DE102018124162A1 - A method for providing a transport container system with a desired range of the container inner temperature and a transport container system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing a transport container system (1) with a container interior temperature lying within a desired range. The transport container system (1) has a thermally insulated, closable container (2) with a receiving space for an object to be transported. In the receiving space of the container (2) prevails the container interior temperature. The transport container system (1) has at least two PCM elements (4) which can be removed from the container (2) and inserted into the container (2). All PCM elements (4) have the same phase transition material. At least one first PCM element (4) is tempered outside the container (2) such that the phase change material of this first PCM element (4) is in a completely solid state of aggregation. At least one second PCM element (4) is tempered outside the container (2) in such a way that the phase change material of this second PCM element (4) is in a completely liquid state of aggregation. The tempered PCM elements (4) are arranged in the container (2). The temperature control and the PCM elements (4) are configured so that after placing the PCM elements (4) in the container (2), the container internal temperature in the desired range adjusts. The invention also relates to a suitable transport container system for transporting a temperature-sensitive Article in a desired range of a container interior temperature.

Description

The invention relates to a method for providing a transport container system having a container interior temperature within a desired range according to claim 1 or 2 as well as a transport container system for transporting a temperature-sensitive object in a desired region of the container interior temperature according to claim 9 or 10.

When storing heat in a suitable storage material usually increases its temperature. This form of heat storage is called sensible or sensible heat storage.

Then, when a phase transition occurs on a suitable material, e.g. the transition from the solid phase to the liquid phase (or vice versa), the relationship between the temperature of the storage material and the heat absorbed (or released) by the storage material is no longer linear. In a solid to liquid transition, the thermal storage material begins to melt upon reaching a phase transition temperature range. The phase transition temperature range depends on the storage material and can be very narrow, for example 1 K, but also quite extend over 8 K. In this phase transition temperature range, the temperature of the storage material remains until the storage material is completely melted. Only then does an increase of the temperature occur with further absorption of heat.

Since there is virtually no increase in temperature for a long time despite the supply of heat, this is called latent heat. For example, in the case of the typical solid / liquid phase transition, the latent heat is equal to the heat of fusion or crystallization of the storage material.

A latent heat storage material has the great advantage that it can store relatively large amounts of heat with him in a narrow temperature range. Since the phase transition occurs at a substantially constant temperature over a certain period of time, it is possible to compensate for temperature fluctuations and to avoid temperature peaks.

Latent heat storage materials are known in various forms. These materials are also called phase transition materials or from the English terminology PCM (phase change material).

Typically, for phase change materials, one defines not the phase transition temperature range, but a phase transition temperature within the phase transition temperature range. Usually, the phase transition temperature represents a target temperature to which the phase transition material is to be tempered, so to speak, the operating point. If you lie at a target temperature of about 0 ° C, you can use water with different additives as latent heat storage material. For a cold storage below 0 ° C z. B. suitably prepared salt solutions used.

In the range just above 0 ° C other materials, eg. As those based on paraffins, more suitable.

In particular, reference is made to the review article of the BINE Information Service "Themeninfo IV / 02 from the year 2002", (Fachinformationszentrum Karlsruhe, project identifier 0329840A-D, available at www.bine.info, keyword: "Latentwärmespeicher"). The content of this reference to the general background of latent heat storage materials and their possible uses is hereby made by reference to the disclosure content of the present patent application.

A latent heat storage element, also called PCM element, according to the present invention is a latent heat storage material in a closed, possibly also provided with a pressure equalization valve enclosure. Preferably, it is a macroencapsulated PCM. However, microencapsulated PCMs can also be used. The wrapping is often made of plastic. One knows the basic construction for example of so-called cold packs.

Such PCM elements can be considered individually or as a plurality of, for example, built into a corresponding container latent heat storage elements.

PCM elements of the type in question are now available for a wealth of target temperatures, especially by the applicant (Prospectus "va-Q-tec Packaging Portfolio, January 2011"). There are latent heat storage elements for target temperatures of 37 ° C, 22 ° C, 18 ° C, 5 ° C, 0 ° C, -19 ° C, -21 ° C, -26 ° C and -37 ° C. Other suppliers have comparable PCM elements in the sales program, sometimes for other target temperatures.

PCM elements of the type in question are used in a particular field of application in thermally insulated or thermally insulated containers, in particular for transport purposes. For example, this applies to the transport of temperature-sensitive goods, such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology products, transplant goods or blood. In an application field, For example, for pharmaceuticals, the optimum, absolutely to be observed transport and storage temperature or container interior temperature, for example, about 18 ° C, with a small deviation within a target range of the container interior temperature of 15 ° C to 25 ° C may be acceptable. Temperatures outside of this set temperature range must therefore be safely avoided.

