Climate control system and method for monitoring and displaying energy usage and energy cost thereof

Abstract

A method for monitoring and displaying energy usage and energy cost of a transportation vehicle climate control system is provided. The method includes a controller monitoring and measuring energy parameters of a transportation vehicle climate control system. The method also includes calculating energy utilization of the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the energy parameters. Moreover, the method includes calculating energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the calculated energy utilization. Furthermore, the method includes displaying the calculated energy utilization and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system on a user interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to climate control systems for transportation vehicles. More specifically, embodiments relate to methods and systems for monitoring and displaying energy usage and energy costs of a transportation vehicle climate control system or a group of transportation vehicle climate control systems. Background Art

[0002] Climate control systems (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems) for passenger vehicles (e.g., passenger buses, passenger trams, etc.), transport refrigeration systems (TRS) for transport units (e.g., trucks, containers (e.g., containers on flatbeds, intermodal containers, etc.), box trucks, semi-tractors, buses, or other similar transport units), etc. may be included on the transport vehicles to condition the air in the interior space (e.g., passenger cabin, cargo space, etc.) of the transport vehicles. In some transport vehicles, the climate control system may be mounted externally (e.g., on the roof of the transport vehicle, on the front wall of the transport vehicle, etc.). The climate control system may provide a comfortable environment for passengers in the transport vehicle, or provide a desired environment for cargo stored in the transport vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to climate control systems in transportation vehicles. More specifically, embodiments relate to methods and systems for monitoring and displaying energy usage and energy costs of a transportation vehicle climate control system or a group of transportation vehicle climate control systems.

[0004] The embodiments described herein can provide a reliable and / or accurate way to measure the total energy cost of running a climate control system for an operator of a transport vehicle with a climate control system or a fleet of transport vehicles with a climate control system. When the power supply that powers the climate control system is integrated with other systems of the transport vehicle, it is difficult to isolate the true energy cost of running the climate control system from the total energy cost of running the transport vehicle or a fleet of transport vehicles. For example, it is difficult to isolate the energy utilization of a climate control system powered by a transport vehicle prime mover (provided directly or indirectly by an alternator driven by the prime mover) from the other systems of the transport vehicle. The embodiments described herein can provide a reliable and / or accurate way to measure and monitor the energy utilization of a climate control system that can provide sufficient resolution to enable experimentation and anomaly detection.

[0005] In particular, the embodiments described herein can reliably and accurately capture the energy cost of a transportation vehicle climate control system. The embodiments described herein can capture the energy cost of a transportation vehicle climate control system for a mixed vehicle fleet (e.g., various climate control system years, various manufacturers, various powertrains, etc.).

[0006] Energy utilization of a transportation vehicle's climate control system can be a significant contributor to the energy consumption of a transportation vehicle or a fleet of transportation vehicles. In some embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein can directly and frequently measure and monitor the isolated energy usage of the climate control over time. In other embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein can frequently measure all relevant variables associated with the operation of the climate control system to obtain the energy usage of the climate control system over time.

[0007] In some embodiments, the embodiments described herein can measure, monitor, and report energy costs associated with one or more transport vehicle climate control systems with sufficient resolution to be able to identify changes due to intentional (e.g., experimental) or unintentional (e.g., system entropy changes or failures) changes in the operation of one or more transport vehicle climate control systems. The embodiments described herein can utilize remote machine data connectivity and algorithms to establish energy usage and subsequent energy costs of transport vehicle climate control system operations, as well as trended energy usage patterns and energy costs so that comparisons can be made to a particular transport vehicle over time and to other transport vehicles. Trends in energy usage and energy costs can allow for climate control system optimization strategies to be employed.

[0008] Embodiments described herein may provide for frequent acquisition of climate control system parameters, which may be sent to an onboard or remote server, and which may be used to, for example, calculate total energy utilization of the climate control system, energy usage per unit time for climate control system operation, total energy cost of the climate control system, energy cost per unit time for climate control system operation, etc., to understand the performance of the climate control system. Furthermore, embodiments described herein may itemize energy usage and / or energy cost of the climate control system to help enhance operation and identify components of the climate control system that may be further optimized.

[0009] The embodiments described herein may also provide direct and frequent measurements of isolated energy input to specific components of a climate control system, may be incorporated into calculations of climate control system parameters for components that do not allow for direct energy input measurement, and may combine this data to create an itemized view of energy usage and / or energy costs for the climate control system to help enhance the operation of the climate control system and identify components of the climate control system that may be further optimized.

[0010] In one embodiment, a method for monitoring and displaying energy usage and energy cost of a transportation vehicle climate control system is provided. The method includes a controller that monitors and measures energy parameters of a transportation vehicle climate control system. The method also includes calculating energy utilization of the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the energy parameters. Moreover, the method includes calculating energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the calculated energy utilization. Furthermore, the method includes displaying the calculated energy utilization and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system on a user interface.

[0011] In another embodiment, a climate control system for a transport vehicle is provided. The climate control system includes a refrigeration circuit and a controller. The refrigeration circuit is configured to control the environmental conditions of the interior space of the transport vehicle, wherein the refrigeration circuit includes a compressor, an external heat exchanger, and an internal heat exchanger. The controller is configured to control the operation of the climate control system. Moreover, the controller is configured to monitor and measure energy parameters of the transport vehicle climate control system, calculate energy utilization of the transport vehicle climate control system based on the energy parameters, and calculate energy costs of the transport vehicle climate control system based on the energy parameters. Moreover, the user interface is configured to receive the calculated energy utilization and the calculated energy cost, and is configured to display the calculated energy utilization and the calculated energy cost of the transport vehicle climate control system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this disclosure and which illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this specification may be practiced.

[0013] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a passenger vehicle including a climate control system according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 1B is a perspective view of a refrigerated transport unit attached to a tractor according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 According to one embodiment Figure 1A and 1B Schematic diagram of components of a transport vehicle shown in FIG.

