FLUID DISTRIBUTING DEVICE

A fluid distributing device that can be utilized in a refrigerated transport unit, an air duct for an HVAC system in a building, a heat exchanger, etc. The fluid distributing device includes a body having an outlet that directs fluid from the fluid distributing device and a positive fluid displacement device configured to draw fluid into an interior of the body. A method for a fluid distributing device to distribute air within an interior space of the refrigerated transport unit includes drawing air into the fluid distributing device and discharging air out of the fluid distributing device via an outlet.

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Description
FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) systems. In particular, this disclosure relates to a fluid distributing device for actively managing airflow distribution within a HVAC-R system.

BACKGROUND

A HVAC-R system generally refers to a system used in controlling an environmental condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, etc.) of an indoor environment. One example is a refrigerated transport unit that is used to transport goods from one location to another while maintaining environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, etc.) within an interior space of the transport unit where the goods are stored. A refrigerated transport unit includes a transport unit and a transport refrigeration unit (“TRU”) attached to the transport unit. For example, a transport unit may be a container (such as a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, etc.), a truck, a box car, or other similar transport unit. The TRU provides conditioned air into the interior space of the transport unit so that the interior space is kept at a desired environmental condition. The TRU can include, without limitation, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, fans and/or blowers to control a heat exchange between air inside the interior space and the ambient air outside of the refrigerated transport unit.

A HVAC-R system can include a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between air and a second fluid. For example, a heat exchanger may heat or cool air utilizing a refrigerant. Generally, a TRU includes a compressor to heat and/or cool a working fluid. The heat exchanger may be an oil cooler of the TRU that cools the compressor and one or more of its components (e.g., motor, bearings, rotor, etc.). The oil cooler may use air to cool oil that is transferring heat away from the compressor. The oil can flow through a heat exchanger tube of the oil cooler while the air flows across the outer surface of the heat exchanger tube. Heat is transferred from the flowing oil to the flow air through the outer surface(s) of the heat exchanger tube.

Another example of a HVAC-R system is a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system that is used to control environmental conditions within a building. The HVAC system may include air ducts that are used to transport conditioned air generated by the HVAC system to various parts of the building.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This application is directed to a fluid distributing device for actively managing airflow distribution within a HVAC-R system.

In particular, the embodiments described herein provide a fluid distributing device that can actively direct airflow in a controlled manner. For example, a fluid distributing device in one embodiment can direct fluid at an increased velocity and/or in a specific direction. In an embodiment, the fluid distributing device may be controlled to direct airflow depending upon one or more conditions (e.g., whether goods are located in a particular part of a refrigerated transport unit, whether a refrigerated transport unit is travelling at or above a particular speed, whether conditioned air is needed in a specific area of a building, whether airflow through a heat exchanger causes hotspots to form in the heat exchanger, etc.).

In an embodiment, the fluid distributing device includes a body with an outlet, two inlets, and two positive fluid displacement devices. The positive fluid displacement devices draw air, via the inlet, from outside the fluid distributing device into the fluid distributing device and form a stream of air that exits the outlet of the fluid distributing device. The fluid distributing device creates the stream to have a higher velocity than the fluid flowing towards and past the fluid distributing device. The fluid distributing device may be activated to provide a stream of air that reaches a location that the air flowing towards the fluid distributing device would not normally reach.

In an embodiment, the fluid distributing device is attached to a roof of a refrigerated transport unit. The fluid distributing device may be activated to direct air towards an area that is farther from a TRU, which supplies conditioned air to the interior of the refrigerated transport unit. The fluid distributing device ensuring that the conditioned air reaches the area farther from the TRU. In an embodiment, the fluid distributing device is actively controlled. The fluid distributing device may be controlled based on location of goods within the refrigerated transport unit.

In an embodiment, the fluid distributing device can be attached outside of the refrigerated transport unit. The fluid distributing device may be located near a fan of the TRU. The fluid distributing device may be activated to reduce the impact of ram air effects on the flow of air from the fan of the TRU.

In an embodiment, the HVAC-R system can be a HVAC system configured to condition a building. The fluid distributing device can be located within a duct of a HVAC system. The fluid distributing device may be activated so as to provide greater flow of conditioned air to more remote portions of the building.

In an embodiment, the HVAC-R system can include a heat exchanger. The fluid distributing device can be located within the heat exchanger and can be configured to direct air across one or more of the heat exchanger tube(s). The fluid distributing device may be activated to reduce dead spots located along the heat exchanger tube(s).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made to the drawings in which like reference numbers refer to corresponding parts throughout.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a transport unit, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an interior of the transport unit shown in FIG. 1 with a TRU, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the interior of the transport unit shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a front isometric view of a fluid distributing device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the fluid distributing device shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a cross section of the fluid distributing device shown in FIG. 4A along line 4C-4C.

FIG. 4D is a view of a bottom of the fluid distributing device shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E is a cross sectional view of a portion of the fluid distributing device shown in FIG. 3 along the line 4E-4E, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a fluid distributing device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a cross section of the fluid distributing device shown in FIG. 5A along line 5B-5B.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an interior of a transport unit, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views of an interior volume of a fluid distributing device, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are views of an interior volume of a fluid distributing device, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a control diagram for controlling one or more fluid distributing devices of a refrigerated transport unit, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method of distributing air in a refrigerated transport unit, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 11A, 11B are views of a refrigerated transport unit including an external fluid distributing device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11C is a rear prospective view of a portion of the fluid distributing device illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are views of a fluid distributing device in a duct for an HVAC system, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are views of a heating space of an oil cooler with a fluid distributing device, according to one embodiment.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice what is claimed, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing form the spirit and the scope of the claims. The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, therefore, are not to be taken in a finite sense.

Many types of goods need to be stored at specific environmental conditions while being transported. For example, perishable goods may need to be stored within a specific temperature range to prevent spoilage and liquid goods may need to be kept at a temperature above their freezing point. Also, goods having electronic components may need to be kept in environmental conditions with a lower moisture content to avoid damage to their electronic components. A transport refrigeration unit may blow conditioned air into the interior of a refrigerated transport unit to keep the air within the refrigerated transport unit at the desired environmental conditions. However, airflow of the conditioned air may not allow for an even distribution of the conditioned air within an interior space of the transport unit. An uneven distribution of the conditioned air can be due to, for example, how goods are stored within the interior space and how the conditioned air is blown into the interior space. Accordingly, locations within the interior space may have fluctuations in temperature due to, for example, temperature hotspots formed within the interior space that have a higher temperature than the desired temperature. In particular, locations within the interior space that are furthest from where the conditioned air is blown into the interior space can include undesirable hotspots.

Some embodiments described herein can provide a fluid distributing device that suctions air within the interior space and blows the air towards other locations within the transport unit. The fluid distributing device can be located along an airflow path of the conditioned air so that the fluid distributing device can help evenly distribute the conditioned air within the interior space.

The transport refrigeration unit may heat or cool the conditioned air utilizing a refrigeration circuit with a working fluid. During the heating or cooling process, the working fluid may be cooled in a heat exchanger (e.g., a condenser) utilizing process air. The heated process air can be discharged by one or more fan(s) out of the transport refrigeration unit (and the refrigerated transport unit) through one or more outlet(s). However, ambient air traveling along the refrigerated transport unit may flow into or across the one or more outlet(s) and cause a pressure gradient and decrease the flow of process air or prevent the process air from being discharged via the one or more fan(s). This is typically referred to as a ram air effect. To prevent the effects of the ram air effect, the one or more fan(s) may be required to operate at a higher speed in order to force the process air out of the transport refrigeration unit. The ram air effect can increase as the refrigerated transport vehicle travels at higher speeds. Some embodiments described herein provide a fluid distributing device located near the one or more outlet(s) to discharge air near the outlet to help decrease the ram air effect on the one or more fan(s).

In some commercial HVAC systems, the HVAC system may be required to provide conditioned air throughout a building. The HVAC system can generate conditioned (e.g., heated, cooled, humidified, dehumidified, etc.) air and can direct the conditioned air to different portions of the building through, for example, air ducts. The velocity of conditioned air can drop as it travels through the ducts. Thus, portions of the building that are located further from where the HVAC system generates the conditioned air may not receive the desired amount of conditioned air. Some embodiments described herein include a fluid distributing device that can be located within one or more air duct(s) and can increase the velocity of the conditioned air by suctioning and discharging a higher velocity stream of the conditioned air. The fluid distributing device can increase the velocity of the conditioned air in said portion of the one or more air duct(s) so that the conditioned air can reach all desired locations within the building.

