TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a freight container for transporting cargo, especially
temperature sensitive cargo. The disclosure further relates to a method for transporting
cargo.
[0002] Modern society has become increasingly dependent on the long distance transport of
cargo. Freight containers are widely used to transport such cargo, e.g. by boat, train,
and/or truck. Some cargo, e.g. food, such as fruit, dairy products, meat, etc., but
also electronics, may require a climate controlled environment to prevent their deterioration.
Temperature and/or humidity sensitive cargo can be transported by a freight container
comprising an air conditioning unit. For example, the air conditioning unit can be
integrated into the container. To guarantee continuous temperature control, it is
desirable to also integrate a power source/generator into the container or air conditioning
unit. For example a diesel powered generator and fuel tank can be integrated into
the container. However, the extra equipment may affect the available cargo space because
the outer dimensions of the container are constrained by international standards.
For example, a long range transport container may contain a relatively large fuel
tank that occupies part of the cargo space. However, such a design runs counter to
the general need for maximizing the cargo capacity of the freight container.
[0003] Therefore, a general need exists for a long range, climate controlled freight container
or reefer having an increased cargo capacity. For example, a specific need exists
to have sufficient cargo capacity to transport thirty-three or more Euro pallets (each
with a size of 80 cm x 120 cm) arranged side by side, while keeping climate control
for a journey lasting twenty days or more.
[0004] International patent application publication
WO 92/20 542 discloses a refrigerated container having a top, a bottom, two oppositely disposed
vertically extending sidewalls, an end wall and a closed entrance positioned opposite
said end wall to thereby form an elongated enclosure for containing products while
maintaining the products within a desired temperature range, wherein said refrigerated
container comprises refrigeration means mounted adjacent said end wall and including
a refrigeration compressor and an electrical motor operatively coupled thereto, wherein
said refrigeration means include an electrical generator connected to said electrical
motor, a diesel engine for driving said generator, and a fuel tank for storing diesel
for use by said engine.
[0005] International patent application publication
WO 2011/056 642 discloses a refrigeration unit for a mobile unit and a method for operating the same.
The method includes the steps of: 1) providing a refrigeration unit having a compressor,
an evaporator, and at least one fan operable to move air towards the evaporator, a
generator dedicated to the refrigeration unit, and a battery; 2) determining at least
one environmental parameter in one or both of the mobile unit and the refrigeration
unit; and 3) selectively operating the refrigeration unit in one of a plurality of
modes based on the environmental parameter, which plurality of modes includes a first
mode wherein the fan is powered by the battery, and a second mode wherein the compressor
and the fan are powered by the generator.
[0006] United States patent application publication
US 2009/0 299 534 discloses an environmentally controlled shipping container including a storage space
and a refrigeration system that includes a prime mover, a compressor driven by the
prime mover and providing a flow of refrigerant, a condenser that receives the flow
of refrigerant, and an evaporator in heat exchange relation with the storage space,
wherein a controller operates the refrigeration system in one of: a continuous mode
in which the prime mover operates continuously; a standard start/stop mode; and a
modulated start/stop mode in which the operating parameters of the refrigeration system
may be modulated.
SUMMARY
[0007] To meet these or other challenges, one aspect of the present disclosure provides
a freight container for transporting cargo, especially temperature sensitive cargo
according to claim 1. The container comprises a container body enclosing a cargo space
for storing the cargo. The container further comprises an air conditioning unit arranged
for controlling a temperature and/or humidity in the cargo space. It is noted that
the air conditioning unit may for instance be arranged for conditioning the temperature
of air in the container, e.g. in order to facilitate that the temperature of goods
transported by the container can be kept substantially below a predetermined maximum
temperature and/or can be kept substantially above a predetermined minimum temperature,
preferably said temperature can be kept substantially within a predetermined temperature
range. For example, the air conditioning unit can be arranged for cooling air and/or
can be arranged for heating air. The container further comprises a generator for powering
the air conditioning unit. The container further comprises a fuel tank for supplying
the generator with fuel, especially diesel. At least part the air conditioning unit
is suspended above a cargo floor of the cargo space.
[0008] Advantageously, the present arrangement may allow cargo to be placed on the cargo
floor below the air conditioning system. By arranging the air conditioning unit at
or near a front side of the container opposite a back side provided with one or more
doors, the unit can be placed against the front without affecting the doors. For example,
at least a part of the air conditioning system can be provided against a top side
of the container. By providing an outside of the container body with a cavity protruding
inward into the container and accommodating at least part of the air conditioning
unit in the cavity, the outer dimensions of the container can be kept within specification,
while saving cargo space at least at the floor level. For example, a part of the air
conditioning unit, e.g. condenser, may be sticking outside from the container body.
By shaping the cavity as an inward step of the container body on the upper front side
of the container, the air conditioning unit can be placed through a vertical side
wall, yet stay within the constrained perimeter of the container. Advantageously,
the cargo floor may extends below the step for allowing cargo to be placed on the
cargo floor below the step.
[0009] In one aspect, the design made available by the present disclosure can provide a
container having an outer length corresponding with the sizes and dimensions of a
standard freight container. For example, the freight container can be formed as a
45 foot container, preferably as a so-called 45 ft. pallet wide container. A relevant
norm for the standard container dimensions would for example be an ISO standard, such
as ISO 668 (1995) or an equivalent standard. The present design allows for a cargo
floor that is at least 2.4 meter wide and at least 13.2 meter long, such as to accommodate
at least 33 Euro-pallets or EPAL-pallets on the floor (each pallet typically has width
x length = 80 cm x 120 cm). For example, 11 rows of 3 pallets (having their longitudinal
direction extending in the longitudinal direction of the container/cargo floor) Alternatively,
1 row of 3 pallets (having their longitudinal direction extending in the longitudinal
direction of the container/cargo floor) and 15 rows of 2 + 1
∗ 3 pallets having their longitudinal direction extending in the width direction of
the container/cargo floor). The container can be provided with first fitting blocks
of which the mutual spacing corresponds to the mutual spacing of a 40 foot container
and/or second fitting blocks or so-called corner fittings of which the mutual spacing
corresponds to the mutual spacing of the outermost placed fitting blocks of a 45 foot
container.
