COLD STORAGE ARRANGEMENT AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

A cold storage arrangement and related methods include an insulated end wall, a rear end wall, and a pair of lateral walls defining a chamber therein. An insulated partitioning wall extends through the chamber to partition the chamber into an insulated compartment and a utility room. First and second refrigeration cabinets configured to receive respective first and second refrigeration units are positioned within the utility room. A first inlet vent and a first outlet vent are configured to fluidly connect the first refrigeration cabinet to the atmospheric air for receiving atmospheric air into the first refrigeration cabinet and discharging a first exhaust air from the first refrigeration cabinet. A second inlet vent and a second outlet vent are configured to fluidly connect the second refrigeration cabinet to the atmospheric air for receiving atmospheric air into the second refrigeration cabinet and discharging a second exhaust air from the second refrigeration cabinet.

Claims

1. A cold storage arrangement, comprising: an insulated end wall positioned opposite from a rear end wall and a pair of lateral walls extending therebetween, wherein the insulated end wall, the rear end wall, and the pair of lateral walls at least partially define a chamber therein; an insulated partitioning wall extending through the chamber partitioning the chamber into an insulated compartment toward the insulated end wall and a utility room toward the rear end wall, wherein the insulated partitioning wall extends vertically within the chamber such that the insulated compartment is horizontally opposed from the utility room; an insulated door positioned on the insulated end wall and configured to selectively access the insulated compartment therethrough; a rear end door positioned on the rear end wall and configured to selectively access the utility room therethrough; a first refrigeration cabinet positioned within the utility room and configured to receive a first refrigeration unit for cooling the insulated compartment; a first inlet vent and a first outlet vent configured to fluidly connect the first refrigeration cabinet to the atmospheric air for receiving atmospheric air into the first refrigeration cabinet and discharging a first exhaust air from the first refrigeration cabinet; a second refrigeration cabinet with the utility room and configured to receive a second refrigeration unit for cooling the insulated compartment; and a second inlet vent and a second outlet vent configured to fluidly connect the second refrigeration cabinet to the atmospheric air for receiving atmospheric air into the second refrigeration cabinet and discharging a second exhaust air from the second refrigeration cabinet.

2. The cold storage arrangement of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second refrigeration cabinets are configured to fluidly seal from a remainder of the utility room.

3. The cold storage arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first inlet vent and the second inlet vent extend through the rear end wall in fluid communication with the first refrigeration cabinet and the second refrigeration cabinet.

4. The cold storage arrangement of claim 3, wherein the first outlet vent extends through one of the pair of lateral walls in fluid communication with the first refrigeration cabinet, and wherein the second outlet vent extends through the other of the pair of lateral walls in fluid communication with the second refrigeration cabinet.

5. The cold storage arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first refrigeration cabinet is at least partially defined by the rear end wall and one of the lateral side walls, and wherein the second refrigeration cabinet is at least partially defined by the rear end wall and the other of the lateral side walls.

6. The cold storage arrangement of claim 5, wherein the first refrigeration cabinet is further defined by a first interior sidewall positioned within the utility room, and wherein the second refrigeration cabinet is further defined by a second interior sidewall positioned within the utility room.

7. The cold storage arrangement of claim 6, wherein the first and second interior sidewalls are removably connected within the utility room for access within the first and second refrigeration cabinets.

8. The cold storage arrangement of claim 5, wherein the first and second refrigeration cabinets are each further defined by a shelf wall configured to support the first and second refrigeration units thereon.

9. The cold storage arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a powering system at least partially positioned within the utility room and configured to generate an electrical power for powering the first and second refrigeration units.

10. The cold storage arrangement of claim 9, further comprising a roof covering the chamber, and wherein the powering system further includes a plurality of solar panels secured to the roof.

11. The cold storage arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a collection system at least partially positioned within the utility room and configured to collect a liquid condensate from the first and second refrigeration units.

12. The cold storage arrangement of claim 11, further comprising a treatment system configured to treat the collected liquid condensate.

13. The cold storage arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a portable computer unit mounted on the insulated partitioning wall, wherein the insulated partitioning wall is configured to conductively cool the portable computer unit from a cooled air within the insulated compartment.

14. The cold storage arrangement of claim 13, wherein the rear end door has a window aligned with the portable computer unit to visualize the portable computer unit through the window.

