one processor 210 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the at least one processor 210 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 220.
[0052] The I/O interface 215 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, serial interface, MOD-BUS or BACnet interface and the like. The I/O interface 215 may allow the one or more operators to interact with the controller 150 directly or through an auxiliary device. Further, the I/O interface 215 may enable the controller 150 to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O interface 215 may facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface 215 may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server.
[0053] The memory 220 may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. In the preferred embodiment, the controller 150 is an integral part of the system 105. In alternate embodiments, the controller 150 may be located at a remote location accessible to the one or more occupants.
[0054] The controller 150 is configured to periodically receive the data pertaining to the internal environmental conditions of the enclosure 115. Thereafter, the controller 150 compares the data pertaining to the internal environmental conditions, hereinafter referred to as the “internal data”, received from the plurality of sensors 145 with data pertaining to ideal environmental conditions, hereinafter referred to as the “ideal data”. The ideal data corresponds to environmental conditions that are required to be maintained within the enclosure 115 for the preservation of the cargo 110 positioned therein. The ideal data include parameters, such as, but not limited to, an internal temperature, relative humidity level, and a moisture content.
[0055] The ideal environmental conditions varies based on the type of the cargo 110 positioned within the enclosure 115. In cases where the cargo 110 is perishable in nature, the ideal environmental conditions will vary for different types of perishable cargoes. For example, the ideal environmental conditions for the perishable cargo containing vegetables such as tomatoes, will be different to the ideal environmental conditions for the perishable cargo containing tea leaves.
[0056] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the one or more occupants may input the ideal data corresponding to the ideal operating conditions within the enclosure 115 required for preserving the cargo 110 within the enclosure 115 via the I/O interface 215.
[0057] In another embodiment, the controller 150 retrieves the ideal data from the server 155 for the type of the cargo 110 positioned within the enclosure 115. In this regard, the server 155 may have stored trained ideal data for each type of cargo over a period of time. In addition, the trained ideal data is updated periodically by the server 155 in response to occurrence of new events and/or new cargoes required to be transported which are different compared to historic known events and/or historic known cargoes transported.
[0058] As mentioned earlier, the controller 150 compares the internal data to the ideal data. Based on the comparison, the processor 220 of the controller 150 determines if the internal environmental conditions are deviating from the ideal environmental conditions. In response to deviation, the controller 150 is configured to determine a plurality of operating parameters to operate at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 and a combination thereof to ensure the internal environmental conditions within the enclosure 115 matches the ideal environmental condition required for preservation of the cargo 110 within the enclosure 115.
[0059] The plurality of operating parameters is one of an operating time and an idle time of at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 and a combination thereof, and the airflow rate of the air moving unit 135 within the enclosure 115.
[0060] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic representation of the cargo 110 preservation system 105 when the enclosure 115 is the warehouse 305, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. As mentioned earlier, the enclosure 115 is one of the indoor structure, such as the warehouse 305 and the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410. In this regard, as per the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure 115 is the warehouse 305 without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
[0061] The cargo 110 is positioned within the warehouse 305. A layout of the warehouse 305 is managed to accommodate the cargo 110 therein. The warehouse 305 includes one of a flatbed, a bed with shelves, a bed with removeable bars, a bed with removable frames to aid in stacked arrangement of the cargo 110, a bed with sliding chains, and a combination thereof to arrange the cargo 110 therein, as shown in with respect to the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410 in FIG. 5A-5C. In addition, the cargo 110 is arranged within the warehouse 305 such that passages are formed between the one or more cargoes to facilitate the air flow therebetween. Further, in one embodiment, the warehouse 305 may be adapted to accommodate different types of cargo 110 (including different types of perishable cargo) therein. The warehouse 305 may include partitions to separate the different types of cargo 110 from one another.
[0062] The warehouse 305 includes the preservation unit 125 positioned therein. The preservation unit 125 includes the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, and the water atomizer unit 140. For the purpose of description and illustration, only single units of each of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, and the water atomizer unit 140 is embodied in the illustration as per FIG. 3. It is however to be understood, the warehouse 305 may include multiple units of each of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, and the water atomizer unit 140 without limiting or deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, in embodiment, the warehouse 305 includes multiple units of each of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, and the water atomizer unit 140 for each of the partitions made in the warehouse 305.
