Demand side power distribution management for multiple transport climate control systems

Abstract

A power demand management method is provided. The method includes an electric climate control unit (CCU) detecting one or more additional electric CCUs in proximity to the electric CCU and the electric CCU establishing a communication link with the one or more additional electric CCUs. The method includes generating and transmitting a pending power request by the electric CCU for power from a power source. The electric CCU monitors one or more additional pending power requests from the one or more additional CCUs and monitors a position of the electric CCU in a power request queue of the electric CCU and the one or more additional CCUs for obtaining power from the power source. Further, the method includes the electric CCU soliciting power from the power source when a level of the position of the electric CCU in the power request queue is sufficient to solicit power from the power source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electric accessory configured for use with at least one of a vehicle, trailer, and transport container. More particularly, this disclosure relates to demand-side power distribution for multiple electric accessories. Background Technology

[0002] Transportation climate control systems are typically used to control one or more environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within the climate-controlled space of a transport unit (e.g., trucks, containers (such as containers on flatbeds, intermodal containers, etc.), boxcars, semi-tractor-trailers, buses, or other similar transport units). Transportation climate control systems may include, for example, transport refrigeration systems (TRS) and / or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. TRS can control one or more environmental conditions within the climate-controlled space to preserve goods (e.g., agricultural products, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, etc.). HVAC systems can control one or more environmental conditions within the climate-controlled space to provide passenger comfort for passengers traveling within the transport unit. In some transport units, the transportation climate control system may be installed externally (e.g., on the top of the transport unit, on the front wall of the transport unit, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to electric accessories configured for use with at least one of a vehicle, trailer, and transport container. More particularly, embodiments described herein relate to demand-side power distribution management for multiple electric accessories.

[0004] Specifically, the embodiments described herein allow multiple electric accessories to receive power at the same distribution point to manage the distribution of power from one or more power sources at that point. In some embodiments, the accessories can manage the power distribution using limited inputs from the supply side (e.g., the distribution point) such as distribution point power limits, peak demand charging thresholds, etc. The accessories can draw power from the distribution point to operate while at the distribution point and / or to charge a rechargeable energy storage device for use by the accessories later, for example, during transport.

[0005] In some embodiments, the attachment can determine whether other attachments are located at the same power distribution point, monitor the operating modes of other attachments, and determine when to draw power from the power distribution point based on this information. Therefore, the attachments can use peer-to-peer communication to coordinate their startup, operation, and charging to manage the power supplied by the power distribution point.

[0006] The advantage of these embodiments is that they can improve the performance of the distribution point without creating safety and / or interoperability issues.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for power demand management is provided. The method includes an electric accessory configured for use with at least one of a vehicle, trailer, and transport container detecting that the electric accessory is connected to a power source. The method also includes the electric accessory detecting one or more additional electric accessories in the vicinity of the electric accessory. Furthermore, the method includes the electric accessory establishing a communication link with the one or more additional electric accessories. Additionally, the method includes, when the electric accessory detects one or more additional electric accessories in the vicinity of the electric accessory, the electric accessory generating a pending power request for power from the power source. Furthermore, the method includes the electric accessory transmitting the pending power request to the one or more additional electric accessories. Additionally, the method includes the electric accessory monitoring the one or more additional pending power requests from the one or more additional electric accessories. The method also includes the electric accessory monitoring the position of the electric accessory in a power request queue for obtaining power from the power source among the electric accessory and the one or more additional electric accessories. Furthermore, the method includes the electric accessory requesting power from the power source when its position in the power request queue is high enough to request power from the power source.

[0008] In another embodiment, an electric accessory is provided. The electric accessory includes a controller, a wireless communication device, and a rechargeable energy storage device. The controller controls the operation of the electric accessory and detects when the electric accessory is connected to a power source. The wireless communication device includes short-range wireless peer-to-peer communication, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to detect one or more additional electric accessories in the vicinity of the electric accessory and to establish a communication link with the one or more additional electric accessories. The rechargeable energy storage device is configured to be charged by a power source and to provide energy to the electric accessory during transport. The electric accessory is configured to be used with at least one of a vehicle, a trailer, and a transport container. The controller is configured to generate a pending power request from the power source for the electric accessory when the wireless communication device detects the one or more additional electric accessories in the vicinity of the electric accessory. The wireless communication device is configured to transmit the pending power request to one or more additional electric accessories. The wireless communication device is configured to monitor one or more additional pending power requests from the one or more additional electric accessories. The controller is configured to monitor the position of the electric accessory and one or more additional electric accessories in a power request queue for obtaining power from the power source, and is configured to request power from the power source when the electric accessory is positioned at a height sufficient to request power from the power source.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method for power demand management is provided. The method includes an electric climate control unit (CCU) configured for use with at least one of a vehicle, trailer, and transport container, detecting that the electric CCU is connected to a power source. The method also includes the electric CCU detecting one or more additional electric CCUs in the vicinity of the electric CCU. Furthermore, the method includes the electric CCU establishing a communication link with the one or more additional electric CCUs. Additionally, the method includes, when the electric CCU detects one or more additional electric CCUs in the vicinity of the electric CCU, the electric CCU generating a pending power request for power from the power source. Furthermore, the method includes the electric CCU transmitting the pending power request to the one or more additional electric CCUs. Additionally, the method includes the electric CCU monitoring the one or more additional pending power requests from the one or more additional electric CCUs. The method also includes the electric CCU monitoring its position in a power request queue for obtaining power from the power source among the electric CCU and the one or more additional electric CCUs. Furthermore, the method includes the electric CCU requesting power from the power source when the electric CCU is positioned at a height sufficient to request power from the power source.