15. The cold storage arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a first refrigeration unit and a second refrigeration unit positioned respectively in the first and second refrigeration cabinets.

16. A cold storage arrangement, comprising: an insulated end wall positioned opposite from a rear end wall and a pair of lateral walls extending therebetween, wherein the insulated end wall, the rear end wall, and the pair of lateral walls at least partially define a chamber therein; a roof covering the chamber; an insulated partitioning wall extending through the chamber partitioning the chamber into an insulated compartment toward the insulated end wall and a utility room toward the rear end wall, wherein the insulated partitioning wall extends vertically within the chamber such that the insulated compartment is horizontally opposed from the utility room; an insulated door positioned on the insulated end wall and configured to selectively access the insulated compartment therethrough; a rear end door positioned on the rear end wall and configured to selectively access the utility room therethrough; a first refrigeration cabinet positioned within the utility room and configured to receive a first refrigeration unit for cooling the insulated compartment; a first inlet vent and a first outlet vent configured to fluidly connect the first refrigeration cabinet to the atmospheric air for receiving atmospheric air into the first refrigeration cabinet and discharging a first exhaust air from the first refrigeration cabinet; a second refrigeration cabinet with the utility room and configured to receive a second refrigeration unit for cooling the insulated compartment; and a second inlet vent and a second outlet vent configured to fluidly connect the second refrigeration cabinet to the atmospheric air for receiving atmospheric air into the second refrigeration cabinet and discharging a second exhaust air from the second refrigeration cabinet; and a powering system at least partially positioned within the utility room and configured to generate an electrical power for powering the first and second refrigeration units, wherein the powering system further includes a plurality of solar panels secured to the roof, wherein each of the first and second refrigeration cabinets are configured to fluidly seal from a remainder of the utility room, wherein the first inlet vent and the second inlet vent extend through the rear end wall in fluid communication with the first refrigeration cabinet and the second refrigeration cabinet, wherein the first outlet vent extends through one of the pair of lateral walls in fluid communication with the first refrigeration cabinet, and wherein the second outlet vent extends through the other of the pair of lateral walls in fluid communication with the second refrigeration cabinet.

17. The cold storage arrangement of claim 16, wherein the first refrigeration cabinet is at least partially defined by the rear end wall and one of the lateral side walls, and wherein the second refrigeration cabinet is at least partially defined by the rear end wall and the other of the lateral side walls.

18. The cold storage arrangement of claim 17, wherein the first refrigeration cabinet is further defined by a first interior sidewall positioned within the utility room, and wherein the second refrigeration cabinet is further defined by a second interior sidewall positioned within the utility room.

19. The cold storage arrangement of claim 18, wherein the first and second interior sidewalls are removably connected within the utility room for access within the first and second refrigeration cabinets.

20. A method of cooling products in a cold storage arrangement, wherein the cold storage arrangement includes an insulated end wall positioned opposite from a rear end wall and a pair of lateral walls extending therebetween, wherein the insulated end wall, the rear end wall, and the pair of lateral walls at least partially define a chamber therein; an insulated partitioning wall extending through the chamber partitioning the chamber into an insulated compartment toward the insulated end wall and a utility room toward the rear end wall, wherein the insulated partitioning wall extends vertically within the chamber such that the insulated compartment is horizontally opposed from the utility room; an insulated door positioned on the insulated end wall and configured to selectively access the insulated compartment therethrough; a rear end door positioned on the rear end wall and configured to selectively access the utility room therethrough; a first refrigeration cabinet positioned within the utility room and configured to receive a first refrigeration unit for cooling the insulated compartment; a first inlet vent and a first outlet vent configured to fluidly connect the first refrigeration cabinet to the atmospheric air for receiving atmospheric air into the first refrigeration cabinet and discharging a first exhaust air from the first refrigeration cabinet; a second refrigeration cabinet with the utility room and configured to receive a second refrigeration unit for cooling the insulated compartment; and a second inlet vent and a second outlet vent configured to fluidly connect the second refrigeration cabinet to the atmospheric air for receiving atmospheric air into the second refrigeration cabinet and discharging a second exhaust air from the second refrigeration cabinet, the method comprising: withdrawing a first inlet air through the first inlet vent and into the first refrigeration cabinet in a first direction; withdrawing a second inlet air into the second inlet vent and into the second refrigeration cabinet in the first direction; discharging the first exhaust air through the first outlet vent from the first refrigeration cabinet in a second direction transverse to the first direction; discharging the second exhaust air through the second exhaust vent from the second refrigeration cabinet in a third direction transverse to the first direction; and discharging a cooled air into the insulated compartment to thereby cool the products contained therein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present cold storage arrangement