From practice it is known to use PCM elements whose phase transition temperature is as close as possible to the container internal temperature to be maintained. So here is a safe achievement and maintenance of the phase transition temperature of the PCM elements as a target temperature with a relatively small deviation is required. The target temperature is hereinafter referred to as the temperature maintained by the PCM elements during the phase transition with a small deviation (namely, within the phase transition temperature range) resulting from the phase change material of the PCM elements used. The target temperature is typically the same as the desired internal container temperature, but may differ slightly therefrom.

In this procedure, the PCM elements are tempered (preconditioned) to a temperature just below or just above their target temperature, in particular cooled to a precooling temperature. This pre-cooling temperature is in the mentioned desired range of the container interior temperature. The phase change material of the PCM elements has a completely solid state of aggregation at the end of the preconditioning.

To precondition the PCM elements, the pre-cooling temperature must be reached as accurately as possible. In addition, the pre-cooling temperature and thus the means for preconditioning are coupled to the target temperature or the desired container interior temperature. This may require special means for tempering or preconditioning. In addition, this process is susceptible to temperature variations during preconditioning. Deviations from the pre-cooling temperature can lead to the phase transition material not being converted or not being completely converted into a solid phase, so that less heat can be absorbed when used in a transport container system. The required container interior temperature can then be ensured only over a much shorter period.

For preconditioning of such PCM elements these z. B. tempered in a cold room. For cold rooms, certain temperatures have established themselves as the so-called standard cold room temperature for which common and widely used cold rooms are available on the market. Corresponding standard refrigerator temperatures are for example 5 ° C and -25 ° C. In principle, it is possible to use cold rooms for temperatures that deviate from the standard cold room temperatures. Cold rooms, which are suitable for temperatures deviating from the standard cold room temperatures, are generally much more expensive to buy due to their lower prevalence. In addition, non-standard cold rooms usually do not have a very accurate temperature control. Corresponding cold rooms have a typical tolerance range of +/- 2 K. A correspondingly accurate temperature control of the cold room is thus inevitable and usually associated with high costs.

To improve the known method, more powerful PCM elements available on the market can be used. However, more powerful PCM elements are associated with significantly higher initial costs. At the same time, however, the complexity of pre-cooling and the associated problems remain.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve the known method with regard to the complexity of the preconditioning, the handling of the preconditioning, the susceptibility to temperature fluctuations during the preconditioning and / or the costs.

The aforementioned object is achieved by a method according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments and further developments are the subject of the relevant subclaims.

The method according to the invention serves to provide a transport container system in which a container interior temperature is within a desired range. The transport container system has a heat-insulated, closable container with a receiving space for an object to be transported. In the receiving space of the container, the said container interior temperature prevails. The transport container system has at least two removable from the container and insertable into the container PCM elements, wherein all PCM elements have the same phase change material.

In the method according to the invention, at least one first PCM element is tempered, in particular precooled, in such a way that the phase transition material of this first PCM element is present in a completely solid state of aggregation. At least one second PCM element is tempered, in particular precooled, in such a way that the phase change material of this second PCM element is in a completely liquid state. The tempered PCM elements are arranged in the container. The temperature control and the PCM elements are configured so that after the arrangement of the PCM elements in the container, the container internal temperature is set in the desired range.

The invention is therefore based on the idea to use at least two PCM elements with the same phase transition material, wherein at least a first PCM element in a completely solid state of matter ("solid PCM element") and at least one second PCM element in a complete liquid state of aggregation ("liquid PCM element") are arranged for use in the transport container system. The first PCM element is preheated to a different temperature (outside the latent region) than the second PCM element. After insertion into the container, a temperature adjustment takes place, wherein at the end of the temperature adjustment in the container, the container interior temperature is in the desired range.

Not according to the invention is the case in which the first or second PCM element are tempered such that at the end of Vorkonditionierens and / or when inserting the PCM elements in the container, the phase change material of these PCM elements is present in a mixed state, ie partially liquid and partly fixed.

With the method according to the invention, the pre-cooling temperature of the first PCM element and that of the second PCM element and thus the means for preconditioning are decoupled from the target temperature of the PCM elements. As a result, at least one of the two pre-cooling temperatures can be in a temperature range which allows the use of a common infrastructure for preconditioning. For preconditioning outside the latent region, it is possible, in particular, to select refrigeration chambers which have standard standard refrigerator temperatures. Thus, it is no longer necessary to use special, adapted to the target temperature and therefore expensive cold rooms, if a standard infrastructure of cold storage can be used.