[0016] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method for monitoring and displaying energy usage and energy costs of a climate control system or a group of climate control systems according to one embodiment.

[0017] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present disclosure relates generally to climate control systems in transportation vehicles. More specifically, embodiments relate to methods and systems for monitoring and displaying energy usage and energy costs of a transportation vehicle climate control system or a group of transportation vehicle climate control systems.

[0019] A climate control system may generally be configured to control one or more environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, air quality, etc.) within an interior space (e.g., a passenger compartment, a cargo space, etc.) of a transportation vehicle (e.g., a bus, a railroad car, a truck, a container (e.g., a container on a flatbed, an intermodal container, etc.), a van, a semi-tractor, etc.). Generally, fresh air (e.g., outside air) and / or conditioned air (e.g., air conditioned by a refrigeration circuit of a climate control system) may be supplied to the interior space of a transportation vehicle via a climate control system.

[0020] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a vehicle 10 including a climate control system according to one embodiment. Figure 1A In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a mass transit bus that can transport passengers (not shown) to one or more destinations. In other embodiments, the vehicle 10 can be a school bus, a rail vehicle, a subway, or other commercial vehicle that carries passengers. Hereinafter, the term "vehicle" will be used to represent all such passenger transport vehicles, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present application to only mass transit buses.

[0021] Figure 1A The vehicle 10 is shown to include a frame 15, a passenger compartment 20 supported by the frame 15, wheels 25, and a compartment 30. The frame 15 includes doors 35 located on the sides of the vehicle 10. Figure 1A As shown, the first door 35 is located near the front end of the vehicle 10 and the second door 35 is located on the frame 15 toward the rear end of the vehicle 10. Each door 35 is movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively allow access to the passenger compartment 20. The vehicle 10 also includes a climate control system 75 attached to the frame 15 and located on the roof 85 of the vehicle 10. The climate control system 75 includes a refrigeration circuit (see Figure 2 ) and is configured to provide conditioned air within the passenger compartment 20.

[0022] The compartment 30 is located near the rear end of the vehicle 10 and may include a powertrain (see Figure 2 ), the power system is coupled to the frame 15 to drive the wheels 25. In some embodiments, the compartment 30 may be located elsewhere on the vehicle 10 (eg, adjacent to the front end, etc.).

[0023] Figure 1BOne embodiment of a refrigerated transport unit 105 is shown attached to a tractor 120. Refrigerated transport unit 105 includes a climate control system 100 for a transport unit 125. Tractor 120 is attached to transport unit 125 and is configured to tow transport unit 125. Figure 1B The transport unit 125 shown is a trailer. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to tractor and trailer units, but can be applied to any type of transport unit (e.g., container on a flatbed, intermodal container, etc.), truck, box truck or other similar transport unit. The transport unit 125 may include one or more doors (not shown) that are movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively allow access to the cargo space 150.

[0024] The climate control system 100 includes a climate control unit (CCU) 110 that provides environmental control (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a cargo space 150 of a transport unit 125. The climate control system 100 also includes a climate controller 170 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the climate control system 100 and transmit parameter data to the climate controller 170.

[0025] The CCU 110 is disposed on the front wall 130 of the transport unit 125. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the CCU 110 may be disposed, for example, on the roof or another wall of the transport unit 125. The CCU 110 includes a refrigeration circuit (see Figure 2 ) for conditioning the air to be provided within the cargo space 150. The CCU 110 may also include a power system (see FIG. 1 ) for powering components of the climate control system 100 (e.g., a compressor, one or more fans and blowers, one or more sensors, one or more solenoid valves, etc.). Figure 2 ).

[0026] Programmable climate controller 170 may include a single integrated control unit 160, or may include a distributed network of climate controller elements 160, 165. The number of distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the particular application of the principles described herein. Climate controller 170 is configured to control the operation of climate control system 100.

[0027] Figure 2 For example, Figure 1A The transport vehicle 10 shown in Figure 1B Schematic diagram of components of a transport vehicle 200 of a transport unit 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 2A power system 205 is shown, which may include a prime mover (e.g., an internal combustion engine), or alternatively, a hybrid engine including an electric system coupled to a prime mover. In other embodiments, the power system 205 may be an all-electric system (e.g., an energy storage device) without a corresponding prime mover. Hereinafter, the term "power system" will be used to represent all such power systems, and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present application to only the prime mover.

[0028] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the power system 205 not only provides power to the wheels 209 (e.g., Figure 1A In addition to providing power to the wheels 25 shown in the figure, the power system 205 can also provide most (can be all) power to vehicle components and accessories, and can include an "off" state and an "on" state. Generally, the vehicle 200 can be operated at one or more speeds, and the power system 205 can be the main driving component or mechanism of the vehicle 200's travel speed. The power system 205 can further operate at a relatively high load and a relatively low load. The load borne by the power system 205 is defined by the amount of work per unit time that the power system 205 must provide to move and operate the vehicle 200. In other words, the load of the power system 205 can be defined by the power that the power system 205 must provide to move and operate the vehicle 200. For example, when the vehicle 200 is traveling uphill or on rough terrain, the power system 205 can be under a relatively high load. When the vehicle 200 is traveling downhill, when the vehicle 200 is traveling on relatively flat terrain, or when the power system 205 is idling, the power system 205 can be under a relatively low load. Typically, changes in the load of power system 205 may be indicated by changes in the output power of power system 205, measured in kilowatts or horsepower, for example.

[0029] In some embodiments, power system 205 may be dedicated to powering climate control system 225. In these embodiments, power system 205 may not power wheels 209. In these embodiments, power system 205 may be located in a TRU (e.g., for example, TRU 110) or may be located separate from the TRU, such as in an undermount configuration (e.g., as a separate generator set, etc.).