[0010] To save further space, the air conditioning unit can be arranged at least partially
above the fuel tank. For example, the fuel tank can be arranged flat against an outer
hull of the container. Further space can be saved by integrating components. For example
the generator can be integrated as part of the air conditioning unit. Alternatively,
or in addition to the generator, the container may comprise one or more batteries
for feeding the air conditioning unit and/or starting the generator. Advantageously,
the battery can be charged by the generator. To save further space, the fuel tank
may comprises an L-shape, wherein the battery is accommodated in a cavity formed by
the L-shape.
[0011] The container may comprise a sensor, especially a temperature sensor, associated
with the cargo space, and a controller for controlling the air conditioning system.
For example, the controller is arranged for determining whether an air property sensed
by the sensor needs to be altered by examining whether the sensed air property is
below a predetermined bottom threshold value and/or above a predetermined top threshold
value, and for controlling the air conditioning unit such as to alter the air property
accordingly.
[0012] Another or further problem associated with containers for transporting temperature
sensitive cargo is that the batteries of such containers can run low, especially when
the containers are transported through relatively cold areas with a relatively cold
outdoor temperature (e.g. when being transported overland, for instance by train,
e.g. from Europe through Russia to China, or vice versa).
[0013] Accordingly, in another or further aspect, the present disclosure provides a freight
container for transporting cargo, especially temperature sensitive cargo as described
above, or otherwise. The container comprises a cargo space defining a cargo floor,
and an air conditioning unit, preferably a cooling and/or heating unit, a battery
for feeding the air conditioning unit, a generator, especially a diesel powered generator,
for charging the battery at least partly, and a fuel tank for supplying the generator
with fuel. The container further comprises a clock and a controller arranged for controlling
the generator in order to charge the battery at least partly at a moment when a predetermined
time interval has lapsed since the last time the battery is charged at least partly.
Alternatively, or in addition, the container further comprises a transceiver and a
controller arranged for controlling the generator in order to charge the battery at
least partly based on a control signal received by said transceiver.
[0014] By providing a wall separating the cargo space from a part of the air conditioning
system located behind said wall, said wall can define a cavity for guiding air from
the cargo space to the air conditioning unit or vice versa.
[0015] In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for transporting cargo,
especially temperature sensitive cargo, by means of a freight container according
to claim 11. The method comprises providing a freight container, preferably a container
as described herein. The container is provided with at least an air conditioning unit,
preferably a cooling and/or heating unit. The container is further provided with a
battery and a generator, especially a diesel powered generator. The method further
comprises sensing an air property of air inside the container, especially the temperature
of air inside the container. The method further comprises determining whether said
air property needs to be altered by examining whether the sensed air property is below
a predetermined bottom threshold value and/or above a predetermined top threshold
value. The method further comprises altering said air property when the value of the
sensed air property is below said predetermined bottom threshold value, such as to
bring said air property above said predetermined bottom threshold value, or altering
said air property when the sensed value of the air property is above said predetermined
top threshold value, such as to bring said air property below said predetermined top
threshold value. The method further comprises at least partly charging the battery
by means of the generator at a moment when there is no need to alter the air property
of the air inside the container. This may be advantageous for keeping the battery
charged also during periods when the air conditioning is not strictly necessary. Otherwise,
the battery may discharge which may also prevent the generator from starting.
[0016] In one embodiment, the step of charging the battery at a moment when there is no
need to alter the air property of the air inside the container is initiated when a
predetermined time interval has lapsed, e.g. when a predetermined time interval has
lapsed since the last time the battery is charged at least partly. In another or further
embodiment, the freight container further is provided with a transceiver, and wherein
the step of charging the battery at a moment when there is no need to alter the air
property of the air inside the container is initiated by means of a control signal
received by said transceiver of the freight container. In one embodiment, the air
conditioning unit is activated while the air property does not need to be altered
based e.g. on temperature. Alternatively, or in addition, the battery can be at least
partly charged by means of the generator at a moment when there is a need to alter
the air property of the air inside the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods
of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following description,
appended claims, and accompanying drawing wherein:
FIG 1 shows a schematic perspective bird's eye view of an embodiment of a container;
FIG 2 shows a cross-section side view of a front of another embodiment of the container
including placement of cargo;
FIG 3 shows a schematic perspective drawing of the front part of the embodiment;
FIG 4 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of the embodiment;
FIG 5 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of the embodiment;
FIG 6 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of the embodiment;
FIG 7 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a fuel tank.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used
herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art to which this invention belongs as read in the context of the description and
drawings. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly
used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with
their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an
idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. In some instances,
detailed descriptions of well-known devices and methods may be omitted so as not to
obscure the description of the present systems and methods. Terminology used for describing
particular embodiments is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein,
the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as
well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and/or" includes any
and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features
but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. It will
be further understood that when a particular step of a method is referred to as subsequent
to another step, it can directly follow said other step or one or more intermediate
steps may be carried out before carrying out the particular step, unless specified
otherwise. Likewise it will be understood that when a connection between structures
or components is described, this connection may be established directly or through
intermediate structures or components unless specified otherwise. All publications,
patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated
by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including
definitions, will control.
[0019] The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however,
be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention
to those skilled in the art. The description of the exemplary embodiments is intended
to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered
part of the entire written description. In the drawings, the absolute and relative
sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.
Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and/or cross-section illustrations
of possibly idealized embodiments and intermediate structures of the invention. Relative
terms as well as derivatives thereof should be construed to refer to the orientation
as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms
are for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed
or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise.
