MX2012011084A

MX2012011084A - Liquefied air refrigeration system for storage container.

Info

Publication number: MX2012011084A
Application number: MX2012011084A
Authority: MX
Inventors: David Pickup
Original assignee: Wabash National Lp
Priority date: 2010-03-29
Filing date: 2011-03-22
Publication date: 2012-10-10
Also published as: ZA201207007B; CA2793574A1; WO2011123283A1; DE112011100483T5; US20110232307A1

Abstract

A liquid refrigeration system for a thermally-insulated storage container includes a tank configured to store liquid air therein, a conduit system having a first end portion coupled to the tank and a second end portion configured to be positioned within an interior of the thermally-insulated storage container, a spray head coupled to the second end portion of the conduit system, a control system electricaily coupled to the tank and the spray head to control the flow of liquid air from the tank to the spray head.

Description

LIQUEFIED AIR REFRIGERATION SYSTEM FOR A STORAGE CONTAINER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to storage containers, such as static or mobile storage containers. In particular, the present invention relates to a refrigeration system for thermally insulated static or mobile storage containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many storage containers, which include both static and mobile containers, are thermally insulated for the purpose of allowing the container to be cooled or cooled. Such insulated containers are frequently used for the storage and preservation of products such as food products and biological materials, for example requiring low temperatures or below zero. Most of the time, such low temperatures are reached through the use of electric or motor driven cooling systems. Alternatively, liquid cryogenic gases in both direct and indirect applications can also be used.

Cryogenic gas cooling systems typically use carbon dioxide, nitrogen or other gases that are not respirable as the refrigerant. However, these gases in the concentrations achieved in direct application systems in which the cold gas is introduced directly into the container results in the depletion of oxygen levels below that required to support human life. Therefore, prior to entering the container, the gases must be either ventilated or at the entrance a breathing apparatus must be used. In addition, the container is typically also equipped with devices to monitor the oxygen level. Such devices may operate to provide a precaution that is not suitable for sustaining life and / or provide a barrier to entering the container in the case of lowering of oxygen levels to sustain life. Other cryogenic gas cooling systems for the production of medical images and physical particles, for example, can use liquid helium for the purpose of reaching super cold temperatures.

Alternatively, the cryogenic refrigeration systems operate so that the refrigerant gases are circulated through a heat exchanger and do not enter directly into the container. However, in the case of a heat exchanger failure, such systems may also present a choking hazard which needs to be protected against it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention may comprise one or more of the features mentioned in the appended claims, and / or one or more of the following characteristics and combinations thereof.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid air cooling system for a thermally insulated storage container includes a tank configured to store air therein, a duct system having a first end portion coupled to the tank and a second end portion configured to be positioned within an interior of the thermally insulated storage system, a spray head coupled to the second end portion of the conduit system, and a control system electrically coupled to the tank and the spray head to control the flow of liquid air from the tank to the spray head.

In an illustrative embodiment, the cooling system may further include another spray head coupled to the second end portion of the conduit system.

In another illustrative embodiment, the liquid cooling system may further include an evaporator coupled to the tank and the conduit system. Illustratively, the operator can operate to convert liquid air to a gaseous state.

In yet another illustrative modality, the liquid cooling system may further include a temperature sensor configured to be positioned within the interior of the thermally insulated storage container. Illustratively, the temperature sensor can be configured to monitor the temperature inside the thermally insulated storage container. Further illustratively, the temperature sensor can be electrically coupled to the control system so that the control system can be configured to adjust the flow rate of the liquid air from the liquid air tank based on the temperature sensed by the sensor. temperature. Continuing, the tank may include an inlet port, and an inlet valve within the inlet port, an outlet port, and an outlet valve within the outlet port. Illustratively, the inlet valve and the outlet valve can each be electrically coupled to the control system so that the control system can be configured to open and close the outlet valve to adjust the flow rate of the liquid air from the liquid air tank.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, the liquid cooling system may further include a second tank configured to store liquid air therein. Illustratively, the second tank can be coupled to the duct system.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, the liquid refligation system may further include a flow index sensor configured to sense the flow rate of the liquid air within the conduit system. Illustratively, the flow rate sensor can be electrically coupled to the control system so that the control system can be configured to adjust the flow rate of the liquid air tank based on the flow rate sensed by the index sensor flow.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerated storage trailer includes a thermally insulated container and a liquid air cooling system coupled to the thermally insulated container for supplying liquid air to an interior of the thermally insulated container.