[0030] Power system sensor 207 is coupled to power system 205 to sense the condition and / or use of power system 205 and generate a signal indicative of the condition of the power system. In some embodiments, power system sensor 207 can be configured to detect the load under which power system 205 is operated. In these embodiments, power system sensor 207 can generate a signal indicative of the load of the power system. In other embodiments, sensor 207 can be configured to detect the start-up of power system 205 from an "off" state.

[0031] Continue to refer Figure 2 The transport vehicle 200 may also include an automated passenger counter (APC) unit 215 that is operable to track the number and duration of passengers (e.g., humans, animals, etc.) in the interior space of the transport vehicle 200 at any time. The APC unit 215 includes an APC sensor 217 that senses when a passenger enters or leaves the transport vehicle 200. It has been found that passengers (e.g., humans, animals, etc.) have natural convection (i.e., a thermal plume) that radiates heat and moisture to the surrounding environment. The conditioned interior space may be affected by the thermal plume surrounding the passengers. Therefore, data from the APC unit 215 can be used to calculate the relative humidity within the interior space of the transport vehicle 200 at any given time.

[0032] The transport vehicle 200 also includes a vehicle control system 220, a climate control system 225 (e.g., Figure 1A The climate control system 75 shown and Figure 1B The vehicle control system 220 may be located anywhere on the transport vehicle 200 and communicate with electrical and / or mechanical components (not shown) of the transport vehicle 200. The vehicle control system 220 may also communicate with the door control 235, the power system 205, and the APC unit 215 to receive corresponding signals from the door sensor 237, the power system sensor 207, and the vehicle position sensor 217. In some embodiments, other vehicle conditions of the transport vehicle 200 may also be sensed by one or more sensors.

[0033] The transport vehicle 200 includes a door control 235 coupled to each door 240 (only one is shown). The door control 235 is operable to move the door 240 between respective open and closed positions. In some embodiments, the door control 235 is manually operated by an operator of the transport vehicle 200 to open and close the door 240. In other embodiments, the door control 235 may automatically open and close the door 240 (e.g., via an electronic signal, etc.). In other embodiments, a door control 235 may be provided for each door 240 of the vehicle 200 to open and close each door 240 independently.

[0034] The door sensor 237 is coupled to each door 240 to sense when one or all of the doors 240 are in an open position and for how long, and to generate a signal indicating the respective position and duration of the door 240. For example, the door sensor 237 may generate a first signal indicating that one or all of the doors 240 are in an open position and for how long, and may generate a second signal indicating that the door 240 is in a closed position and for how long. The door opening frequency and duration information obtained by the door sensor 237 may be combined with information obtained from the APC unit 215 to determine the impact of the thermal plume within the interior space.

[0035] Alternatively, the door sensor 237 may not positively generate a signal when the door 240 is in the closed position (i.e., the sensor is "silent" when the door 240 is in the closed position). However, the silencing of the door sensor 237 when the door 240 is closed may indicate that the door 240 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, one door sensor 237 may be coupled to two or all doors 240. In other embodiments, a door sensor 237 may be provided for each door 240 to independently sense the position of each door 240.

[0036] Figure 2 The climate control system 225 is shown to include a refrigeration circuit 250, a climate controller 255, and a data logging device 260. The refrigeration circuit 250 is a vehicle climate control circuit that can be used to control one or more environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, air quality, etc.) of the interior space of the transportation vehicle 200 based on geographic location specific data, climate control data, and passenger / load data. The refrigeration circuit 250 includes an external heat exchanger 270, an internal heat exchanger 275, a compressor 280, a first ventilation device 285, and a second ventilation device 290. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second ventilation devices 285, 290 are fans. The refrigeration circuit 250 may also include additional components (not shown). A working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) flows through the refrigeration components to provide air to the interior space (e.g., Figure 1A The passenger compartment 20 and Figure 1B The cargo space 150 is shown as providing conditioned air.

[0037] The speed of the refrigeration circuit 250 may be defined as the speed at which the working fluid flows through the external heat exchanger 270 and / or the internal heat exchanger 275. In addition to the speeds of other components of the refrigeration circuit 250, the speed of the refrigeration circuit 250 may also be defined as the speed of the compressor 280, the speed of the first ventilation device 285, and / or the speed of the second ventilation device 290.

[0038] In some configurations, in a cooling mode of the refrigeration loop 250, the external heat exchanger 270 can cool the heated working fluid flowing from the compressor 280. The external heat exchanger 270 can include a gas cooler, or alternatively a condenser, depending on the type of working fluid conveyed by the refrigeration loop 250. In other configurations, in a heating mode of the refrigeration loop 250, the external heat exchanger 270 can heat the cooled working fluid.

[0039] Although not shown, the internal heat exchanger 275 (e.g., evaporator, etc.) can be in fluid communication with the external heat exchanger 270 to receive the cooled working fluid before the conditioned air enters the interior space and transfer the heat from the air passing through the internal heat exchanger 275 to the working fluid. The compressor 280 is in fluid communication with the external heat exchanger 270 and the internal heat exchanger 275 to compress the heated working fluid received from the internal heat exchanger 275 and provide a working fluid flow that runs through the refrigeration circuit 250. In some embodiments, the compressor 280 can be a single-speed (e.g., open state and closed state) compressor. In other embodiments, the compressor 280 can be a two-speed compressor (e.g., high speed and low speed). In yet other embodiments, the compressor 280 can be a variable speed compressor that can run at multiple speeds. The speed of the compressor 280 can be based in part on the desired pressure of the working fluid in the refrigeration circuit 250.