[0020] In the description and drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
In particular, the following reference numbers may apply: 1 container front, 2 container
ceiling, 3 cargo floor, 4 container bottom, 5 cargo, 6 corner pieces, 7 cooler, 8
container side, 9 battery, 10 solar panels, 11 cooler gate, 13 reinforced holes, 20
fuel tank, 21 remote control, 22 belt, 23 distribution sheet, 24 container body, 25
cargo space, 100 container.
[0021] FIG 1 shows a schematic perspective bird's eye view of an embodiment of a freight
container 100. The container 100 is suitable for transporting cargo 5, especially
temperature sensitive cargo. A freight container may also be referred to as an intermodal
container, shipping container, e.g. a refrigerated container or a so-called reefer.
The container, which preferably can be an intermodal container and/or an ISO container,
can be arranged for intermodal freight transport which can involve the use of multiple
modes of transportation, e.g. including rail transportation, transportation by truck,
and/or ship transportation, without any handling of the freight itself when changing
modes of transportation. Typically, on board ships, intermodal containers can be stacked
up to seven units high. For instance therefore, the intermodal container can be arranged
to be stackable, e.g. can be sufficiently strong and/or can be provided with bottom
and top fittings, especially twistlock fittings. The container can be a so-called
multimodal transport container, and may be arranged for multimodal transport, or so-called
combined transport, wherein the transportation of goods can be under a single contract,
but can nevertheless be performed wit at least two different means of transport, e.g.
rail, sea and/or road.
[0022] According to the embodiment shown, the container 100 comprises a container body 24
enclosing a cargo space 25 for storing the cargo 5. The container further comprises
an air conditioning unit 7 arranged for controlling a temperature and/or humidity
in the cargo space 25. At least part the air conditioning unit 7 is suspended above
a cargo floor 3 of the cargo space 25 for allowing cargo to be placed on the cargo
floor 3 below the said part of the air conditioning unit. In another or further embodiment,
the container 100 comprises a generator (not shown) for powering the air conditioning
unit 7. For example, the generator may be external, or integrated into the air conditioning
unit 7. The generator may be coupled to a fuel tank (not shown here) for supplying
the generator with fuel, typically diesel. Alternatively, or in addition, the generator
may be powered by other means, e.g. electricity
[0023] In one embodiment, at least the outer length of the container corresponds with the
sizes and dimensions of a standard freight container, especially a 45 foot container.
In another or further embodiment, the container is formed as a 45 foot container,
preferably as a so-called 45 ft. pallet wide container. In one embodiment, the cargo
floor 3 is at least 2.4 meter wide and at least 13.2 meter long, such as to accommodate
at least 33 Euro-pallets, e.g. stored in the manner shown in FIG 1.
[0024] For example, in case the part of the air conditioning system 7 located above the
cargo floor 3 is extending above the cargo floor for at most about 0.8 meter, it can
be advantageous to place the first Euro-pallets with their longitudinal direction
(e.g. two time 120 cm) extending in the width direction of the container (240 cm),
such that only the loading height of two pallets (in stead of that of three 3 pallets)
is restricted by said part of the air conditioning system located above the cargo
floor.
[0025] In one embodiment (not shown here), the container is provided with first fitting
blocks of which the mutual spacing corresponds to the mutual spacing of a 40 foot
container and/or second fitting blocks or so-called corner fittings of which the mutual
spacing corresponds to the mutual spacing of the outermost placed fitting blocks of
a 45 foot container.
[0026] FIG 2 shows a cross-section side view of a front of another embodiment of the container
100 including cargo 5 place inside the cargo space 25.
[0027] In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the air conditioning unit 7 is arranged at or near
a front side 1 of the container 100. This may be opposite a back side provided with
one or more doors (not shown). In another or further embodiment, at least a part of
the air conditioning system is provided against or near a top side 2 of the container
100.
[0028] In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the container body 24 comprises a cavity 17 protruding
inward into the container. In another or further embodiment at least part of the air
conditioning unit 7 is sticking out from the container body 24 and accommodated in
the cavity 17. For example, a condenser part 7a of the air conditioning unit 7 may
stick outside the container body 24 while an evaporator part 7b sticks inside the
container body 24, in particular into the cargo space 25. In another or further embodiment,
e.g. as shown, the cavity 17 is formed by an inward step of the container body 24
on the upper front side 1,2 of the container 100. In another or further embodiment,
e.g. as shown, the cargo floor 3 extends below the step for allowing cargo 5 to be
placed on the cargo floor 3 below the step.
[0029] In one embodiment, a sheet or sail 23 is provide at an outlet of the air conditioning
unit 7 in the cargo space 25. By arranging the sheet 23, as shown suspended at the
top side 2 of the container 100, the cool air from the air conditioning unit 7 may
be distributed over the cargo space 25.
[0030] In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the air conditioning unit 7 is arranged at least
partially above the fuel tank 20. For example, in the embodiment shown, part of the
condenser 7a is above the fuel tank 20. In another or further embodiment, e.g. as
shown, the fuel tank 20 is arranged flat against an outer hull of the container. By
providing a relatively flat fuel tank, cargo space 25 inside the container body 24
may be further increased.
[0031] In one embodiment, the container and/or air conditioning unit 7 comprises a sensor
(not shown), e.g. a temperature sensor. The sensor may be associated with the cargo
space. In another or further embodiment a controller is provided for controlling the
air conditioning system. For example, the controller is arranged for determining whether
an air property sensed by the sensor needs to be altered by examining whether the
sensed air property is below a predetermined bottom threshold value and/or above a
predetermined top threshold value. The controller may be arranged for controlling
the air conditioning unit such as to alter the air property accordingly.
[0032] In one embodiment, the container 100 comprises a separation wall being located at
a distal end of the cargo floor and separating the cargo space at least partly from
a second part of the air conditioning system located behind said wall. In the embodiment,
the said wall defines a cavity for guiding air from the cargo space to the air conditioning
unit or vice versa.