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a first exemplary cold storage arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the cold storage arrangement of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3A illustrates a rear view of the cold storage arrangement of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of a product discharge door defined on an insulated door of the cold storage arrangement of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional side view of the cold storage arrangement of FIG. 1 with an insulated compartment and a non-insulated compartment;

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an internal cold-air venting assembly of the cold storage arrangement of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates various components located within the non-insulated compartment of FIG. 4;

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a powering system of the cold storage arrangement of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a second exemplary cold storage arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the cold storage arrangement of FIG. 8;

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional view of the cold storage arrangement of FIG. 8 having various features hidden for clarity;

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a treatment system of the cold storage arrangement of FIG. 8 having a liquid pump and a sterilizer;

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the liquid pump of FIG. 11; and

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a side elevational view of the sterilizer of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0024] I. First Exemplary Cold Storage Arrangement

[0025] With respect to FIGS. 1-7, a first exemplary cold storage arrangement (10) includes a chamber (12), a refrigeration unit (28) (see FIG. 4) and a powering system (32) (see FIG. 7). The chamber (12) has an insulated compartment (14) and a non-insulated compartment (16), as shown in FIG. 4, insulatingly separated from each other by an insulating partition wall (13). The insulated walls, ceiling and floor of the chamber (12) may have any suitable R value selected based on achieving the desired design cooling load for the insulated compartment (14) based on ambient environment design criteria. The insulated compartment (14) is located on the operative front side of the chamber (12), as illustrated in FIG. 4, while the non-insulated compartment (16) is located on the rear side of the chamber (12). The chamber (12) is provided with a roof (18) which may form the ceiling for the chamber (12). The roof (18) enables supporting a plurality of solar panels (20) arranged in at least one array. In one embodiment, the plurality of solar panels (20) is arranged on a frame so as to define an adjustable inclination angle () with the roof (18) at the end of the non-insulated chamber (16). The solar panels (20) are oriented relative to north and south to maximize the incident solar radiation. The cold storage arrangement (10) may be arranged in any orientation relative to the solar panels (20). For example, the cold storage arrangement (10) may be oriented to minimize the amount of solar energy impinging the walls of the insulated compartment (14) and, overall, impinging any surfaces the cold storage arrangement (10) other than the solar panels (20), so as to minimize the cooling load. In the northern hemisphere, the non-insulated chamber (16) may be oriented to face southward. The inclination angle () is approximately equal to the latitude angle of the location wherein the cold storage arrangement (10) is mounted, such as a latitude angle of approximately +15 degrees in winter months and approximately 15 degrees in summer months. The solar panels (20) utilize solar energy for charging a plurality of batteries in a battery bank (34) of the powering system (32) during daylight hours. The batteries are sufficiently charged during the daylight hours so as to operate the cold storage arrangement (10) during night hours. A battery back-up system is provided to run the refrigeration unit (28) over an extended period of time to cater to unavailability of adequate sunlight. Additionally, alternate provision is provided to operate the refrigeration unit (28) on generator power or electrical energy form the mains supply line.

[0026] The insulated compartment (14) provides a storage space for storing of perishable commodities at a predetermined temperature, typically lower than ambient. The perishable commodities are accommodated within the insulated compartment (14) using stacking bins or shelves depending on the necessity of the perishable commodities. The insulated compartment (14) is provided with an insulated door (22), illustrated in FIG. 2, for accessing the insulated compartment (14) and allows easy movement of commodities into and out of the chamber (12). Additionally, a product discharge door (23), illustrated in FIG. 3B, may be installed with the insulated door (22) in order to allow movement of the commodities into and out of the insulated compartment (14). This helps in preserving the cold air within the insulated compartment (14) as the insulated door (22) is not required to be kept open for a longer period of time. Further, the insulated compartment (14) may be provided with an LED lighting arrangement which may be run by the powering system (32), illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0027] Non-insulated compartment (16) may be provided, and may house components such as the powering system (32), the refrigeration unit (28) and the air filtration unit (30). In the depicted embodiment, the refrigeration unit (28) houses a condenser, a compressor and an evaporator, enclosed within a high-density polyethylene shell which provides protection thereto. The structural and functional configuration of the refrigeration unit (28) may be as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,789, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. In the embodiment depicted, the refrigeration unit (28) is a cabinet partitioned into a cold cell and a warm cell by an insulated wall. The evaporator coil and the evaporator fan are situated within the cold cell and surrounded by the insulated wall while the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator fan motor are situated within the warm cell which is located outside the insulated wall. The refrigeration unit (28) being a compact self-contained cabinet enables easy installation, replacement and servicing.