[0040] Typically, the first and second ventilation devices 285, 290 include fans or blowers that direct airflow through one or more components of the refrigeration circuit 250. In some embodiments, the first and second ventilation devices 285, 290 can be single-speed (e.g., open state and closed state) ventilation devices. In other embodiments, the first and second ventilation devices 285, 290 can be two-speed (e.g., high speed and low speed) ventilation devices. In some embodiments, the first and second ventilation devices 285, 290 can be variable speed ventilation devices that can operate at multiple speeds. The first ventilation device 285 is coupled to the external heat exchanger 270, and the speed of the first ventilation device 285 can be based on the desired airflow through the external heat exchanger 270. The first ventilation device 285 can generally direct air through the external heat exchanger 270 to cool the heated compressed working fluid flowing out of the compressor 280.

[0041] The second air moving device 290 is coupled to the internal heat exchanger 275, and the speed of the second air moving device 290 can be based on the desired air flow through the internal heat exchanger 275. The second air moving device 290 can generally direct air through the internal heat exchanger 275 to condition the air entering the interior space through heat transfer with the cold working fluid flowing through the internal heat exchanger 275.

[0042] The climate controller 255 communicates with the compressor 280 to control compressor capacity, and communicates with the first and second ventilators 285, 290 to control the speeds of the first and second ventilators 285, 290. The climate controller 255 is operable to change the refrigeration loop 250 between an "off" state and an "on" state, and further control the capacity of the refrigeration loop 250 based in part on a desired temperature of the interior space and further based on environmental conditions adjacent to the climate control system 225. In some embodiments, the climate controller 255 may include a storage portion (not shown) that stores a desired temperature set point within the interior space, a desired humidity set point within the interior space, and a discharge temperature set point.

[0043] The climate controller 255 also communicates with an outlet temperature sensor 292, an interior heat exchanger sensor 277, a compressor sensor 282, and an exterior heat exchanger sensor 272. When present, the climate controller 255 may also communicate with one or more interior space temperature sensors 252 and / or one or more interior space humidity sensors 254. The climate controller 255 may also communicate with other sensors (not shown) coupled to components of the refrigeration circuit 250. The outlet temperature sensor 292 is disposed adjacent to the second ventilation device 290 to sense the exhaust temperature of the conditioned air directed into the interior space.

[0044] The internal heat exchanger sensor 277 is coupled to the internal heat exchanger 275 to sense the temperature of the working fluid flowing through the internal heat exchanger 275 and generate a signal indicative of the temperature of the working fluid. In other embodiments, the internal heat exchanger sensor 277 may sense the temperature of the air flowing through the internal heat exchanger 275. In other embodiments, the internal heat exchanger sensor 277 may sense the pressure of the working fluid flowing through the internal heat exchanger 275.

[0045] The compressor sensor 282 is coupled to the compressor 280 to sense the pressure of the working fluid flowing through the compressor 280. In some embodiments, the compressor sensor 282 can monitor the pressure of the working fluid entering the compressor 280 (i.e., the suction pressure). In other embodiments, the compressor sensor 282 can monitor the pressure of the working fluid leaving the compressor 280 (i.e., the discharge pressure). In other embodiments, the compressor sensor 280 can be configured to sense the discharge pressure and the suction pressure of the working fluid flowing through the compressor 280.

[0046] The external heat exchanger sensor 272 is coupled to the external heat exchanger 270 to sense the temperature of the working fluid leaving the external heat exchanger 270 and generate a signal indicative of the sensed temperature. In some embodiments, the external heat exchanger sensor 272 may be located in a refrigeration line (not shown) near and downstream of the external heat exchanger 270.

[0047] One or more interior space temperature sensors 252 may be disposed at various locations within the interior space to sense the temperature within the interior space. One or more interior space humidity sensors 254 may be disposed at various locations within the interior space to sense the humidity within the interior space.

[0048] The refrigeration circuit 250 can operate at various capacities, ranging from zero capacity in a closed state to full capacity in an open state. The capacity of the refrigeration circuit 250 is the capacity of the refrigeration circuit 250 to condition the air entering the interior space.

[0049] The full capacity of the refrigeration circuit 250 may correspond to a pull-down cooling mode of the climate control system 225, and the reduced capacity (i.e., a capacity less than full capacity) of the refrigeration circuit 250 may correspond to a reduced capacity cooling mode or a noise reduction mode of the climate control system 225. Typically, the speed of one or more climate control system components in the reduced capacity mode or the noise reduction mode is slower than the speed of the same component in the pull-down cooling mode, and the operation of the climate control system 225 in the noise reduction mode may reduce the perceived noise emanating from the climate control system 225. For example, when the climate control system 225 is operating at full capacity (i.e., in the pull-down cooling mode), the refrigeration circuit 250 may operate at a speed that can quickly reduce the temperature within the interior space from near ambient temperature to a desired temperature set point. In some embodiments, when the climate control system 225 is operating at a reduced capacity (e.g., in the reduced capacity mode, the noise reduction mode, etc.), the refrigeration circuit 250 may operate at a speed slower than that required to maintain the desired temperature set point of the interior space.

[0050] The climate control system 225 is configured to operate in various operating modes, including, for example, a continuous cooling mode, a cycle cooling mode, a ramp-down cooling mode, a reduced capacity cooling mode, a heating mode, a defrost mode, an emission reduction (e.g., noise, CO 2, specific substances, nitrogen oxides, etc.) mode, fuel reduction mode, dehumidification mode, ventilation mode, reheating mode, etc. The continuous cooling mode may allow the compressor 280 to be continuously maintained in an on state so that the refrigeration circuit 250 can provide cooled air to the interior space. The cycle cooling mode may allow the compressor 280 to operate in a mode of cycling in an on state and an off state for a period of time so that the refrigeration circuit 250 can provide cooled air to the interior space. The rapid drop cooling mode may allow the refrigeration circuit 250 to operate at full capacity to quickly reduce the temperature in the interior space from near ambient temperature to a desired temperature set point. The reduced capacity cooling mode may allow the refrigeration circuit 250 to operate at a reduced capacity to slow down or prevent the temperature in the interior space from decreasing. The heating mode may allow the refrigeration circuit 250 to provide heated air to the interior space to increase the temperature in the interior space. The defrost mode may cause the refrigeration circuit to defrost the evaporator coil of, for example, the internal heat exchanger 275. The emission reduction mode may cause the refrigeration circuit 250 to operate so as to reduce the emission of one or more noise, CO from the climate control system 225. 2 , specific substances, nitrogen oxides, etc. The fuel reduction mode may allow the climate control system 225 to reduce the amount of fuel used to operate the climate control system 225. The dehumidification mode may reduce the humidity in the interior space by, for example, a second ventilation device 290 operating independently of the compressor 280.