[0010] In another embodiment, an electric climate control unit (CCU) is provided. The electric CCU includes climate control circuitry, a controller, a wireless communication device, and a rechargeable energy storage device. The climate control circuitry is configured to provide climate control within a climate-controlled space during transport. The controller controls the operation of the electric CCU and detects when the electric CCU is connected to a power source. The wireless communication device includes short-range peer-to-peer wireless communication. The wireless communication device is configured to detect one or more additional electric CCUs near the electric CCU and to establish a communication link with the one or more additional electric CCUs. The rechargeable energy storage device is configured to be charged by a power source and to provide energy to the electric CCU during transport. The electric CCU is configured to be used with at least one of a vehicle, a trailer, and a transport container. Furthermore, the controller is configured to generate a pending power request from the power source for the electric CCU when the wireless communication device detects the one or more additional electric CCUs near the electric CCU. Additionally, the wireless communication device is configured to transmit the pending power request to one or more additional electric CCUs. The wireless communication device is configured to monitor one or more additional pending power requests from the one or more additional electric CCUs. Furthermore, the controller is configured to monitor the position of the electric CCU and one or more additional electric CCUs in a power request queue for obtaining power from the power source, and is configured to request power from the power source when the electric CCU's position in the power request queue is high enough to request power from the power source.

[0011] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1A A side view of a truck with a transport climate control system according to an embodiment is shown.

[0013] Figure 1B A side view of a truck with a transport climate control system according to one embodiment is shown.

[0014] Figure 1C A perspective view of a climate-controlled transport unit with a transport climate control system attached to a tractor according to one embodiment is shown.

[0015] Figure 1D A side view of a climate-controlled transport unit with a multi-zone transport climate control system according to an embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 1EA perspective view of a bus including a transport climate control system according to one embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a distribution point that temporarily accommodates multiple CCUs is shown according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a network in which multiple CCUs receive power at the same distribution point is shown according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method for demand-side power distribution management in multiple electric accessories according to one embodiment is shown.

[0020] The same reference numerals in this document refer to the same parts. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to electric accessories configured for use with at least one of a vehicle, trailer, and transport container. More specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein relate to demand-side power distribution management for multiple electric accessories.

[0022] Specifically, the embodiments described herein allow multiple electric accessories to receive power at the same distribution point to manage the distribution of power from one or more power sources at that distribution point. In some embodiments, the accessories can manage the power distribution via limited inputs from the supply side (e.g., the distribution point) such as distribution point power limits, peak demand charging thresholds, etc. The accessories can draw power from the distribution point to operate while located at the distribution point and / or to charge rechargeable energy storage devices for use afterward, for example, in transport.

[0023] In some embodiments, the attachment can determine whether other attachments are located at the same power distribution point, monitor the operating modes of other attachments, and determine when to draw power from the power distribution point based on this information. Therefore, the attachments can use peer-to-peer communication to coordinate their startup, operation, and charging to manage the power supplied by the power distribution point.

[0024] The advantage of these embodiments is that they can improve the performance of distribution points without creating safety and / or interoperability issues.

[0025] It should be noted that the following applications were all filed on September 9, 2019, at the same time as the prior applications of this application, and the contents of the following applications are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 565063, “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING POWER AND EFFICIENTLY SOURCING A VARIABLE VOLTAGE FOR A TRANSPORT CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM”; U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 565110, “TRANSPORT CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH A SELF-CONFIGURING MATRIX POWER CONVERTER”; U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 565146, “OPTIMIZED POWER MANAGEMENT FOR A TRANSPORT CLIMATE CONTROL ENERGY SOURCE”; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 897833, “OPTIMIZED powerdistribution to transport climate control systems amongst one or more electric SUPPLY EQUIPMENT”. "stations", application number 19382776.The following patents are included: European patent application No. 3, "PRIORITIZED POWER DELIVERY FOR FACILITATING TRANSPORT CLIMATE CONTROL"; US patent application No. 16 / 565205, "TRANSPORT CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH ANACCESSORY POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT FOR MANAGING TRANSPORT CLIMATE CONTROLELECTRICALLY POWERED ACCESSORY LOADS"; US patent application No. 16 / 565235, "AN INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR CONNECTING A VEHICLE AND A TRANSPORT CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM"; and US patent application No. 16 / 565282, "OPTIMIZED POWER CORD FOR TRANSFERRING POWER TO A TRANSPORT CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM".

[0026] Although the embodiments described below illustrate different implementations of a transport climate control system, it should be understood that the electric attachments are not limited to a transport climate control system or a climate control unit (CCU) of a transport climate control system. It should be understood that a CCU can be, for example, a transport refrigeration unit (TRU). In other embodiments, the electric attachments can be, for example, a crane attached to a vehicle, a cement mixer attached to a truck, one or more food appliances on a food truck, a crane boom attached to a vehicle, a concrete pump truck, a garbage truck, a fire truck (with elevators, water pumps, lights, etc.), etc. It should be understood that the electric attachments may require continuous operation even when the vehicle's ignition is off and / or the vehicle is parked and / or in neutral and / or charging. As needed, the electric attachments may require significant amounts of power to operate and / or operate continuously and / or autonomously (e.g., controlling the temperature / humidity / airflow of a climate-controlled space), regardless of the vehicle's operating mode.

[0027] Figure 1AA climate-controlled truck 100 is shown, comprising a climate-controlled space 105 for carrying cargo and a transport climate control system 110 for providing climate control within the climate-controlled space 105. The transport climate control system 110 includes a climate control unit (CCU) 115 mounted to the roof 120 of the truck 100. Among other components, the transport climate control system 110 may include climate control circuitry (not shown), which connects, for example, a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion device to provide climate control within the climate-controlled space 105. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to climate-controlled trucks but can be applied to any type of transport unit, such as trucks, containers (e.g., flatbed containers, intermodal containers, ocean containers, etc.), boxcars, semi-tractor-trailers, buses, or other similar transport units.

