US 4,045,972 A · CO.sub.2 Cooling of vehicles

Abstract

A system for CO.sub.2 cooling of the cargo compartment of a refrigerated vehicle. A vessel carried by the vehicle holds liquid CO.sub.2 at pressure preferably not greater than about 125 psia. Liquid CO.sub.2 is supplied to first heat-exchanger where it is vaporized and warmed a predetermined amount while the pressure is maintained at at least about 80 psia. The pressure of the warmed CO.sub.2 is lowered to about atmospheric pressure without the creation of solid CO.sub.2, while simultaneously cooling the CO.sub.2 vapor, using a gas-driven motor through which the CO.sub.2 vapor is passed. The cooled CO.sub.2 vapor from the motor is passed through a second heat-exchanger, and a fan connected to the motor circulates the atmosphere in the cargo compartment in association with both heat-exchangers. The CO.sub.2 vapor from the second heat-exchanger is vented to the atmosphere exterior of cargo compartment. Isenthalpic expansion means may be used in series with the gas motor, or a second gas motor may be used which can drive a generator to create electric power that is stored in a battery.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A system for cooling the cargo compartment of a refrigerated vehicle using CO.sub.2, which system comprises a vessel carried by the vehicle for holding liquid CO.sub.2, means for filling said vessel with liquid CO.sub.2,

first heat-exchanger means for vaporizing said liquid CO.sub.2 and warming said CO.sub.2 vapor,
conduit means for supplying liquid CO.sub.2 from said vessel to said first heat-exchanger means,
means for lowering the pressure of said warmed CO.sub.2 vapor to about atmospheric pressure without the creation of solid CO.sub.2 and simultaneously cooling said CO.sub.2 vapor, which pressure-lowering means includes a gas-driven motor through which said CO.sub.2 vapor is passed,
pressure-regulation means for maintaining a minimum vapor pressure of at least about 80 psia between said first heat-exchange means and said pressure-lowering means,
fan means connected to said motor for circulating the atmosphere in said cargo compartment in association with said first heat-exchange means,
second heat-exchange means connected to the discharge from said pressure-lowering means for receiving said cooled CO.sub.2 vapor therefrom, and
means for exhausting said CO.sub.2 vapor which exits from said second heat-exchange means to the atmosphere exterior of said cargo compartment.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

CO.sub.2 Cooling of vehicles

Life of this patent

CO.sub.2 Cooling of vehicles

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13