[0051] The data recording device 260 is configured to receive and store real-time information about the transport vehicle 200 and the climate control system 225. The data recording device 260 can also operate as a telematics unit and send real-time information about the transport vehicle 200 and the climate control system 225 to the host service. In some embodiments, the data recording device 260 can be a first-party data recording and telematics device for the climate control system 225, or a third-party data recording and telematics device separate from the climate control system 225. The data recording device 260 also includes a vehicle location sensor 262. The vehicle location sensor 262 can be a global positioning system sensor that communicates with a global positioning system (not shown) that determines the location of the transport vehicle 200.

[0052] In some embodiments, data logging device 260 may access real-time ambient temperature and / or humidity data external to the location of transport vehicle 200 using, for example, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). In some embodiments, data logging device 260 may access real-time ambient temperature and / or humidity information at a location determined by vehicle location sensor 262 from, for example, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

[0053] It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, vehicle position sensor 262 may be part of, for example, climate controller 255, controller 230, vehicle control system 220, or another device of transport vehicle 200. Additionally, in some embodiments, data logging device 260 may be embedded in or with climate controller 255.

[0054] The controller 230 is disposed in the vehicle 200 and may generally be located anywhere on the vehicle 200. The controller 230 communicates with the vehicle control system 220 and the climate control system 225 to monitor the conditions of the vehicle 200 and the climate control system 225, and controls the climate control system 225 based on the sensed temperature within the interior space and the sensed vehicle conditions. In some embodiments, the controller 230 may be a separate controller 230 in addition to the vehicle control system 220 and the climate controller 255. In other embodiments, the vehicle control system 220 and / or the climate controller 255 may be part of the controller 230 or included in the controller 230.

[0055] In some embodiments, controller 230 and / or data logging device 260 may communicate with a remote server 245 that is separate and remote from transport vehicle 200. Controller 230 and / or data logging device 260 may transmit energy parameters to remote server 245, and remote server 245 may then calculate energy utilization of climate control system 225, calculate energy costs of climate control system 225, and the like.

[0056] Figure 3 A flow chart of a method 300 for monitoring and displaying energy usage and energy costs of a climate control system 200 or a group of climate control systems is shown. The method 300 begins at 305 where the controller 230 monitors and measures energy parameters of the climate control system 225. Typically, the compressor 280 and the first and second ventilation devices 285, 290 may be the largest energy users of the climate control system 225. Therefore, 305 may include the controller 230 monitoring and storing one or more of the following: the operating time of the compressor 280; the speed of the compressor 280; the operating frequency of the compressor 280; and the voltage and / or current provided to the compressor 280. This may also include the controller 230 monitoring and storing one or more of the following: the operating time of the first and second ventilation devices 285, 290; the speed of the first and second ventilation devices 285, 290; the operating frequency of the first and second ventilation devices 285, 290; and the voltage and / or current provided to the first and second ventilation devices 285, 290.

[0057] In some embodiments, controller 230 may also monitor and store the operating status of a heating element (not shown) of climate control system 225 and one or both of the voltage and / or current supplied thereto.

[0058] In some embodiments, the controller 230 may also monitor and store the battery cooling status of a battery / battery pack (not shown) of the power system 205 , an auxiliary power system, etc., for example, that powers the climate control system 225 .

[0059] In some embodiments, the controller 230 may also monitor and store the operating time of one or more control electronic devices (e.g., the controller 230, the vehicle control system 220, the climate controller 255, the APC unit 215, the data logging device 260, etc.) and one or more of the voltage and / or current supplied thereto.

[0060] In some embodiments, the controller 230 may also monitor and store one or more of the operating status, position, voltage and / or current supplied thereto, etc. of auxiliary devices (e.g., dampers, valves, sensors, etc.) of the climate control system 225 .

[0061] In some embodiments, controller 230 may monitor and store climate control system temperatures, including, for example, ambient temperature of transport vehicle 200 , desired temperature set points of climate control system 225 , interior space temperatures of climate control system 225 , duct temperatures, and the like.

[0062] In some embodiments, controller 230 may monitor and store climate control system pressures, including, for example, the ambient pressure of transport vehicle 200 , the suction pressure of compressor 280 , the discharge pressure of compressor 280 , and the like.

[0063] In some embodiments, controller 230 may monitor and store climate control system temperatures, including, for example, the ambient temperature of the location of transport vehicle 200 , the desired temperature set point of climate control system 225 , the interior space temperature of climate control system 225 , duct temperature, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, the controller 230 can monitor and store the operating mode of the climate control system 225 (e.g., continuous cooling mode, cycle cooling mode, ramp-down cooling mode, reduced capacity cooling mode, heating mode, defrost mode, emission reduction (e.g., noise, CO 2 , specific substances, nitrogen oxides, etc.) mode, fuel reduction mode, dehumidification mode, ventilation mode, reheating mode, etc.).

[0065] In some embodiments, where one or more of the above components of the climate control system 225 are driven directly by electrical energy, parameters including those listed above may be ensured by direct voltage and / or current measurements to calculate power consumption for a given period of time. These measurements may be reported directly from the components to the controller 230.

[0066] In some embodiments, where one or more of the above-mentioned components of the climate control system 225 are electrically isolated, a total electrical power input can be obtained from one or more of the controller 230, the vehicle control system 220, the climate controller 255, the battery management system, and the monitoring system (e.g., the data logging device 260).