The inventive method is significantly less susceptible to temperature variations during preconditioning compared to the known method. The influence of pre-cooling is significantly reduced, since a deviation of the cooling temperature can no longer lead to an unwanted phase transition. The pre-cooling process is thus much less prone to failure.

It has also been shown that the pre-cooling time can be reduced by conditioning outside the latent range.

By using only one phase change material, the complexity and cost are low.

Preferably, the phase change material of the PCM elements has a phase transition temperature range in which the phase transition material from the solid state to the liquid state or vice versa. This phase transition temperature range preferably does not include a temperature of 0 ° C. For this case, water as a phase change material is out of the question.

For the advantageous implementation of the method, the at least one first PCM element outside the container is heated to a temperature below the phase transition temperature range. In addition, the at least one second PCM element outside the container is heated to a temperature in the phase transition temperature range or above the phase transition temperature range.

For an advantageous configuration of the temperature is z. B. the pre-cooling temperature crucial. For an advantageous configuration of the PCM elements, the number, size and arrangement of the PCM elements as well as the mass of the phase transition material in the respective PCM element can be taken into consideration as parameters.

Preferably, the number and / or the size and / or the arrangement of the tempered to the respective temperature PCM elements and / or the mass of the phase transition material of the tempered at the respective temperature PCM elements is / are chosen so that after arranging the corresponding tempered PCM elements in the container adjusts the container interior temperature in the desired range.

The tempered PCM elements may be placed in the container such that each solid PCM element is in touching contact with at least one liquid PCM element. In this way, a particularly fast and advantageous temperature adjustment between the PCM elements take place, whereby within a very short time, preferably within a few minutes, the desired container interior temperature is reached. In principle, however, it is also possible to arbitrarily arrange the PCM elements in the container, for example without touching each other.

The aforementioned object is also achieved by a method according to claim 2. Preferred embodiments and further developments are the subject of the relevant subclaims.

This method according to the invention serves to provide a transport container system in which a container interior temperature is within a desired range. The transport container system has a heat-insulated, closable container with a receiving space for an object to be transported. In the receiving space of the container, the said container interior temperature prevails. The transport container system has at least two removable from the container and insertable into the container PCM elements, wherein all PCM elements have the same phase change material.

In the method according to the invention, at least one first PCM element outside the container is heated to a temperature below the phase transition temperature range, in particular pre-cooled. At least one second PCM element is tempered outside the container to a temperature in the phase transition temperature range or above the phase transition temperature range, in particular pre-cooled. The tempered PCM elements are arranged in the container. The temperature control and the PCM elements are configured so that after the arrangement of the PCM elements in the container, the container internal temperature is set in the desired range.

For this second method according to the invention, the same advantages as explained for the first method according to the invention result. In the second method according to the invention, the preferred embodiments of the first method according to the invention can be used.

The phase transition material of the at least one first PCM element is present after the temperature control to a temperature below the phase transition temperature range, preferably in a completely solid state of matter. The phase transition material of the at least one second PCM element is after tempering at a temperature in the phase transition temperature range or above the phase transition temperature range, preferably in a completely liquid state.

However, the method according to the invention also includes cases in which the phase transition material of the at least one first PCM element and the phase transition material of the at least one second PCM element are gel-like and in a mixed state (partially solid, partly liquid) after said temperature control.

In both methods of the invention, the preferred embodiments described below can be applied.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one first PCM element is at a temperature of at least 10 K below the phase transition temperature range (or the lower limit of the phase transition temperature range) and / or at least one PCM element at a temperature of at least 1 K above the phase transition temperature range (FIG. or the upper limit of the phase transition temperature range) is tempered. A temperature control of the at least one PCM element to a temperature of at least 10 K below the phase transition temperature range means that a temperature fluctuation of up to 2 K in the preconditioning has no negative effect on the performance of the PCM element. The PCM element is then present in a completely solid phase, regardless of the temperature variation during preconditioning.

More preferably, the at least one first PCM element in a cold room with an internal temperature of about 2 ° C to about 8 ° C or in a freezer compartment with an internal temperature of less than or equal to -10 ° C, preferably about -25 ° C, tempered. Cold rooms with an internal temperature of about 5 ° C, ie a range between about 2 ° C to about 8 ° C and freezers with an internal temperature of about -25 ° C are used as common and widely used pre-cooling rooms. For this reason, the above-mentioned cold rooms are to be regarded as a standard infrastructure for the pre-tempering of PCM elements. Pre-cooling to the aforementioned temperatures is thus possible in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Particularly advantageous is a PCM element within a temperature range of 10 K to 20 K, preferably from 10 K to 15 K, below the phase transition temperature range or the phase transition temperature of the phase change material and all other PCM elements (or at least one other PCM element) be tempered within a temperature range of 1 K to 10 K, preferably from 1 K to 5 K, above the phase transition temperature range or the phase transition temperature of the phase change material.