[0063] The warehouse 305 further includes the plurality of sensors 145 adapted to measure the internal environmental conditions within the warehouse 305. The internal environmental conditions correspond to one of, but not limited to, the internal temperature, the relative humidity level, the moisture content, and a combination thereof within the warehouse 305 at all times the cargo 110 is positioned therein. The internal data corresponding to the internal environmental conditions of the warehouse 305 is thereafter transmitted to the controller 150. In one embodiment, the controller 150 is located within the warehouse 305. In alternate embodiments, the controller 150 may be positioned in the location remotely accessible by the one or more operators.
[0064] In one embodiment, the controller 150 is provided with data corresponding to type of the cargo 110 positioned within the warehouse 305 and the location of the same within the warehouse 305. Accordingly, the controller 150 is configured to segregate the internal data based on the type of the cargo 110 and the location of the same within the warehouse 305.
[0065] The controller 150 is in communication with the server 155 via the network 160. The controller 150 is configured to transmit the internal data received from the plurality of sensors 145 to the server 155 via the network 160. In one embodiment, the controller 150 is further configured to receive data pertaining to a surrounding weather condition of a location of the warehouse 305. The surrounding environmental condition is one of, but not limited to, a surrounding temperature, a relative humidity level, moisture content, a precipitation level, and wind speed. The controller 150 receives the data pertaining to the surrounding weather condition, hereinafter referred to as the “surrounding data”, from a weather reporting module, such as an online database, a weather reporting agency, and the like.
[0066] The controller 150, on receiving the internal data and the surrounding data, compares the internal data to the ideal data. The ideal data corresponding to the ideal operating conditions within the warehouse 305 required for preserving the cargo 110 is provided to the controller 150 via the I/O interface 215 (as shown in FIG. 2). In another embodiment, the controller 150 retrieves the ideal data from the server 155 based the type of the cargo 110 positioned within the warehouse 305.
[0067] Based on the comparison, the controller 150 is configured to determine the plurality of operating parameters of each of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, and the water atomizer unit 140. More specifically, the controller 150 is configured to determine whether the internal environmental condition within the warehouse 305 is deviating from ideal environmental condition required for the preservation of the cargo 110 within the warehouse 305. If a deviation is determined, the controller 150 is configured to determine the plurality of operating parameters for each of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, and the water atomizer unit 140. In one embodiment, the controller 150 stores the plurality of operating parameters, which refer to trained plurality of operating parameters, determined for the deviation for future reference. Doing so, the controller 150 retrieves the plurality of operating parameters required to operate at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 and the combination thereof in case a deviation of a similar nature occurs in the future. Advantageously, the controller 150 ensures that time to determine the plurality of operating parameters is reduced.
[0068] On determination of the plurality of operating parameters, the controller 150 is configured to operate at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 and the combination thereof. The plurality of operating parameters include, but is not limited to, the operating time and the idle time of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140, and the airflow rate of the air moving unit 130 within the warehouse 305. In one embodiment, the air moving unit 130 facilitates one of the airflow within passages formed between the cargoes 110 placed in the warehouse 305 and the airflow throughout the warehouse 305. Accordingly, operation of at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 and the combination thereof thereby ensures that the internal environmental condition of the warehouse 305 is appropriate for the preservation of the cargo 110 positioned within the warehouse 305.
[0069] In one embodiment, based on the surrounding data received, the controller 150 determines the idle time of at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140, and the combination thereof so as to ensure the internal environmental conditions of the warehouse 305 is in conformity with the ideal environmental conditions required to be maintained within the warehouse 305 for the preservation of the cargo 110. In addition, based on the surrounding data, the controller 150 is configured to utilize the surrounding environmental condition to compare the internal environmental conditions within the warehouse 305 to the ideal environmental conditions required for the preservation of the cargo 110. Accordingly, the controller 150 provides one or more recommendations, such as open or close a ventilation source (not shown) of the warehouse 305 and the like, to the one or more operator via the communication device 165. More specifically, in one embodiment, the warehouse 305 is adapted to channelize wind from outside the warehouse 305 to within the warehouse 305 via the ventilation source for maintaining the internal environmental conditions of the cargo hold 405 in conformity with the ideal environmental conditions required to be maintained within the cargo hold 405 for the preservation of the cargo 110. By doing so, the controller 150, advantageously, saves on energy required to operate the preservation unit 125 required for the preservation of the cargo 110.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic representation of the system 105 for preserving the cargo 110 within the enclosure 115 when the enclosure 115 is the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0071] As mentioned earlier, the enclosure 115 is one of the indoor structure, such as the warehouse 305 and the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410. In this regard, as per the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure 115 is the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410 without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
[0072] The cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410 is adapted to receive and position the cargo 110 therein. In one embodiment, the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410 is selected based on the type of the cargo 110 required to be transported by the transportation vehicle 410. As mentioned earlier, the cargo 110 is one of the perishable and non-perishable cargo. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cargo 110 is the perishable cargo.