[0028] The transport climate control system 110 also includes a programmable climate controller 125 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 110 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the truck 100, ambient humidity outside the truck 100, compressor intake pressure, compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperature of air supplied to the climate-controlled space 105 by the CCU 115, return air temperature of air returning from the climate-controlled space 105 to the CCU 115, humidity within the climate-controlled space 105, etc.) and transmit the parameter data to the climate controller 125. The climate controller 125 is configured to control the operation of the transport climate control system 110, including components of the climate control circuitry. The climate control unit 115 may include a single integrated control unit 126 or a distributed network that may include climate controller elements 126, 127. The number of distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the specific application of the principles described herein.

[0029] The climate-controlled truck 100 may further include a vehicle PDU (Power Distribution Unit) 101, a VES (Vehicle Electrical System) 102, a standard charging port 103, and / or an enhanced charging port 104. The VES 102 may include a controller (not shown). The vehicle PDU 101 may include a controller (not shown). In one embodiment, the controller of the vehicle PDU may be part of the controller of the VES, or vice versa. In one embodiment, power may be distributed to the vehicle PDU 101 via the standard charging port 103, for example, from an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE, not shown). Power may also be distributed from the vehicle PDU 101 to a Power Supply Equipment (ESE, not shown) and / or to a CCU 115 (see solid lines for power lines and dashed lines for communication lines). In another embodiment, power may be distributed, for example, from the EVSE (not shown) via the enhanced charging port 104 to the ESE (not shown) and / or the CCU 115. The ESE may then distribute power to the vehicle PDU 101 via the standard charging port 103.

[0030] Figure 1B A climate-controlled monocoque truck 130 is shown, comprising a climate-controlled space 131 for carrying cargo and a transport climate control system 132. The transport climate control system 132 includes a climate control unit (CCU) 133 mounted to the front wall 134 of the climate-controlled space 131. Among other components, the CCU 133 may include climate control circuitry (not shown), which connects, for example, a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expander to provide climate control within the climate-controlled space 131.

[0031] The transport climate control system 132 also includes a programmable climate controller 135 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 132 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the truck 130, ambient humidity outside the truck 130, compressor intake pressure, compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperature of air supplied from the CCU 133 to the climate-controlled space 131, return air temperature of air returning from the climate-controlled space 131 to the CCU 133, humidity within the climate-controlled space 131, etc.) and transmit parameter data to the climate controller 135. The climate controller 135 is configured to control the operation of the transport climate control system 132, including components of the climate control circuitry. The climate controller 135 may include a single integrated control unit 136 or a distributed network that may include climate controller elements 136, 137. The number of control elements distributed in a given network may depend on the specific application of the principles described herein.

[0032] It should be understood that, with Figure 1A Similar to the climate-controlled truck 100 shown in the image, Figure 1B The climate-controlled monocoque truck 130 may also include a vehicle PDU (such as...) Figure 1A The vehicle PDU101 shown in the image), VES (such as Figure 1A The VES102 shown in the image), standard charging ports (such as...) Figure 1A The standard charging port 103 shown in the figure), and / or the enhanced charging port (e.g., Figure 1A The enhanced charging port 104 shown communicates with the corresponding ESE and / or CCU 133 and distributes or assigns power from or to the corresponding ESE and / or CCU 133.

[0033] Figure 1C An embodiment of a climate-controlled transport unit 140 attached to a tractor unit 142 is shown. The climate-controlled transport unit 140 includes a transport climate control system 145 for a transport unit 150. The tractor unit 142 is attached to the transport unit 150 and configured to tow the transport unit 150. Figure 1C The transport unit 150 shown is a trailer.

[0034] The transport climate control system 145 includes a climate control unit (CCU) 152 that provides environmental control (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within the climate-controlled space 154 of the transport unit 150. The CCU 152 is disposed on the front wall 157 of the transport unit 150. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the CCU 152 may, for example, be disposed on the top of the transport unit 150 or on another wall. The CCU 152 includes climate control circuitry (not shown) that is, for example, connected to a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion device to provide regulated air within the climate-controlled space 154.

[0035] The transport climate control system 145 also includes a programmable climate controller 156 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 145 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the transport unit 150, ambient humidity outside the transport unit 150, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperature of air supplied from the CCU 152 to the climate-controlled space 154, return air temperature of air returning from the climate-controlled space 154 to the CCU 152, humidity within the climate-controlled space 154, etc.) and transmit the parameter data to the climate controller 156. The climate controller 156 is configured to control the operation of the transport climate control system 145, including components of the climate control circuitry. The climate controller 156 may include a single integrated control unit 158 ​​or a distributed network that may include climate controller elements 158, 159. The number of control elements distributed in a given network may depend on the specific application of the principles described herein.

[0036] In some embodiments, the tractor unit 142 may include an optional APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) 108. The optional APU 108 may be an electric auxiliary power unit (eAPU). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the tractor unit 142 may also include a vehicle PDU 101 and a VES 102 (not shown). The APU 108 can provide power to the vehicle PDU 101 for distribution. It should be understood that, for the connecting lines in the figures, solid lines represent power lines and dashed lines represent communication lines. The climate-controlled transportation unit 140 may include a PDU 121 connected to a power source of the climate-controlled transportation unit 140 (e.g., including optional solar power 109; optional power source 122 such as a generator set, fuel cell, under-frame power unit, auxiliary battery pack, etc.; and / or optional liftgate battery 107, etc.). The PDU 121 may include a PDU controller (not shown). The PDU controller may be part of the climate controller 156. The PDU 121 can distribute power from the power source of the climate-controlled transportation unit 140 to, for example, the transportation climate control system 145. The climate-controlled transport unit 140 may also include an optional lift door 106. The optional lift door battery 107 can provide power to open and / or close the lift door 106.