[0033] FIG 3 shows a schematic perspective drawing of the front part of the embodiment,
e.g. similar to FIG 2. In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the container 100 comprises
a battery 9 for feeding the air conditioning unit, a generator (not specifically indicated),
especially a diesel powered generator, for charging the battery at least partly, and
a fuel tank 20 for supplying the generator with fuel. In one embodiment, e.g. as shown,
the container 100 comprises a battery 9 for feeding the air conditioning unit 7 and/or
starting the generator. In one embodiment, the battery is arranged to be charged by
the generator.
[0034] In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the fuel tank 20 comprises an L-shape, wherein
the battery 9 is accommodate in a cavity formed by the L-shape. This, in combination
with the suspended air conditioning unit 7, may provide a maximum capacity to the
fuel tank 20 while allowing the placement of a battery 9, and without sacrificing
cargo space.
[0035] In one embodiment, the container 100 as described herein, or otherwise, comprises
a clock and a controller arranged for controlling the generator in order to charge
the battery 9 at least partly at a moment when a predetermined time interval has lapsed
since the last time the battery is charged at least partly. Alternatively, or in addition,
the container further comprises a receiver 21 and a controller arranged for controlling
the generator in order to charge the battery at least partly based on a control signal
received by said receiver.
[0036] In another or further aspect of the disclosure, the figure may illustrate a method
for transporting cargo, especially temperature sensitive cargo, by means of a freight
container. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a freight container,
preferably a container 100 as described herein, said container being provided with
at least an air conditioning unit 7, preferably a cooling and/or heating unit, a battery
9, and a generator, especially a diesel powered generator. In another or further embodiment,
the method comprises sensing an air property of air inside the container, especially
the temperature of air inside the container. In another or further embodiment, the
method comprises determining whether said air property needs to be altered by examining
whether the sensed air property is below a predetermined bottom threshold value and/or
above a predetermined top threshold value. In another or further embodiment, the method
comprises altering said air property when the value of the sensed air property is
below said predetermined bottom threshold value, such as to bring said air property
above said predetermined bottom threshold value, or altering said air property when
the sensed value of the air property is above said predetermined top threshold value,
such as to bring said air property below said predetermined top threshold value. In
another or further embodiment, the method comprises at least partly charging the battery
9 by means of the generator at a moment when there is no need to alter the air property
of the air inside 25 the container.
[0037] In one embodiment, the step of charging the battery 9 at a moment when there is no
need to alter the air property of the air inside 25 the container is initiated when
a predetermined time interval has lapsed, e.g. when a predetermined time interval
has lapsed since the last time the battery 9 is charged at least partly.
[0038] In one embodiment, the freight container 100 is provided with a receiver 21, e.g.
on a top side 2 of the container as shown in FIG 6. For example the step of charging
the battery 9 at a moment when there is no need to alter the air property of the air
inside the container can be initiated by means of a control signal received by said
receiver of the freight container.
[0039] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of altering the air property of
the air inside the container while the battery is charged at the moment when the air
property does not need to be altered.
[0040] In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of at least partly charging the
battery by means of the generator at a moment when there is a need to alter the air
property of the air inside the container.
[0041] FIG 4 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of the embodiment, e.g. similar
to FIG 2 and 3. In the embodiment shown, the container 100 comprises on the front
side 1, an air conditioning unit 7, a fuel tank 20, and a battery 9. The fuel tank
20 may be held fixed by belts 22.
[0042] FIG 5 shows a schematic view of the side 8 of an embodiment of the container 100,
e.g. similar to FIGs 2-4. As visible in this view, the container 100 comprises an
air conditioning unit 7 at or near the ceiling 2 of the container. The fuel tank 20
is arranged at the front side. As shown, the fuel tank 20 may be protected by extended
corners 6. Also shown in this figure is the floor 3 at the bottom 4 of the container.
[0043] FIG 6 shows a schematic view of the top 2 of the embodiment, e.g. similar to FIGs
2-5. The top view shows for example a roster 11, which may function as an outlet for
the air conditioning unit (not visible here). Also shown on the top side is an optional
transceiver 21, which may be used for receiving instructions and/or sending a status/location
of the container or air conditioning unit. Finally, the top view shows an optional
solar panel 10, which may be used to power equipment in the container. For example,
the solar panel 10 may be used to charge the battery (not shown here).
[0044] FIG 7 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a fuel tank 20, e.g.
as used in FIGs 2-6. The L-shape of the tank 20 may be advantageous to accommodate
equipment, e.g. a battery. In the embodiment shown, the fuel tank 20 comprises a number
of holes or tubes extending into the fuel tank. These may be advantageous e.g. to
prevent or diminish slushing of the fuel inside the tank.
[0045] For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein
as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that
the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some
of the features described. Alternative, or in addition to providing a cooling function,
the air conditioning unit may also provide heating when necessary. Alternatively,
or in addition, the air conditioning unit may also provide other environmental control,
e.g. humidity control. For example, while embodiments were shown for a specifically
arranged air conditioning unit, also alternative ways may be envisaged by those skilled
in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure for achieving a similar or
equivalent function and result.
[0046] E.g. components such as the air conditioning unit, generator, battery, and/or fuel
tank may be combined or split up into one or more alternative components. The various
elements of the embodiments as discussed and shown offer certain advantages, such
providing an air conditioned cargo space having maximizes capacity. Of course, it
is to be appreciated that any one of the above embodiments or processes may be combined
with one or more other embodiments or processes to provide even further improvements
in finding and matching designs and advantages. It is appreciated that this disclosure
offers particular advantages to transport of temperature sensitive cargo, and in general
can be applied for any application wherein a maximum storage capacity for a climate
controlled cargo container is desired.
[0047] While the present systems and methods have been described in particular detail with
reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, it should also be appreciated
that numerous modifications and alternative embodiments may be devised by those having
ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
For example, embodiments wherein devices or systems are disclosed to be arranged and/or
constructed for performing a specified method or function inherently disclose the
method or function as such and/or in combination with other disclosed embodiments
of methods or systems. Furthermore, embodiments of methods are considered to inherently
disclose their implementation in respective hardware, where possible, in combination
with other disclosed embodiments of methods or systems. Furthermore, methods that
can be embodied as program instructions, e.g. on a non-transient computer-readable
storage medium, are considered inherently disclosed as such embodiment.