In an illustrative embodiment, the liquid air cooling system can include a tank configured to store liquid air therein, and a duct system having a first end portion coupled to the tank and a second end portion positioned within the interior of the container of thermally insulated storage. The conduit system may include a plurality of valves configured to control the flow of liquid air from the tank to the thermally insulated compartment.

Illustratively further, the liquid air cooling system may also include a plurality of spray heads coupled to the second end portion of the conduit system. The refrigerated storage trailer may also include a control system electrically coupled to the liquid air cooling system to control the flow rate of the liquid air within the interior of the thermally insulated container. Illustratively, the refrigerated storage trailer may also include a temperature sensor positioned within the interior of the thermally insulated storage container. The temperature sensor can be configured to monitor the temperature inside the thermally insulated storage container and can be electrically coupled to the control system so that the control system can adjust the liquid flow rate of the liquid air tank with base at the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

In yet another embodiment, the refrigerated storage trailer may also include a plurality of flow index sensors configured to measure the flow rate of the liquid air through the conduit system.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for cooling a storage container includes providing a source of pressurized liquid air, injecting the liquid air from the source through a spray head into the storage container, and controlling the index of flow of liquid air from the source.

In an exemplary embodiment, the control of the flow rate may include monitoring a temperature of an interior of the storage container and adjusting the flow rate of the liquid air from the source based on the temperature monitored.

In another illustrative embodiment, flow rate control may include monitoring the liquid air flow rate from the source and adjusting the flow rate of the liquid air from the source based on the monitored flow rate.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, the method may further include determining whether the temperature within the storage container is in a predetermined temperature range and generating a flow rate control signal in response thereto. Illustratively, the method may further include changing the flow rate of the liquid air from the source in response to the flow rate control signal.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid air cooling system for a thermally insulated storage container includes a liquid air cooling system, and a liquid air control system electrically coupled to the air cooling system. . The control system includes (i) a processing unit (ii) a memory unit electrically coupled to the processing unit. Illustratively, the memory unit has a plurality of instructions stored therein, which, when executed by the processing unit, causes the processing unit to: (a) operate the liquid air cooling system to advance the liquid air from a liquid air storage tank to a thermally insulated trailer interior, (b) determine whether within the thermally insulated interior temperature of the trailer it is within a predetermined temperature range and generate a flow index signal in response thereto, and (c) changing the flow rate of the liquid air from the liquid air storage tank to the thermally insulated interior of the trailer in response to the flow index signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a schematic view of a container including a liquid air cooling system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying Figures and a specific language will be used to describe the same. While the concepts of this description are described in relation to a mobile storage container, it should be understood that they are applicable in the same way to other storage containers generally, and more specifically to conventional boxes or van-type trailers, examples of which include , but are not limited to them, simple truck bodies, personal commercial and / or small commercial trailers and the like.

Referring now to Figure 1, a liquid air cooling system 10 is provided for use with a storage container 12. Illustratively, the storage container 12 can be a thermally-static or mobile insulated container. In particular, the storage container 12 can be an insulated trailer configured to be coupled with a truck or a tractor, for storing and transporting various goods therein in a refrigerated atmosphere. Such a refrigerated trailer may include a front wall, opposite side walls, a roof, and an end wall that includes one or more doors which can collaborate collectively to define a load area for storing refrigerated elements therein. The opposing side walls can be thermally insulated and can include interior and exterior aluminum side walls that have aluminum posts and insulating foam therebetween. Alternatively, the sidewalls of a trailer can be formed with an inner glass fiber liner, and an outer glass fiber liner, and a thermosetting plastic core, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 6,505,883, for example, the whole of which is incorporated here as a reference. While the storage container 12 can be a trailer or can form a portion of a trailer configured to be coupled with a tractor, it should be understood that the storage containers can also form a portion of another refrigerated vehicle such as a van has a storage container isolated, for example.

Of course, this is within the scope of this description for the storage container to be any suitable thermally or mobile insulated storage container with the ability to store goods therein in a refrigerated atmosphere, or below zero (in this case below 0 ° C). It should be understood that the liquid air cooling system 10 has the ability to maintain a cooled atmosphere within the storage container 12 at any desired temperature.