[0037] It should be understood that, similar to the climate-controlled truck 100, it is attached to... Figure 1C The climate-controlled transport unit 140 of the tractor 142 may also include VES (such as...) Figure 1A The VES102 shown here), standard charging ports (such as...) Figure 1AThe standard charging port 103 shown), and / or enhanced charging ports (such as...) Figure 1A The enhanced charging port 104 shown, VES, standard charging port, and / or enhanced charging port communicate with the corresponding ESE and / or CCU 152 and distribute power from or to the corresponding ESE and / or CCU 152. It should be understood that one or more charging ports 103 and / or one or more enhanced charging ports 104 may be on the tractor unit 142 or trailer. For example, in one embodiment, the standard charging port 103 is on the tractor unit 142 and the enhanced charging port 104 is on the trailer.

[0038] Figure 1D Another embodiment of a climate-controlled transport unit 160 is shown. The climate-controlled transport unit 160 includes a multi-zone transport climate control system (MTCS) 162 for a transport unit 164, which may be towed, for example, by a tractor (not shown). It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to tractors and trailer units, but are applicable to any type of transport unit (e.g., trucks, containers (such as containers on flatbeds, intermodal containers, ocean containers, etc.), boxcars, semi-tractors, buses, or other similar transport units).

[0039] The MTCS162 includes a CCU166 and multiple remote units 168, which provide environmental control (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within the climate-controlled space 170 of the transport unit 164. The climate-controlled space 170 can be divided into multiple zones 172. The term "zone" represents a portion of the climate-controlled space 170 separated by walls 174. The CCU166 can operate as a host and provide climate control within a first zone 172a of the climate-controlled space 166. The remote units 168a can provide climate control within a second zone 172b of the climate-controlled space 170. The remote units 168b can provide climate control within a third zone 172c of the climate-controlled space 170. Therefore, the MTCS162 can be used to separately and independently control one or more environmental conditions within each of the multiple zones 172 of the climate-controlled space 170.

[0040] The CCU166 is disposed on the front wall 167 of the transport unit 160. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the CCU166 may, for example, be disposed on the top of the transport unit 160 or on another wall. The CCU166 includes climate control circuitry (not shown), which is connected, for example, to a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion device to provide regulated air within the climate-controlled space 170. The remote unit 168a is disposed on the ceiling 179 within the second area 172b, and the remote unit 168b is disposed on the ceiling 179 within the third area 172c. Each of the remote units 168a and 168b includes an evaporator (not shown) connected to the remainder of the climate control circuitry disposed in the CCU166.

[0041] The MTCS162 also includes a programmable climate controller 180 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the MTCS162 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the transport unit 164, ambient humidity outside the transport unit 164, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperature of air supplied to each of the zones 172 by the CCU166 and the remote unit 168, return air temperature of air returning from each of the zones 172 to the corresponding CCU166 or remote unit 168a or 168b, humidity within each of the zones 172, etc.) and transmit the parameter data to the climate controller 180. The climate controller 180 is configured to control the operation of the MTCS162, including components of the climate control circuitry. The climate controller 180 may include a single integrated control unit 181 or a distributed network that may include climate controller elements 181, 182. The number of control elements distributed in a given network depends on the specific application of the principles described herein.

[0042] It should be understood that, similar to the climate-controlled truck 100, Figure 1D The climate-controlled transport unit 160 may also include a vehicle PDU (such as...) Figure 1A The vehicle shown is PDU101), VES (such as Figure 1A The VES102 shown), standard charging port (such as Figure 1A The standard charging port 103 shown), and / or the enhanced charging port (e.g., the standard charging port 103), and / or the enhanced charging port (e.g., the enhanced charging port 103) are shown. Figure 1A The enhanced charging port 104 shown communicates with the corresponding ESE and / or CCU166 and distributes or assigns power from or to the corresponding ESE and / or CCU166.

[0043] Figure 1E This is a perspective view of a vehicle 185 according to one embodiment, including a transport climate control system 187. The vehicle 185 is a public bus capable of transporting one or more passengers (not shown) to one or more destinations. In other embodiments, the vehicle 185 may be a school bus, a tram, a subway, or other passenger-carrying commercial vehicle. The vehicle 185 includes a climate-controlled space (e.g., a passenger compartment) 189, which is supported and can accommodate multiple passengers. The vehicle 185 includes a door 190 positioned on one side of the vehicle 185. Figure 1E In the illustrated embodiment, a first door 190 is positioned adjacent to the front end of the vehicle 185, and a second door 190 is positioned near the rear end of the vehicle 185. Each door 190 is movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively allow access to the climate-controlled space 189. The transport climate control system 187 includes a CCU 192 attached to the roof 194 of the vehicle 185.

[0044] The CCU192 includes climate control circuitry (not shown), which connects, for example, a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expander to provide regulated air within the climate-controlled space 189. The transportation climate control system 187 also includes a programmable climate controller 195 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the transportation climate control system 187 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the vehicle 185, ambient temperature within the climate-controlled space 189, ambient humidity outside the vehicle 185, ambient humidity within the climate-controlled space 189, etc.) and transmit the parameter data to the climate controller 195. The climate controller 195 is configured to control the operation of the transportation climate control system 187, including the components of the climate control circuitry. The climate controller 195 may include a single integrated control unit 196 or a distributed network that may include climate controller elements 196, 197, the number of control elements distributed in a given network depending on the specific application of the principles described herein.