[0067] The method then proceeds to 310 .

[0068] At 310, the controller 230 uses the energy parameters obtained at 305 to calculate the energy utilization of the climate control system 225. In some cases, this may include conversion of voltage and / or current measurements to obtain power (P=V*I). In other cases, more complex energy calculations are utilized, such as physics-based equations, modeling, simulation testing, etc. The controller 230 may include equations and / or lookup tables to convert the energy parameters obtained at 305 to energy utilization values. For example, when the compressor 280 is directly driven by the prime mover of the power system 205, the energy utilization of the compressor 280 may be calculated, for example, based on a model that combines the operating time of the compressor 280, the operating frequency of the compressor 280, and one or more system-level pressures of the working fluid of the climate control system 225 (e.g., the suction pressure of the compressor 280, the discharge pressure of the compressor 280, any other working fluid pressures within the refrigeration circuit 250, etc.).

[0069] Although this embodiment describes controller 230 calculating energy usage of climate control system 225 , in other embodiments, the energy parameters obtained at 305 may be sent to, for example, remote server 245 , which then calculates energy usage of climate control system 225 .

[0070] The method then proceeds to 315 .

[0071] At 315, the controller 230 calculates the energy cost of the climate control system 225 for a given time period and operating conditions based on the energy utilization calculated at 310. In some embodiments, the controller can access energy cost inputs (when available), such as from a remote server 245, including, for example, the current price of prime mover fuel (e.g., diesel, compressed natural gas, etc.) used to power the prime movers of the power system 205, the efficiency of the climate control system 225 (or components of the climate control system 225), the current price of electrical energy (e.g., which may vary depending on the time of day and the current demand on the grid, etc.), compensation for renewable energy (e.g., solar energy storage, wind energy storage, etc.), etc.

[0072] In some embodiments, the controller 230 can calculate the energy score based on multiple relative factors without trying to estimate the actual energy use and energy cost. In particular, the controller 230 can access the energy use trend of the climate control system 225 or the transport vehicle fleet with the climate control system. The energy use trend can include abnormal operating conditions of the climate control system 225 or abnormal transport vehicles with abnormal energy consumption. The energy use trend can also include a threshold value (e.g., a red / yellow / green threshold) based on outlier information. In some embodiments, the controller 230 can then calculate the energy score based on, for example, the energy use trend of the climate control system 225 (including, for example, abnormal operating conditions) and the current operating conditions of the climate control. For example, the controller 230 can implement a red / yellow / green assessment of energy use relative to trends in a given fleet or other climate control systems, or can implement a numerical score for comparison with other climate control systems in a given fleet or with the historical trend of the climate control system 225. In some embodiments, the controller 230 can then calculate the energy score based on, for example, a comparison between the energy use trend of the fleet of transport vehicles with the climate control system and the absolute energy use of the climate control system 225.

[0073] Although this embodiment describes controller 230 calculating the energy cost of climate control system 225 , in other embodiments, remote server 245 may calculate the energy usage of climate control system 225 and calculate the energy cost of climate control system 225 .

[0074] The method then proceeds to 320 , and may optionally proceed simultaneously to 325 .

[0075] At 320, the energy utilization and energy cost of climate control system 225 are displayed. In particular, a user interface can be provided as part of an application that can be accessed by, for example, an operator of transport vehicle 200, a customer, a user managing a fleet of transport vehicles utilizing a climate control system, etc. The application can be accessed, for example, via a smart phone device, a tablet computer, a personal computer, etc. In some embodiments, the user interface can be presented on transport vehicle 200.

[0076] The user interface may enable a viewer to visualize and compare the energy usage of the climate control system 225 , the energy cost of the climate control system 225 , and / or the energy usage and energy cost of a fleet of transportation vehicles having climate control systems.

[0077] In some embodiments, the user interface can provide a graphical comparison between two or more climate control systems that are part of a fleet of transportation vehicles having climate control systems. The graphical comparison can be, for example, a comparison of total energy utilization, energy usage per unit time in operation, total energy cost, energy cost per unit time in operation, etc. for the entire climate control system 225 or one or more components of the climate control system 225 (e.g., compressor 280, ventilator 285, 290, etc.).

[0078] In some embodiments, the user interface may provide graphical time-domain historical data for the climate control system 225. The time-domain historical data displayed may be, for example, total energy utilization, energy usage per unit time of operation, total energy cost, energy cost per unit time of operation, etc. for the entire climate control system 225 or one or more components of the climate control system 225.

[0079] In some embodiments, the user interface may provide graphical time-domain data for the climate control system 225 or a group of climate control systems to reveal, for example, a specific time of the week, a specific route of the transport vehicle 200, the location of the transport vehicle 200, etc. The time-domain historical data displayed may be, for example, total energy utilization, energy usage per unit time of operation, total energy cost, energy cost per unit time of operation, etc. for the entire climate control system 225 or one or more components of the climate control system 225.

[0080] In some embodiments, the user interface may provide a red / yellow / green assessment of energy usage relative to trends or other climate control systems in a given fleet, or may implement a numerical score for comparison to other climate control systems in a given fleet or historical trends of climate control system 225.

[0081] In some embodiments, the controller 230 or remote server 245 can automatically monitor the energy cost and / or energy usage of the climate control system 225 or various components of the climate control system 225, and when a significant change occurs to the climate control system 225 (e.g., an alarm threshold is exceeded, a moving average of energy usage and / or energy cost exceeds a threshold, the climate control system 225 exceeds a calculation indicating that the climate control system 225 is operating abnormally relative to other climate control systems in the fleet, etc.), an alarm can be sent or displayed to the user on the user interface. The alarm thresholds discussed above may include, for example, a total energy cost threshold, a compressor utilization threshold, a temperature set point threshold, a humidity set point threshold, etc. In some embodiments, the alarm threshold may be based on a specific time or based on a moving average, for example, if the moving average of the climate control system set point exceeds a certain threshold. Thus, the controller 230 can provide an energy budget for the transport vehicle 200 or a fleet of transport vehicles. Abnormal operation may include, for example, a cooling cycle that runs continuously but does not reduce the temperature of the interior space, a transport vehicle in the fleet has higher than normal compressor operation time relative to other transport vehicles, or the set point or other temperature and humidity of the transport vehicle 200 is different from other transport vehicles in the same fleet or the moving average of the transport vehicles 200.