For example, for a desired internal container temperature of 18 ° C, a phase change material having a phase transition temperature of 17.8 ° C can be used. At least a PCM element can then be pre-tempered at a temperature of 5 ° C and at least one other PCM element at a temperature of 19 ° C. After placing the tempered PCM elements in the container, the desired internal container temperature of 18 ° C within a short period of time within the container sets. In a sealed transport container system, the container internal temperature over a long period of time, ie, over a period of at least 100 hours, in a temperature range between 15 ° C and 25 ° C (target range) can be maintained. The aforementioned time range refers to an ambient temperature between 4 ° C and 30 ° C.

For a desired internal container temperature of 5 ° C with a tolerable temperature range of 2 ° C to 8 ° C, at least one PCM element to a temperature of -25 ° C and at least one PCM element to a temperature of 20.5 ° C preheated become. In a sealed transport container system, the tolerable temperature range may be maintained for a period of at least 165 hours.

In addition, there are a variety of applications in which goods must be transported at temperatures below -20 ° C. For such requirements, PCM elements may be used with a phase change material having a phase transition temperature of -26 ° C. Here it is possible to pre-cool all PCM elements to a temperature of -35 ° C. At an ambient temperature of 29.5 ° C, the tank internal temperature can be kept below -20 ° C for at least 92 hours.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, all first PCM elements or all those which are heated to a temperature below the phase transition temperature range, a mass fraction of the total disposed in the container phase transition material from 5 to 85%, more preferably from 5 to 35%. Advantageously in this context means that due to the pre-tempered PCM elements in the transport container system, the container internal temperature over a long period of time can be kept within the desired range. At the same time, a small mass fraction of phase transition material preheated below the phase transition temperature range results in the desired internal container temperature being reached within a short time after the tempered PCM elements have been arranged in the container.

Preferably, the container has a bottom, a jacket and a lid.

According to a first alternative, at least one PCM element outside the container is tempered in such a way that the phase change material of this PCM element is present in a completely solid or completely liquid state of aggregation, and arranged on the bottom or lid. At least one other PCM element is tempered outside the container such that the phase change material of this further first PCM element is in a completely solid or completely liquid state, and arranged on the lid or bottom. Optionally, at least one further PCM element, preferably four further PCM elements, are tempered outside the container in such a way that the phase transition material of the respective second PCM element is in completely solid or completely liquid state, and arranged on the jacket. In this way, an advantageous temperature match between the PCM elements is achieved.

According to a second alternative, a PCM element is tempered outside the container to a temperature below the phase transition temperature range, in the phase transition temperature range or above the phase transition temperature range and placed on the bottom or lid. Another PCM element is tempered outside the container to a temperature below the phase transition temperature range, in the phase transition temperature range or above the phase transition temperature range and placed on the lid or bottom. Optionally, at least one further PCM element, preferably four further PCM elements, are tempered outside the container to a temperature below the phase transition temperature range, in the phase transition temperature range or above the phase transition temperature range and are arranged on the jacket.

In both alternatives, the temperature and the arrangement of the PCM elements can be selected depending on the ambient temperature.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, six PCM elements are provided, which are each arranged on an inner surface of a heat insulation element and preferably completely cover the heat insulation elements. For example, those PCM elements which are later arranged on the bottom and on the cover are tempered to a temperature below the phase transition temperature range and the remaining PCM elements, which are later arranged on the jacket, are tempered to a temperature in the phase transition temperature range or above the phase transition temperature range. Preferably, the container is rectangular. This special rectangular arrangement with six PCM elements causes each PCM element, which is tempered to a temperature below the phase transition temperature range, in contact with all PCM elements, which are heated to a temperature in the phase transition temperature range or above the phase transition temperature range , In this way, an advantageous heat exchange between the PCM elements is achieved.

The formation of a container of PCM elements within the transport container system also leads to a more homogeneous temperature distribution within the container and / or improved shielding or isolation of the goods to be transported, which is arranged within the volume defined by the PCM elements. At the same time, the desired container interior temperature is reached within a short period of time. In addition, the container interior temperature can be maintained within the desired range over a long period of time.

In principle, the container of the transport container system can have any desired shape. For example, the container may have a cuboidal or cylindrical shape. Other geometries of the container are possible in principle.