In some embodiments, a transport refrigeration unit may include a compressor to compress a working fluid. The compressor may utilize oil that provides lubrication and cooling. The heated oil may be cooled by air in an oil cooler. Heated oil may flow through a heat exchanger tube of the oil cooler while air flows around the outside of the heat exchanger tube. However, the air may not flow equally over the surfaces of the heat exchanger tube creating dead spots (e.g., a surface area that has a small to no air flow) that can decrease the efficiency of the oil cooler. Some embodiments described herein include a fluid distributing device that can direct a stream of air across the heat exchanger tube of the oil cooler to reduce and/or prevent the formation of dead spots.

FIGS. 1-3 show an embodiment of a transport unit 5. FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of the transport unit 5. FIG. 2 shows a side view of an interior of the transport unit 5. FIG. 3 is a top view of the interior of the transport unit 5. The transport unit 5 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is a trailer that can be attached to, for example, a tractor. It will be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are not limited to tractor and trailer units, but can apply to any type of transport unit such as a container (e.g., a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, etc.), a truck, a box car, or other similar transport unit.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the transport unit 5 has a front wall 10, a back wall 15, a roadside longitudinal wall 20, a curbside longitudinal wall 25, a roof 30, and a floor 35 that defines an interior space 50. The transport unit 5 has a length L that extends from the front wall 10 to the back wall 15 and a width W that extends from the roadside longitudinal wall 20 to the curbside longitudinal wall 25 (see FIG. 3). A transport refrigeration unit (“TRU”) 40 can be attached to the front wall 10 of the transport unit 5, which is shown in the FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the front wall 10 includes an opening 12 that allows the TRU 40 to provide conditioned air to the interior space 50. A direction perpendicular to the roadside longitudinal wall 20 is a roadside direction DR and a direction perpendicular to the curbside longitudinal wall 25 is a curbside direction DC (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the transport unit 5 combined with a TRS that includes, for example, the TRU 40, a fluid distributing device 100, an optional fluid distributing device 102, and a plurality of sensors (not shown) together form a refrigerated transport unit 1.

The TRU 40 blows conditioned air into the interior space 50 of the transport unit 5 to provide a desired conditioned environment for the goods being transported within the transport unit 5. For example, the TRU 40 may cool the air within the transport unit 5 when perishable goods are being transported. The TRU 40 includes a refrigeration circuit (not shown) configured to heat or cool air utilizing a working fluid. The TRU 40 blows the conditioned air into the interior space 50 via the opening 12 (shown in FIG. 1) towards the back wall 15 of the transport unit 5, as shown by the arrows 48 in FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the conditioned air blown by the TRU 40 travels generally in a longitudinal direction DL. The longitudinal direction DL is a direction along the length L of the transport unit 5. During operation of the refrigerant circuit, the TRU 40 utilizes process air to heat or cool the working fluid. After heating or cooling the working fluid, the process air is discharged from the TRU 40 (and the refrigerated transport unit 1) by fans 42 through outlets 44 (see FIG. 3) into the ambient outside of the refrigerated transport unit 1. The outlets 44 are located along an upper surface 46 of the TRU 40 and the process air is discharged from the outlets 44 as shown by the arrow 43 in FIG. 2. The TRU 40 in an embodiment may include one or more outlets 44 for discharging the process air into the ambient outside of the refrigerated transport unit 1.

The fluid distributing device 100 is located within the interior space 50 of the transport unit 5. The fluid distributing device 100 is attached to the roof 30 of the transport unit 5 by a bracket 105. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the fluid distributing device 100 may be directly attached to the roof 30 using other types of attachment mechanisms without the bracket 105. Alternatively, in other embodiments the fluid distributing device 100 may be attached by using an attachment mechanism such as the bracket 105 directly to the roadside longitudinal wall 20 or the curbside longitudinal wall 25. In an embodiment, a portion of the roof 30 or wall 20, 25 to which the fluid distributing device 100 is attached may be contoured or formed to reduce the pressure drop caused by the fluid distributing device 100 being disposed in the pathway of the incoming air.

Optionally, the transport unit 5 in some embodiments may have a second fluid distributing device 102 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The second fluid distributing device 102 is attached to the roof 30 of the transport unit 5 in a similar manner to the first fluid distributing device 100. The second fluid distributing device 102 may have a similar configuration to the first fluid distributing device 100 and can be configured to direct air to other locations within the interior space 50 based on its specific position within the transport unit 5. Two fluid distributing devices 100, 102 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it should be appreciated that the transport unit 5 in some embodiments may include a single fluid distributing device 100 as shown in FIG. 3 or three or more fluid distributing devices as required for the specific application.

The fluid distributing device 100 is positioned at or about halfway of the length L of the transport unit 5 from the front 10 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the distance d between the fluid distributing device 100 and the front 10 of the transport unit 5 is about equal to or greater than half of the length L of the transport unit 5. However, it should be appreciated that the fluid distributing device 100 may be positioned in an embodiment so that the distance d between the fluid distributing device 100 and the front 10 is less than half of the length L of the transport unit 5. In another embodiment, the fluid distributing device 100 may be positioned so that the distance d between the fluid distributing device 100 and the front 10 is more than half of the length L of the transport unit 5. The second fluid distributing device 102 is positioned between the first fluid distributing device 100 and the back wall 15 of the transport unit 5.

As shown in FIG. 2, the interior space 50 may include a first portion 50A that extends from the first fluid distributing device 100 to the second fluid distributing device 102 and a second portion 50B that extends from the second fluid distributing device 102 to the back wall 15 of the transport unit 5. The first fluid distributing device 100 may be configured to direct condition air so that the first portion 50A of the interior space 50 has a more even distribution of conditioned air that helps prevent hotspots from forming in the first portion 50A. The second fluid distributing device 102 may be configured to direct conditioned air so that the second portion 50B of the interior space 50 has a more even distributing of the conditioned air that helps prevent hotspots from forming within the portion 50B. The interior space has two portions 50A, 50B in FIG. 2. However, it should be appreciated that the transport unit 5 may have a single fluid distributing device 100 or three or more fluid distributing devices. When there are two or more fluid distributing devices, each fluid distributing device may be disposed at different locations within the interior space 50 to provide a more even distribution of the conditioned air within the interior space 50 to prevent hotspots from forming.

FIGS. 4A-4D show various views of the fluid distributing device 100, according to one embodiment. FIG. 4A is a front isometric view of the fluid distributing device 100. FIG. 4B is a side view of a second end 115 of the fluid distributing device 100. FIG. 4C is a front perspective view of a cross section of the fluid distributing device 100 along line 4C-4C shown in in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4D is a view of a bottom 120 of the fluid distributing device 100. The fluid distributing device 100 has a first end 110, a second end 115, a bottom 120, a top 122, a front 125, and a back 127. The first end 110 is opposite the second end 115 (see FIG. 4D). The fluid distributing device 100 has a width to that extends from the first end 110 to the second end 115 (see FIG. 4A).

The first end 110 and the second end 115 each have an inlet 135, 140 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, each of the inlets 135, 140 has an oval shape. However, it should be appreciated that the shape of one or more of the inlets 135, 140 of the fluid distributing device may be different. For example, the inlets 135, 140 may be circular or have a polygonal shape (e.g., hexagon shaped, etc.).

As shown by FIG. 3, each end 110, 115 of the fluid distributing device 100 faces a respective longitudinal wall 20, 25. Accordingly, each of the inlets 135, 140 faces a respective one of the longitudinal walls 20, 25. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the inlet(s) 135, 140 of the fluid distributing device 100 may have a different configuration than shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. For example, the fluid distributing device 100 may have more than two inlets 135, 140 in an embodiment.

For example, the fluid distributing device 100 may have one or more inlets 135, 140 at only one of the ends 110, 115. In one embodiment, the fluid distributing device 100 may have a single inlet 135 at the first end 110 and no inlet at the second end 115. In another embodiment, the fluid distributing device 100 may have multiple inlets at the first end 110 and no inlets at the second end 115. In yet another embodiment, the fluid distributing device 100 may have a single inlet 135 at the first end 110 and multiple inlets at the second end 115. Further, in another embodiment, the fluid distributing device 100 may have multiple inlets at the first end 110 and multiple inlets at the second end 115.