As noted in more detail below, the liquid air cooling system 10 uses liquid air to cool the interior 14 of the thermally insulated portion or a compartment of the storage container 12 of the thermally insulated portion with compartment of the storage container 12. at temperatures below zero, or others desired. Illustratively, the liquid air cooling system 12 uses cooled liquid air for the purpose of cooling the interior 14 of the storage container 12. Illustratively, the liquid air is air that has been compressed and cooled to very low temperatures so that it has been condensed in a liquid. Liquid air is often used as a source of nitrogen, oxygen, argon and other inert gases. In particular, liquid air can be fractionated into its constituent gases in liquids or gases or in a gaseous form through an air separation plant. The production of liquid air is frequently used commercially as an intermediate step in a process of separation of air, in this case the production of nitrogen, oxygen, and argon and other inert gases. The air separation plants produce the atmospheric industrial gases nitrogen, oxygen, and argon.

As noted above, the container 12 is thermally insulated, as such, the container may include an inner and outer liner (not shown) forming the top, bottom, end, and / or side walls of the insulated portion thermally of the container. An insulation layer (not shown) is provided between the inner and outer coatings.

Illustratively, the liquid air cooling system 10 includes a liquid air tank 16 configured to store liquid air therein. The liquid air tank 16 is thermally insulated and / or vacuum insulated for the purpose of maintaining the liquid air therein at a sufficiently low temperature. In other words, the liquid tank air 16 stores the liquid air under pressure in a thermally insulated environment. The liquid tank air 16 can include an inlet port 40 configured to receive the liquid air cooled therethrough for the purpose of filling the liquid air tank 16 and an outlet port 42 also configured to transmit the liquid air through of the same. Illustratively, the air of the liquid tank 16 may include more than one outlet port, such as the second outlet port 44 shown schematically with the inlet ports and the first outlet 40, 42 in Figure 1. The air tank Liquid 16 can also include an additional output port (not shown). The liquid air tank 16 can be stored outside of the storage container 12 or simply outside the thermally insulated portion of the storage container 12. The liquid air tank 16 can also be coupled to the storage container 12. For example, the liquid air tank 16 may be mounted below a floor system of storage container 12 and / or may be coupled to one or more of the side walls of storage container 12.

The liquid air tank 16 further includes a valve system 17 for controlling the flow of liquid gas out of the output ports 42, 44, with respect to the demand. In particular, the valve system 17 includes an outlet valve 52 within the outlet port 42, an outlet valve 54 within the outlet port 44, and an inlet valve 50 within the inlet port 40. It should be understood, however, that the liquid air tank 16 may include additional valves as part of the valve system 17. As discussed in more detail below, a control system 24 of the liquid air cooling system 10 is electrically coupled to the valve system 17 for the purpose of controlling the opening and closing of the valves to control the flow of liquid air from the tank 16. It should be understood that the term electrically coupled can refer to wired and wireless electrical connections between components. Illustratively in addition, the liquid air cooling system 10 may include additional valves (not shown) within a duct system 20 described below, for the purpose of controlling the flow of liquid air from tank 16 to interior 14 of the storage container 10 Illustratively, the control system 24 includes a processing unit 19 and a memory unit 21 electrically coupled to the processing unit 19. Illustratively, the memory unit 21 has a plurality of instructions stored therein, which, when executed by the processing unit 19, causes the processing unit 19 to operate several components of the liquid air cooling system 10 to advance the liquid air from the storage tank 16 into the interior of the container 12. The energy sources for the control system 24 may include batteries, electrical installations to a mobile power source such as a tractor, a power source to a ground-based supply, or any combination thereof.

The liquid air tank 16 may also include pressure and / or temperature sensors 23 and a microcontroller (not shown) for protection against excessive pressure build-up for the purpose of ensuring that the liquid air tank 16 agrees. with several rules, standards and government regulations of such devices. Additional sensors (not shown) can be conditioned inside the tank 16 to monitor the amount of liquid air inside the tank 16. In that way, the control system 24, which is in electrical communication with such sensors, can provide an alert , caution, or other alarm when the amount of liquid air with tank 16 falls below a preset threshold level to alert the user of the need to refill tank 16. While only one liquid air tank 16 is shown, it should be understood that the liquid air cooling system 10 can include any liquid air tank number 16 for storing the liquid air therein. Such additional liquid air tanks 16 can be coupled to the liquid air tank 16 for the purpose of filling the liquid tank 16 as it is emptied and / or the additional liquid air tank can be coupled directly to an evaporator 18 and / or in electrical communication with the control system 24. Such additional liquid air tanks can operate independently of the liquid air tank 16 or they can not operate with the liquid air tank 16 so that multiple liquid air tanks are used simultaneously to cool the interior 14 of the trailer 12.

