DE10259553A1 - Insulating container used as a cooling module or cryo-accumulator in a cooling unit for storing or transporting liquefied gas or gas mixtures comprises a hollow chamber surrounded by walls and a thermal insulation having evacuated regions - Google Patents

Abstract

Insulating container (1) comprises a hollow chamber (3) surrounded by walls made from plastic-containing material or metal and surrounded by a thermal insulation having evacuated regions (4, 4', 4'') in a shell or container made from plastic, plastic material or plastic-containing material. An Independent claim is also included for a process for cooling goods to be cooled.

Description

The invention relates to a refrigerator for cryogenic liquefied or solidified gases.

In the DE 198 40 262 A1 and the DE 198 58 061 A1 describes a refrigeration device with a cooling module. The cooling module is used to hold a cooling medium such as solid or liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen. The cooling module consists of a stainless steel container with thermal vacuum insulation.

As cooling modules for cryogenic liquefied or solidified So far, gases have been exclusively vacuum-insulated stainless steel containers used. These cooling modules are very complex to manufacture and therefore very expensive. Also have these cooling modules a very heavy weight.

A heat-insulating housing for storing refrigerated goods with integrated vacuum insulation panels is used, for example, in the DE 198 51 838 described. No information is given on cooling.

A refrigerator in the sense of a refrigerator with vacuum insulation panels arranged on the inner lining is in the DE 199 48 361 A1 described.

The object of the invention is a alternative refrigeration unit for cryogenic liquefied or solidified gases as a cooling medium to accomplish. '

The task is solved by a refrigerator with the features described in claim 1.

Are refrigerators Devices for cooling Refrigerated goods. The refrigerator shows one to be cooled Room (cold room) for the refrigerated on. The cooling of the refrigerator takes place by means of a cooling medium. The cooling medium comes in an insulated container (Insulated) provided in the refrigerator. The Refrigerator has in the Rule about insulated walls. The refrigerator is in in a simple case, an insulated housing with an insulated container for the cooling medium. The refrigerator can stationary or mobile use his.

The insulating container has a cavity (filling space or fillable Space) or fillable body for Absorption of a cooling medium, with at least one opening to introduce of the cooling medium and with an outer insulating body or Isoliermantel, the evacuated areas with a solid filling material having.

The insulated container can be filled be formed by solid or flexible walls. The walls are for the cooling medium is impermeable or almost impermeable. For example, there are solid walls in a container. The filling room e.g. also through suitable flexible materials such as cold-resistant Foils, sheet-like material or other casing material are formed. Hoses, bag-like Structures, fillable Envelopes, balloons, Pillows or the like Structures can for filling with the cooling medium serve. The fillable room is advantageously a container (Inner container).

The filling spaces, fillable bodies or inner containers are preferably flat or cylindrical (tubular).

Containers (fillable bodies, inner containers) for the cooling medium are made of metal (e.g. stainless steel), plastic or Composite material. Preferred plastics are cold-resistant plastics. As cold resistant Plastics there are thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics, e.g. Polycarbonate or epoxy resin. Fiber-reinforced plastics are advantageous like glass fiber reinforced Plastics, e.g. glass fiber reinforced Epoxy resin or polyester resin. The preferred containers are usually partially or completely made of cold-resistant plastics.

The insulating container advantageously consists of one or more inner containers for filling with the cooling medium, an outer container or an outer shell and an insulating body. Inner and outer container or Outer shell are preferably made of plastic.

The term "cooling medium" is particularly deeply cold here liquefied or solidified gas or gas mixture, which is used in normal Room temperature (approx. 23 ° C) and is present as a gas at normal pressure (approx. 1 bar), for example nitrogen, carbon dioxide or air, and which at the appropriate temperature and at appropriate pressure in a liquid, supercritical or solid state, the term "solid" state also being a lumpy, granular or snow like Form included. It is preferable to become more cryogenic Nitrogen as a cooling medium used.

In contrast to the known insulated containers for refrigerated gases with thermal vacuum insulation, the insulated container according to the invention an insulating body or insulating jacket, which for insulation at least one evacuable Space that contains a solid material as a support body.