[0082] In some embodiments, controller 230 or remote server 245 can determine maintenance priorities of multiple climate control systems within a group of climate control systems relative to each other based on historical energy costs for operation or energy costs relative to each other. For example, if transport vehicle 200 is having higher than normal (or higher than average) energy utilization relative to the rest of the fleet of transport vehicles, the maintenance schedule can be updated to prioritize maintenance of the transport vehicle because it consumes more energy (or has a higher operating cost) than the rest of the fleet. The maintenance schedule for one or more climate control systems can then be displayed on the user interface.

[0083] In some embodiments, the user interface may provide a report to the user illustrating energy usage and energy costs for a fleet of transportation vehicles having a climate control system. The controller 230 or remote server 245 may also determine and provide energy saving programs for display to the user interface.

[0084] The method then returns to 305 .

[0085] Optionally, at 325 , controller 230 may modify the operation of climate control system 225 based on the energy utilization calculated at 310 and / or the energy cost calculated at 315 .

[0086] In some embodiments, when the power system 205 includes multiple energy sources (e.g., a vehicle prime mover, a vehicle battery, an auxiliary battery pack, solar energy, mains electricity, etc.), the controller 230 can automatically select the energy source to be used based on, for example, the cheapest optional given energy parameter obtained at 305, the energy utilization associated with the given time period calculated at 310, and the energy cost associated with the given time period calculated at 315.

[0087] In some embodiments, when climate control system 225 includes an electrical energy storage cooling device (e.g., a battery cooler), controller 230 may determine optimal operation for battery cooling based on the energy cost associated with automatic control thereof determined at 315. For example, a battery management system of power system 205 may request a battery cooler of climate control system 225 to optimize the temperature of a battery pack used by transport vehicle 200, but based on the energy cost calculated at 315 and according to the energy utilization calculated at 320, it may not be cost-effective to use the battery cooler. Controller 230 may minimize the use of climate control system 225 for battery cooling, or utilize a more energy or cost-effective process (e.g., using return air from climate control system 225) to cool the battery pack.

[0088] Although this embodiment describes the controller 230 modifying the operation of the climate control system 225 based on the energy utilization calculated at 310 and / or the energy cost calculated at 315, in other embodiments, the remote server 245 may modify the operation of the climate control system 225 based on the energy utilization calculated at 310 and / or the energy cost calculated at 315.

[0089] aspect:

[0090] It should be understood that any of Aspects 1-8 may be combined with any of Aspects 9-15.

[0091] Aspect 1. A method for monitoring and displaying energy usage and energy costs of a transportation vehicle climate control system, the method comprising:

[0092] a controller to monitor and measure energy parameters of said transport vehicle climate control system;

[0093] calculating energy usage of the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the energy parameter;

[0094] calculating an energy cost for the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the calculated energy utilization; and

[0095] The calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system are displayed on a user interface.

[0096] Aspect 2. The method of aspect 1, further comprising modifying operation of the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the calculated energy utilization and the calculated energy cost.

[0097] Aspect 3. The method of any one of aspects 1-2, further comprising: the controller sending the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system to a remote server,

[0098] Wherein the remote server provides the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system to the user interface.

[0099] Aspect 4. The method of any one of aspects 1-2, further comprising: the controller sending energy parameters of the transportation vehicle climate control system to a remote server;

[0100] wherein calculating energy utilization of the transportation vehicle climate control system is performed by the remote server;

[0101] wherein calculating the energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system is performed by the remote server, and

[0102] Wherein the remote server provides the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system to the user interface.

[0103] Aspect 5. The method of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the transport vehicle climate control system comprises a compressor, and

[0104] The energy parameter includes one or more of the running time of the compressor, the rotation speed of the compressor, the running frequency of the compressor, and the voltage and / or current provided to the compressor.

[0105] Aspect 6. The method of any one of aspects 1-5, wherein the transport vehicle climate control system comprises a ventilation device, and

[0106] The energy parameter includes one or more of the operating time of the ventilation device, the rotation speed of the ventilation device, the operating frequency of the ventilation device, and the voltage and / or current supplied to the ventilation device.

[0107] Aspect 7. The method of any one of aspects 1-6, wherein the transport vehicle climate control system comprises a compressor, and

[0108] The energy parameter includes one or more of the running time of the compressor, the rotation speed of the compressor, the running frequency of the compressor, and the voltage and / or current provided to the compressor.

[0109] Aspect 8. The method of any one of Aspects 1-7 further includes: the user interface displays a graphical comparison of the transport vehicle climate control system compared with a fleet of transport vehicles with climate control systems, wherein the graphical comparison is at least one of a total energy utilization comparison, a comparison of energy usage per unit time in operation, a total energy cost comparison, and a comparison of energy cost per unit time in operation.

[0110] Aspect 9. A climate control system for a transportation vehicle, comprising:

[0111] a refrigeration circuit configured to control environmental conditions of an interior space of the transport vehicle, wherein the refrigeration circuit includes a compressor, an external heat exchanger, and an internal heat exchanger; and

[0112] a controller configured to control operation of the climate control system, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0113] Monitor and measure energy parameters of climate control systems in transportation vehicles;

[0114] calculating energy usage of the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the energy parameter, and

[0115] calculating an energy cost for the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the calculated energy utilization;

[0116] Wherein a user interface is configured to receive the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost, and is configured to display the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system.