[0045] It should be understood that, similar to the climate-controlled truck 100, the vehicle 185 includes... Figure 1E The vehicle may also include a transport climate control system 187, and may further include a vehicle PDU (such as...) Figure 1A The vehicle PDU101 shown in the image), VES (such as Figure 1A The VES102 shown), standard charging port (such as Figure 1A The standard charging port 103 shown), and / or the enhanced charging port (e.g., Figure 1AThe enhanced charging port 104 shown communicates with the corresponding ESE and / or CCU192 and distributes or assigns power to the corresponding ESE and / or CCU192.

[0046] In some embodiments, the CCU (e.g., CCUs 115, 133, 152, 166, 170) may be an electric climate control unit. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the CCU may include a rechargeable energy storage device (not shown) that can provide power to a transportation climate control system (e.g., transportation climate control systems 110, 132, 145, 162, 187). In some embodiments, the rechargeable energy storage device may be charged by alternating current (“AC”) (e.g., three-phase AC, single-phase AC, etc.) and / or by direct current (“DC”).

[0047] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a distribution point 205 according to one embodiment is shown, which temporarily accommodates a plurality of CCUs 210 at a distribution terminal 215.

[0048] Typically, the power distribution point 205 can be any location that temporarily accommodates two or more CCUs 210. The power distribution point 205 can be, for example, a power distribution center, dock, warehouse, supply yard, farm, manufacturing / production facility, retail store, etc.

[0049] The power distribution terminal 215 includes multiple electric vehicle charging stations 225. Each station 225 can receive power from one or more power sources (e.g., utility power, solar power, generator sets, etc.) to power one or more transport climate control units 210. It should be understood that the cost of using one or more power sources to power one or more transport climate control units 210 can vary based on the time of day. For example, when the power source is a utility, it may be cheaper at night than during the day. There may also be periods during the day when the demand for electricity from the utility can be greater than at other times of the day. The cost of the utility during these peak demand periods can be greater than at other times of the day.

[0050] At the power distribution point 205, each of the plurality of CCUs 210 is positioned approximately adjacent to at least one other transport climate control unit. When housed at the power distribution point 205, each of the plurality of CCUs 210 can remain approximately stationary at its respective location. In some embodiments, each of the CCUs 210 may, for example, be a Figure 1A-1EOne of CCUs 115, 133, 152, 166, and 170 shown. Furthermore, each of the CCUs 210 is a transportation climate control system including a controller 220 (e.g., Figure 1A-1E This is part of the transport climate control system 110, 132, 145, 162, 187 shown. Each controller 220 may include a telematics unit (not shown) configured to communicate with one or more remote devices, such as, for example, one or more of the other controllers 220 of the other CCU 210.

[0051] In some embodiments, the telematics unit includes a wireless communication device that can communicate with one or more remote devices (e.g., another wireless communication device of the CCU210) using, for example, a short-range wireless communication protocol (such as, for example, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication). It should be noted that although peer-to-peer networking and BLE communication have been specifically described herein, other types of wireless communication (e.g., ZigBee, infrared, radio-enabled protocol, power line communication protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, etc.) can also be used. In some embodiments, the telematics unit can communicate with one or more remote devices, for example, using a long-range wireless communication protocol (such as, for example, cellular communication protocol, etc.).

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown by the circle, each of the wireless communication devices in the controller 220 has a radius within which the wireless communication device can establish short-range wireless communication with a remote device. As defined herein, when the wireless communication device of the CCU 210 can establish short-range wireless communication with a remote device, the CCU 210 is adjacent to the remote device. When multiple CCUs 210 establish short-range wireless communication links with each other, they can form a network that can provide demand-side power distribution management for the multiple CCUs 210. Furthermore, although the above embodiment refers to the wireless communication device as part of a telematics unit, and the telematics unit is part of the controller 220, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the wireless communication device may be separate from and different from the controller 220.

[0053] In some embodiments, one or more of the wireless communication devices may communicate with an optional point-of-operation control center 230 and / or an optional remote control center 235. The optional control center 230 is located at the power distribution terminal 215 and may communicate with one or more of the wireless communication devices. In some embodiments, the optional control center 230 may be located at the power distribution point 205 but separate from the power distribution terminal 215. The optional remote control center 235 is located away from the power distribution point 205 and may communicate with one or more of the controllers 220. In some embodiments, the optional control center 230 and / or the optional remote control center 235 may provide the CCU 210 with only a limited amount of information (specifically, the power limits and / or peak demand charging thresholds of the power distribution terminal 215).

[0054] As described in more detail below, a wireless communication device of one of the CCUs 210 can negotiate priorities with one or more other CCUs 210 at the distribution point 205 to receive power at the same distribution point in order to manage the distribution of power from one or more sources at the distribution point. In some embodiments, the CCUs 210 can manage power distribution using restricted inputs from the supply side (e.g., the distribution point) such as distribution point power limits, peak demand charging thresholds, etc. Peak demand, as defined herein, may refer to the highest average electricity consumption period (e.g., a 15-minute period) in a given month. The CCUs 210 can draw power from the distribution point 205 to operate while at the distribution point 205 and / or to charge rechargeable energy storage devices for use by the CCUs 210 later, for example, during transport.

[0055] In some embodiments, a CCU 210 can determine whether other CCUs 210 are located at the same power distribution point 205, monitor the operating modes of other CCUs 210, and determine when to draw power from the power distribution point 205 based on this information. Therefore, the CCUs 210 can use peer-to-peer communication to coordinate their startup, operation, and charging to manage the power supplied by the power distribution point.

[0056] Figure 3 This illustrates the situation at the same distribution point (e.g., according to one embodiment). Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a network 300 of multiple CCU310s receiving power at the power distribution point 205 shown. Although Figure 3 Nine CCU310s are shown in the example, but it should be understood that the network 300 may include more or fewer CCU310s. In some examples, all CCU 310s of the network 300 are located at a single distribution point.

