Storage Apparatuses and Related Methods for Storing Temperature-Sensitive Items

摘要

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and methods for storing temperature-sensitive items. More specifically, embodiments include a storage apparatus that may store the temperature-sensitive items. For example, the storage apparatus may include a storage compartment that may be maintained at a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

主权项

1. A storage apparatus for storing at least one temperature-sensitive material at a controlled temperature, the storage apparatus comprising:
an enclosure structure including,
a storage compartment configured to hold the at least one temperature-sensitive material;a thermal transfer assembly adjacent to and in thermal communication with the storage compartment, the thermal transfer assembly including,
a phase change material disposed therein;one or more heat pipes positioned at least partially within the phase change material; anda plurality of thermally conductive fins in thermal communication with the one or more heat pipes and positioned at least partially within the phase change material; a thermoelectric heat pump in thermal communication with the one or more heat pipes; a heat sink in thermal communication with the thermoelectric heat pump; at least one temperature sensor configured to measure temperature in at least one of the storage compartment or the thermal transfer assembly; and a controller operably coupled to the thermoelectric heat pump and to the at least one temperature sensor, the controller being configured to direct the thermoelectric heat pump to controllably cool the phase change material so that a temperature of the storage compartment is controlled responsive to information from the at least one temperature sensor.