According to the invention it can be provided that an object to be transported is arranged in the receiving space of the container and the container is closed. After placement in the container, the PCM elements are advantageously in each case located against at least one inner surface of the heat insulation elements and include a transport volume into which an object to be transported is arranged. Subsequently, the container is closed. The PCM elements are then each assigned to a heat insulation element and preferably have a predetermined size which is suitable for dimensioning the associated inner surface of the heat insulation elements. It is particularly advantageous if each inner surface is associated with exactly one PCM element. In this case, the PCM elements form a common internal volume for receiving an object to be transported. However, it is also possible that one or more inner surfaces of the heat insulation elements is assigned more than one PCM element.

The heat insulation elements are arranged on the inner surfaces of the container and are applied to these. The inner surfaces of the container are completely covered by the heat insulation elements. The heat insulation elements can preferably be removed and / or replaced individually. However, it is also possible that the heat insulation elements can only be removed together and / or replaced.

The aforementioned object is also achieved by a transport container system according to claim 9.

The transport container system according to the invention serves to transport a temperature-sensitive object in a desired region of the container interior temperature. The transport container system has a heat-insulated, closable container with a receiving space for the object to be transported. In the receiving space of the container, the said container interior temperature prevails. The transport container system has at least two removable from the container and insertable into the container PCM elements, wherein all PCM elements have the same phase change material. The phase change material of at least one first PCM element is in the fully solid state when inserted into the container. The phase change material of at least one second PCM element is in a completely liquid state when it is inserted into the container.

The above-indicated object is also achieved by a transport container system according to claim 10.

The transport container system according to the invention serves to transport a temperature-sensitive object in a desired region of a container interior temperature. The transport container system has a heat-insulated, closable container with a receiving space for the object to be transported. In the receiving space of the container, the said container interior temperature prevails. The transport container system has at least two removable from the container and insertable into the container PCM elements, wherein all PCM elements have the same phase change material. The phase change material of at least one first PCM element has a temperature below the phase transition temperature range when inserted into the container and the phase change material of at least one second PCM element has a temperature in the phase transition temperature range or above the phase transition temperature range when inserted into the container.

Preferred embodiments and further developments of both transport container systems are the subject of the relevant subclaims.

With both transport container systems, the container interior temperature can be maintained within the desired range over a long period of time.

Preferably, the phase change material of the PCM elements has a phase transition temperature range in which the phase change material from the solid state to the liquid state or vice versa. This phase transition temperature range preferably does not include a temperature of 0 ° C. For this case, water as a phase change material is out of the question.

Advantageously, the at least one first PCM element when inserted into the container has a temperature below the phase transition temperature range, in particular a temperature of at least 10 K below the phase transition temperature range, and / or the at least one second PCM element when inserted into the container a temperature in the phase transition temperature range or above the phase transition temperature range, in particular a temperature of at least 1 K above the phase transition temperature range, on. For a desired internal container temperature or target temperature of 18 ° C, at least one PCM element can be pre-heated to a temperature of 5 ° C and at least one PCM element to a temperature of 19 ° C. For example, for a target temperature of 5 ° C., it is possible for at least one PCM element to be preheated to a temperature of -25 ° C. and at least one PCM element to a temperature of 20 ° C.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the phase change material of all first PCM elements together has a mass fraction of the total phase change material arranged in the container of 5 to 85%, particularly preferably 5 to 35%.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the PCM elements contain an immobilized, preferably gelatinous, phase change material and / or a foam. "Immobilized" in the context of the invention means that the phase change material also has a high viscosity in its liquid phase. A gel-like formation of the phase change material offers the advantage that, in the event of a leak of the PCM element, the exit of the phase change material can be reduced or completely prevented. Thus, the functionality of a defective PCM element can be at least partially maintained. At the same time, if appropriate, it can be prevented that a material to be transported comes into contact with leaked phase transition material.

It is also advantageous if the phase change material has a nucleating agent for nucleation during the phase transition. During the phase transition from a liquid to a solid phase, the phase change material crystallizes. The nucleating agents contribute to nucleation, which serves as a starting point for crystal growth. The crystal formation and thus the crystallization of the phase change material is thus accelerated.

Preferably, the container has a bottom, a jacket and a lid. At least one of the first PCM elements and / or one of the second PCM elements is arranged on the floor. At least one of the first PCM elements and / or one of the second PCM elements is arranged on the cover. Optionally, at least one of the first PCM elements and / or one of the second PCM elements is / are arranged on the jacket.

Particularly preferably, at least one of the first PCM elements is arranged on the bottom, that is to say at least one PCM element whose phase transition material is present in a completely solid state of aggregate when it is inserted into the container. At least one such PCM element is also arranged on the cover (completely solid state of aggregation). At least one of the second PCM elements is arranged on the jacket, that is to say at least one PCM element whose phase transition material is in a completely liquid state of aggregate when it is inserted into the container.