[0057] According to one embodiment, an overview of a network 300 for demand-side power demand management is provided. Network 300 is merely exemplary and not limited to the embodiment presented herein. Network 300 can be used in many different embodiments or examples not specifically illustrated or described herein. In some embodiments, network 300 can be a hybrid network in which some CCUs 310 are allowed to build networks with each other, but other CCUs 310 operate without using the embodiments described herein.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, each CCU 310 may include a wireless communication device 350. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may include wireless short-range peer-to-peer communication. In the same or other embodiments, the wireless communication device may include Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication. It should be noted that although peer-to-peer networking and BLE communication are specifically mentioned herein, other types of wireless communication (e.g., ZigBee, infrared, radio-enabled protocols, power line communication protocols, Wi-Fi protocols, etc.) may also be used.

[0059] In network 300, the wireless communication devices 350 of the CCU 310 communicate with each other. CCUs 310 within each other's communication range form a local area network 360. In some embodiments, the limited range of the wireless communication devices 350 restricts the range of the local area network 360. Therefore, multiple networks, such as network 362 and network 364, will also be created. In such an example, a CCU 310 (whose wireless communication device 350 is in local area network 360) may be able to communicate with another CCU 310 (whose wireless communication device 350 is in local area network 362). In such an example, information / data can be transferred from local area network 360 to local area network 362. Therefore, even if all CCUs 310 with wireless communication devices 350 in LAN 360 are not within the range of all communication systems 350 in LAN 362, all CCUs 310 in LAN 360 and LAN 362 can still receive the same data from each other because one or more CCUs 310 are within the range of both LAN 360 and LAN 362.

[0060] Similarly, a CCU 310 with a wireless communication device 350 in a local area network 362 can be able to communicate with another CCU 310 with a wireless communication device 350 in a local area network 364. In such an example, information / data can be transferred from local area network 362 to local area network 364. Therefore, even though all CCUs 310 with wireless communication devices 350 in local area network 362 may not have range to all communication systems 350 in local area network 364, all CCUs 310 in local area network 362 and local area network 364 can still receive the same data from each other because one or more CCUs 310 are within range of both local area network 362 and local area network 364.

[0061] Furthermore, since LAN 360 and LAN 362 can have the same data, and LAN 362 and LAN 364 can have the same data, even if the range of any single wireless communication device 350 of any CCU 310 in LAN 360 cannot reach the range of any single wireless communication device 350 of any CCU 310 in LAN 364, LAN 360 and LAN 364 can still have the same data. It should also be noted that, although... Figure 3 The diagram shows three separate local area networks (360, 362, 364), but more or fewer networks may exist.

[0062] Figure 4 An embodiment of a method for use at a distribution point (e.g., Figure 2 Multiple electrical accessories (e.g., at the power distribution terminal 205 shown) at the power distribution terminal 205 shown Figure 3 The flowchart shows a method 400 for demand-side power distribution management between CCU310 (shown in the diagram).

[0063] Method 400 begins at 405, whereby the controller of the electric accessory waits until it detects that the electric accessory has been connected to the electric vehicle charging station at the power distribution point. Method 400 then proceeds to 410.

[0064] At 410, the electric accessory detects one or more nearby adjacent co-locations (i.e., other electric accessories). It should be understood that these other electric accessories may also be configured at the power distribution point, and one or more electric accessories may be connected to different EV (electric vehicle) charging stations provided at the power distribution point. In some embodiments, when the wireless communication device of the electric accessory (e.g., Figure 3When the wireless communication device 350 (shown) detects one or more co-ops within the short-range wireless communication range of the electric accessory, the wireless communication device can determine that one or more co-ops are nearby. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may use BLE communication to detect one or more adjacent co-ops within the short-range wireless communication range of the electric accessory. If the controller determines that one or more co-ops have been detected, method 400 proceeds to 420. If the controller of the electric accessory determines that no co-op has been detected, method 400 proceeds to 465.

[0065] At 420, the wireless communication device establishes a peer-to-peer communication link with one or more peers (e.g., other motorized accessories). In some embodiments, the motorized accessory may use the inherent wireless range and / or geographic location data of the motorized accessory's wireless communication device to establish the peer-to-peer network. Method 400 then proceeds to 425.

[0066] At 425, the electric accessory operates in an initial connection mode. In some embodiments, when the electric accessory is a CCU, the initial connection mode can be a run / charge mode, whereby the CCU is operated to operate the compressor and other components of the CCU to provide climate control to the climate-controlled space of the transport unit without charging the CCU's rechargeable energy storage. Once the components of the CCU (including the compressor) are no longer needed to provide climate control, power is redirected to the rechargeable energy storage for charging. In some embodiments, when the electric accessory is a CCU, the initial connection mode can be a continuous mode, whereby the CCU continuously operates to provide climate control to the climate-controlled space while providing any excess energy to simultaneously charge the CCU's rechargeable energy storage. Method 400 then proceeds to 430.

[0067] At 430, the controller of the electric accessory determines the power demand of the electric accessory. The power demand may include, for example, operating power and / or charging power, the operating power being provided when configured at a distribution point (e.g., Figure 2 At the power distribution point 205 shown, the current power required to operate the electric accessory is provided, and the charging power provides the power needed to be stored in the rechargeable energy storage device to provide sufficient power to operate the electric accessory during the upcoming journey.

