Systems and methods for modular refrigeration

Abstract

A modular refrigeration system comprising one or more structural components configured to store food, wherein the one or more structural components comprise: an internal compartment configured to store the food; an outer vessel configured to hold the inner compartment; and a cavity formed by the internal compartment and the outer vessel and configured to hold an absorbent material, wherein the outer vessel, the internal compartment, and the absorbent material maintain the food in the internal compartment within a first predetermined temperature range.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular refrigeration system comprising one or more structural components configured to store food, wherein the one or more structural components comprise:
 an internal compartment configured to store the food;   an outer vessel configured to hold the internal compartment; and   a cavity formed by the internal compartment and the outer vessel and configured to hold an absorbent material, wherein the outer vessel, the internal compartment, and the absorbent material maintain the food in the internal compartment within a first predetermined temperature range.   
     
     
         2 . The modular refrigeration system of  claim 1 , further comprising a thermoelectric cooler, wherein the internal compartment, the outer vessel, the absorbent material, and the thermoelectric cooler maintain the food in the internal compartment within a second predetermined temperature range. 
     
     
         3 . The modular refrigeration system of  claim 2 , wherein the thermoelectric cooler is a Peltier device. 
     
     
         4 . The modular refrigeration system of  claim 3 , wherein the first predetermined temperature range is above 40° F. 
     
     
         5 . The modular refrigeration system of  claim 4 , wherein the second predetermined temperature range is approximately 32° F. to 40° F. 
     
     
         6 . The modular refrigeration system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more structural components are made from natural, recyclable, or biodegradable materials. 
     
     
         7 . The modular refrigeration system of  claim 1 , wherein the internal compartment comprises a bottom portion and the outer vessel include a base portion, and wherein the bottom portion and the base portion are transparent and configured to allow the food in the internal compartment to be visible. 
     
     
         8 . The modular refrigeration system of  claim 1 , wherein the modular refrigeration system includes humidity control features to regulate moisture levels appropriate for different types of food. 
     
     
         9 . The modular refrigeration system of  claim 1 , wherein the modular refrigeration system eliminates use of refrigerants. 
     
     
         10 . The modular refrigeration system of  claim 1 , wherein the modular refrigeration system is configured to be arranged with a second modular refrigeration system. 
     
     
         11 . The modular refrigeration system of  claim 10 , wherein the arrangement is stacking of the modular refrigeration system with the second modular refrigeration system. 
     
     
         12 . The modular refrigeration system of  claim 1 , further comprising a hanging mechanism attached to the outer vessel, wherein the hanging mechanism is configured to suspend the modular refrigeration system. 
     
     
         13 . The modular refrigeration system of  claim 12 , further comprising a lifting mechanism configured to lift and lower the modular refrigeration system in order to suspend the modular refrigeration system. 
     
     
         14 . The modular refrigeration system of  claim 1 , wherein the outer vessel includes a gripping mechanism for handling the modular refrigeration system.