Preferably, heat insulating elements are arranged in the container. The heat insulation elements are preferably designed as vacuum insulation panels. Preferably, the vacuum insulation panels are disposed on the inner surfaces of the container. Vacuum insulation panels have been known in principle for a long time, but are constantly perfected in terms of manufacturing technology and material technology. Basically allowed for vacuum insulation panels so far on the DE 100 58 566 C2 and on the EP 3 018 398 A1 referenced by the assignee of the present application. Such vacuum insulation panels are currently the most powerful thermal insulation elements.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, exactly six PCM elements are provided which are each arranged on an inner surface of one of the heat insulation elements and preferably completely cover the heat insulation elements. Preferably, the container is rectangular.

The above-described embodiments of the invention may be combined as needed. The disclosure of the The invention is not limited to the combination of inventive features given by the selected paragraph formatting.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of two embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings and the drawings themselves. All described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination form the subject of the present invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their relations.

• 1 schematisch in einer Sprengdarstellung ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Transportbehältersystems und
• 2 schematisch in einer Frontansicht ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Transportbehältersystems.

In the following the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to two preferred embodiments; it shows

• 1 schematically in an exploded view, a first embodiment of a transport container system according to the invention and
• 2 schematically a front view of a second embodiment of a transport container system according to the invention.

1 schematically shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of a transport container system according to the invention 1 , The transport container system 1 serves to transport a temperature-sensitive object in a desired range of a container interior temperature. The transport container system 1 has a thermally insulated, lockable container 2 with a receiving space for an object to be transported. In the container 2 Here are six heat insulation elements 3 , designed here as Vakuumisolationspaneele arranged. In the receiving space of the container 2 the tank internal temperature prevails.

In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the transport container system 1 six out of the container 2 removable and in the container 2 usable PCM elements 4 on. All PCM elements 4 have the same phase transition material with a specific phase transition temperature range. All PCM elements 4 are the same size and contain the same mass of phase change material.

In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the container 2 a floor 5 , a coat 6 and a lid 7 , The container 2 is designed here cuboid. The coat 6 thus has four perpendicular side walls. It has already been pointed out in the general part of the description that other container shapes are also known, for example with a cylindrical or cube shape.

Im in 1 illustrated embodiment, the heat insulation elements 3 in the container 2 arranged on the wall side on the inner surfaces. The heat insulation elements 3 are out of the container 2 removable and in the container 2 used. Every thermal insulation element 3 has predetermined, to the associated inner surface of the container 2 matching dimensions. The heat insulation elements 3 lead to a good insulation of the receiving space of the container 2 ,

In 1 are a total of five of the six thermal insulation elements used 3 visible, each of the inner surfaces of the four shell sides a heat insulating element 3 is assigned and wherein in each case a heat insulating element 3 the inner surface of the lid 7 and the soil 5 assigned. The heat insulation elements 3 can be removed individually from the transport container system 1 taken and individually in the transport container system 1 be used. In case of damage to a heat insulating element 3 So only the defective heat insulation element 3 be replaced. In the general description part, however, has already been pointed out that even only a heat insulating element 3 could be provided, which is both the inner surface of the soil 5 as well as the inner surfaces of the coat 6 completely covered. Thus, only two heat insulation elements would be 3 provided, wherein the second heat insulating element 3 on the inner surface of the lid 7 is arranged.

In the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the six PCM elements 4 in the transport container system 1 arranged on the wall side on the inner surfaces of the heat insulation elements. Every PCM element 4 is out of the container 2 removable and in the container 2 used. Every PCM element 4 has predetermined, to the associated inner surface of the heat insulating elements 3 matching dimensions.

In the illustrated and preferred embodiment have two PCM elements 4 - namely, the one on the ground 5 is arranged, and the one that is on the lid 7 is arranged - when inserting into the container 2 a temperature below the phase transition temperature range, preferably about 13 K below the Phasenüberganstemperaturbereichs. The phase change material of these two PCM elements 4 is then in a completely solid state. Four PCM elements 4 - namely those on the coat 6 are arranged - wise when inserting into the container 2 a temperature above the Phasenüberganstemperaturbereichs, preferably by about 1 K to 4 K above the Phasenüberganstemperatur. The phase change material of these four PCM elements 4 is then in the completely liquid state of matter.

In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the phase change material makes the PCM elements 4 , their phase change material when inserted into the container 2 in the fully solid state, a mass fraction of the total in the container 2 existing phase transition material of 1/3.

Based on the in 1 illustrated transport container system, a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention will be described below. Here, the phase transition temperature of the PCM elements is preferably 17.8 ° C.