[0048] Finally, the above-discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the present
systems and/or methods and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims
to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. The specification and drawings
are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit
the scope of the appended claims. In interpreting the appended claims, it should be
understood that the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements
or acts than those listed in a given claim; the word "a" or "an" preceding an element
does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; any reference signs
in the claims do not limit their scope; several "means" may be represented by the
same or different item(s) or implemented structure or function; any of the disclosed
devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions
unless specifically stated otherwise. The mere fact that certain measures are recited
in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures
cannot be used to advantage. In particular, all working combinations of the claims
are considered inherently disclosed.
1. Freight container (100) for transporting cargo (5), especially temperature sensitive
cargo, comprising a cargo space (25) defining a cargo floor (3), and an air conditioning
unit (7), preferably a cooling and/or heating unit, a battery (9) for feeding the
air conditioning unit, a generator, especially a diesel powered generator, for charging
the battery at least partly, and a fuel tank (20) for supplying the generator with
fuel, especially diesel,
characterised in that the container (100) further comprises a clock and a controller arranged for controlling
the generator in order to charge the battery (9) at least partly at a moment when
a predetermined time interval has lapsed since the last time the battery is charged
at least partly; and/or
characterised in that the container further comprises a transceiver (21) and a controller arranged for
controlling the generator in order to charge the battery at least partly based on
a control signal received by said transceiver.
2. Freight container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the container (100) comprises
a container body (24) enclosing the cargo space (25) for storing the cargo (5), wherein
the air conditioning unit (7) is arranged for controlling a temperature and/or humidity
in the cargo space (25), wherein the generator is for powering the air conditioning
unit (7), and
wherein at least part the air conditioning unit (7) is suspended above a cargo floor
(3) of the cargo space (25) for allowing cargo to be placed on the cargo floor (3)
below the said part of the air conditioning unit (7),
preferably wherein the air conditioning unit (7) is arranged at or near a front side
(1) of the container (100) opposite a back side provided with one or more doors.
3. Freight container according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein an outside of the container body (24) comprises a cavity (17) protruding inward
into the container, and at least part of the air conditioning unit (7) is sticking
out from the container body (24) and accommodated in the cavity (17),
preferably wherein the cavity (17) is formed by an inward step of the container body
(24) on the upper front side (1,2) of the container (100),
more preferably wherein the cargo floor (3) extends below the step for allowing cargo
(5) to be placed on the cargo floor (3) below the step.
4. Freight container according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the air conditioning unit (7) is arranged at least partially above the fuel
tank (20); and/or
wherein the fuel tank (20) is arranged flat against an outer hull of the container;
and/or
wherein the generator is part of the air conditioning unit (7).
5. Freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a battery
(9) for feeding the air conditioning unit (7) and/or starting the generator, wherein
the battery is arranged to be charged by the generator, preferably wherein the fuel
tank (20) comprises an L-shape and the battery (9) is accommodated in a cavity formed
by said L-shape.
6. Freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least
a part of the air conditioning unit (7) is provided against a top side (2) of the
container.
7. Freight container according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the container is an intermodal container or a so-called multimodal transport
container, especially an ISO container; and/or
wherein at least the outer length of the freight container corresponds with the sizes
and dimensions of a standard freight container, especially a 45 foot container; and/or
wherein the freight container is formed as a 45 foot container, preferably as a so-called
45 ft. pallet wide container; and/or
wherein the cargo floor (3) is at least 2.4 meter wide and at least 13.2 meter long,
such as to accommodate at least 33 Euro-pallets; and/or
wherein the container is provided with first fitting blocks of which the mutual spacing
corresponds to the mutual spacing of a 40 foot container and/or second fitting blocks
or so-called corner fittings of which the mutual spacing corresponds to the mutual
spacing of the outermost placed fitting blocks of a 45 foot container.
8. Freight container, according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising
a sensor, especially a temperature sensor, associated with the cargo space, and a
controller for controlling the air conditioning unit (7), wherein said controller
is arranged for determining whether an air property sensed by the sensor needs to
be altered by examining whether the sensed air property is below a predetermined bottom
threshold value and/or above a predetermined top threshold value, and for controlling
the air conditioning unit such as to alter the air property accordingly.
9. Freight container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container
(100) further comprises a voltage sensing device and a controller arranged for controlling
the generator in order to charge the battery at least partly at a moment when is determined
that the terminal voltage of the battery has dropped below a predetermined minimum
voltage threshold value.
10. Freight container, according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising
a separation wall being located at a distal end of the cargo floor and separating
the cargo space at least partly from a second part of the air conditioning unit (7)
located behind said wall, wherein said wall defines a cavity for guiding air from
the cargo space to the air conditioning unit or vice versa.
11. Method for transporting cargo, especially temperature sensitive cargo, by means of
a freight container, the method comprising:
providing a freight container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims;
sensing an air property of air inside the container, especially the temperature of
air inside the container;
determining whether said air property needs to be altered by examining whether the
sensed air property is below a predetermined bottom threshold value and/or above a
predetermined top threshold value;
altering said air property when the value of the sensed air property is below said
predetermined bottom threshold value, such as to bring said air property above said
predetermined bottom threshold value, or altering said air property when the sensed
value of the air property is above said predetermined top threshold value, such as
to bring said air property below said predetermined top threshold value; and
at least partly charging the battery (9) by means of the generator at a moment when
there is no need to alter the air property of the air inside (25) the container.
12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the step of charging the battery (9) at a moment
when there is no need to alter the air property of the air inside (25) the container
is initiated when a predetermined time interval has lapsed, e.g. when a predetermined
time interval has lapsed since the last time the battery (9) is charged at least partly.
13. Method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the freight container further
is provided with a transceiver (21), and wherein the step of charging the battery
(9) at a moment when there is no need to alter the air property of the air inside
the container is initiated by means of a control signal received by said transceiver
of the freight container.