[0028] The non-insulated compartment (16) provides security and protection against the environment, such as the weather, to the powering system (32), the refrigeration unit (28) and the air filtration unit (30). The solar panels (20) are located on the roof (18) of the chamber (12). The battery bank (34) is positioned within the non-insulated compartment (16) so as to be in close proximity to the solar panels. The proximity of the solar panels (20) to the battery bank (34) minimizes the losses involved in the length of the electrical wiring involved and hence reduces the losses involved in transmitting electrical power from the solar panels (20). The non-insulated compartment (16) is provided with an entry door (26) to allow secure and easy access to the non-insulated compartment (16), thus, facilitating maintenance of the powering system (32), the refrigeration unit (28) and the air filtration unit (30).

[0029] The non-insulated compartment (16) includes a pair of spaced apart vents (11) for fluidly communicating atmospheric air into and out of the non-insulated compartment (16). The pair of opposing vents (11) may be positioned on opposite walls of the non-insulated compartment (16) to enable cross flow of the atmospheric air. The air filtration unit (30) is positioned in the path of the atmospheric air coming in through one of the vents (11) to enable filtering of the incoming atmospheric air of dust and debris before being admitted into the condenser of the refrigeration unit (28). Partitions may be included to separate the air inlet side of the condensing coils from the air outlet side so that only filtered air is drawn into the inlet. This helps in eliminating a potential build-up of dust and debris on the condenser and thus maintains the heat transfer efficiency of the refrigeration unit (28) for an increased time period and prevents the compressor from being damaged due to overheating.

[0030] The refrigeration unit (28), powered by the powering system (32), receives filtered atmospheric air from the air filtration unit (30) to transfer heat from the condenser and thereby cooling the refrigerant within the refrigeration unit (28). In a refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant is expanded downstream of the condenser, dropping the temperature of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant can absorb heat from the air flowing across the evaporator coils as the refrigerant flows therethrough. The air within the insulated compartment (14) is continuously cooled by being circulated, by a fan, across the evaporator coils of the refrigeration unit (28), hence forming refrigerated dehumidified air. If necessary, any moisture which condenses out of the air on the evaporator coils or other components of the refrigeration unit (28) may be directed to flow to any suitable location.

[0031] The refrigerated dehumidified air is recirculated through the refrigeration unit (28) so as to maintain the temperature within the insulated compartment (14) at a desired level. The refrigerated dehumidified air flowing from the evaporator coils of the refrigeration unit (28) is guided to the insulated compartment (14) via a duct (15), illustrated in FIG. 5, thermally conditioning insulated compartment (14) which preserves perishable commodities stored therein. The duct (15) may be of any suitable configuration. In the embodiment depicted, duct (15) includes a cold air discharge portion (15a) and a warm air return portion (15b). The cold air discharge portion (15a) receives the refrigerated dehumidified air from the refrigeration unit (28) downstream of the evaporator coils, and directs the refrigerated dehumidified air upward along the wall and along the ceiling (18), to be dispersed into the insulated compartment (14) from the exit (15b). The refrigerated dehumidified air flows by convection within the insulated compartment (14), thereby maintaining the insulated compartment (14) and any contents at the desired temperature or temperature range. The convective flow path of the refrigerated dehumidified air may flow from the exit (15a) along the ceiling (18), down along the walls, and back to an entrance of the warm air return of the refrigeration unit (28) to be recirculated and cooled across the evaporator coils. The cycle of recirculation is continued until the temperature within the insulated compartment (14) is reduced to the desired level. A temperature controller (24) communicates with the refrigeration unit (28). The temperature controller (24) enables setting the temperature to be maintained within the insulated compartment (14) at the desired level. Further, the temperature controller enables operating the refrigeration unit (28) in a cycle so as to maintain the insulated compartment (14) at the desired level.