[0073] The cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410 is one of a flatbed, a bed with shelves, a bed with removeable bars, a bed with removable frames to aid in stacked arrangement of the cargo 110, a bed with sliding chains, and a combination thereof to arrange the cargo 110 therein, as shown in FIG. 5A-5C. In one embodiment, the cargo hold 405 includes sliding chains equipped with one of, but not limited to, removable hooks and frames and removable bars adapted to be coupled to a top surface 505 of the transportation vehicle 410. The sliding chains are adapted to slide along a length of the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410. Accordingly, multiple arrangements of positioning the cargo 110 within the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410 in multiple variations of an allowed degree of freedom as per the transportation requirement may be possible. Further, the sliding chains and the removable bars may be retracted to a side of the cargo hold 405 when not required, and thereby advantageously providing entire space of the cargo hold 405 for positioning the cargo 110.
[0074] Further, the cargo 110 is arranged within the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410 in such a way that passages are formed between the one or more cargoes to facilitate the air flow therebetween. Further, in one embodiment, the cargo hold 405 may be adapted to accommodate different types of cargo 110 (different varieties of perishable cargo) therein. In this regard, the cargo hold 405 may include partitions to separate the different types of cargo 110 from one another.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, the cargo hold 405 includes the preservation unit 125 arranged therein. The preservation unit 125 includes the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, and the water atomizer unit 140. The preservation unit 125 is coupled to the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410. The preservation unit 125 is positioned one of in close proximity to the cargo 110 within the cargo hold 405 and along the along the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410. More specifically, and in one embodiment, the cargo hold 405 includes multiple preservation unit 125, and each of the preservation unit 125 is coupled onto the top surface 505 of the cargo hold 405 and adjacent to a driver cabin 510, as shown in FIG. 5A-5C. In another embodiment, the cargo hold 405 includes the single preservation unit 125, and the preservation unit 125 is coupled to one of the top surface 505 of the cargo hold 405 and adjacent to the driver cabin 510 of the transportation vehicle 410. For the purpose of description and illustration, multiple units of each of the preservation unit 125 is embodied as per the illustration in FIG. 5A-5C. It is however to be understood, the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410 may include one or more units of the preservation unit 125 without limiting or deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0076] The cargo hold 405 further includes the plurality of sensors 145 adapted to measure the internal environmental conditions within the cargo hold 405. The internal environmental conditions correspond to one of, but not limited to, the internal temperature, the relative humidity level, the moisture content, and a combination thereof within the cargo hold 405. The internal data corresponding to the internal environmental conditions of the cargo hold 405 is thereafter transmitted to the controller 150. In one embodiment, the controller 150 is located within the cargo hold 405. In alternate embodiments, the controller 150 may be positioned in the location remotely accessible by the one or more operators.
[0077] In one embodiment, the controller 150 is provided with data corresponding to type of the cargo 110 positioned within the cargo hold 405 and the location of the same within the cargo hold 405. Accordingly, the controller 150 is configured to segregate the internal data based on the type of the cargo 110 and the location of the same within the cargo hold 405.
[0078] The controller 150 is further in communication with the server 155 via the network 160. The controller 150 is configured to transmit the internal data received from the plurality of sensors 145 to the server 155 via the network 160. Simultaneously, in one embodiment, the controller 150 is configured to receive data pertaining to a surrounding weather condition of a location of the cargo hold 405. The controller 150 receives the data pertaining to the surrounding weather condition, hereinafter referred to as the “surrounding data”, from a weather reporting module, such as an online database, a weather reporting agency, and the like.
[0079] Further, as the transportation vehicle 410 is required for transporting the cargo 110 from one location to another, the weather reporting module is configured to continuously update the surrounding data to the controller 150. In addition, the controller 150 receives information pertaining to a speed of the transportation vehicle 410 and an exposure state of the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410. The exposure state of the cargo hold 405 is one of an open state, a closed state, a semi-open state, and a semi-closed state. In one embodiment, the controller 150 receives the information pertaining to the speed of the transportation vehicle 410 via a controller of the transportation vehicle 410. In another embodiment, the controller 150 receives the exposure state of the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410 via the I/O interface 215 of the controller 150.