14. Method according to any one of claims 11-13, further comprising:
the step of altering the air property of the air inside the container while the battery
is charged at the moment when the air property does not need to be altered; and/or
the step of at least partly charging the battery by means of the generator at a moment
when there is a need to alter the air property of the air inside the container.
1. Frachtcontainer (100) zum Transportieren von Ladung (5), insbesondere temperaturempfindlicher
Ladung, umfassend einen Laderaum (25), der einen Ladeboden (3) definiert, und eine
Klimaanlage (7), vorzugsweise eine Kühl- und/oder Heizeinheit; eine Batterie (9) zum
Speisen der Klimaanlage, einen Generator, insbesondere einen dieselbetriebenen Generator,
zum wenigstens teilweisen Laden der Batterie und einen Kraftstofftank (20) zum Versorgen
des Generators mit Kraftstoff, insbesondere Diesel,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Container (100) ferner eine Uhr und eine Steuerung umfasst, die zum Steuern des
Generators angeordnet sind, um die Batterie (9) wenigstens teilweise zu einem Zeitpunkt
zu laden, zu dem ein vorbestimmtes Zeitintervall seit dem letzten Laden der Batterie
wenigstens teilweise abgelaufen ist; und/oder
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Container ferner einen Transceiver (21) und eine Steuerung umfasst, die zum Steuern
des Generators angeordnet ist, um die Batterie wenigstens teilweise basierend auf
einem von dem Transceiver empfangenen Steuersignal zu laden.
2. Frachtcontainer (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Container (100) einen Containerkörper
(24) umfasst, der den Laderaum (25) zum Lagern der Ladung (5) umschließt, wobei die
Klimaanlage (7) zur Steuerung einer Temperatur und/oder Feuchtigkeit im Laderaum (25)
angeordnet ist, wobei der Generator zum Antreiben der Klimaanlage (7) dient, und
wobei wenigstens ein Teil der Klimaanlage (7) über einem Ladeboden (3) des Laderaums
(25) aufgehängt ist, damit die Ladung auf dem Ladeboden (3) unter dem Teil der Klimaanlage
(7) platziert werden kann,
vorzugsweise, wobei die Klimaanlage (7) an oder nahe einer Vorderseite (1) des Containers
(100) gegenüber einer Rückseite angeordnet ist, die mit einer oder mehreren Türen
versehen ist.
3. Frachtcontainer nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
wobei eine Außenseite des Containerkörpers (24) einen Hohlraum (17) umfasst, der nach
innen in den Container vorspringt, und wenigstens ein Teil der Klimaanlage (7) aus
dem Containerkörper (24) herausragt und in dem Hohlraum (17) untergebracht ist,
wobei der Hohlraum (17) vorzugsweise durch eine Einwärtsstufe des Containerkörpers
(24) auf der oberen Vorderseite (1,2) des Containers (100) gebildet ist,
wobei sich der Ladeboden (3) bevorzugter unter der Stufe erstreckt, damit Ladung (5)
auf dem Ladeboden (3) unterhalb der Stufe platziert werden kann.
4. Frachtcontainer nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Klimaanlage (7)
wenigstens teilweise über dem Kraftstofftank (20) angeordnet ist; und/oder
wobei der Kraftstofftank (20) flach gegen einen Außenrumpf des Containers angeordnet
ist; und/oder
wobei der Generator Teil der Klimaanlage (7) ist.
5. Frachtcontainer nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, umfassend eine Batterie (9)
zum Speisen der Klimaanlage (7) und/oder Starten des Generators, wobei die Batterie
so angeordnet ist, dass sie vom Generator geladen wird, wobei der Kraftstofftank (20)
vorzugsweise eine L-Form umfasst, und die Batterie (9) in einem durch die L-Form gebildeten
Hohlraum untergebracht ist.
6. Frachtcontainer nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei wenigstens ein Teil
der Klimaanlage (7) gegen eine Oberseite (2) des Containers vorgesehen ist.
7. Frachtcontainer nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
wobei der Container ein intermodaler Container oder ein sogenannter multimodaler Transportcontainer
ist, insbesondere ein ISO-Container; und/oder
wobei wenigstens die Außenlänge des Frachtcontainers den Größen und Abmessungen eines
Standardfrachtcontainers entspricht, insbesondere eines 45-Fuß-Containers; und/oder
wobei der Frachtcontainer als 45-Fuß-Container ausgebildet ist, vorzugsweise als sogenannter
palettenbreiter 45-Fuß-Container; und/oder wobei der Ladeboden (3) wenigstens 2,4
m breit und wenigstens 13,2 m lang ist, um wenigstens 33 Europaletten unterzubringen;
und/oder wobei der Container mit ersten Montageblöcken versehen ist, deren gegenseitiger
Abstand dem gegenseitigen Abstand eines 40-Fuß-Containers entspricht, und/oder zweiten
Montageblöcken oder sogenannten Eckbeschlägen, deren gegenseitiger Abstand dem gegenseitigen
Abstand der am äußersten platzierten Montageblöcke eines 45-Fuß-Containers entspricht.
8. Frachtcontainer nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend einen Sensor,
insbesondere einen Temperatursensor, der dem Laderaum zugeordnet ist, und eine Steuerung
zum Steuern der Klimaanlage (7), wobei die Steuerung zum Bestimmen angeordnet ist,
ob eine vom Sensor erfasste Lufteigenschaft geändert werden muss, indem geprüft wird,
ob die erfasste Lufteigenschaft unter einem vorbestimmten unteren Schwellenwert und/oder
über einem vorbestimmten oberen Schwellenwert hegt, und um die Klimaanlage so zu steuern,
dass die Lufteigenschaft entsprechend geändert wird.