[0032] The structural and functional configuration of the refrigeration unit (28) enables separation of heated portions and cold portions of the refrigeration unit (28) which capacitates the refrigeration unit (28) to deliver refrigerated cold air into the insulated compartment (14) with increased efficiency. The cold cell of the refrigeration unit (28) may be positioned within an opening provided on the insulating partition wall (13), and may extend partially into the insulated compartment (14), while the warm cell of the refrigeration unit (28) may be positioned within the non-insulated compartment (16). The separation of heated portions and cold portions of the refrigeration unit (28) results in reduction of energy consumption by 25% in comparison to traditional refrigeration systems, thus maximizing the use of the solar electric power generated by the solar panels (20). Further, the high-density polyethylene shell and the components of the refrigeration unit (28) housed therein are substantially recyclable, making the refrigeration unit (28) ecofriendly and affordable.

[0033] Non-insulated compartment (16) may be provided, and may house components such as the powering system (32), the refrigeration unit (28) and the air filtration unit (30). In the depicted embodiment, the refrigeration unit (28) houses a condenser (33a), a compressor (33b) and an evaporator (33c), enclosed within a high-density polyethylene shell which provides protection thereto. The structural and functional configuration of the refrigeration unit (28) may be as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,789, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In the embodiment depicted, the refrigeration unit (28) is a cabinet (35a) partitioned into a cold cell (35b) and a warm cell (35c) by an insulated wall (35d). The evaporator coil (35e) and the evaporator fan (35f) are situated within the cold cell (35b) and surrounded by the insulated wall (35d) while the compressor (33b), the condenser (33a) and the evaporator fan motor (35g) are situated within the warm cell (35c) which is located outside the insulated wall (35d). The refrigeration unit (28) being a compact self-contained cabinet enables easy installation, replacement and servicing.

[0034] The battery bank (34) supplies the required power for operation of the refrigeration unit (28) through an inverter (38). The output of inverter (38) may be of any surge, continuous power, output voltage and waveform suitable for the refrigeration unit (28). One such inverter suitable for the embodiment depicted is a Samlex America model SAM-2000-12 with 10.5 v to 15 v input, 115 VAC pure sine wave output, 2000 watts continuous and 4000 watts surge. Or a Samlex America PST-200S-12A may be used. Inverter (38) is a pure wave form inverter, also known as a true sine wave, and has low idle current drain of less than 1 amp, providing peak efficiency of 85%.

[0035] The non-insulated compartment (16) includes a pair of spaced apart vents (11) for fluidly communicating atmospheric air into and out of the non-insulated compartment (16). The pair of opposing vents (11) may be positioned on opposite walls of the non-insulated compartment (16) to enable cross flow of the atmospheric air. The air filtration unit (30) is positioned in the path of the atmospheric air coming in through one of the vents (11) to enable filtering the incoming atmospheric air of dust and debris before being admitted into the condenser (33a) of the refrigeration unit (28). Partitions may be included to separate the air inlet side of the condensing coils (35e) from the air outlet side so that only filtered air is drawn into the inlet. This helps in eliminating a potential build-up of dust and debris on the condenser (33a) and thus maintains the heat transfer efficiency of the refrigeration unit (28) for an increased time period and prevents the compressor (33b) from being damaged due to overheating.

[0036] The refrigeration unit (28), powered by the powering system (32), receives filtered atmospheric air from the air filtration unit (30) to transfer heat from the condenser (33a) and thereby cooling the refrigerant within the refrigeration unit (28). As is known with a refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant is expanded downstream of the condenser (33a), dropping the temperature of the refrigerant so that the refrigerant can absorb heat from the air flowing across the evaporator coils (35e) as the refrigerant flows therethrough. The air within the insulated compartment (14) is continuously cooled by being circulated, by a fan, across the evaporator coils (35e) of the refrigeration unit (28), hence forming refrigerated dehumidified air. If necessary, any moisture which condenses out of the air on the evaporator coils (35e) or other components of the refrigeration unit (28) may be directed to flow to any suitable location.