The insulating body or insulating jacket advantageously contains one or more vacuum insulation panels or is constructed like a vacuum insulation panel. Vacuum insulation panels are usually based on a flat support and thermal insulation body (insulating core) made of a powdery or fibrous material (eg microporous silicas) or an open-cell foam (eg polystyrene, polyurethane}, which is surrounded by an evacuated covering made of foil Material for the insulation core consists of a compressed, microporous powder such as pyrogenic silica, airgel powder or precipitated silica. The insulation core is preferably packed gas-tight with a covering. The envelope of the vacuum insulation panels is generally made of metal, metal-containing (eg aluminum-containing), metal-coated or metal-clad plastic films. The plastic films used serve as a barrier film and are gas-tight. In particular, commercially available special high-barrier films (eg metal-coated plastic composite films) are used, which have a gas pressure increase of no more than 2 mbar per year. The vacuum generated in the vacuum insulation panels generally corresponds to an absolute pressure in the range from 0.01 to 100 mbar (absolute), advantageously from 0.01 to 10 mbar, particularly preferably in the range from 0.01 to 2 mbar, in particular from 0.01 up to 1 mbar.

The vacuum on the insulating body, e.g. in the evacuated room, especially in the vacuum insulation panels is preferably less than 20 mbar (absolute), particularly preferably 0.01 up to 1 mbar. To improve the thermal insulation properties, especially at the vacuum pressure mentioned, is a gas filling of the evacuated or especially evacuable space with carbon dioxide, krypton or argon advantageous. The invention therefore also relates to vacuum insulation panels, that contain carbon dioxide, krypton or argon, especially in a reduced pressure atmosphere (negative pressure, Pressure below 1 bar absolute). The reduced pressure atmosphere of the evacuated Space advantageously consists of carbon dioxide, krypton and / or argon.

Vacuum insulation panels, their manufacture and materials used are described, for example, in the DE 40 29 405 A1 . DE 101 14 633 A1 and DE 199 04 799 A1 , which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Commercially available and suitable vacuum insulation panels have e.g. the following properties: a thermal conductivity of 0.004 W / (mK) at 10 ° C; a core material from a microporous Silica plate with a density in the range of 160 to 180 kg / m3; an envelope metallized, highly vacuum-tight plastic film; Standard size 1.0 × 0.5 m, other sizes available; Strength (Thickness): 10 mm to 40 mm, typically 20 mm; right-angled edge formation, almost seamless bumping possible. at such vacuum insulation panels is e.g. a fleece between the powder core and arranged plastic film. Such vacuum insulation panels are for example available from va-Q-tec AG in D-97080 Würzburg.

Vacuum insulation panels can also in a double-walled, cold-resistant Plastic container (e.g. GRP or PE) can be introduced and within this double wall again positioned with insulation foam (e.g. polyurethane foam, assembly foam) and be fixed. The insulation value of the double wall can be the volume ratio of insulation foam to vacuum panels be influenced so that the desired amount of nitrogen the inner container can evaporate per unit of time. This will reduce the cooling capacity certainly.

The height of the cooling module is e.g. 50 to 200 mm, preferably 60 to 100 mm.

The cooling module advantageously has one Exhaust opening (exhaust opening) on what essentially evaporated cooling medium into the interior of the to be cooled container or escape the cooling device can, the discharge opening of the cooling module preferably at the same time the supply opening for the cooling medium is. This opening can be advantageous with be provided a flap due to its own mass gravity or with the help of a suitable locking mechanism is kept closed and only at a certain pressure in the Inside the cooling module due to gaseous formation cooling medium open can be.

The volume of the cooling module of cooling medium is up to 20,000 g, preferably 500 g to 15,000 g. It can be beneficial different amounts of cooling medium into the cooling module be filled in. The amount of to be filled Cooling medium dependent on a variety of parameters, for example dependent on the outside temperature, the temperature to be maintained in the insulated container, the initial temperature the insulated container, that in the insulated container the type of product, the length of time it is kept cool, the mode of transport and / or the type and size of the insulated container. For example be for Ship tanks very large Quantities needed and with insulated containers for vaccines or for certain trolleys are only a relatively small amount (up to a few Grams) of cooling medium necessary.

