IP Library › Patent Application 19011227
Patent Application
App. No. 19/011,227

RECHARGEABLE THERMAL BATTERY SYSTEMS FOR USE IN TRANSPORTING OR STORING PERISHABLE ITEMS

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
19/011,227
Abstract

An apparatus includes a cargo area with a heat exchanger; a thermal battery system having a phase change material (PCM) with first and second heat exchangers embedded in the PCM; fluid conduits defining fluid passageways interconnecting the cargo area heat exchanger and the first PCM-embedded heat exchanger; and a pump creating a fluid flow through the fluid conduits between the cargo area heat exchanger and the first PCM-embedded heat exchanger. The apparatus also includes external ports configured for connecting to an external charging source for charging the PCM; and fluid conduits defining fluid passageways interconnecting the external ports and the second PCM-embedded heat exchanger. The first PCM-embedded heat exchanger, pump, and cargo area heat exchanger form part of a first closed-loop circuit for transferring heat between the cargo area and the thermal battery system. The second PCM-embedded heat exchanger and external ports do not part of the first closed-loop circuit.

Claims (13)

1 . A method of charging a thermal battery of a thermal battery system of a transportation vessel, comprising:

(a) charging a thermal storage reservoir of a portable thermal charger; and thereafter

(b) transporting the portable thermal charger to the transportation vessel;

(c) connecting the thermal storage reservoir of the portable thermal charger to the thermal battery system of the transportation vessel; and

(d) charging the thermal battery of the thermal battery system of the transportation vessel using the thermal storage reservoir of the portable thermal charger.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the charging of the thermal battery of the thermal battery system of the transportation vessel using the thermal storage reservoir of the portable thermal charger comprises using a pump that is external to the transportation vessel to flow a heat-transfer fluid between the thermal storage reservoir and the thermal battery of the thermal battery system of the transportation vessel.

3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the pump is located onboard the portable thermal charger.

4 . The method of claim 3 , further comprising powering the onboard pump using an electric battery of the portable thermal charger.

5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said step of charging the thermal storage reservoir of the portable thermal charger is performed using an industrial chiller.

6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the charging of the thermal storage reservoir of the portable thermal charger is carried out over an extended period of time that is much longer relative to a period of time of charging the thermal battery of the thermal battery system of the transportation vessel.

7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the transportation vessel comprises a cart.

8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the transportation vessel comprises a trailer.

9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the transportation vessel comprises a vehicle.