First, two PCM elements 4 outside the container 2 to a temperature below the phase transition temperature, preferably at -5 ° C, tempered. For this purpose, a cold room with an internal temperature of about 2 ° C to about 8 ° C is used. Four PCM elements 4 be outside the container 2 to a temperature above the phase transition temperature, preferably to a temperature above 19 ° C, tempered. The tempered PCM elements 4 are then in the container 2 arranged. And that becomes a PCM element 4 , which was heated to a temperature above the phase transition temperature, at the bottom 5 arranged. The second PCM element 4 , which was heated to a temperature above the phase transition temperature, is on the lid 7 arranged. The remaining four PCM elements 4 namely, the PCM elements tempered to a temperature above the phase transition temperature 4 , be on coat 6 arranged. Finally, an object to be transported in the receiving space of the container 2 arranged and the container 2 is closed.

Due to the selected temperature below the phase transition temperature and the temperature above the phase transition temperature and the dimensioning and arrangement of the pre-tempered PCM elements arises in the container 2 the container interior temperature in the desired range.

2 schematically shows a front view of a second embodiment of a transport container system according to the invention 1 , The transport container system 1 serves to transport a temperature-sensitive object in a desired range of a container interior temperature. The transport container system 1 has a thermally insulated, lockable container 2 with a receiving space for an object to be transported. In the container 2 are several thermal insulation elements 3 , designed here as Vakuumisolationspaneele arranged. In the receiving space of the container 2 the tank internal temperature prevails.

The transport container system 1 according to 2 has several, namely 52, from the container 2 removable and in the container 2 usable PCM elements 4 on. Basically, it is preferable if the number of PCM elements 4 between 36 and 76 lies. All PCM elements 4 have the same phase transition material with a specific phase transition temperature. All PCM elements 4 are the same size and contain the same mass of phase change material.

This in 2 illustrated transport container system 1 has a floor 5 , a coat 6 and a lid 7 on, stuck with the coat 6 connected is. The coat 6 has a door 8th , On the inner surfaces of the transport container system 1 are heat insulation elements 3 arranged. On each inner surface of the heat insulation elements 3 can slide-in guides 9 be provided in which the PCM elements 4 can be arranged. The slide-in guides 9 may be extendable to insert or remove the PCM elements 4 to facilitate. This in 2 illustrated transport container system 1 is particularly suitable for large goods to be transported or, alternatively, for a variety of small goods to be transported, which are to be transported within a same temperature range.

At the in 2 illustrated and preferred embodiment have 43 PCM elements 4 when inserting into the container 2 a temperature below the Phasenüberganstemperatur on, preferably about -25 ° C. Nine PCM elements 4 show when inserting into the container 2 a temperature above the Phasenüberganstemperatur on, preferably about 20.5 ° C.

In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the phase change material makes the PCM elements 4 , their phase change material when inserted into the container 2 in the fully solid state, a mass fraction of the total in the container 2 existing phase transition material of 43/52.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Transport container system

2

Container of 1

3

Heat insulation element of 2

4

PCM element of 1

5

Ground of 2

6

Coat of 2

7

Lid of 2

8th

Door from 6

9

insertion guides

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10058566 C2 [0070]
• EP 3018398 A1 [0070]

Claims (16)