In another example, the fluid distributing device 100 may have one or more inlets 135, 140 located along the first end 110, the second end 115, the top 122, and/or back 127 of the fluid distributing device 100. Providing an inlet 135, 140 in the same surface and/or plane as an outlet 130 and to the back of the outlet 130 may result in a portion of the blown air being drawn back into the fluid distributing device 100, and in a negative impact to the efficiency of the fluid distributing device 100. In an embodiment, the one or more inlets 135, 140 are not located in the surface of the fluid distributing device 100 that includes an outlet 130 and/or along the same plane as the outlet 130. In an embodiment, the fluid distributing device 100 has a bottom 120 with the outlet 130 and the one or more inlets 135, 140 are not located along the bottom 120. However, it should be appreciated that the outlet 130 in an embodiment may be provided in a difference surface of the fluid distributing device 130 than the bottom 120. In such an embodiment, the fluid distributing device 100 may have one or more outlets 135, 140 in the bottom 120 of the fluid distributing device 100.

As shown in FIG. 4D, the fluid distributing device 100 includes an outlet 130 that extends along the bottom 120 of the fluid distributing device 100 between the first end 110 and the second end 115 near the front 125. The outlet 130 is a slit formed in the bottom 120 of the fluid distributing device 100. The outlet 130 is shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 3 and 4A as the outlet 130 would not be visible in the views in FIGS. 3 and 4A. The outlet 130 extends in a direction parallel to the width ω of the fluid distributing device 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the outlet 130 extends in a direction parallel to the width W of the transport unit 5. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the outlet 130 may not extend all of the way from the first end 110 to the second end 115. Also, in some embodiments, the outlet 130 may extend in a direction that is not parallel to the width w of the fluid distributing device 100 and/or the width W of the transport unit 5.

FIG. 4E is a cross sectional view of a portion of the fluid distributing device 100 along line 4E-4E in FIG. 3, according to one embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4E, the fluid distributing device 100 includes a protrusion 160 that extends from the bottom 120 upwardly into the internal volume of fluid distributing device 100. The protrusion 160 is configured to help guide the air blown out of the fluid distributing device 100 through the outlet 130 into a stream. The protrusion 160 can also help reduce turbulent airflow within the fluid distributing device 100 near the outlet 160. The bottom 120, top 122, front 125, and back 127 of the fluid distributing device 100 may be formed from a sheet of material that is bent or formed to have a cross section as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4E. For example, a first end (e.g., the edge 162) of the sheet would folio the protrusion 160 and a second end (e.g., the edge 132) of the sheet would faun the forward edge of the outlet 130. Alternatively, in some embodiments the protrusion 160 may be separately formed and attached to the bottom 120 of the fluid distributing device 100. The protrusion 160 can help guide the air in the fluid distributing device 100 that is flowing towards the front 125 to the outlet 130 of the fluid distributing device 100. In an embodiment, the fluid distributing device 100 may be Banned of multiple plastic parts that are assembled together.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4E, the fluid distributing device 100 is positioned in the path of air blown by the TRU 40 as shown by arrows 48. Accordingly, the shape of the fluid distributing device 100 may be aerodynamic to minimize disruption (e.g., prevent a velocity drop) of the air that flows across the surfaces (e.g., bottom 120, top 122, front 125, back 127) of the fluid distributing device 100. For example, shape of the fluid distributing device 100 is aerodynamic as the cross section along the path of the air blown by the TRU 40 (e.g., along the longitudinal direction DL gradually increases from the front of the fluid distributing device 100 to the middle (e.g., at or about where the outlet 130 is positioned) of the fluid distributing device 100, and then gradually decreases from the middle into a tail at the back end of the fluid distributing device. The front 125 of the fluid distributing device 100 is curved to provide an aerodynamic profile for the air flowing past and along the fluid distributing device 100. The inlets 135, 140 are advantageously located on the ends 110, 115 of the fluid distributing device 100 so as to have a lesser impact on the velocity of the air that flows in the longitudinal direction DL past the fluid distributing device 100.

The first end 110 and second end 115 are angled relative to the front 125 and back 127 of the fluid distributing device 100. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4D, each end 110, 115 is angled relative to the direction 48 of the incoming conditioned air. As shown in FIG. 4D, the second end 115 has an angle β relative to the direction 48 of the incoming air. In some embodiments, angle β can range from 0 to 45 degrees.

The angle of the ends 110, 115 can make the overall shape of the fluid distributing device 100 more aerodynamic for passing air. The angle of the ends 110, 115 can also cause the inlets 135, 140 to be angled towards the incoming air. The angle of the ends 110, 115 can also result in each inlet 135, 140 not directly facing its corresponding longitudinal wall 20, 25. For example, the angle between the inlet 135 in the first end 110 and the roadside direction DR can equal the angle β, and the angle between the inlet 140 in the second end 115 and the curbside direction DC can equal angle β. The first end 110 and second end 115 in an embodiment can have an angle that is equal to angle β relative to the direction 48 of the incoming air to reduce turbulence caused by the ends 110, 115. In FIG. 4D, both ends 135, 140 have the same angle β. In other embodiments, the ends 135, 140 may each have different angles. The angle β may be determined based on the positioning of the fluid distributing device 100 and how the air flows past the fluid distributing device 100 in its position.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4A-4E, the fluid distributing device 100 has a top 122 that is separated from the roof 30 of the transport unit 5 by a bracket 105. However, the fluid distributing device 100 in some embodiments may be affixed directly to the roof 30. In such an embodiment, the fluid distributing device 100 may, for example, not have a top 122 that is separate from the roof 30. Instead, a portion of the roof 30 may form the top 122 of the fluid distributing device 100. For example, in such an embodiment, the fluid distributing device 100 may be configured so that the upper edges of the sides 110, 115, the front 125, and back 127 connect to the roof 30 to form the internal volume of the fluid distributing device 100.

A positive air displacement device is included within fluid distributing device 100. As shown in FIG. 4E, the positive air displacement device is a fan 150 that includes an inlet 152 and an outlet 155. The fan 150 is positioned along the second end 115 so that the inlet 152 of the fan 150 is positioned around or along the inlet 140 of the second end 115. The fan is affixed to the second end 115. The fan 150 is configured to suction air entering the fluid distributing device 100 via the inlet 140 and blow the air via the outlet 155 in a direction 157 towards the front 125 of the fluid distributing device 100. The air blown towards the front 125 by the fan 150 is then guided by the protrusion 160 and a portion of the front surface 125 to the outlet 130. Accordingly, the fan 150 can suction air from outside the fluid distributing device 100 via the inlet 140 and blow the air to the front 125 and out of the of the fluid distributing device 100 via the outlet 130.

The outlet 130 is foamed so that the fluid distributing device 100 can blow air entering the fluid distributing device 100 via the inlet 140 in a direction N. As shown in FIG. 3, the direction N of the blown air is parallel to the longitudinal direction DL towards the back wall 15 of the transport unit 5. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the fluid distributing device 100 can be configured to blow the air in a direction N that is angled relative to the longitudinal direction DL. For example, the fluid distributing device 100 may be configured to blow air in a direction N that is up to 45° different than the longitudinal direction DL. Thus, in some embodiments the outlet 130 may be angled towards the curbside longitudinal wall 25 or the roadside longitudinal wall 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, air is blown from the fluid distributing device 100 towards a portion of the internal space 50 (e.g., the first portion 50A, the second portion 50B, etc.). A distance from said portion to the TRU 40 is greater than the distance d, and the distance from the fluid disturbing device 100 to said portion. In an embodiment, the conditioned air may be provided to the internal space 50 from an opening that is not along the front wall 10 of the transport unit 5 (e.g., the opening 12 in FIG. 1, etc.). For example, the TRU 40 may be located along a different wall (e.g., a back wall 15, a roadside longitudinal wall 20, a curbside longitudinal wall 25, a roof 30, etc.) of the transport unit 5 and/or a duct (not shown) may provide conditioned air of the TRU 40 to the internal space 50. In some embodiments, the internal space 50 may be divided into multiple zones (e.g., divided into separate portions, etc.) and a duct may be aligned for transporting conditioned air from the TRU 40 to a specific one of the zones. In an embodiment, an opening (e.g., an opening in the transport unit 5 or of said duct) provides the conditioned air to the internal space 50. In such an embodiment, the fluid distributing device 100 may blow air towards a portion of the internal space 50, and a distance from said portion to the opening can be greater than a distance from the opening to the fluid distributing device 100 and a distance from the fluid disturbing device 100 to said portion.