[0037] The refrigerated dehumidified air is recirculated through the refrigeration unit (28) so as to maintain the temperature within the insulated compartment (14) at a desired level. The refrigerated dehumidified air flowing from the evaporator coils (35e) of the refrigeration unit (28) is guided to the insulated compartment (14) via a duct (15), illustrated in FIG. 5, thermally conditioning insulated compartment (14) which preserves perishable commodities stored therein. The duct (15) may be of any suitable configuration. In the embodiment depicted, duct (15) includes a cold air discharge portion (15a) and a warm air return portion (15b). The cold air discharge portion (15a) receives the refrigerated dehumidified air from the refrigeration unit (28) downstream of the evaporator coils, and directs the refrigerated dehumidified air upward along the wall and along the ceiling (18), to be dispersed into the insulated compartment (14) from the exit (15a). The refrigerated dehumidified air flows by convection within the insulated compartment (14), thereby maintaining the insulated compartment (14) and any contents at the desired temperature or temperature range. The convective flow path of the refrigerated dehumidified air may flow from the exit (15a) along the ceiling (18), down along the walls, and back to an entrance of the warm air return of the refrigeration unit (28) to be recirculated and cooled across the evaporator coils (35e). The cycle of recirculation is continued until the temperature within the insulated compartment (14) is reduced to the desired level. A temperature controller (24) communicates with the refrigeration unit (28). The temperature controller (24) enables setting the temperature to be maintained within the insulated compartment (14) at the desired level. Further, the temperature controller enables operating the refrigeration unit (28) in a cycle so as to maintain the insulated compartment (14) at the desired level.

[0038] The structural and functional configuration of the refrigeration unit (28) enables separation of heated portions and cold portions of the refrigeration unit (28) which capacitates the refrigeration unit (28) to deliver refrigerated cold air into the insulated compartment (14) with increased efficiency. The cold cell (35b) of the refrigeration unit (28) may be positioned within an opening provided on the insulating partition wall (13), and may extend partially into the insulated compartment (14), while the warm cell (35c) of the refrigeration unit (28) may be positioned within the non-insulated compartment (16). The separation of heated portions and cold portions of the refrigeration unit (28) results in reduction of energy consumption by 25% in comparison to traditional refrigeration systems, thus maximizing the use of the solar electric power generated by the solar panels (20). Further, the high-density polyethylene shell and the components of the refrigeration unit (28) housed therein are substantially recyclable, making the refrigeration unit (28) ecofriendly and affordable.

[0039] II. Second Exemplary Cold Storage Arrangement

[0040] FIGS. 8-13 illustrate a second exemplary cold storage arrangement (110) that includes chamber (12), roof (18) with solar panels (20) thereon similar to those discussed above as well as a powering system (150), a collection system (152), a treatment system (154), and a cooling system (156) with a pair of refrigeration units (28). Cold storage arrangement (110) is generally similar to cold storage arrangement (10) (see FIG. 1) except for various differences discussed below. To this end, like numbers indicate like features described above in greater detail.

[0041] With respect to FIGS. 8 and 9, chamber (12) (see FIG. 1) is surrounded by opposing lateral walls (157) and opposing end walls (158) with roof (18) thereabove. Powering system (150) includes solar panels (20) discussed above for providing electrical power to systems (152, 154, 156) (see FIG. 10), in whole or in part, as discussed herein. In addition, powering system (150) includes an exterior electrical access (159) having an AC power outlet (160) and a DC power outlet (162) mounted on rear end wall (158) and operatively connected to battery bank (34) (see FIG. 10). AC power outlet (160) may also include a powered USB port (161). Each AC and DC power outlet (160, 162) further includes a movable cover (163) for protecting AC and DC power outlets (160, 162) from the environment and/or inadvertent contact by a user.

[0042] An electrical breaker (not shown), such as a fuse or breaker switch, is electrically connected to AC and DC power outlets (160, 162) and configured to inhibit electrical draw from the AC and DC power outlet (160, 162) greater than a predetermined maximum limit to preserve sufficient power for cooling system (156). Electrical breaker (not shown) is positioned within a utility room (164) (see FIG. 10), which is similar to non-insulated compartment (16) (see FIG. 4). Admission to utility room (164) (see FIG. 10) is restricted by a lockable entry door (126) configured to provide selective access from the environment into utility room (164) (see FIG. 10). Thus, the user that inadvertently or intentionally overloads electrical breaker (not shown) may be required to contact a manager of cold storage arrangement (110) to selectively open entry door (126) with a key or code to reset electrical breaker (not shown) for further use of AC and/or DC power outlets (160, 162). Entry door (126) further includes a viewing window (166) horizontally and vertically aligned with a solar power conditioning unit (PCU) (168) for viewing information related to one or more systems (150, 152, 154, 156) from outside of utility room (164) (see FIG. 10). Again, such visual access provides the user with additional information that may be provided to the manager as desired without granting every potential user with physical access to utility room (164) (see FIG. 10). The particular position of PCU (168) in the present example will be discussed below in greater detail. In the present example, PCU is an integrated system consisting of a solar charge controller, an inverter, a grid/generator charger, an output selector mechanism, and control algorithms for operation. PCU is configured to charge the battery bank through either a solar or grid/generator set. The PCU also continuously monitors and reports the state of battery voltage, solar power output, and the load, and can automatically switch between primary solar and secondary grid/generator power sources.