[0068] For example, when the electric accessory is a CCU, the controller can determine the operating power and / or charging power, the operating power providing the necessary power to provide climate control within the climate-controlled space when configured at the distribution point, and the charging power providing the necessary power to charge the rechargeable energy storage device, ensuring the rechargeable energy storage device has sufficient power so that the CCU can provide climate control within the climate-controlled space for the duration of the upcoming journey. In these embodiments, the controller can determine the operating power and charging power based on various parameters, such as temperature and pressure measurements at various locations of the climate-controlled circuitry, cargo stored in the climate-controlled space, the desired temperature within the climate-controlled space, the current temperature within the climate-controlled space, the ambient temperature, humidity, and altitude that the CCU will experience during the upcoming journey, the route of the upcoming journey, the expected duration of the upcoming journey, the expected duration of the CCU at the distribution point, rules that may affect the operation of the CCU during the upcoming journey, and the expected operating mode of the CCU (e.g., operating mode such as start-stop, continuous, pull-down during pre-conditioning) etc. In some embodiments, temperature and pressure measurements at various locations of the climate-controlled circuit can be used to calculate the instantaneous and total power for the transportation climate control system. The instantaneous and total power can be recorded under specific conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, cargo temperature, return air temperature, etc.) and used to predict the future operating power requirements of the transportation climate control system under similar conditions. In some embodiments, when variable cargo (e.g., people in a transportation application) is present, sensors can be used to detect variable material temperature and / or total material volume in the climate-controlled space. The variable material temperature and / or total material volume in the climate-controlled space can be used to determine the power requirements of the electric accessories. As an example, when the CCU is used in a passenger vehicle, the CCU may request pre-conditioning demand before leaving the distribution point to quickly provide the desired climate-controlled conditions in the passenger compartment, followed by maintenance demand to maintain climate control (e.g., temperature) in the passenger compartment until the passenger vehicle is dispatched from the distribution point. Method 400 then proceeds to 435.

[0069] At 435, the controller generates a pending power request based on operating power and / or charging power. When the electric accessory is a CCU, the pending power request may include scheduling time (used to arrange for the CCU to leave the distribution point), the criticality of the cargo regulated by the CCU, the desired setpoint temperature for the climate-controlled space regulated by the CCU, whether the CCU provides climate control for fresh temperature cargo (e.g., fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc.) or frozen temperature cargo (e.g., pharmaceuticals, meat, seafood, frozen foods, etc.), and specific operational profiles for the CCU, etc. In some embodiments, the pending power request may be adjusted / calibrated based on historical data of the transport unit to provide a more accurate prediction of the actual power required under similar or modeled conditions. Method 400 then proceeds to 440.

[0070] At 440, the wireless communication device of the electric accessory transmits the pending power request to one or more communication networks within range of the peer-to-peer communication link established in step 420 (e.g., Figure 3 (Local area networks 360, 362, and 364 are shown). Method 400 then proceeds to 445.

[0071] At 445, the wireless communication device also monitors pending power requests from other co-operators in the one or more communication networks (i.e., one or more wireless communication devices of other electric accessories). If the wireless communication device determines that one or more pending power requests have been received, method 400 proceeds to 450. If the wireless communication device determines that no other pending power requests have been received, method 400 proceeds to 465.

[0072] At 450, a power request queue is generated for pending power requests (including those generated at 435) to determine the order for electric accessories with pending power requests. The power request queue can indicate which electric accessories are in a queue for power demand at the EV charging station and which are required to wait. In some embodiments, each electric accessory can generate the power request queue based on a timestamp when each pending power request is transmitted.

[0073] In some embodiments, the operation point control center (e.g., Figure 2 The optional operation point control center 230 shown) and / or remote control center (e.g., Figure 2The optional remote control center 235 shown can generate the power request queue based on information received from the electric accessory via, for example, a wireless communication interface (e.g., ZigBee, infrared, radio-enabled protocol, power line communication protocol, Wi-Fi protocol, etc.). In some embodiments, the control center can use a scheduling system to generate the power request queue. When the electric accessory is a CCU, the operation point control center and / or remote control center can generate the power request queue based on, for example, demand start-up and / or operation requests from each CCU. For example, the power request queue can be determined based on, for example, the scheduling time for scheduling the CCU to leave the distribution point, the critical state of the cargo regulated by each CCU, the desired set point temperature of the climate-controlled space / cargo regulated by each CCU, the regional operation of the CCU operating in a multi-regional transport climate control system, whether each CCU provides climate control for fresh or frozen cargo, and the specific operating profile for each CCU (e.g., operating mode (such as start-stop, continuous, pull-down during pre-conditioning)). In some embodiments, the control center may proactively update the priority of the power request queue, for example, based on changes in the location of the electric attachment at the power distribution point. For instance, when a transport unit with a CCU moves from a loading area to a gathering area, the control center may proactively update the priority of the power request queue, thereby triggering a predicted change in power usage. In another example, when a bus changes its route, the control center may proactively update the priority of the power request queue. Method 400 then proceeds to 455.

[0074] At 455, the controller of the electric accessory determines whether it is in the power request queue for power demand at its configured EV charging station. If the controller determines that it is not in the power request queue, method 400 proceeds to 460. If the controller determines that it is in the power request queue, method 400 proceeds to 465.

[0075] At 460, the electric accessory waits for the power request queue to clear until it is ready to draw power from its configured EV charging station. It should be understood that while the electric accessory is waiting in the power request queue, its controller may instruct it to operate in a low-power mode or in an operating null state to prevent / save energy usage during the waiting period. When the electric accessory determines that it is ready in the power request queue that requires power, method 400 proceeds to 465.

[0076] At 465, the controller instructs the electric accessory to draw power from the EV charging station where it is configured to meet its power needs. In some embodiments, when the electric accessory is configured at the power distribution point, it may request power from the EV charging station to operate itself. In some embodiments, the electric accessory may request power from the EV charging station to charge its rechargeable energy storage device. Method 400 then proceeds to 470.