The insulating container designed as a cooling module is advantageously used in rooms to be cooled, in particular thermally insulated rooms such as containers with a thermally insulating wall for the transport and / or storage of perishable goods. Systems with a cooling module are used in the DE 198 58 061 A1 and the DE 198 40 262 A1 described, what is hereby incorporated by reference. The cooling module according to the invention is advantageously analogous to that in FIG DE 198 58 061 A1 and the DE 198 40 262 A1 described cooling module and is preferably used in a system described there (room to be cooled with cooling module). The filling with cooling medium and the use of the cooling module is advantageously as in the DE 198 58 061 A1 and the DE 198 40 262 A1 is described.

An insulating container, in particular an insulating container with a plastic container, can advantageously be integrated directly into a refrigeration device (for example an insulating container), in a removable or fixed manner. One or more insulating containers are advantageously arranged in a side wall, a door or in an upward-facing wall (for example in a floor or on the top) of the refrigeration device. One or more insulating containers are particularly advantageously arranged, for example, on the rear wall or in the bottom of a refrigeration device. The inner container for cooling medium (e.g. liquid nitrogen) can lift the shape of a lying, extremely flat and rectangular container or even a standing, tall container. The shape of the insulated container as well as the inner container can be varied depending on the application.

Vacuum insulation panels are also advantageous for the Insulation of the walls and / or door of the refrigerator.

The invention is based on the drawing explained.

Show it:

1 a schematic representation of a refrigerator with an integrated insulating container in cross section.

2 a schematic representation of a refrigerator with removable insulated container in cross section.

3 a schematic representation of a flat insulated container in cross section.

4 is a schematic representation of a cylindrical insulating container with a uniform insulating body in cross section.

5 a schematic representation of an insulating container with a composite insulating body in cross section.

This in 1 refrigeration device shown in a highly simplified manner 1 shows a room to be cooled 8th for the refrigerated goods, a container 3 with a cavity 4 (fillable space) for the cooling medium and insulation 7 on. container 3 and surrounding insulation 7 form the insulated container. The surrounding insulation 7 is advantageous with vacuum insulation panels 10 . 10 ' . 10 '' (please refer 3 ) built up. The insulated container contains a filling opening 5 and at least one opening 6 for the escape of cold gas (usually evaporated cooling medium), which means the cooling room 8th is cooled. The opening 6 is preferably to the container 3 inclined. Liquid nitrogen is preferably used as the cooling medium. The container 3 for the cooling medium is preferably made of cold-resistant plastic, for example epoxy, in particular glass fiber reinforced epoxy. The integrated container 3 is, for example, a flat or plate-shaped container or a cylindrical or tubular container. There can be several containers 3 in the refrigerator 1 can be arranged, for example on one or more side walls or on the upper side. The side walls, the bottom and the upper side are advantageously also insulated with vacuum insulation panels, for example as in FIG DE 199 48 361 A1 described. After filling the container 3 the filler opening is closed with the cooling medium using a closing device (eg cover or stopper).

In the 2 is a refrigerator 1 with removable or exchangeable insulated container 2 shown (cross-sectional view; left rear, right front). The insulated container 2 is as a side wall, in particular as a rear wall (as shown), or the door of the refrigerator 1 executed. The container 3 can be flat (for example as a flat container, in particular with expansion over one side of the refrigerator) or narrow (for example tubular container, expansion only in one area of one side). The insulation 7 . 7 ' and 7 '' is built with vacuum insulation panels. The insulated container 2 is preferably used standing.