Method for providing a transport container system (1) with a container interior temperature lying within a desired range, - wherein the transport container system (1) has a thermally insulated, closable container (2) with a receiving space for an object to be transported, wherein the container interior temperature prevails in the receiving space of the container (2), - wherein the transport container system (1) at least two removable from the container (2) and in the container (2) usable PCM elements (4), - wherein all PCM elements (4) have the same phase change material, the method comprising the following steps: - At least a first PCM element (4) is tempered outside the container (2) such that the phase change material of this first PCM element (4) is present in a completely solid state, and at least one second PCM element (4) is outside the Tempered container (2) such that the phase change material of this second PCM element (4) is present in a completely liquid state, - The tempered PCM elements (4) are arranged in the container (2) and - The temperature and the PCM elements (4) are configured so that, after arranging the PCM elements (4) in the container (2) adjusts the container interior temperature in the desired range. Method for providing a transport container system (1) with a container interior temperature lying within a desired range, - wherein the transport container system (1) has a thermally insulated, closable container (2) with a receiving space for an object to be transported, wherein the container interior temperature prevails in the receiving space of the container (2), - wherein the transport container system (1) at least two removable from the container (2) and in the container (2) usable PCM elements (4), - wherein all PCM elements (4) have the same phase change material, the method comprising the following steps: at least one first PCM element (4) is tempered outside the container (2) to a temperature below the phase transition temperature range and at least one second PCM element is tempered outside the container (2) to a temperature in the phase transition temperature range or above the phase transition temperature range, - The tempered PCM elements (4) are arranged in the container (2) and - The temperature and the PCM elements (4) are configured so that, after arranging the PCM elements (4) in the container (2) adjusts the container interior temperature in the desired range. Method according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the number and / or the size and / or the arrangement of the PCM elements (4) and / or the mass of the phase transition material of the PCM elements (4) is / are chosen so that after arranging the appropriately tempered PCM Elements (4) in the container (2) adjusts the container interior temperature in the desired range. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first PCM element (4) in a cold room with an internal temperature of about 2 ° C to about 8 ° C or in a freezer with an internal temperature of less than or equal to -10 ° C, preferably about -25 ° C, tempered. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein all first PCM elements (4) together have a mass fraction of the total phase change material in the container of 5-85%, more preferably 5-35%. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an object to be transported is arranged in the receiving space of the container (2) and the container (2) is closed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (2) has a bottom (5), a jacket (6) and a lid (7), wherein a PCM element (4) - outside the container (2) is tempered such that the phase change material of this first PCM element (4) is present in completely solid or completely liquid state, and - at the bottom (5) or cover (7) is arranged, wherein another PCM element (4) - outside the container (2) is tempered such that the phase change material of this further PCM element (4) in completely solid or is present in a completely liquid state of aggregation, and - is arranged on the cover (7) or base (5), and, optionally, wherein at least one further PCM element (4), preferably four further PCM elements (4), - outside the container ( 2) is tempered such that the phase transition material of the respective second PCM element (4) is in a completely solid or completely liquid state, and - is arranged on the jacket (6). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the container (2) has a bottom (5), a jacket (6) and a lid (7), wherein a PCM element (4) - outside the container (2) to a temperature below the phase transition temperature range, in the phase transition temperature range or is heated above the phase transition temperature range and is arranged at the bottom (5) or cover (7), wherein a further PCM element (4) - outside the container (2) to a temperature below the phase transition temperature range, in the phase transition temperature range or above the phase transition temperature range is tempered and - on the lid (7) or bottom (5) is arranged, and, optionally, wherein at least another PCM element (4), preferably four further PCM elements (4) - outside the container (2) on a Temperature is tempered below the phase transition temperature range, in the phase transition temperature range or above the phase transition temperature temperature range / and am Ma (6) is / are arranged. Transport container system for transporting a temperature-sensitive object in a desired range of a container interior temperature, wherein - The transport container system (1) has a thermally insulated, closable container (2) with a receiving space for the object to be transported, the transport container system has at least two PCM elements (4) removable from the container (2) and insertable into the container (2), - All PCM elements (4) have the same phase change material, and - The phase change material of at least one first PCM element (4) when inserted into the container (2) is completely in the solid state and the phase transition material of at least one second PCM element (4) when inserted into the container (2) is completely in the liquid state , Transport container system for transporting a temperature-sensitive object in a desired range of a container interior temperature, wherein - The transport container system (1) has a thermally insulated, closable container (2) with a receiving space for the object to be transported, the transport container system has at least two PCM elements (4) removable from the container (2) and insertable into the container (2), - All PCM elements (4) have the same phase change material, and - The phase change material of at least a first PCM element (4) when inserted into the container (2) has a temperature below the phase transition temperature range and the phase change material of at least one second PCM element (4) when inserted into the container (2) a temperature in the phase transition temperature range or has above the phase transition temperature range. Transport container system after Claim 9 or 10 wherein the phase change material of all the first PCM elements (4) together has a mass fraction of the total phase change material present in the container (2) of 5-85%, more preferably 5-35%. Transport container system according to one of Claims 9 to 11 wherein the PCM elements (4) contain an immobilized, preferably gelatinous, phase change material and / or a foam. Transport container system according to one of Claims 9 to 12 wherein the phase change material comprises nucleating agent for nucleation in the phase transition. Transport container system according to one of Claims 9 to 13 , wherein for thermal insulation in the container (2) heat insulating elements (3), preferably formed as vacuum insulation panels, are arranged. Transport container system according to one of Claims 9 to 14 in which - the container (2) has a bottom (5), a jacket (6) and a lid (7), - at the bottom (5) at least one of the first PCM elements (4) and / or one of the second PCM - is arranged on the cover (6) at least one of the first PCM elements (4) and / or one of the second PCM elements (4), and, optionally, - on the jacket (7) at least one of the first PCM elements (4) and / or one of the second PCM elements (4) is / are arranged. Transport container system after Claim 15 in which - at least one of the first PCM elements (4) is arranged on the base (5), - at least one of the first PCM elements (4) is arranged on the cover (6), and - at least one of the sheaths (7) second PCM elements (4) is arranged.

Images