As shown in FIG. 4E, the fluid distributing device 100 can blow the air at an angle α. In some embodiments, the angle α can be about 5 degrees relative to a horizontal direction H. The horizontal direction H is a direction parallel to roof 30 of the transport unit 5. In some embodiments, the angle α of the air blown from the fluid distributing device 100 relative to a horizontal direction H may be in a range between about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle α of the air blown from the fluid distributing device 100 relative to a horizontal direction H may be in a range between about 0 degrees to about 10 degrees. In yet some other embodiments, the angle α of the air blown from the fluid distributing device 100 relative to a horizontal direction H may be in a range between about 0 degrees to about 5 degrees.

As previously discussed, the fluid distributing device 100 may be attached to the curbside longitudinal wall 25 or the roadside longitudinal wall 20 in an embodiment. In such an embodiment, the angle α may be relative to a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal wall 20, 25 to which the fluid distributing device 100 is attached instead of the horizontal direction. In such an embodiment, the direction N as described herein may be a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction (e.g., direction 48 in FIG. 3) and the longitudinal wall 20, 25.

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate a fluid distributing device 200 that has an outlet 230 along the back 227 of the fluid distributing device 200 instead of the bottom 120. The fluid distributing device 200 has a front 225; a top 222; ends 210, 215 with inlets 235, 240; bottom 220; and a width ω1 that are similar to the fluid distributing device 100 in FIGS. 4A-4E. The fluid distributing device 200 may mounted in a similar manner as discussed with the fluid distributing device 100. For example, the fluid distributing device 200 in an embodiment may be affixed to the roof 30 by a bracket 305 similar to the bracket 105. The inlet 240, second end 215, and a bottom edge of the opening 230 are shown in dashed lines in FIG. 5A as they would not be visible in the view shown in FIG. 5A.

The fluid distributing device 200 includes a projection 260 in the outlet 230. The projection 260 extends from the outlet 230. The projection 260 directs the air exiting the outlet 230 in a similar manner to the protrusion 160 of the fluid distributing device 100. The fluid distributing device 200 may be made in a similar manner as discussed above for fluid distributing device 100. In an embodiment, the fluid distributing device 200 may also be modified (e.g., with different placements for the inlets 235, 240) in a similar manner as discussed regarding fluid distributing device 100.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an interior of a transport unit 1B with an embodiment of a fluid distributing device 300. The fluid distributing device 300 has a similar configuration to the fluid distributing 100 as discussed herein, except for its overall shape. For example, the fluid distributing device 300 has a first end 310, a second end 315, a top 322, a front 325, a back 327, and a width ω2. The fluid distributing device 100, 200 shown in FIGS. 1-5B is shaped to be straight from its first end 110 to its second end 115. In contrast, the fluid distributing device 300 in FIG. 6 has a concave shape from its first end 310 to its second end 315. Also, the fluid distributing device 300 in FIG. 6 is concave towards the direction of the incoming air 48.

The fluid distributing device 300 may be configured to blow air from its outlet (not shown in FIG. 6) in directions (e.g., N1 and N2) ranging from about 0 to about 45 degrees different than the longitudinal direction. For example, the fluid distributing device 300 may be configured so that each of N1 and N2 in FIG. 6 is about 45 degrees different from the longitudinal direction DL. The fluid distributing device 300 in an embodiment may be constructed in a similar manner as discussed herein regarding the fluid distributing device 100, and may be modified (e.g., have different placement of the its inlet(s) or outlet(s)) as similarly discussed with respect to the fluid distributing device 100. Additionally, one or more inlets 235, 240 of the fluid distributing device 200 may also be located in the bottom 220 of the fluid distributing device 200 as the outlet 260 is located in the back 227. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the conditioned air is blown through the internal space of the trailer 5 in direction 48, which is the same as longitudinal direction DL. However, in an embodiment, the conditioned air may be blown from a different direction. In some embodiments, the internal space of the trailer 5 may be divided into multiple zones, and air may be blown into each zone in a different manner (e.g., a different direction). It should be appreciated that the positioning and configuration of the positioning and configuration of the fluid distributing device 100, 200, 300 as described above may be modified so that the conditioned air flows past the fluid distributing device 100, 200, 300 as described above. For example, the fluid distributing device 100, 200, 300 in an embodiment is configured and positioned so that its front 125, 235, 335, faces the direction of the incoming conditioned air.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show an interior volume 101 of the fluid distributing device 100, according to one embodiment. FIG. 7A is downward horizontal cross sectional view of interior volume 101 the fluid distributing device 100. FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view of the interior volume 101 along the width ω looking towards the front 125 of the fluid distributing device 100. In this embodiment, the fan 150 is affixed to an inner surface of the second end 115 of the fluid distributing device 100 and a second fan 170 is affixed to an inner surface of the first end 110 of the fluid distributing device 100. A description of the fan 150 is discussed above with respect to FIG. 4E. The second fan 170 includes an inlet 172 located around or about the first inlet 135 and an outlet 175 that faces the front 125 of the fluid distributing device 100. The second fan 170 is configured to suction air into the fluid distributing device 100 via the inlet 135 in the first end 110 and blows the suctioned air in a direction 177 towards the front 125 of the fluid distributing device 100. The air blown towards the front 125 can then exit the fluid distributing device 100 via the outlet 130. In some embodiments, the fans 150, 170 may not blow directly towards the front 125. In some embodiments, the fans 150, 170 can suction air into the fluid distributing device 100 that causes the internal volume 101 to have a higher air pressure relative to outside the fluid distributing device 100. The pressure difference between the internal volume 101 and the space outside the fluid distributing device 100 can cause the suctioned air to flow out of the outlet 130 in a stream with a higher velocity than the conditioned air flowing past the fluid distributing device 100 from the TRU (as shown by arrows 48 in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4E).

FIGS. 8A and 8B show another embodiment of an internal volume 401 of a fluid distributing device 400 with fans 450, 470. FIG. 8A is horizontal cross sectional view of the internal volume 401 looking towards the bottom 420 of the fluid distributing device 400. FIG. 8B is a cross sectional view of the internal volume 401 along a width o looking towards a front 425 of the fluid distributing device 400. The fluid distributing device 400 has a similar external structure as the fluid distributing device 100 in FIGS. 2-4E. The fluid distributing device 400 has ends 410, 415; inlets 435, 440; a back 427; a top 427; the front 425; the bottom 420 with an outlet (not shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B); a protrusion 460; and a width ω similar to the fluid distributing device 100.

It should be understood that the fluid distributing device 400 may be modified in a similar manner as discussed regarding the fluid distributing device 100. For example, fluid distributing device 400 may have an outlet similar in its back 427 similar to the fluid distributing device 200 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B in an embodiment. In such an embodiment, the fans 450, 470 may blow towards the back 427 instead of the front 425 of the fluid distributing device 400. For example, the fluid distributing device 400 in an embodiment may have a curved shape similar to the fluid distributing device 300 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

The fluid distributing device 400 includes two inlet extensions 437, 442. A first inlet extension 437 connects the inlet 435 of the first end 410 to an inlet of the fan 470. The first inlet extension 437 directs the air entering the fluid distributing device 400 through the inlet 435 to the inlet of the fan 470. The fan 470 is affixed to an end of the first inlet extension 437 opposite the inlet 435. The first extension 437 positions the fan 470 within the internal volume 401 of the fluid distributing device 400. A second inlet extension 442 has a similar configuration to the first inlet extension 437, except with respect to the other fan 450 and the inlet 440 on the second end 415. In some embodiments, the fluid distributing device 400 may include support structures (not shown) that provide support to the fans 450, 470 in addition to or instead of the inlet extensions 437, 442. In such embodiments, a separate supporting structure may be provided to support and/or position both or each of the fans 450, 470 within the fluid distributing device 400 while each of the extensions 437, 442 can direct air into a corresponding inlet of the fans 450, 470.

Each fan 450, 470 can blow air in a direction 457, 477 towards the front 425 of the fluid distributing device 400. The outlet 475, 455 of each fan 450, 470 is angled towards a center portion 426 of the front 425. The direction 457, 477 of each fan 450, 470 is not perpendicular to the width ω or the longitudinal direction DL. The fans 450, 470 are oriented so as to minimize the turbulent airflow within the fluid distributing device 400. For example, the orientation would be based on the shape of the fluid distributing device 400. When the fluid distributing device 400 is attached to the roof 30 of the transport unit 5 as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first fan 450 can be angled in the curbside direction DC towards the roadside longitudinal wall 20 and the second fan 470 can be angled in the roadside direction DR towards the curbside longitudinal wall 25. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the fans 450, 470 may be angled in different directions then shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B based on additional testing or modeling so that, for example, the fluid distributing device 400 more efficiently increases the velocity of air flowing from the fluid distributing device 400 and/or provides a greater velocity of air from the fluid distributing device 400.

