Systems and methods can control refrigeration within a refrigerated freight container. Thermal sensor nodes can be positioned within the freight container. Temperature measurements can be wirelessly relayed from the sensor nodes to a gateway associated with the freight container. The received temperature measurements can be aggregated and logged at the gateway. Thermal models of the freight container and associated cargo loads can be established in response to the logged temperature measurements and loading plan for the foreign container. The refrigeration system can be controlled in response to processing the thermal models. The refrigeration system can be controlled to optimize compliance parameters associated with the cargo loads.

An illustrative example method of controlling use of a portable cooling container includes determining at least one characteristic of an amount of use of the cooling container. The at least one characteristic is determined by at least one of a processor at a location remote from the cooling container and a container controller of the cooling container. A relationship between the at least one characteristic and continued use of the cooling container is determined. An indication to a user of the cooling container is provided regarding continued use of the cooling container based on the determined relationship.

A method for controlling the temperature and humidity level of the air contained in an enclosed refrigerated space includes the step of measuring the temperature of air in the space. The space includes a cooler having a plurality of cold batteries; at least one coolant temperature sensor at the input and at least one coolant temperature sensor at the output of the cooler; at least one fan with an adjustable, reversible direction of ventilation for producing a variable flow of air through the cooler; at least one temperature sensor upstream of the fan; at least one temperature sensor downstream of the cooler; at least one humidity level sensor upstream of the fan; and at least one humidity level sensor downstream of the cooler. The control is affected by reference values given initially for the temperature and humidity level in the enclosed space.

Systems and methods are provided for bimodal refrigeration, which uses a combination of mechanical refrigeration and phase change material (PCM) cells to provide cooling for one or more units of storage, such as freezers, coolers, storage or display cases, open cases (without doors), closed cases (with doors), rack systems (with compressors located remotely), self-contained refrigeration systems (with embedded compressors), in an optimal and efficient manner. In some embodiments, the systems and methods employ intelligent controls which may monitor and receive input for system conditions, time of day, and other conditions, and turn on/off the mechanical refrigeration as appropriate to provide for efficient and cost-effective use of energy.

A method of operating a transport refrigeration system comprises: controlling, using a controller (30), a plurality of components of the refrigeration system and monitoring, using the controller, a plurality of operating parameters of the refrigeration system. The controlling comprises operating at least one of a prime mover (26), heater (48), and electric generation device (24). The operating parameters comprise at least one of a speed of the prime mover and a voltage of the electric generation device. The method comprises detecting, using the controller, when at least one of a heating mode and a defrost mode is required; activating, using the controller, the heater when at least one of the heating mode and the defrost mode is required; comparing, using the controller, the voltage of the electric generation device to a selected voltage; and controlling, using the controller, the speed of the prime mover in response to the voltage of the electric generation device.

A cooling container having a coolant chamber and a product chamber. Cooling gases from the coolant chamber circulate between the coolant chamber and the product chamber to retain the latter at a desired low temperature. In one embodiment the cooling gases flow through a radiator disposed in the product chamber. In another embodiment a heat exchanger is provided on a divider wall between the coolant chamber and the product chamber. When a temperature sensor detects that the temperature in the product chamber exceeds a temperature set point, a controller opens valves that allow cool gases in the coolant chamber to circulate through the radiator or across the heat exchanger to lower the temperature in the product chamber.

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a fan assembly for a refrigerator. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, there may be provided a refrigerator, including a main body having one or more storage spaces, one or more doors configured to open or close at least part of the one or more storage spaces, a cool air supply device configured to supply cool air to maintain the storage space at a predetermined temperature, food storage separators configured to partition the one or more storage spaces and store food, and a fan assembly in the one or more storage spaces configured to circulate air in the one or more storage spaces.

A portable cooler container with active temperature control includes a container body with an insulated chamber to receive medicines, vaccines, biological samples or other medical goods. A control system is at least partially disposed between an outer wall and an inner wall of the container body. An electronic display screen on one of the lid and the container body configured to display shipping address information for the portable cooler container.

A portable cooler container with active temperature control includes a container body with an insulated chamber to receive medicines, vaccines, biological samples or other medical goods. A control system is at least partially disposed between an outer wall and an inner wall of the container body. An electronic display screen on one of the lid and the container body configured to display shipping address information for the portable cooler container.

An automated order fulfillment system is disclosed having different temperature zones and robots and containers capable of and/or configured to work in these different temperature zones.