The construction of an insulated container 2 is in 3 shown. The insulated container 2 than in a refrigerator 1 Integrated part or as a separate part has a container 3 with a cavity 4 (fillable space) for the cooling medium, an insulating body with vacuum insulation panels 10 . 10 ' . 10 '' and optionally an outer shell or an outer container 12 on. On the insulated container 1 is at least one opening 5 intended. The container 2 and the optional outer container 12 are preferably made of cold-resistant plastic, such as epoxy, especially glass fiber reinforced epoxy. The opening 5 serves as a filling opening for filling the container 2 with the cooling medium. Another opening 6 (optional) is for the discharge of gas (eg evaporating cooling medium) to cool the cooling room 8th (in 1 or 2 ) intended. Liquefied nitrogen is preferably used as the cooling medium. The filled container 2 remains depressurized during use. The vacuum insulation panels 10 . 10 ' . 10 '' are highly heat-insulating sheets with a core made of, for example, microporous silica or airgel powder, an evacuated covering made of metallized, highly vacuum-tight plastic film. The plate thickness is, for example, 20 mm. The base of the vacuum insulation panels used 4 and 4 ' is 270 mm × 783 mm, the base of the vacuum insulation panel 4 '' is 573 mm × 783 mm. The insulated container has a height of 140 mm and a base area of 590 mm × 800 mm. The gap 6 between inner container 2 , Vacuum insulation panels 4 . 4 ' . 4 ' and outer shell or outer container 6 is foamed with a polyurethane foam, e.g. assembly foam. The opening 5 is usually closed with a locking device (e.g. cover or stopper). Is the opening 5 the only opening, then a discharge opening (outflow opening) is provided in the closure device.

In the 4 is a cylindrical insulated container 2 shown. The cylindrical, upright insulated container 2 for example in the cold room 8th arranged for the refrigerated goods. The cylindrical insulated container 2 can also be in a to the refrigerator 8th open niche of a side wall or door. A cylindrical, tubular or cup-shaped inner container 3 with a filling room 4 and a filling opening 5 is with insulation 7 surround. The insulation 7 (eg insulating body or insulating jacket) is preferably constructed like a vacuum insulation panel. There is insulation material in a covering such as open-pore polyurethane foam or microporous powder such as silica or airgel. The casing is preferably evacuated (eg 1 mbar absolute). The wrapper is, for example, a highly vacuum-tight film or a container. The opening 5 is usually closed with a closure device (eg cover or stopper). A discharge opening (outflow opening) is provided in the closure device.

The example in 5 shows an insulated container constructed with vacuum insulation panels or comparable parts 2 , The upright insulated container 2 is flat or cylindrical, for example. With a cylindrical insulated container 2 is in the space between the inner container 3 and outer shell or an outer container 12 a pipe 10 arranged, which is constructed like a vacuum insulation panel. At the bottom of the insulated container 2 there is a vacuum insulation panel 10 ' , The gap 11 (gray) is foamed (structure like 3 ) or evacuated. The gap 11 can be reduced to a minimum, especially when evacuating. The insulated container 2 can, for example, in a side wall or door of the refrigerator 1 can be arranged as an interchangeable part or as a permanently installed part. It consists of the container 3 a spatial connection to the cold room 8th , so that cold gas (eg evaporated cooling medium) into the cold room 8th can reach. The cold gas can also enter the cooling space via a closure device with a gas discharge line 8th (please refer 1 or 2 ) are managed.

Claims (13)

Refrigeration device with at least one permanently installed or removable insulated container ( 1 ), which has at least one evacuated room with a solid filling material for thermal insulation. Refrigeration device according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulating container for thermal insulation at least one vacuum insulation panel or has a suitably developed insulation body. Refrigeration device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the evacuated space carbon dioxide, Contains krypton or argon. Refrigerator after one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the evacuated room a Absolute pressure in the range of 0.01 to 500 mbar. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized; that the insulated container ( 1 ) contains one or more containers made of metal, plastic, composite material or a combination of materials made of metal and plastic. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the insulating container ( 1 ) has one or more containers with a cylindrical or flat shape. Refrigerator after one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the filling material in the evacuated Room is an open-cell foam or a microporous powder. Refrigerator after one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filling material in the evacuated Space is an airgel powder or a microporous silica powder. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the insulating container ( 1 ) is designed for liquid nitrogen as the cooling medium. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the insulating container ( 1 ) is designed as a removable wall or door of the refrigerator. Refrigerator after one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the refrigerator has at least one door and one has removable wall. Use of an insulated container ( 1 ) with insulation, which has one or more vacuum insulation panels or correspondingly constructed vacuum insulation units, in a refrigerator. Use according to claim 12, characterized in that the insulating container ( 1 ) is used to store and / or transport refrigerated or refrigerated gas.