An International Organization for Standardization (ISO) shipping container 10 includes a cryogenic refrigeration system 14 for cryogenically cooling superconducting magnet(s) 12.sub.A, 12.sub.B during transit. The cryogenic refrigeration system 14 monitors the temperature and/or pressure of the superconducting magnet(s) and circulates a refrigerant to the superconducting magnet(s) to maintain cryogenic temperatures in superconducting coils. A power supply 16, provided by a transportation vehicle, connects to the cryogenic refrigeration system via a power inlet 20 which is accessible from the exterior of the shipping container. The superconducting magnet(s) are suspended within the shipping container which is then loaded onto the transportation vehicle. The external power supply is connected to the cryogenic refrigeration system such that refrigerant is circulated to a cold head 22.sub.A, 22.sub.B of each superconducting magnet. Maintaining cryogenic temperatures during transit minimizes losses to any liquid cryogen or gaseous cryogen installed in the superconducting prior to transit.

A refrigeration system for a vehicle includes a compressor in fluid communication with a condenser and an evaporator. The compressor includes a variable speed motor and employs capacity modulation using refrigerant injection. The condenser and the evaporator include variable speed fans. The refrigeration system includes a battery to supply power to the refrigeration system. The battery is charged by one or more sources of power including the vehicle. The refrigeration system includes a control module configured to monitor one or more characteristics of the battery and to control one or more operating parameters of one or more of the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator based on the one or more characteristics of the battery.

A refrigerator may be installed in a storage space defined by a wall of an object and includes a contact mechanism to bring the refrigerator into contact with the wall.

An automated, ultra-low temperature freezer having multiple structural features that reduce heat transfer into the freezer, protect its internal mechanical devices against low temperature mechanical binding of their movements, allow defrosting and autoclaving as a result of only minimal changes to the conventional CO.sub.2 emergency backup system. A group of freezers are arranged so they can simultaneously provide an HVAC function. A vial management system allows biological samples or vials to be automatically placed in and recovered from the freezer and associates the temperature history with each sample or vial that it was subjected to during its storage.

An automated, ultra-low temperature freezer having multiple structural features that reduce heat transfer into the freezer, protect its internal mechanical devices against low temperature mechanical binding of their movements, allow defrosting and autoclaving as a result of only minimal changes to the conventional CO.sub.2 emergency backup system. A group of freezers are arranged so they can simultaneously provide an HVAC function. A vial management system allows biological samples or vials to be automatically placed in and recovered from the freezer and associates the temperature history with each sample or vial that it was subjected to during its storage.

A refrigeration apparatus includes a container such as an evaporator for holding refrigerant, and a compressor for compressing refrigerant vapor. The compressed vapor is returned to the container, and stored as liquid. The liquid refrigerant is withdrawn from the container and then returned to the container via a first path through a heat exchanger for cooling a space, or a second path that does not pass through the heat exchanger. Upon returning to the container, the liquid refrigerant is at least partly evaporated due to the reduced pressure in the container caused by the operation of the compressor, and the container is cooled by the latent heat of evaporation. Thus, the container can act as a cold storage unit. The cold storage effect is increased when the refrigerant is returned to the container via the second path.

A refrigeration apparatus includes a container such as an evaporator for holding refrigerant, and a compressor for compressing refrigerant vapor. The compressed vapor is returned to the container, and stored as liquid. The liquid refrigerant is withdrawn from the container and then returned to the container via a first path through a heat exchanger for cooling a space, or a second path that does not pass through the heat exchanger. Upon returning to the container, the liquid refrigerant is at least partly evaporated due to the reduced pressure in the container caused by the operation of the compressor, and the container is cooled by the latent heat of evaporation. Thus, the container can act as a cold storage unit. The cold storage effect is increased when the refrigerant is returned to the container via the second path.

A cold storage assembly for maintaining a temperature of an item includes a shell that defines an interior space. The shell comprises membranous polymer so that the shell is flexible. The shell has a top that is open. A lid is pivotally coupled to a back of the shell adjacent to the top. The shell is configured to insert items into the interior space and the lid is positioned to selectively close the top. A plurality of panels is selectively couplable to an inner surface of the shell. The panels extend between a front and a back of the shell and define a plurality of compartments. The panels are configured to separate the items. A cooling unit that comprises an evaporator and a condenser is coupled to the shell. The cooling unit is positioned to cool the interior space and the items that are positioned therein.

A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a first inner case that defines a freezing compartment, a second inner case that defines a refrigerating compartment, a thermal siphon unit that is configured to carry a working fluid for heat transfer and that has a closed loop shape that includes a first part arranged at an outer side of the first inner case and a second part arranged at an outer side of the second inner case, and a cool air storage unit arranged in a space partitioned in the first inner case. The cool air storage unit is configured to accommodate cool air of the freezing compartment and transfer the cool air to the first part of the thermal siphon unit arranged outside of the first inner case.

A system may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a first working fluid flow path, and a second working fluid flow path. The first heat exchanger receives working fluid discharged from the compressor. The first working fluid flow path may receive working fluid from the first heat exchanger and may include a second heat exchanger and a first control valve that is movable between a first position allowing fluid flow through the second heat exchanger and a second position restricting fluid flow through the second heat exchanger. The second working fluid flow path may receive working fluid from the first heat exchanger and may include a third heat exchanger and a second control valve that is movable between a first position allowing fluid flow through the third heat exchanger and a second position restricting fluid flow through the third heat exchanger.