9. Frachtcontainer nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Container (100)
ferner eine Spannungserfassungsvorrichtung und eine Steuerung umfasst, die zum Steuern
des Generators angeordnet ist, um die Batterie wenigstens teilweise zu einem Zeitpunkt
zu laden, zu dem bestimmt wird, dass die Klemmenspannung der Batterie unter einen
vorbestimmten Mindestspannungsschwellenwert gefallen ist.
10. Frachtcontainer nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend eine Trennwand,
die sich an einem distalen Ende des Ladebodens befindet und den Laderaum wenigstens
teilweise von einem zweiten Teil der Klimaanlage (7) trennt, der sich hinter der Wand
befindet, wobei die Wand einen Hohlraum zum Leiten von Luft vom Laderaum zur Klimaanlage
oder umgekehrt definiert.
11. Verfahren zum Transportieren von Ladung, insbesondere temperaturempfindlicher Ladung,
mittels eines Frachtcontainers, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:
Frachtcontainer (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche;
Erfassen einer Lufteigenschaft von Luft innerhalb des Containers,
insbesondere der Lufttemperatur innerhalb des Containers;
Bestimmen, ob die Lufteigenschaft geändert werden muss, indem geprüft wird, ob die
erfasste Lufteigenschaft unter einem vorbestimmten unteren Schwellenwert und/oder
über einem vorbestimmten oberen Schwellenwert liegt;
Ändern der Lufteigenschaft, wenn der Wert der erfassten Lufteigenschaft unter dem
vorbestimmten unteren Schwellenwert liegt, um die Lufteigenschaft über den vorbestimmten
unteren Schwellenwert zu bringen, oder Ändern der Lufteigenschaft, wenn der erfasste
Wert der Lufteigenschaft über dem vorbestimmten oberen Schwellenwert liegt, um die
Lufteigenschaft unter den vorbestimmten oberen Schwellenwert zu bringen; und
Laden der Batterie (9) wenigstens teilweise mittels des Generators zu einem Zeitpunkt,
an dem keine Notwendigkeit besteht, die Lufteigenschaften der Luft innerhalb des Containers
(25) zu ändern.
12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11, wobei der Schritt des Ladens der Batterie (9) zu einem
Zeitpunkt, zu dem keine Notwendigkeit besteht, die Lufteigenschaft der Luft innerhalb
(25) des Containers zu ändern, eingeleitet wird, wenn ein vorbestimmtes Zeitintervall
abgelaufen ist, z. B. wenn ein vorbestimmtes Zeitintervall seit dem letzten Laden
der Batterie (9) wenigstens teilweise abgelaufen ist.
13. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 11 oder 12, wobei der Frachtcontainer ferner mit
einem Transceiver (21) versehen ist und wobei der Schritt des Ladens der Batterie
(9) zu einem Zeitpunkt, an dem keine Notwendigkeit besteht, die Lufteigenschaft der
Luft innerhalb des Containers zu ändern, mittels eines Steuersignals eingeleitet wird,
das von dem Transceiver des Frachtcontainers empfangen wird.
14. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 13, ferner umfassend:
den Schritt des Änderns der Lufteigenschaft der Luft innerhalb des Containers, während
die Batterie zu dem Zeitpunkt geladen wird, zu dem keine Notwendigkeit besteht, die
Lufteigenschaft zu ändern; und/oder der Schritt des wenigstens teilweisen Ladens der
Batterie mittels des Generators zu einem Zeitpunkt, an dem Notwendigkeit besteht,
die Lufteigenschaften der Luft innerhalb des Containers zu ändern.
1. Conteneur de marchandises (100) destiné à transporter un chargement (5), en particulier
un chargement sensible à la température, comprenant un espace de chargement (25) définissant
un plancher de chargement (3), et une unité de climatisation (7), de préférence une
unité de refroidissement et / ou de chauffage, une batterie (9) destinée à alimenter
l'unité de climatisation, un générateur, en particulier un générateur à moteur diesel,
destiné à charger en partie au moins la batterie, et un réservoir de carburant (20)
destiné à alimenter en carburant le générateur, en particulier en carburant diesel,
caractérisé en ce que
le conteneur (100) comprend en outre une horloge et un contrôleur agencé pour commander
le générateur afin de charger en partie au moins la batterie (9) à un moment où un
intervalle de temps prédéterminé s'est écoulé depuis la dernière fois où la batterie
a été chargée en partie au moins ; et / ou
caractérisé en ce que
le conteneur comprend en outre un émetteur-récepteur (21) et un contrôleur agencé
pour commander le générateur afin de charger en partie au moins la batterie sur la
base d'un signal de commande reçu par ledit émetteur-récepteur.
2. Conteneur de marchandises (100) selon la revendication 1,
où le conteneur (100) comprend un corps de conteneur (24) qui entoure l'espace de
chargement (25), destiné à stocker le chargement (5), où l'unité de climatisation
(7) est agencée afin de commander le température et / ou l'humidité dans l'espace
de chargement (25), où le générateur est destiné à alimenter l'unité de climatisation
(7), et
où une partie au moins de l'unité de climatisation (7) est suspendue au-dessus du
plancher de chargement (3) de l'espace de chargement (25) afin de permettre de placer
le chargement sur le plancher de chargement (3) en dessous de ladite partie de l'unité
de climatisation (7),
de préférence où l'unité de climatisation (7) est agencée au niveau du côté avant
(1) du conteneur (100), ou à proximité de celui-ci, opposé au côté arrière doté d'une
ou de plusieurs portes.
3. Conteneur de marchandises selon la revendication 1 ou 2,
où l'extérieur du corps de conteneur (24) comprend une cavité (17) qui fait saillie
vers l'intérieur dans le conteneur, et une partie au moins de l'unité de climatisation
(7) sort du corps de conteneur (24) et est reçue dans la cavité (17),
de préférence où la cavité (17) est formée par une marche vers l'intérieur du corps
de conteneur (24) sur le côté avant supérieur (1, 2) du conteneur (100),
plus préférablement où le plancher de chargement (3) s'étend en dessous de la marche
afin de permettre de placer le chargement (5) sur le plancher de chargement (3) en
dessous de la marche.