[0080] The controller 150, on receiving the internal data and the surrounding data, compares the internal data to the ideal data. The ideal data corresponding to the ideal operating conditions within the cargo hold 405 required for preserving the cargo 110 is provided to the controller 150 via the I/O interface 215 of the controller 150. In another embodiment, the controller 150 retrieves the ideal data from the server 155 based the type of the cargo 110 positioned within the cargo hold 405.
[0081] Based on the comparison of the internal data to the ideal data, the surrounding environmental condition, the exposure state of the cargo hold 405, and the speed of the transportation vehicle 410, the controller 150 is configured to determine the plurality of operating parameters of each of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140. The plurality of operating parameters include, but is not limited to, the operating time and the idle time of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, and the water atomizer unit 140, and the airflow rate of the air moving unit 130 within the cargo hold 405.
[0082] More specifically, the controller 150 is configured to determine whether the internal environmental conditions within the cargo hold 405 is deviating from ideal environmental conditions required for the preservation of the cargo 110 within the cargo hold 405. If a deviation is determined, the controller 150 is configured to determine the plurality of operating parameters for each of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140. In one embodiment, the controller 150 stores the plurality of operating parameters, which refer to the trained plurality of operating parameters, determined for the deviation for future reference. Doing so, the controller 150 retrieves the plurality of operating parameters required to operate at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 and the combination thereof in case a deviation of a similar nature occurs in the future.
[0083] In one embodiment, based on the speed of the transportation vehicle 410, the controller 150 determines if ram air generated due to a forward movement of the transportation vehicle 410 is sufficient to operate the air moving unit 130. In another embodiment, the cargo hold 405 is adapted to channelize the ram air for maintaining the internal environmental conditions of the cargo hold 405 in conformity with the ideal environmental conditions required to be maintained within the cargo hold 405 for the preservation of the cargo 110. In one embodiment, based on the surrounding data received, the controller 150 determines the idle time of at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140, and the combination thereof so as to ensure the internal environmental conditions of the cargo hold 405 is in conformity with the ideal environmental conditions required to be maintained within the cargo hold 405 for the preservation of the cargo 110. In addition, based on the surrounding data, the controller 150 is configured to utilize the surrounding environmental conditions to match the internal environmental conditions within the warehouse 305 to the ideal environmental conditions required for the preservation of the cargo 110. Accordingly, the controller 150 provides one or more recommendations via the communication device 165 to the one or more operator. The one or more recommendations include one of, but not limited to, change the exposure state of the cargo hold 405 from the current state to one of the open, the closed, the semi open, and the semi closed state, and to control the speed of the transportation vehicle 410. By doing so, the controller 150, advantageously, saves on energy required to operate the preservation unit 125 required for the preservation of the cargo 110.
[0084] On determination of the plurality of operating parameters, the controller 150 is configured to operate at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 and the combination thereof. In one embodiment, the air moving unit 130 facilitates one of the airflow within passages formed between the cargoes 110 placed in the cargo hold 405 and the airflow throughout the cargo hold 405.
[0085] Accordingly, operation of at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 and the combination thereof thereby ensures that the internal environmental condition of the cargo hold 405 is appropriate for the preservation of the cargo 110 within the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410.
[0086] In one embodiment, based on the surrounding data, the controller 150 determines the idle time of at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140, and the combination thereof so as to ensure the internal environmental conditions of the warehouse 305 is in conformity with the internal environmental condition required to be maintained within the warehouse 305 for the preservation of the cargo 110.
[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 150 is configured to receive a start location and an end location of a route the transportation vehicle 410 is assigned. The controller 150 is configured to receive the start and the end location via at least one of the I/O interface 215 of the controller 150 and the communication device 165 of the one or more operators. On receiving the start and the end location, the controller 150 retrieves surrounding data pertaining to the surrounding environmental condition along the route from the weather reporting module. The controller 150 periodically receives the internal data of the cargo hold 405 and the surrounding data pertaining to the surrounding environmental conditions during journey along the route. In addition, the controller 150 receives information pertaining to the exposure state of the cargo hold 405 and speed of the transportation vehicle 410. Accordingly, the controller 150 is configured to determine the plurality of operating parameters to operate at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140, and the combination thereof. In an alternate embodiment, the controller 150 is configured to store the trained plurality of operating parameters to operate at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140, and the combination thereof for the same start location and the end location. In this regard, in response to the one or more operator providing the start location and the end location via the communication device 165, the controller 150 checks at the memory 220 if similar start location and the end location is stored. If a match is found at the memory 220 of similar start location and the end location, the controller 150 matches other characteristics such as but not limited to, internal conditions of the cargo hold 405, surrounding environment conditions, the exposure state of the cargo hold 405 and the type of the cargo 110 within the cargo hold 405. If all these characteristics also match with the current start location, the end location, the internal environmental conditions, the surrounding environmental conditions, the exposure state of the cargo hold 405 and the type of the cargo 110, the controller 150 retrieves the stored the plurality of operating parameters from the memory 220 and utilizes for the current task. Advantageously, saves computation time for determining the plurality of operating parameters.