[0043] Cooling system (156) includes a pair of inlet vents (170) mounted through rear end wall (158) and a pair of outlet vents (172) mounted through lateral walls (157) for respective refrigeration units (28) shown with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10 in greater detail. Relatively cooler, ambient air is drawn into refrigeration units (28) through inlet vents (170) during use, as indicated by reference numeral (174), while relatively warmer exhaust air is discharged from refrigeration units (28) through outlet vents (172), as indicated by reference numeral (176). Ambient air thus flows forward into inlet vents (170), whereas exhaust air flows transversely outward from outlet vents (170) relative to the ambient air flow.

[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates the arrangement of the pair of refrigeration units (28) within utility room (64) in greater detail. Each refrigeration unit (28) is contained within a refrigeration cabinet (178) defined in the present example by lateral wall (157), partition wall (13), an interior sidewall (180), a shelf wall (182), and end wall (158), which is hidden in FIG. 10 for greater clarity of refrigeration units (28). Shelf wall (182) in the present example laterally extends along utility room (164) and is common to both refrigeration cabinets (178). Interior sidewall (180) is removable from the remainder of refrigeration cabinet (178) in order to access an inner cabinet space (186) that contains a refrigerated air duct (188), air filtration unit (30), and refrigeration unit (28).

[0045] Within each inner cabinet space (186), inlet and outlet vents (170, 172) as well as air filtration unit (30) are positioned for direct fluid communication with refrigeration unit (28) while inhibiting air leakage into the remainder of inner cabinet space (186). Thereby, each refrigeration unit (28) pulls ambient air from the environment through inlet vent (170) rather than from inner cabinet space (186) and similarly discharges exhaust air directly back into the environment through outlet vent (176) rather than into inner cabinet space (186). An intermediate wall (190) is shown in the present example to extend between refrigeration unit (28) and lateral wall (157) to further fluidly seal in exhaust air (176). Such direct venting of ambient and exhaust air improves the efficiency and increases the useful of refrigeration units (28). In the present example, each refrigeration cabinet (178) is fluidly sealed from a remainder of utility room (164) to further increase efficiency and the useful life of refrigeration units (28), particularly given that some cooling occurs within inner cabinet space (186) through partition wall (13) for cooling refrigeration unit (28) during use.

[0046] Each refrigerated air duct (188) fluidly connects refrigeration unit (28) to duct (15) (see FIG. 4) within insulated compartment (14) (see FIG. 4). The present example of cold storage arrangement (110) thus includes two such respective ducts (15). Given the modularity of refrigeration units (28), cold storage arrangement (110) is configured to operate with one or two such refrigeration unit (28). One refrigeration unit (28) provides similar cooling capacity and requires similar power consumption to cold storage arrangement (10) (see FIG. 1) discussed above in greater detail. Two refrigeration units (28) operated simultaneously provide relatively greater cooling capacity, but also require additional power consumption. Powering system (150) is configured to provide a maximum power output of approximately 3 kW for powering refrigeration units (28), which simultaneously operate at less than 3 kW. Thus, additional power capacity remains for other systems (152, 154) discussed herein. However, in the present example, each refrigeration unit (28) and its supporting powering system requires greater than approximately 1.5 kW on startup, and, thus, startup of the pair of refrigeration units (28) is staggered so as not to exceed the maximum power output of 3 kW. More particularly, powering system (150) includes a relay timer switch (192) operatively connected between refrigeration units (28) that is configured to stagger startup of refrigeration units (28) in succession so as to inhibit exceeding the maximum power output of powering system (150).