4. Conteneur de marchandises selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
où l'unité de climatisation (7) est agencée en partie au moins au-dessus du réservoir
de carburant (20) ; et / ou
où le réservoir de carburant (20) est agencé à plat contre la caisse extérieure du
conteneur ; et / ou
où le générateur fait partie de l'unité de climatisation (7).
5. Conteneur de marchandises selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant
une batterie (9) destinée à alimenter l'unité de climatisation (7) et / ou à démarrer
le générateur, où la batterie est agencée de façon à être chargée par le générateur,
de préférence où le réservoir de carburant (20) présente une forme en L, et la batterie
(9) est reçue dans une cavité formée par ladite forme en L.
6. Conteneur de marchandises selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où
ladite une partie au moins de l'unité de climatisation (7) est disposée contre un
côté supérieur (2) du conteneur.
7. Conteneur de marchandises selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
où le conteneur est un conteneur intermodal ou ce qu'il est convenu d'appeler un conteneur
de transport multimodal, en particulier un conteneur ISO ; et / ou
où au moins la longueur extérieure du conteneur de marchandises correspond aux dimensions
d'un conteneur de marchandises standard, en particulier d'un conteneur de 45 pieds
; et / ou
où le conteneur de marchandises est formé comme un conteneur de 45 pieds, de préférence
comme ce qu'il est convenu d'appeler un conteneur à palettes de 45 pieds ; et / ou
où le plancher de chargement (3) présente une largeur au moins égale à 2,4 mètres,
et une longueur au moins égale à 13,2 mètres, afin de recevoir au moins 33 palettes
Europe ; et / ou
où le conteneur est doté de premiers blocs de fixation dont l'espacement mutuel correspond
à l'espacement mutuel d'un conteneur de 40 pieds, et / ou de seconds blocs de fixation,
ou de ce qu'il est convenu d'appeler des pièces de coin, dont l'espacement mutuel
correspond à l'espacement mutuel des blocs de fixation placés le plus à l'extérieur
d'un conteneur de 45 pieds.
8. Conteneur de marchandises selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant
en outre un capteur, en particulier un capteur de température, associé à l'espace
de chargement, et un contrôleur destiné à commander l'unité de climatisation (7),
où ledit contrôleur est agencé afin de déterminer si une propriété de l'air détectée
par le capteur doit être modifiée en examinant si la propriété de l'air détectée se
situe en dessous d'une valeur de seuil inférieure prédéterminée et / ou au-dessus
d'une valeur de seuil supérieure prédéterminée, et de commander l'unité de climatisation
afin de modifier en conséquence la propriété de l'air.
9. Conteneur de marchandises selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où
le conteneur (100) comprend en outre un dispositif de détection de la tension et un
contrôleur agencé pour commander le générateur afin de charger la batterie en partie
au moins à un moment où l'on détermine que la tension aux bornes de la batterie a
chuté en dessous d'une valeur de seuil de tension minimum prédéterminée.
10. Conteneur de marchandises selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant
en outre une paroi de séparation située à une extrémité distale du plancher de chargement,
et qui sépare l'espace de chargement en partie au moins d'une seconde partie de l'unité
de climatisation (7) située derrière ladite paroi, où ladite paroi définit une cavité
destinée à guider l'air à partir de l'espace de chargement vers l'unité de climatisation
ou vice versa.
11. Procédé permettant de transporter un chargement, en particulier un chargement sensible
à la température, au moyen d'un conteneur de marchandises, le procédé comprenant les
étapes suivantes :
fournir un conteneur de marchandises (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
précédentes,
détecter une propriété d'air de l'air à l'intérieur du conteneur, en particulier la
température de l'air à l'intérieur du conteneur ;
déterminer si ladite propriété d'air doit être modifiée en examinant si la propriété
d'air détectée se situe en dessous d'une valeur de seuil inférieure prédéterminée
et / ou au-dessus d'une valeur de seuil supérieure prédéterminée ;
modifier ladite propriété d'air lorsque la valeur de la propriété d'air détectée se
situe en dessous de ladite valeur de seuil inférieure prédéterminée, afin de ramener
ladite propriété d'air au-dessus de ladite valeur de seuil inférieure prédéterminée,
ou modifier ladite propriété d'air lorsque la valeur de la propriété d'air détectée
se situe au-dessus de ladite valeur de seuil supérieure prédéterminée, afin de ramener
ladite propriété d'air en dessous de ladite valeur de seuil supérieure prédéterminée
; et
charger en partie au moins la batterie (9) à l'aide du générateur à un moment où il
n'est pas nécessaire de modifier la propriété d'air de l'air à l'intérieur (25) du
conteneur.
12. Procédé selon la revendication 11, où l'étape de charge de la batterie (9) à un moment
où il n'est pas nécessaire de modifier la propriété d'air de l'air à l'intérieur (25)
du conteneur, est déclenchée quand un intervalle de temps prédéterminé s'est écoulé,
par exemple quand un intervalle de temps prédéterminé s'est écoulé depuis la dernière
fois où la batterie (9) a été chargée en partie au moins.
13. Procédé selon la revendication 11 ou 12,
où le conteneur de marchandises est doté en outre d'un émetteur-récepteur (21), et
où l'étape de charge de la batterie (9) à un moment où il n'est pas nécessaire de
modifier la propriété d'air de l'air à l'intérieur du conteneur, est déclenchée au
moyen d'un signal de commande reçu par ledit émetteur-récepteur du conteneur de marchandises.
14. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendication 11 à 13, comprenant en outre :
une étape consistant à modifier la propriété d'air de l'air à l'intérieur du conteneur,
tandis que la batterie est chargée au moment où la propriété d'air n'a pas besoin
d'être modifiée ; et / ou
une étape consistant à charger en partie au moins la batterie à l'aide du générateur
à un moment où il est nécessaire de modifier la propriété d'air de l'air à l'intérieur
du conteneur.