Modular temperature controlled shipping container

Abstract

An active temperature controlled modular shipping container may be in the active mode during flight. The container is also desirable for use in overland shipping operations as it provides accurate temperature control superior to known systems during transportation. The container can maintain a fixed temperature within 2° C. in ambient temperatures ranging from −20° C. to 49° C., using an integrated forced-air convection system for heating and cooling the cargo space of the container. The preferred embodiment of the container operates on rechargeable batteries and can maintain the selected temperature for at least 72 hours without recharging.

1 . A temperature controlled container for maintaining cargo in a controlled temperature environment during shipping, the container comprising:
 a. A cargo chamber having insulated side walls, ceiling wall and floor;   b. An insulated door providing access to the cargo chamber;   c. A powered temperature control system mounted in the container and separate from the cargo chamber;   d. Channels in the walls of the chamber for providing air flow paths for communicating the cargo chamber with the powered temperature control system.   
     
     
         2 . The temperature controlled container of  claim 1 , further comprising an evaporation chamber between the temperature controlled system and the cargo chamber. 
     
     
         3 . The temperature controlled container of  claim 2 , further comprising an evaporation chamber between the temperature controlled system and the cargo chamber, wherein the air flow paths for introducing temperature controlled air into the cargo chamber flows from the evaporation chamber and the air flow paths for returning temperature controlled air return the air to the evaporation chamber. 
     
     
         4 . The temperature controlled container of  claim 1 , the floor comprising:
 a. A structural layer;   b. An insulating layer in contact with the structural layer;   c. A cargo support floor in contact with the insulating layer.   
     
     
         5 . The temperature controlled container of  claim 4 , wherein the cargo support floor includes air flow paths. 
     
     
         6 . The temperature controlled container of  claim 1 , further comprising a control system for controlling the climate in the cargo chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The temperature controlled container of  claim 6 , wherein the control system may be controlled from a remote location. 
     
     
         8 . The temperature controlled container of  claim 6 , further including location tracking while the container is enroute. 
     
     
         9 . The temperature controlled container of  claim 8 , including GPS global position monitoring. 
     
     
         10 . The temperature controlled container of  claim 8 , including GSM global position monitoring. 
     
     
         11 . The temperature controlled container of  claim 6 , wherein the control system includes data logging and reporting functions. 
     
     
         12 . The temperature controlled container of  claim 1 , wherein the outer wall of the container comprises a sandwich layered system having an inner and outer skin and multiple layers of insulation therebetween. 
     
     
         13 . The temperature controlled container of  claim 12 , the outer wall further comprising:
 a. A durable skin layer;   b. A vacuum panel mounted against the skin layer;   c. A rigid insulation layer; and   d. A durable skin layer.   
     
     
         14 . The temperature controlled container of  claim 13 , further including multiple rigid insulation layers.