Transit refrigeration control apparatus and method

Abstract

A refrigeration control apparatus for a space includes a heat exchanger mounted in the space and having an inlet and an outlet for a cooling medium to be introduced into and exhausted from the heat exchanger; at least one fan assembly mounted in the space and operatively associated with the heat exchanger for moving an airflow over the heat exchanger; a sensor assembly mounted in the space for sensing a temperature of at least the space; and a controller having an electrical connection to the at least one fan and the sensor assembly to control operation of the fan responsive to the temperature of at least the space. A method is also provided for controlling the temperature of the space.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A refrigeration control apparatus for a space, comprising:
 a heat exchanger mounted in the space and having an inlet and an outlet for a cooling medium to be introduced into and exhausted from the heat exchanger;   at least one fan assembly mounted in the space and operatively associated with the heat exchanger for moving an airflow over the heat exchanger;   a sensor assembly mounted in the space for sensing a temperature of at least the space; and   a controller having an electrical connection to the at least one fan and the sensor assembly to control operation of the fan responsive to the temperature of at least the space.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the electrical connection is wireless. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cooling medium comprises a cryogen. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fan assembly comprises a first fan near the inlet of the heat exchanger, and a second fan near the outlet of the heat exchanger. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor assembly comprises a first sensor mounted near the inlet of the heat exchanger, and a second sensor mounted near the outlet of the heat exchanger. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , further comprising a container in which the space is contained, the container sized and shaped for products to be disposed in the space; and a third sensor mounted at the products. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the container comprises a door for providing access to the space, the door including an electrical connection with the controller to signal open/close status of the door. 
     
     
         8 . A method for controlling a temperature of a space, comprising:
 circulating an airflow through the space;   cooling the airflow with a heat exchanger;   sensing a first temperature of the space;   controlling movement of the airflow through the heat exchanger in response to the first temperature of the space.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 sensing a second temperature of a product in the space; and   adjusting the controlled movement of the airflow in response to the second temperature of the product.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 providing an entrance to the space;   sensing an open/close status of the entrance to the space, and   further adjusting the controlled movement of the airflow in response to the open/close status of the entrance.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the product comprises a food product.