FIG. 9 illustrates a control diagram of a control system 500 of the TRU 40 in an embodiment. The control system is configured to control the fluid distributing device 100 and optionally the fluid distributing device 102 in the transport unit 5. The TRU 40 includes a control unit 510 that controls the flow of air from the fluid distributing device 100. The control unit 510 is electrically connected to the fans 150, 170 of the fluid distributing device 100. The control unit 510 can operate the fans 150, 170 as needed to adequately and/or efficiently cool or heat the interior space 50 by helping to distribute the conditioned air provided to the interior space of the trailer 5. For example, when the transport unit 5 has goods that are near the back wall 15 of the trailer 5, the control unit 510 can operate the fans 150, 170 so that the air around goods near the back wall 15 is at the desired environmental conditions. For example, in some embodiments the control unit 510 can operate the fans 150, 170 to adjust the flow rate of air being blown from the fluid distributing device 102 in a direction from the front wall 10 towards the back wall 15. In some embodiments, the control unit 510 operates the fans 150, 170 by adjusting the fan speed of each fan 150, 170. In another embodiment, the control unit 510 operates the fans 150, 170 by activating or deactivating one or both of the fans 150, 170 to be on or off. A sensor 515 is configured to detect the presence of goods in a specific area (e.g., an area near the back wall 15, an area located between the fluid distributing device 100 and the back wall 15) of the transport unit 5. The control unit 510 operates the fluid distributing device 100 based on whether the sensor 515 detects goods in the specific area.

As discussed above and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the transport unit 5 in some embodiments may optionally include the second fluid distributing device 102. Optionally, the control unit 510 is electrically connected to and operates the fans 550, 570 of the second fluid distributing device 102. The second fluid distributing device 102 may include a sensor 530 that detects if goods are located in a specific area of the interior space 50. The control unit 510 may then operate the second distributing device 102 based on whether the sensor 530 detects goods in the specific area where the second fluid distributing device 102 is located. For example, the sensor 515 may detect if goods are in an area between the fluid distributing device 100 and the second fluid distributing device 102 and the sensor 530 may detect if goods are in an area between the second fluid distributing device 102 and the back wall 15 of the transport unit 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the second fluid distributing device 102 is downstream from the first distributing device 100 with respect to the TRU 40. Accordingly, the control unit 510 in an embodiment may control the first distributing device 100 based on whether the second fluid distributing device 102 is active. Accordingly, the fluid distributing devices 100, 102 may work together to provide conditioned air to goods in an area located between the second fluid distributing device 102 and the back wall 15 of the transport unit 5. The control unit 510 is shown for the transport unit 5 having the first fluid distributing device 100 and the optional second fluid distributing device 102. However, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments the transport unit 5 may include more than two fluid distributing devices 100, 102. In such embodiments, the control unit 510 can be electrically connected to fans of each of the fluid distributing devices so as to allow the control unit 510 to control each fluid distributing device in the transport unit 5. In such embodiments, each of the fluid distributing devices may include a corresponding sensor to detect if goods are in a specific area of the transport unit 5 and the control unit 510 may operate each of the fluid distributing devices based on data monitored by the corresponding sensor.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method 600 for a fluid distributing device 100 to distribute air within the interior space 50 of the transport unit 5, according to one embodiment. In an embodiment, the fluid distributing device 100 is attached to the roof 30 of the transport unit 5. The fluid distributing device 100 can have at least one outlet 130 that extends in a direction between the longitudinal walls 20, 25 of the transport unit 5. The fluid distributing device 100 has at least one inlet 135, 140 that faces one of the longitudinal walls 20, 25 of the transport unit 5. However, in some embodiments, the fluid distributing device 100 may be formed along one of the longitudinal walls 20, 25 of the transport unit 5. In such an embodiment, the outlet 130 may extend in a direction between the roof 30 and the floor 35 of the transport unit 5 and inlet(s) 135, 140 may face the roof 30 or the floor 35 of the transport unit 5. However, it should be appreciated that the method 600 may be for the fluid distributing device 102 in FIGS. 1, 2, and 8, the fluid distributing device 200 in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the fluid distributing device 300 in FIG. 6, or for the fluid distributing device 400 in FIGS. 8A and 8B in some embodiments.

At 605, the fluid displacement device 100 draws air into the airflow distributing volume, via at least one of the inlet 135, 140. For example, the air distributing volume may be the internal volume 101 of the fluid distributing device 100 in an embodiment. The air is drawn into the air distributing volume in at least a first direction that intersects one of the longitudinal walls 20, 25 of the transport unit 5. Each of the inlets 135, 140 faces a direction that intersects with one of the longitudinal walls 20, 25. For example, air may be drawn into the fluid displacement device 100 by one or more positive fluid displacement devices (e.g., fans 150, 170). The method 600 then proceeds to 610.

At 610, the air is discharged from the fluid distribution device 100 via the outlet 130 in a specific direction within the interior space 50 of the transport unit 5. The fluid distribution device 100 may be configured so that the fluid distribution device 100 discharges air so that conditioned air is more equally distributed within the interior space 5. For example, the air may be discharged in a direction may be the direction N towards a back of the interior space 50 of the transport unit 5 (e.g., towards the back wall 15 of the transport unit 5) in an embodiment.

Optionally, the method may include step 615 in an embodiment. At step 615, a sensor 515 may detect whether goods are within a particular portion of the interior space 50 of the transport unit 5 in an embodiment. In an embodiment, a control unit 510 can be connected to the sensor 515 and to the one or more positive fluid displacement device(s) within the fluid distributing device 100. For example, the control unit 510 may operate the one or more positive fluid displacement device(s) based on whether the sensor 515 detects the presence of goods within the particular portion of the interior space 50.

The fluid distributing device 100 may also be employed in other applications. As discussed above, ram air effects can make it more difficult for air to be discharged from a TRU (e.g., the TRU 40 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The ram air effect can increase as a refrigerated transport unit (e.g., the refrigerated transport unit 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 travels at higher speeds. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, one or more fluid distributing devices 700A, 700B in some embodiments may be attached to an external surface of a refrigerated transport unit 2 to help direct process air discharged outside the TRU 40 and help counter the ram air effect. For clarity in the Figures, only fluid distributing device 700A is labeled. However, it should be understood that fluid distributing device 700B has a similar configuration as fluid distributing device 700A. In an embodiment, one or both of the fluid distributing devices 700A, 700B may have one or more of the modifications described herein for fluid distributing 700A. FIG. 11C shows a prospect view of a middle portion of the fluid distributing device 700A. The ends 710, 715 are omitted in FIG. 11C so as to illustrate the internal configuration of the fluid distributing device 700A including projection 760.

The fans 42 of the TRU 40 discharge the process air through outlets 44 located on the upper surface 46 of the TRU 40. A fluid distributing device 700A, 700B is positioned near each of the outlets 44. During transport, ambient air flows towards the refrigerated transport 2 as shown by arrows 704. The front 722 of the fluid distributing device 700A helps block the incoming air. The fluid distributing device 700A is attached to the upper surface 46 of the TRU 40 by a bracket 705. The fluid distributing device 700A is attached to the outer surface of the trailer 5 via the bracket 705. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the fluid distributing device 700A may be directly attached to a surface (e.g., upper surface 46) of the TRU unit 40 or an outer surface (e.g., external surface of roof 30) of the trailer 5. In an embodiment, the fluid distributing device 700A may not have surface along its bottom 725 (e.g., the surface facing downward) and the upper surface 46 may form a back surface of the fluid distributing device 700A.

The fluid distributing device 700A has a structure that is similar to the fluid distributing device 300 shown in FIG. 6, except that the fluid distributing device 700A is attached to the transport unit 5 in a different manner In particular, the fluid distributing device 700A in FIG. 11A is rotated counter-clockwise when compared to the fluid distributing device 100 in FIG. 2 such that the outlet 730 of the fluid distributing device 700A is on the back 720 of the fluid distributing device 700A instead of its bottom 722. The fluid distributing device 700A has a first end 710 and second end 715 that each has an inlet 735 (the inlet 735 in the second end 715 is not shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B). Each fluid distributing device 700A, 700B has a concave shape towards its respective outlet 44. However, it should be understood that one or both of the fluid distributing device 700A, 700B may be configured to have a generally straight shape similar to the fluid distributing device 100 in FIG. 3.