[0117] Aspect 10. The climate control system of aspect 9, wherein the controller is configured to modify operation of the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the calculated energy utilization and the calculated energy cost.

[0118] Aspect 11. The climate control system of any of Aspects 9-10, wherein the controller is configured to send the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system to a remote server;

[0119] Wherein the remote server is configured to provide the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system to a user interface.

[0120] Aspect 12. A climate control system according to any one of Aspects 9-11, wherein the energy parameters include one or more of the operating time of the compressor, the rotational speed of the compressor, the operating frequency of the compressor, and the voltage and / or current supplied to the compressor.

[0121] Aspect 13. The climate control system of any one of Aspects 9-12 further includes a ventilation device, wherein the energy parameters include an operating time of the ventilation device, a rotation speed of the ventilation device, an operating frequency of the ventilation device, and one or more of a voltage and / or current supplied to the ventilation device.

[0122] Aspect 14. A climate control system according to any one of Aspects 9-13, wherein the energy parameters include one or more of the operating time of the compressor, the rotational speed of the compressor, the operating frequency of the compressor, and the voltage and / or current supplied to the compressor.

[0123] Aspect 15. The climate control system of any of Aspects 9-14, wherein the user interface is configured to display a graphical comparison of the transport vehicle climate control system compared to a fleet of transport vehicles having climate control systems, wherein the graphical comparison is at least one of a total energy utilization comparison, a comparison of energy usage per unit time in operation, a total energy cost comparison, and a comparison of energy cost per unit time in operation.

[0124] The terms used in this specification are intended to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "a", "an" and "the" also include plural forms. When used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" indicate the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or increase of one or more other integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts.

[0125] With respect to the foregoing description, it should be understood that detailed changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in the structural materials used and the arrangement of shapes, sizes and parts. The word "embodiment" used in this specification may, but does not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. This specification and the described embodiments are merely examples. Other and further embodiments may be designed without departing from the basic scope of the present invention, the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring and displaying energy usage and energy costs of a transportation vehicle climate control system, the method include: a controller to monitor and measure energy parameters of said transport vehicle climate control system; calculating energy usage of the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the energy parameter; accessing energy cost inputs including current prices from a remote server; calculating an energy cost for the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the calculated energy utilization; displaying the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system on a user interface; as well as Operation of the transportation vehicle climate control system is automatically modified based on the calculated energy utilization and the calculated energy cost.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: include: the controller transmitting the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system to the remote server; Wherein the remote server provides the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system to the user interface.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: include: The controller transmits energy parameters of the transportation vehicle climate control system to the remote server; wherein calculating energy utilization of the transportation vehicle climate control system is performed by the remote server; wherein calculating the energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system is performed by the remote server, and Wherein the remote server provides the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system to the user interface.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The transportation vehicle climate control system includes a compressor, and The energy parameter includes one or more of the running time of the compressor, the rotation speed of the compressor, the running frequency of the compressor, and the voltage and / or current provided to the compressor.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The transport vehicle climate control system includes a ventilation device, and The energy parameter includes one or more of the operating time of the ventilation device, the rotation speed of the ventilation device, the operating frequency of the ventilation device, and the voltage and / or current supplied to the ventilation device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: include: The user interface displays a graphical comparison of the transport vehicle climate control system compared to a fleet of transport vehicles having climate control systems, wherein the graphical comparison is at least one of a total energy utilization comparison, an energy usage per unit time of operation comparison, a total energy cost comparison, and an energy cost per unit time of operation comparison.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: include: Calculating an energy cost for the transport vehicle climate control system is based on the calculated energy utilization and based on a current price for prime mover fuel used to power a transport vehicle including and / or towing the transport vehicle control system.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising automatically selecting one of a plurality of energy sources to power the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the energy parameter, the calculated energy utilization, and the calculated energy cost.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: include: determining optimal operation of battery cooling using the electrical energy storage cooling device based on the calculated energy cost, and Use of the vehicle transportation climate control system is modified to achieve the determined optimal operation of the battery cooling.

10. A climate control system for a transport vehicle, include: a refrigeration circuit configured to control environmental conditions of an interior space of the transport vehicle, wherein the refrigeration circuit includes a compressor, an external heat exchanger, and an internal heat exchanger; and a controller configured to control operation of the climate control system, wherein the controller is configured to: Monitor and measure energy parameters of climate control systems in transportation vehicles; calculating energy usage of the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the energy parameter; accessing energy cost inputs including current prices from a remote server; calculating an energy cost for the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the calculated energy utilization; and automatically modifying operation of the transportation vehicle climate control system based on the calculated energy utilization and the calculated energy cost; Wherein a user interface is configured to receive the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost, and is configured to display the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system.

11. The climate control system of claim 10, in, The controller is configured to transmit the calculated energy utilization and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system to a remote server; Wherein the remote server is configured to provide the calculated energy usage and the calculated energy cost of the transportation vehicle climate control system to the user interface.

12. A climate control system according to any one of claims 10-11, in, The energy parameter includes one or more of an operating time of the compressor, a rotation speed of the compressor, an operating frequency of the compressor, and a voltage and / or current supplied to the compressor.

13. A climate control system according to any one of claims 10-11, further comprising a ventilation device, in, The energy parameter includes one or more of an operation time of the ventilation device, a rotation speed of the ventilation device, an operation frequency of the ventilation device, and a voltage and / or current supplied to the ventilation device.

14. A climate control system according to any one of claims 10-11, in, The user interface is configured to display a graphical comparison of the transport vehicle climate control system compared to a fleet of transport vehicles having climate control systems, wherein the graphical comparison is at least one of a total energy utilization comparison, an energy usage per unit time of operation comparison, a total energy cost comparison, and an energy cost per unit time of operation comparison.

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