[0088] In another embodiment, the controller 150 includes a machine learning model to learn from each cargo hauling operation carried out by the transportation vehicle 410. The controller 150 learns the plurality of operating parameters that is required to operate the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, and the water atomizer unit 140, based on the type of cargo 110, quantity of the cargo 110 and the ideal environmental condition required to be maintained within the cargo hold 405. Accordingly, the controller 150 is configured to advantageously save computation time for determining the plurality of operating parameters. Further, data collected from each cargo hauling operation is transmitted to the server 155 and/or cloud-based system for potential consumption for reliability of the cargo hauling operation and further analytics.
[0089] In an embodiment, the cargo preservation system 105 is a cargo preservation apparatus 600. Advantageously, ensuring the apparatus 600 is a compact unit. Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic representation of the apparatus 600 for preserving cargo 605 within an enclosure 610. The apparatus 605 includes a preservation unit 615 coupled to a power source 620. The preservation unit 615 includes an air moving unit 625, a humidifier 630, and a water atomizer unit 635. The apparatus 600 further includes a plurality of sensors 640 configured to measure internal environmental conditions of the enclosure 610. The apparatus 600 further includes a controller 645 in communication with the plurality of sensors 640 and the preservation unit 615. The controller 645 is configured to receive data pertaining to the internal environmental conditions of the enclosure 610 from the plurality of sensors 640. On receiving, the controller 645 is further configured to operate at least one of the air moving unit 625, the humidifier 630, the water atomizer unit 635, and a combination thereof in response to the internal environmental conditions within the enclosure 610 deviating from ideal environmental conditions. As such, the cargo 605 positioned within the enclosure 610 is preserved. The description and the embodiments of the enclosure 610, the preservation unit 615, and the controller 645 is very much similar to the enclosure 115, the preservation unit 125, and the controller 150 as described in FIGS 1-4, and thus repeated description of the enclosure 610, the preservation unit 615, and the controller 645 is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.
[0090] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of a method 700 for preserving the cargo 110 positioned within the enclosure 115, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0091] At step 705, the method 705 includes the step of receiving data, by the controller 150, pertaining to the internal environmental conditions of the enclosure 115 from at least one of the plurality of sensors 145.
[0092] As mentioned earlier, the cargo 110 is positioned within the enclosure 115. The cargo 110 is one of the perishable cargo and the non-perishable cargo, and the enclosure 115 is one of the indoor structure, such as the warehouse 305 and the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410. For the purpose of description, the cargo 110 is considered as tea leaves and is positioned within the cargo hold 405 of the transportation vehicle 410. During transportation, the plurality of sensors 145 arranged within the cargo hold 405 is configured to measure the internal environmental condition within the cargo hold 405. The internal environmental conditions pertain to at least one of, but not limited to, internal temperature, the humidity level within the cargo hold 405, and the moisture content within the cargo hold 405.
[0093] Table 1: Internal data
Internal Environmental Condition Internal Data
Internal temperature X + 2 degree Celsius
Humidity Level Y + 2 g.kg-1
Moisture Content Z + 2 g/m³
Table 1
[0094] Referring to Table. 1, an example of the internal data within the cargo hold 405 as measured by the plurality of sensors 145 is shown. The plurality of sensors 145, thereafter, transmits the internal data to the controller 150 of the system 105. In addition, the controller 150 receives information pertaining to the speed of the transportation vehicle 410 and the exposure state of the cargo hold 405, as shown in Table 2. The exposure state is one of the open state, the closed state, the semi open state, and the semi closed state.