The fluid distributing device 700A has top 727, a bottom 725, and a width ω3 that extends from the first end 710 to the second end 715 of the fluid distributing device 700A. The outlet 730 of the fluid distributing device 700A extends in a direction along the width ω3 of the fluid distributing device 700A. The fluid distributing device 700A blows air through the outlet 730 in the direction N3. Each of the first end 710, second end 715, and inlets 735 in an embodiment may have a structure similar to the first end 110, second end 115, and inlets 135, 140 as the fluid distributing device 100 discussed above. The fluid distributing device 700A in an embodiment may also include one or more of the structural features (e.g., multiple inlets 735 in one of the ends 710, 715; an outlet 830 that is not parallel to the width ω3 of the fluid distributing device 700) discussed above with respect to fluid distributing device 100. Alternatively or additionally, fluid distributing device 700 may be modified to have a structure similar to fluid distributing device 200 (e.g., the outlet 830 located in the back 827) and/or the fluid distributing device 300 (e.g., a concave shape).

Each of the fluid distributing devices 700A, 700B is attached to the refrigerated transport unit 2 so as to be near one of the outlets 44 of the TRU 40. The fluid distributing device 700A has a similar internal structure to the fluid distributing device 100 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The fluid distributing device 700A in an embodiment may have a similar internal structure to the fluid distributing device 200 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Accordingly, the fluid distributing device 700A includes one or more positive fluid displacement devices (e.g., fan 150, 170, 250, 270). The fans 42 blow air in direction H2. When the refrigerated transport unit 2 is traveling at higher speeds, the one or more positive fluid displacement devices of the fluid distributing device 700A may be activated. When in operation, the positive fluid displacement device(s) blow air (e.g., by suction, etc.) in direction N3 that is in front of or that intersects the direction H2 of the air blown by its fan 42. The fluid distributing device 700A can help dampen the ram air affect by forming a blockade that blocks air from flowing directly through the space above fan 44. Further, the air flow from the fluid distributing device 700A can help push airflow upward, which can allow the air to more easily flow in direction H2. The angle α1 of the air blown from the fluid distributing device 700A relative to direction N3 is 5 degrees in FIG. 12. In some embodiments, the angle α1 of the air blown from the fluid distributing device 700A relative to direction H2 may be in a range between about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle α1 of the air blown from the fluid distributing device 700A relative to direction H2 may be in a range between about 0 degrees to about 10 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle α1 of the air blown from the fluid distributing device 700A relative to direction H2 may be in a range between about 0 degrees to about 5 degrees. Accordingly, the positive air displacement devices(s) of the fluid distributing device 700A may be activated when the refrigerated transport unit 2 is traveling at higher speeds to help counter the ram air effect. In an embodiment, the positive air displacement device(s) of the fluid distributing device 700A may be activated when the refrigerated transport unit 2 is traveling at highway speeds (e.g., a speed of about 50 mph or greater). In another embodiment, the positive air displacement device(s) of the fluid distributing device 700A may be activated when the refrigerated transport unit 2 is traveling at high speeds (e.g., a speed of about 60 mph or greater). The fluid distributing device(s) 700A, 700B improve the efficiency of the fan(s) 42 and the TRU 40 by reducing or negating the negative ram air effect on the flow of air from the fan(s) 42.

The TRU 40 has two outlets 44. However, in other embodiments, the TRU 40 may have one or more outlets 44. In another embodiment, the TRU 40 may have one outlet 44 and a single distributing device 700A may be provided for the single outlet 44. In an embodiment, the TRU may have three or more outlets 44. For example, in such an embodiment, at least one distributing device 700A may be provided for each outlet 44. In an embodiment, multiple fluid distributing devices 700A, 700B may be provided for each of the one or more outlets 44. In some embodiments, the multiple fluid distributing devices 700A, 700B, may be positioned to form a similar shape to the fluid distributing devices 700A, 700B but with a gap between them. In FIG. 11B for example, a first fluid distributing device may form the left portion of the fluid distributing device 700A, and a second fluid distributing device may form the right portion of the fluid distributing device 700A. In such an embodiment, there may be a space between the first and second fluid distributing devices 700A, 700B so as to allow the first and second fluid distributing devices 700A, 700B to suction air from the their openings in their ends that face each other.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a fluid distributing device 800 in an air duct 850 for an HVAC system, according to one embodiment. In some commercial HVAC systems, air ducts can be used to provide conditioned air to multiple locations within a building. Air conditioned by the HVAC system may not be able to reach the certain locations of the building as the conditioned air slows (e.g., loses its velocity) the further the conditioned air has to travel. FIGS. 12A and 12B show a portion of the air duct 850 that is located between a location where the HVAC system generates conditioned air and a portion of a building that is located farther away from the location where the HVAC system generates the conditioned air. The fluid distributing device 850 can increase the velocity of the conditioned air within the air duct 850. The air duct 850 includes a top wall 855, a bottom wall 860, and side walls 865, 870. The conditioned air is configured to flow through the air duct 850 in the direction shown by arrows 852. The fluid distributing device 800 is attached to the top wall 855 of the air duct 850 by a bracket 805. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the fluid distributing device 800 may be attached (by the bracket 805 or directly) to the bottom wall 860, or one of the side walls 865, 870 of the air duct 850. The fluid distributing device 800 includes a front 825, a bottom 820 with the outlet 830, a first end 810, a second end 815, and inlets 835 in each end 810, 815. The fluid distributing device 800 has a width ω4 that extends from the first end 810 to the second end 815. The front 825 of the fluid distributing device 800 is aerodynamically shaped so as to minimize the impact of the fluid distributing device 800 on the velocity of conditioned air that flows past the fluid distributing device 800. The fluid distributing device 800 may have a structure similar to the fluid distributing device 100 as described above. The fluid distributing device 800 in an embodiment may also include one or more of the structural features (e.g., multiple inlets 835 in one of the ends 810, 815; an outlet 830 that is not parallel to the width of the fluid distributing device 800) discussed above with respect to fluid distributing device 100. Alternatively or additionally, fluid distributing device 800 may be modified to have a structure similar to fluid distributing device 200 (e.g., the outlet 830 located in the back 827) and/or the fluid distributing device 300 (e.g., a concave shape).

The outlet 830 of the fluid distributing device 800 is configured so that the fluid distributing device 800 discharges air in the direction shown by the arrows labeled N4. The fluid distributing device 800 has an internal configuration that is similar to the fluid distributing device 100. In some embodiments, the fluid distributing device 800 may have an internal configuration that is similar to the fluid distributing device 200. Accordingly, the fluid distributing device 800 can include one or more positive fluid displacement devices (e.g., fan 150, 170, 250, 270). The angle α2 is about 5 degrees relative to direction H3. Direction H3 is a direction parallel to the direction 852 of conditioned air flowing through the air duct. In some embodiments, the angle α2 of the air blown from the fluid distributing device 100 relative to a direction H3 may be in a range between about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle α2 of the air blown from the fluid distributing device 100 relative to a horizontal direction H3 may be in a range between about 0 degrees to about 10 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle α2 of the air blown from the fluid distributing device 100 relative to a horizontal direction H3 may be in a range between about 0 degrees to about 5 degrees. When required or desired by the HVAC system, the fluid distributing device 800 can be activated so as to supplement one or more fans of the HVAC system by increasing the velocity of the air in the air duct 850 by blowing a stream of the conditioned air towards desired locations within the building. The fluid distributing device 800 can improve the efficiency of the HVAC system by increasing the flow of conditioned air to more remote area(s) of the building.

FIGS. 13A-13C show views of a heating space 952 of an oil cooler 950, according to one embodiment. FIG. 13A is a downward view of the heating space 952 of the oil cooler 950. FIG. 13B front prospective view of the heating space 952 of the oil cooler 950. FIG. 13C is a side view of the heating space 952 of the oil cooler 950. The oil cooler 950 utilizes air to cool oil utilized by a compressor and its various components. The oil cooler 950 includes an upper wall 955, a bottom wall 960, and sidewalls 965, 970 that form the heating space 952. As shown in FIG. 13B, the heating space 952 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments the heating space 952 may have more than four walls 955, 960, 965, 970 and/or the walls 955, 960, 965, 970 may form a different cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular, trapezoidal, etc.) than rectangular.