As noted above, the liquid air refill system 10 further includes a duct system 20 having a first end portion 25 coupled to the outlet port of the tank 16 and a second end portion 27 located within the interior 14 of the portion thermally isolated from the storage container 12. Illustratively, according to that shown in Figure 1, a plurality of spray heads 22 are coupled to and are downwardly dependent on the second end portion of the conduit 20. While three spray heads 22 are shown illustratively in Figure 1, it should be understood that any appropriate number of spray heads 22 may be used depending on the size and configuration of the storage container. Further while the schematic view of the liquid air cooling system shown in Figure 1 illustrates a single feed line (in this case a second end portion 27 of the duct 20) inside the container 12, it should be understood that any number of ducts interconnected and subducts can be provided. In other words, the conduit system 20 may include an array of pipes and feed lines within the container 12 for the purpose of uniformly distributing the liquid air throughout the interior 14 of the insulated portion of the storage container 12. As noted above, the valve system 17 may include valves (not shown) which are provided throughout the conduit system 20 and in each spray head 22 for the purpose of controlling the flow of the liquid air selectively to one or more spray heads. sprayed As noted above, the control system 24 is in electrical communication with the liquid air tank 14 and the conduit system 20 as well as various other components of the system 10 including, but not limited to, the valve system 17 and the pressure and temperature sensors 23 of the tank 16 as well as one or more temperature sensors 31 mounted within the interior 14 of the thermally insulated portion of the container 12, for example. Illustratively, temperature sensors 31 may be conditioned within one or more regions of interior 14 of storage container 12 for the purpose of detecting temperatures of each of these regions. The temperature sensors 31 can be mounted to the side walls, front wall, back wall and doors, and / or floor systems of the storage container 12. Illustratively, the control system 24 operates to control and maintain the temperature of the storage tank. liquid air 16 and controlling and maintaining the desired output of liquid air from tank 16 to conduit system 20. In particular, control system 24 is incorporated to provide modulation of the flow of air and liquid fluid in accordance with demands of the preset temperature requirements of the interior 14 of the thermally insulated container 12. The fluid flow is also monitored by the control system 24 through the use of one or more thermocouples or other flow index sensors 60 mounted within the system of conduit 20 of the liquid air cooling system 10. Illustratively, the flow index sensors 60 can be positioned s at any suitable location within the conduit system 20. For example, the flow index sensors 60 may be positioned at the first end portion 25 of the conduit system 20 or within the second end portion 27 of the conduit system 27 within of the storage container 12. In addition, the flow rate sensors 60 can also be positioned in or near the spray heads 22 of the conduit system 20. The control system 24 can also be programmed to stop the flow of fluid towards the spray heads 22 (when controlling the valve system 17 of the tank 16, for example) when the access doors (not shown) of the container 12 are open and remain in an open position. The conduit system 20 and / or the spray heads 22 may further include a plurality of valves (not shown) in electrical communication with the control system 24 to control and regulate the flow of fluid through the conduit system 20 and within the container 12. The control system 24 also operates to provide a function for monitoring system performance and data capture. The control system 24 also operates to provide an alarm output in the event of some system malfunction. For example, the control system 24 can thermally control an audible or visible alarm to alert users of a malfunction of the system. The control system 24 may also include a display screen and an input device to enable an operator to monitor and change system parameters such as the liquid air flow rate of the tank 16 and / or the desired temperature range within the thermally insulated interior 14 of the container 12, for example.