[0095] Table 2: Additional data
Speed of the transportation vehicle T km/hr
Exposure state Open state
Table 2
[0096] At step 710, the method 700 includes the step of receiving, by the controller 150, data pertaining to the surrounding environmental condition of the location of the cargo hold 405 from at least the weather reporting module.
[0097] In this regard, the controller 150 transmits the location of the cargo hold 405 to the server 155. Accordingly, the controller receives the surrounding data from at least one of weather reporting module, such as the online database, the weather reporting agency, and the like. The surrounding environmental condition is one of, but not limited to, the surrounding temperature, the relative humidity level, the moisture content, the precipitation level, and the wind speed at the location of the enclosure 115.
[0098] Table 3: Surrounding data
Surrounding Environmental Condition Surrounding Data
Surrounding temperature X degree Celsius
Humidity Level Y g.kg-1
Moisture Content Z g/m³
Precipitation Level V mm
Wind speed W km/hr
Table 3
[0099] Referring to Table. 3, the surrounding data of the cargo hold 405 as received from the server 155 is shown. In addition, as shown in table. 4, the controller 150 is provided with the ideal environmental conditions, based on the surrounding environmental condition, required to be maintained within the cargo hold 405 for the preservation of the cargo 110. In one embodiment, the controller 150 receives the ideal data corresponding to the ideal operating conditions within the cargo hold 405 via the I/O interface 215. In another embodiment, the controller 150 retrieves the ideal data from the server 155 based on the type of the cargo 110 positioned within the cargo hold 405, which in this case is tea leaves.
[00100] Table 4: Ideal data
Ideal Environmental Condition Ideal Data
Internal temperature X degree Celsius
Humidity Level Y g.kg-1
Moisture Content Z g/m³
Table 4
[00101] At step 715, the method 700 includes the step of determining the plurality of operating parameters, by the controller 150, to operate the preservation unit 125.
[00102] The controller 150, on receiving the data pertaining to the internal environmental conditions, compares the internal environmental conditions to the ideal environmental conditions required to be maintained within the cargo hold 405.
[00103] Based on the comparison, the processor 220 of the controller 150 determines whether the internal environmental conditions of the cargo hold 405 is deviating from the ideal environmental conditions. In an embodiment, deviation may be determined by the controller 150 as one of, but not limited to, actual change in values, levels, and percentages of the internal environmental conditions compared to the ideal environmental conditions. In an alternate embodiment, the deviation may be determined by the controller 150 as one of change in, but not limited to range of values, range in levels, and range in percentages of the internal environmental conditions compared to the ideal environmental conditions. Similarly, the ideal environmental conditions may also be one of, but not limited to, a range of values, range of levels and range of percentages. Accordingly, the controller 150 is configured to determine the plurality of operating parameters to operate at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 and a combination thereof of the preservation unit 125 to ensure the internal environmental conditions within the cargo hold 405 matches the ideal environmental condition required for preservation of the cargo 110 within the enclosure 115.
[00104] The plurality of operating parameters is one of an operating time and an idle time of at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 and a combination thereof, and the airflow rate of the air moving unit 135 within the enclosure 115.
[00105] In one embodiment, based on the surrounding data received, the controller 150 determines if the internal environmental conditions within the cargo hold 405 can be maintained in conformity with the ideal environmental condition by one of, but not limited to, changing the exposure state of the cargo hold 405 from the open state to one of the closes state, the semi open state, and the semi closed state, and by controlling the speed of the transportation vehicle 410. Accordingly, the controller 150 is configured to provide the one or more recommendations to the one or more operators via the communication device 165. By doing so, the controller 150, advantageously, saves on energy required to operate the preservation unit 125 required for the preservation of the cargo 110.
[00106] At step 720, the method 700 includes the step of operating, by the controller 150, at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 and the combination thereof. In one embodiment, the controller 150 runs tests to check operability of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 at predefined time points. The controller 150 further notifies the one or more operators via the communication device 165 of the results of the tests.
[00107] On determination of the plurality of operating parameters, the controller 150 is configured to operate at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 and the combination thereof. In one embodiment, the air moving unit 130 facilitates one of the airflow within passages formed between the cargoes 110 placed in the enclosure 115 and the airflow throughout the enclosure 115. Accordingly, operation of at least one of the air moving unit 130, the humidifier 135, the water atomizer unit 140 and the combination thereof thereby ensures that the internal environmental condition of the enclosure 115 is apt for the preservation of the cargo 110 positioned within the warehouse 305.
[00108] Various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present invention.
[00109] While aspects of the present invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.