The oil cooler 950 includes a heat exchanger tube 975 that passes through the heating space 952. The heat exchange tube 975 has four passes 976 (one of the passes 976 shown in FIG. 12B is mostly obscured by the fluid distributing devices 900A, 900B) and includes an inlet 977 and an outlet 979 that are attached to the sidewall 965 of the heating space 952. However, it should be appreciated that the heat exchanger tube 975 in some embodiments can include one or more passes and the inlet 977 and/or outlet 979 may be attached to the other walls 955, 960, 965, 970 of the heating space 952.

The heat exchanger tube 975 in FIGS. 13A-13C is shown without additional external or internal features (e.g., dimples, external fins, internal baffles) for increasing heat exchange between the flowing oil and flowing air. However, it should be appreciated that the heat exchanger tube 975 in some embodiments may have additional external or internal features for increasing the heat exchange between the flowing oil and flowing air.

Air flows through the heating space 952 as shown by arrows 954 and across the surfaces of the heat exchanger tube 975. Oil flows through the heat exchanger tube 975 in the direction shown by arrow 978. As the air flows across the surfaces of the heat exchanger tube 975, the flowing air is heated by the oil flowing through the material of heat exchanger tube 975. Two fluid distributing devices 900A, 900B are positioned within the heating space 952 to direct some of the air across the surfaces of the heat exchanger tube 975. For clarity in the Figures, only fluid distributing device 900A is labeled. However, it should be understood that fluid distributing device 900B has a similar configuration as fluid distributing device 900A. In an embodiment, one or both of the fluid distributing devices 900A, 900B as shown in FIGS. 13A-13C may have one or more of the modifications described herein for fluid distributing 900A.

The fluid distributing device 900A is indirectly attached to the upper wall 955 of the heating space by a bracket 905. While the fluid distributing device 900A is indirectly attached by the bracket 905 to the upper wall 955 in FIGS. 13A-13C, the fluid distributing device 900A in an embodiment may be directly attached to the upper wall 955. In such an embodiment, a portion of said respective wall may provide the surface of the fluid distributing device 900A that faces said wall. For example, when the fluid distributing device 955 is affixed directly to the upper wall 955, the fluid distributing device 900A may be configured so that all or a portion of the top 922 (e.g., a portion of the top surface of the top 922) is provided by the upper wall 955.

It will be appreciated that the fluid distributing device 900A in an embodiment may be attached to a different wall (e.g., bottom wall 960, sidewall 965, sidewall 970) of the heating space 952. In such an embodiment, the fluid distributing device 900A may be directly or indirectly attached to the different wall of the heating space 952. For example, the fluid distributing device 900A may be indirectly attached to one of the sidewalls 965, 970 or the bottom wall 960 by a bracket that can be similar to the bracket 905.

The fluid distributing device 900A includes a first end 910, a second end 915, a bottom 920 with an outlet 930, a front 925, and a width ω4. Each of the ends 910, 915 includes an inlet (not shown) similar to fluid distributing device 100 in FIGS. 4A-4E. The front 925 has an aerodynamic shape that minimizes the impact of the fluid distributing device 900A on the velocity of air that flows over and past the fluid distributing device 900A. The fluid distributing device 900A in an embodiment may have a structure similar to the fluid distributing device 300 as described above.

The fluid distributing device 900A in an embodiment may also be modified to have one or more of the structural features (e.g., configuration of one or more inlets, configuration of one or more outlets 930, a shape that is generally straight) as discussed above with respect to fluid distributing device 100. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid distributing device 900A may be modified to have a structure similar to fluid distributing device 200 (e.g., the outlet 930 located in the back 927). In an embodiment, a single fluid distributing device may be provided instead of two smaller fluid distributing devices 900A, 900B. For example, a fluid distributing device in such an embodiment may have a structure similar to the fluid distributing device 300.

The fluid distributing device 900A can have an internal configuration that is similar to the fluid distributing device 100 or the fluid distributing device 200. Accordingly, the fluid distributing device 900A can include one or more positive air displacement devices (e.g., fan 150, 170, 250, 270). The positive air displacement device(s) can pull air into the fluid distributing device 900A through the inlets 935, 940 and blow the pulled air through the outlet 930. The fluid distributing device 900A can blow from the outlet 930 a stream of air in direction N5 towards the heat exchanger tube 975. The stream of air from outlet 930 can have a higher velocity than the velocity of incoming air as it flows past the fluid distributing device 900A. The direction N5 has an angle of α3 relative to the direction H4 in a first direction (e.g., the horizontal direction in FIG. 13B), and an angle of α4 relative to direction H4 in a second direction (e.g., a vertical direction in FIG. 13B). The second direction is perpendicular to the second direction (e.g., a vertical direction in FIG. 13B). Direction H4 is a direction parallel to the direction 954 of the incoming air. Both angle α3 and α4 are about 5 degrees in FIG. 13A. In some embodiments, angle α3 and α4, respectively, may be in a range between about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, angle α3 and α4, respectively may be in a range between about 0 degrees to about 10 degrees. In other embodiments, angle α3 and α4, respectively, may be in a range between about 0 degrees to about 5 degrees. In said embodiments above, angle α3 and α4, may be different. In the embodiments described above, α4 may be an angle relative to the wall 955, 960, 965, 970 to which the fluid distributing device 900A is attached.

Air may not be equally directed over the heat exchanger tube 975. This can result in the formation of one or more dead spots (e.g., locations along the heat exchanger tube 975 where little or no air is moving) are formed. The dead spots can decrease the efficiency of the heat exchanger (e.g., an oil cooler, etc.). The fluid distributing devices 900A, 900B can direct air across the heat exchanger tube 975 to reduce and/or prevent the formation of dead spots along the heat exchanger tube 975. While the described configuration for the fluid distributing devices 900A, 900B is for an oil cooler 950, it will be appreciated that the oil cooler 950 may be a different type of heat exchanger. For example, the one or more fluid distributing devices 900A, 900 may be employed in a heat exchanger that heats or cools air or refrigerant. In such an embodiment, the air or refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger tube 950 instead of the oil. The fluid distributing device(s) 900A, 900B increase the efficiency of a heat exchanger (e.g., the oil cooler 950, etc.) by reducing and/or reducing the formation of dead spots along the heat exchanger tube(s) (e.g., heat exchanger tube 950, etc.) of the heat exchanger.

The oil cooler 950 in FIGS. 13A-13C has two fluid distributing devices 900A, 900B in parallel. In an embodiment, the oil cooler 950 may have one or more fluid distributing devices 900A, 900B in parallel to better distribute air over the heat exchanger tube(s) 975 in the oil cooler 950. In some embodiments, the oil cooler 950 may include two or more fluid distributing devices 900A, 900B in parallel to better distribute air over heat exchanger tube(s) 975 in the oil cooler 950.

Aspects:

Any of aspects 1-8 can be combined with any of aspects 9-21, and any of aspects 9-17 can be combined with any of aspects 18-21.

  • Aspect 1. A fluid distributing device comprising:

a body including a first end and a second end, the body having a width extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the body includes an inlet at one or both of the first end and the second end;

an outlet extending along a width of the body; and

a positive fluid displacement device configured to draw fluid into an interior of the body from outside of the body through the inlet.

  • Aspect 2. The fluid distributing device of aspect 1, wherein the outlet extends from the first end to the second end of the body.
  • Aspect 3. The fluid distributing device of either of aspects 2 or 3, wherein the outlet extends in a direction parallel to the width of the body.
  • Aspect 4. The fluid distributing device of any one of aspects 1-3, wherein the outlet is a slit extending along a bottom of the fluid distributing device.
  • Aspect 5. The fluid distributing device of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the inlet is located at the first end includes at least one of the one or more inlets, and the body includes a second inlet located at the second end.
  • Aspect 6. The fluid distributing device of any one of aspects 1-5, wherein the body includes a curved front surface extending from the first end to the second end of the body
  • Aspect 7. The fluid distributing device of any one of aspects 1-6, wherein the positive fluid displacement device is a fan.
  • Aspect 8. The fluid distributing device of any one of aspects 1-7, wherein the fluid distributing device has a concave shape.
  • Aspect 9. A refrigerated transport unit (RTU) comprising:

a transport unit having an interior space defined by a curbside longitudinal wall, a roadside longitudinal wall, and a roof;

a fluid distributing device disposed in the interior space including:

    • a body including a first end and a second end, the body having a width extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the body includes an inlet at one or both of the first end and the second end,
    • an outlet extending along a width of the fluid distributing device, and
    • a positive fluid displacement device configured to draw air into an interior of the fluid distributing device from outside of the fluid distributing device through the inlet,

wherein the outlet of the fluid distributing device directs the air to a specific region within the interior space so as to provide more equal distribution of air within the interior space.