In operation, the control system 24 operates to generate a gas pressure or a flow index signal through the conduit system 20 in response to a temperature signal received from one or more temperature sensors 31 mounted within the container 12 The control system 24 regulates the gas pressure in the conduit system 20 when a temperature above or below a pre-set or predetermined temperature range is sensed within the container 12. In other words, the control system 24 operates to determine if the temperature inside the storage container 12 is within the predetermined temperature range, and then operates to generate a flow index control signal in response thereto. As the control system 24 operates to adjust the liquid air flow rate of the tank 16 in response to the flow rate control signal when adjusting the valve system 17 of the tank 16. As such, the temperature sensors 31 installed inside the container 14 monitor the temperature inside the container 12 and provide this feedback to the control system 24 so that the control system 24 can control the flow rate of the liquid air from the tank 16 within the conduit system 20 and thereby maintain the cooling process in control with respect to the predetermined temperature limits.

The liquid air cooling system 10 can also include an evaporator tank 18 coupled to the outlet port of the liquid air tank 16. Illustratively, the evaporator tank 18 is configured to change the liquid air from a liquid state to a gaseous state in a manner that the cooled gaseous air 33 is supplied from the spray heads 22. As such, the liquid air within the tank 16 can be supplied to the thermally insulated portion 14 of the container 12 as a gaseous spray following the passage through the evaporator 18. Alternatively, when the system 10 does not include an evaporator tank 18, the liquid air is supplied in a liquid phase so that a spray of droplets is created from the spray heads 22. While the evaporator tank 18 is shown for to be located outside the thermally insulated interior position 14 of the storage container 12, it should be understood that the tank evaporates 18 can be positioned within the interior 14 of the thermally insulated portion of the container 12. The control system 24 is also in electrical communication with the evaporator tank 18.

In operation, liquid air from tank 16 is advanced through conduit system 20 to the interior 14 of the insulated portion of storage container 12 for the purpose of cooling interior 14 of container 12. As shown in Figure 1 , the liquid air is conveyed from the liquid air tank 16 through the conduit system 20 to exit inside the interior 14 of the container 12 by the spray heads 22. The liquid air will emerge from the spray heads 22 according to either a sprayed drops or as a cooled gas 33 (depending on whether the liquid air is passed through an evaporator such as the evaporator 18, or not) for the purpose of cooling the interior 14 of the thermally insulated container 12. Illustratively, the liquid air cooling system 10 may include one or more heat exchanger systems (not shown) located within the conduit system 20 at or near the headers of spraying 22 to ensure the conversion of the liquid fluid air to a gaseous state prior to emerging from the spray heads 22. Such a heat exchanger system may include one or more sensors located within the piping at or near the spraying heads. sprayed 22 as well as a micro processor and a controller electrically coupled to the sensors. Illustratively, the sensors can be electrically coupled to the control system 24. In the event that one or more sensors senses liquid air which has not been converted to the gaseous state, the controller 24 can be programmed to stop the operation of the cooling system 10 and turning off the spray heads 22 to prevent or minimize any liquid (non-gaseous) air from leaving the spray heads 22 inside the interior 14 of the thermally insulated container 12.

Illustratively, the gaseous form of the liquid air can be breathed and, therefore, allows immediate entry into the refrigerated area without the need to consume time for the gas evacuation of any cryogenic gas that is not respirable, such as carbon dioxide. or nitrogen, or other non-respirable cryogenic gaseous products. The use of such a breathable refrigerant also eliminates the need for verification of a safe oxygen level within the interior 14 of the container 12 prior to allowing entry into the container 12. In other words, the use of liquid air over other oxygen or gases Low oxygen cryogenic liquids is that the atmosphere inside the container 12 will remain breathable and, although cold, it will support the support of human life. In that way, oxygen monitoring systems, ventilation systems for venting asphyxiating gases and / or breathing apparatus are not required for safe use of the liquid air cooling system 10. In addition, the elimination of the need to ventilate The asphyxiant gases can also reduce operating costs due to the mitigation of the need to recharge the atmosphere of the container after the entry and exit of personnel.

While the invention has not been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and descriptions above, it should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it should be understood that the illustrative modalities only of the same have been shown and described and that the totality of changes and modifications that will come within the spirit of the invention are that they wish to protect.

Claims

1. A liquid air cooling system for a thermally insulated storage container characterized in that it comprises: a tank configured to store liquid air in it; a duct system having a first end portion coupled to the tank and a second end portion configured to be positioned within an interior of the thermally insulated storage container; a spray head coupled to the second end of the conduit system; Y a control system electrically coupled to the tank and the spray head to control the flow of liquid air from the tank to the spray head.