[0047] In the event that only one refrigeration unit (28) is provided within utility room (164), each refrigeration cabinet (178) remains fluidly sealed from the remainder of utility room (164). In addition, a plug (not shown) is positioned within refrigeration air duct (188) that is not connected to refrigeration unit (28) to inhibit leakage for cooled, refrigerated air from within insulated compartment (14) (see FIG. 4) into inner cabinet space (186) and to the environment through one or both of vents (170, 172).

[0048] As discussed briefly above, PCU (168) is aligned with viewing window (166). More particularly, PCU (168) positioned inward and between refrigeration cabinets (178) and on partition wall (13). Partition wall (13) thereby cools PCU (168) during use as cooling within insulated compartment (14) (see FIG. 4) passes through partition wall (13). Alternatively, PCU (168) and viewing window (166) may be cooperatively repositioned for alternative viewing and operation.

[0049] A lower compartment (194) within utility room (164) includes battery bank (34) of powering system (150) as well as collection and treatment systems (152, 154) shown in FIGS. 10-11. Additional batteries (not shown) may be added to battery bank (34) to increase capacity for the pair of refrigeration units (28) and systems (152, 154). Collection system (152) has a storage tank (210) fluidly connected to one or both refrigeration units (28) to receive and store water condensate generated by refrigeration units (28) during use. In the present example, the conduits (not shown) direct water condensate into storage tank (210), which is configured to store a predetermined amount of liquid, such as 5 gallons. More particularly, storage tank (210) is positioned below refrigeration units (28) to thereby gravity feed water condensate into storage tank (210) via conduits (not shown). In any case, the water condensate collects within storage tank (210) as a source of liquid water. Any excess liquid water greater than the storage tank capacity (210) may simply be drained to the environment.

[0050] Collection system (152) further includes a spigot valve (212) mounted on lateral wall (157) and a liquid conduit (214) in fluid communication between spigot valve (212) and storage tank (210). Spigot valve (212) selectively opens to drain liquid water from storage tank (210) for any desirable use by the user. By way of example, the liquid water collected in storage tank (210) may be used for washing products to be refrigerated and/or maintenance of cold storage arrangement (110), such as for cleaning solar panels (20) of dust and other debris that may otherwise reduce the effectiveness of solar panels (20). A liquid pump (216) may also be fluidly connected to liquid conduit (214) between spigot valve (212) and storage tank (210) to deliver liquid water at increased pressure relative pressure for use. Liquid pump (216) shown with respect to FIG. 10 and FIG. 12 is operatively connected to powering system (150) via a DC voltage regulator (217) for pumping liquid water on approximately 24 volts and approximately 3.5 amps and further includes a PC board (218). More particularly, liquid pump (216) of the present example is a brushless, three phase, 24-volt DC water pump operatively driven on approximately 3.5 amps with a static water head up to 12 meters and static flow rate up to 35 liters per minute. Liquid pump (216) in another example may be further configured to deliver liquid water directly to solar panels (20) via a conduit (not shown) for cleaning solar panels (20) with greater automation.

[0051] In addition to providing liquid water that is untreated from collection system (152), treatment system (154) is also fluidly connected to collection system (152) and thereby configured to provide treated water for use. With respect to FIGS. 11-13, liquid pump (214) is fluidly connected to a sterilizer (220) configured to treat liquid water by effectively terminating and/or removing contaminants, such as harmful bacteria and/or viruses, from the liquid water pumped from storage tank (210) via liquid pump (216). In addition, an upstream sensor (222) and a downstream sensor (224) are positioned respectively upstream and downstream of sterilizer (220) for sensing the presence of contaminants before and after treatment with sterilizer (220). Sensors (222, 224) are configured to provide data to the user, such as via a computer application on a smartphone or other computer device, regarding the safety of such treated water for drinking and/or medicinal uses. Following treatment, the treated liquid water may be simply accessed by another spigot (226) mounted to another lateral wall (157) as shown in FIG. 10.

[0052] FIG. 13 illustrates one exemplary sterilizer (220), such as an ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer (220). UV sterilizer (220) includes a compact fluorescent UV lamp (228) with a wavelength of approximately 253.7 nanometers and a pair of spiral fins (230) configured to disrupt the flow of liquid water for treatment. In one example, UV sterilizer (220) has a flowrate up to 253 gallons per hour, whereas the collection and treatment systems (152, 154) have a cooperative limit of approximately 24 gallons per hour in the present example. In addition, UV sterilizer (220) is operatively powered by approximately 9 watts from powering system (150).

[0053] It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0054] It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.