  • Aspect 10. The refrigerated transport unit (RTU) of aspect 9, wherein

the direction of the air from the outlet of the fluid distributing device is a direction towards a back of the RTU.

  • Aspect 11. The refrigerated transport unit (RTU) of either of aspects 9 or 10, further comprising:

a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) attached to a front of the transport unit, the TRU blowing conditioned air in a direction from a front end of the interior space towards a back end of the interior space.

  • Aspect 12. The refrigerated transport unit (RTU) of any one of aspects 9-11, wherein the direction of the air discharged from the fluid distributing device is at or about 10 degrees or less relative to a horizontal direction that is parallel to the roof of the transport unit.
  • Aspect 13. The refrigerated transport unit (RTU) of any one of aspects 9-12, further comprising:

a control unit electrically connected to the positive fluid displacement device in the fluid distributing device, the control unit configured to control operation of the positive displacement device.

  • Aspect 14. The refrigerated transport unit (TRU) of any one of aspects 9-13, further comprising:

a sensor to detect goods within a particular portion of the interior space, wherein

the control unit electrically controls operation of the positive fluid displacement device based on whether the sensor detects the goods in the particular portion of the interior space.

  • Aspect 15. The refrigerated transport unit (TRU) of any one of aspects 9-14, wherein the control unit electrically controls a fan speed of the positive fluid displacement device based on whether the sensor detects the goods in the particular portion of the interior space.
  • Aspect 16. The refrigerated transport unit (TRU) of any one of aspects 9-15, wherein the fluid distributing device has a concave shape.
  • Aspect 17. The refrigerated transport unit (RTU) of any one of aspects 9-16, further comprising:

a second fluid distributing device including a second fluid displacement device, the first fluid distributing device and second fluid distributing device being separated by a distance in the longitudinal direction within the interior space, wherein

the control unit is electrically connected to the second fluid displacement device, the control unit being configured to control a fan speed of the second fluid displacement device.

  • Aspect 18. A method for a fluid distributing device to distribute air within an interior space of the refrigerated transport unit (RTU), the fluid distributing device including an inlet, an outlet that extends in a direction between longitudinal walls of the RTU within the interior space, and a positive fluid displacement device, the method comprising:

the positive fluid displacement device drawing air, via the inlet, into the fluid distributing device in a first direction that intersects one of the longitudinal walls of the RTU; and

the positive fluid displacement device discharging, via the outlet, the air out of the fluid distributing device in a specific direction within the interior space so as to provide more equal distribution of air within the interior space.

  • Aspect 19. The method of aspect 18, wherein

a transport refrigeration unit providing conditioned air to the internal space via an opening, and

the specific direction of the air discharging out of the fluid distributing device is a direction towards a portion of the interior space, and a distance from the opening to the portion of the interior space is greater than a distance from the fluid distributing device to the opening and a distance from the fluid distributing device to the opening.

  • Aspect 20. The method of either one of aspects 18 and 19, further comprising:

the specific direction of the air discharging out of the fluid distributing device is at or about 10 degrees or less relative to a horizontal direction that is parallel to a roof of the RTU.

  • Aspect 21. The method of any one of aspects 18-20, further comprising:

a sensor detecting whether goods are within a particular portion of the interior space; and

a control unit operating the positive fluid displacement device based on whether the sensor detects goods within the particular portion of the interior space.

The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A fluid distributing device comprising:

a body including a first end and a second end, the body having a width extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the body includes an inlet at one or both of the first end and the second end;
an outlet extending along a width of the body; and
a positive fluid displacement device configured to draw fluid into an interior of the body from outside of the body through the inlet.

2. The fluid distributing device of claim 1, wherein the outlet extends from the first end to the second end of the body.

3. The fluid distributing device of claim 2, wherein the outlet extends in a direction parallel to the width of the body.

4. The fluid distributing device of claim 1, wherein the outlet is a slit extending along a bottom of the fluid distributing device.

5. The fluid distributing device of claim 1, wherein

the inlet is located at the first end includes at least one of the one or more inlets, and
the body includes a second inlet located at the second end.

6. The fluid distributing device of claim 1, wherein the body includes a curved front surface extending from the first end to the second end of the body

7. The fluid distributing device of claim 1, wherein the positive fluid displacement device is a fan.

8. The fluid distributing device of claim 1, wherein the fluid distributing device has a concave shape.

9. A refrigerated transport unit (RTU) comprising:

a transport unit having an interior space defined by a curbside longitudinal wall, a roadside longitudinal wall, and a roof;
a fluid distributing device disposed in the interior space including: a body including a first end and a second end, the body having a width extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the body includes an inlet at one or both of the first end and the second end, an outlet extending along a width of the fluid distributing device, and a positive fluid displacement device configured to draw air into an interior of the fluid distributing device from outside of the fluid distributing device through the inlet, wherein the outlet of the fluid distributing device directs the air in a specific direction within the interior space so as to provide more equal distribution of air within the interior space.

10. The refrigerated transport unit (RTU) of claim 9, wherein

the specific direction of the air directed from the outlet of the fluid distributing device is a direction towards a back of the interior space.

11. The refrigerated transport unit (RTU) of claim 9, further comprising:

a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) attached to a front of the transport unit, the TRU blowing conditioned air in a direction from a front end of the interior space towards a back end of the interior space.

12. The refrigerated transport unit (RTU) of claim 9, wherein the direction of the air discharged from the fluid distributing device is at or about 10 degrees or less relative to a horizontal direction that is parallel to the roof of the transport unit.

13. The refrigerated transport unit (RTU) of claim 9, further comprising:

a control unit electrically connected to the positive fluid displacement device in the fluid distributing device, the control unit configured to control operation of the positive displacement device.

14. The refrigerated transport unit (TRU) of claim 13, further comprising:

a sensor to detect goods within a particular portion of the interior space, wherein
the control unit electrically controls operation of the positive fluid displacement device based on whether the sensor detects the goods in the particular portion of the interior space.

15. The refrigerated transport unit (TRU) of claim 14, wherein the control unit electrically controls a fan speed of the positive fluid displacement device based on whether the sensor detects the goods in the particular portion of the interior space.

16. The refrigerated transport unit (RTU) of claim 13, further comprising:

a second fluid distributing device including a second fluid displacement device, the first fluid distributing device and second fluid distributing device being separated by a distance in the longitudinal direction within the interior space, wherein
the control unit is electrically connected to the second fluid displacement device, the control unit being configured to control a fan speed of the second fluid displacement device.

17. A method for an fluid distributing device to distribute air within an interior space of a refrigerated transport unit (RTU), the fluid distributing device including an inlet, an outlet that extends in a direction between longitudinal walls of the RTU within the interior space, and a positive fluid displacement device, the method comprising:

the positive fluid displacement device drawing air, via the inlet, into the fluid distributing device in a first direction that intersects one of the longitudinal walls of the RTU; and
the positive fluid displacement device discharging, via the outlet, the air out of the fluid distributing device in a specific direction within the interior space so as to provide more equal distribution of air within the interior space.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein

a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) providing conditioned air to the internal space via an opening, and
the specific direction of the air discharging out of the fluid distributing device is a direction towards a portion of the interior space, and a distance from the opening to the portion of the interior space is greater than a distance from the fluid distributing device to the opening and a distance from the fluid distributing device to the opening.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

the specific direction of the air discharging out of the fluid distributing device is at or about 10 degrees or less relative to a horizontal direction that is parallel to a roof of the RTU.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

a sensor detecting whether goods are within a particular portion of the interior space; and
a control unit operating the positive fluid displacement device based on whether the sensor detects goods within the particular portion of the interior space.
Patent History
Publication number: 20200088454
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 13, 2018
Publication Date: Mar 19, 2020
Inventors: Srikanth KANDURI (Hyderabad), Ramesh VEDULA (Bangalore), Sreedhar REDDY ALLURU (Andhra Pradesh), Preman JOSEPH (Minneapolis, MN), Sudalairaja MADASAMY (Tuticorin Dist)
Application Number: 16/130,173
Classifications
International Classification: F25D 17/04 (20060101); F25D 11/00 (20060101); F25D 29/00 (20060101);