2. The liquid cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises another spray head coupled to the second end portion of the duct system.

3. The liquid cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises an evaporator coupled to the tank and the duct and conditioning system for converting the liquid air to a gaseous state.

. The liquid cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a temperature sensor configured to be positioned within the interior of the thermally insulated storage container, the temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature inside the container of thermally insulated storage.

5. The liquid cooling system according to claim 4, characterized in that the temperature sensor is electrically coupled to the control system, and wherein the control system is configured to adjust the flow rate of the liquid air from the liquid air tank Based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

6. The liquid cooling system according to claim 5, characterized in that the tank includes an inlet port, an inlet valve within the inlet port, an outlet port, and an outlet valve within the outlet port, and furthermore wherein the inlet valve and the outlet valve are each electrically coupled to the control system so that the control system is configured to open and close the outlet valve to adjust the flow rate of the liquid air from the tank. liquid air

7. The liquid cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a second tank configured to store liquid air therein, the second tank is coupled to the duct system.

8. The liquid cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a flow index sensor configured to sense the flow rate of liquid air within the duct system.

9. The liquid cooling system according to claim 8, characterized in that the flow index sensor is electrically coupled to the control system, and wherein the control system is configured to adjust the flow rate of the liquid air from the flow tank. liquid air based on the flow index sensed by the flow rate sensor.

10. A refrigerated storage trailer for transporting a refrigerated cargo characterized in that it comprises: a thermally insulated storage container; and a liquid air cooling system coupled to the thermally insulated storage container for supplying liquid air to an interior of the thermally insulated container.

11. The refrigerated storage trailer according to claim 10, characterized in that the liquid air cooling system includes a tank configured to store liquid air therein, and a duct system having a first end portion coupled to the tank of the second end portion positioned within the interior of the thermally insulated compartment.

12. The refrigerated storage trailer according to claim 11, characterized in that the liquid air cooling system further includes a plurality of spray heads coupled to the second end portion of the conduit system.

13. The refrigerated storage trailer according to claim 11, characterized in that the duct system includes a plurality of valves configured to control the flow of liquid air from the tank to the thermally insulated compartment.

1 . The refrigerated storage trailer according to claim 11, characterized in that it also comprises a plurality of flow index sensors configured to measure the flow rate of the liquid air through the conduit system.

15. The refrigerated storage trailer according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises a control system electrically coupled to a liquid air cooling system for controlling the flow rate of the liquid air within the interior of the thermally insulated container.

16. The refrigerated storage trailer according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises a temperature sensor positioned within the interior of the thermally insulated storage container, the temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature inside the interior of the thermally insulated storage container , wherein the temperature sensor is electrically coupled to the control system, and wherein the control system is configured to adjust the liquid air flow rate of the liquid air tank based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

17. A method for cooling a storage container characterized in that it comprises: provide a source of pressurized liquid air; inject liquid air from the source through a spray head into the storage container; and control the flow rate of the liquid air from the source.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the flow rate control includes monitoring a temperature of an interior of the storage container and adjusting the flow rate of the liquid air of the source based on the temperature monitored.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the control of the flow index includes monitoring the flow rate of the liquid air from the source and adjusting the flow rate of the liquid air from the source based on the monitored flow index.

20. The method according to claim 17, further comprising determining whether the temperature within the storage container is within a predetermined temperature range and generating a flow rate control signal in response thereto.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that it further comprises changing the flow rate of the liquid air from the source in response to the control signal of the flow index.

22. A liquid air cooling system for a thermally insulated storage container characterized in that it comprises: a liquid air cooling system; Y a liquid air control system electrically coupled to the liquid air cooling system, the control system comprises (i) a processing unit, (ii) a memory unit electrically coupled to the processing unit, the memory unit has stored therein a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processing unit, cause the processing unit: (a) operating the liquid air cooling system to advance the liquid air from the liquid air storage tank to a thermally insulated interior of a trailer, (b) determining whether the temperature within the thermally insulated interior of the trailer is within a predetermined temperature range and generating a flow index signal in response thereto, and (c) changing the flow rate of the liquid air from the liquid air storage tank to the thermally insulated interior of the trailer in response to the flow index signal.