[0077] At 470, the controller monitors the power received by the EV charging station to determine when the power demand of the electric accessory is met. In embodiments where the electric accessory is a CCU, the controller may monitor the power received by the EV charging station and determine, for example, when a desired setpoint temperature for a climate-controlled space regulated by the CCU has been reached, or when the rechargeable energy storage of the electric accessory has reached a threshold charging level, etc. Once the controller determines that the power demand of the electric accessory is met, method 400 proceeds to 475.

[0078] At point 475, the wireless communication device removes the electric accessory from the power request queue. In some embodiments, the controller may also instruct the electric accessory to enter an operational idle state to prevent / save energy use. The method 400 then ends.

[0079] All aspects:

[0080] Any one of aspects 1-7 can be combined with any one of aspects 8-15, 16-22, and 23-29. Any one of aspects 8-15 can be combined with any one of aspects 16-22 and 23-29. Moreover, any one of aspects 16-22 can be combined with any one of aspects 23-29.

[0081] Aspect 1

[0082] A method for electricity demand management, the method comprising:

[0083] An electric accessory configured for use with at least one of a vehicle, trailer, and transport container has detected that the electric accessory is connected to a power source;

[0084] The electric accessory detects one or more additional electric accessories in the vicinity of the electric accessory;

[0085] The electric accessory establishes a communication link with the one or more additional electric accessories;

[0086] When the electric accessory detects one or more additional electric accessories in the vicinity of the electric accessory, the electric accessory generates an pending power request for the electric accessory to obtain power from the power source;

[0087] The electric accessory transmits the pending power request to the one or more additional electric accessories;

[0088] The electric accessory monitors one or more additional pending power requests from the one or more additional electric accessories;

[0089] The electric accessory monitors the position of the electric accessory and the one or more additional electric accessories in the power request queue for obtaining power from the power source; and

[0090] When the electric accessory is positioned at a height sufficient to request power from the power source in the power request queue, the electric accessory requests power from the power source.

[0091] Aspect 2

[0092] According to the method of aspect 1, wherein the detection of one or more additional electric accessories near the electric accessory includes the detection of one or more additional electric accessories within the short-range wireless communication range of the electric accessory.

[0093] Aspect 3

[0094] According to the method of aspect 1 or 2, the establishment of a communication link between the electric accessory and the one or more additional electric accessories includes the establishment of a Bluetooth Low Energy communication link between the electric accessory and the one or more additional electric accessories.

[0095] Aspect 4

[0096] According to any one of aspects 1-3, the method wherein generating a pending power request by the electric accessory includes: determining an operating power quantity, the operating power quantity being the power required to currently operate the electric accessory; and determining a charging power quantity, the charging power quantity being the power required to be stored in a rechargeable energy storage device of the electric accessory to provide sufficient power for operating the electric accessory.

[0097] Aspect 5

[0098] The method according to any one of aspects 1-4 further includes, when the height of the electric accessory's position in the power request queue is insufficient to request power from the power source, the electric accessory waits to request power from the power source.

[0099] Aspect 6

[0100] According to the method of aspect 5, the electric accessory is further comprising operating in a low-power mode or in an operational idle state to prevent and / or save energy use when the electric accessory is waiting to draw power from the power source.

[0101] Aspect 7

[0102] The method according to any one of aspects 1-6 further includes removing the pending power request from the power request queue when the controller of the electric accessory determines that the power demand in the pending power request is met.

[0103] Aspect 8

[0104] An electric accessory, comprising:

[0105] A controller that controls the operation of the electric accessory and detects when the electric accessory is connected to a power source;

[0106] A wireless communication device comprising short-range wireless peer-to-peer communication for short-range peer-to-peer communication, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to detect one or more additional electric accessories in the vicinity of the electric accessory and to establish a communication link with the one or more additional electric accessories; and

[0107] A rechargeable energy storage device configured to be charged by a power source and to provide energy to the electric accessory during transport;

[0108] The electric accessory is configured to be used with at least one of a vehicle, trailer, and transport container.

[0109] The controller is configured to generate a pending power request from the power source when the wireless communication device detects one or more additional electric accessories near the electric accessory.

[0110] The wireless communication device is configured to transmit the pending power request to the one or more additional electric accessories.

[0111] The wireless communication device is configured to monitor one or more additional pending power requests from the one or more additional electric accessories, and

[0112] The controller is configured to monitor the position of the electric accessory and one or more additional electric accessories in a power request queue for obtaining power from the power source, and is configured to request power from the power source when the electric accessory is positioned at a height sufficient to request power from the power source.

[0113] Aspect 9

[0114] According to aspect 8, the electric accessory, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to detect the nearby one or more additional electric accessories when the wireless communication device detects the one or more additional electric accessories within the short-range wireless communication range of the electric accessory.

[0115] Aspect 10

[0116] According to aspect 8 or 9, the electric accessory, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to establish a communication link with the one or more additional electric accessories using the Bluetooth Low Energy communication protocol.

[0117] Aspect 11

[0118] According to any one of aspects 8-10, the electric accessory, wherein the controller is configured to generate a pending power request by determining the operating power and the charging power, the operating power being the power required to currently operate the electric accessory, and the charging power being the power that needs to be stored in the rechargeable energy storage of the electric accessory to provide sufficient power for operating the electric accessory.

[0119] Aspect 12

[0120] According to any one of aspects 8-11, the electric accessory, wherein the controller is configured to wait to request power from the power source when the electric accessory's position in the power request queue is insufficient to request power from the power source.

[0121] Aspect 13

[0122] According to aspect 12, the electric accessory, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the electric accessory to operate in a low-power mode or in an operational idle state to prevent and / or save energy use when the electric accessory is waiting to draw power from the power source.

[0123] Aspect 14

[0124] According to any one of aspects 8-13, the electric accessory, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to remove the pending power request from the power request queue when the controller determines that the power demand in the pending power request has been met.

[0125] Aspect 15

[0126] The electric accessory according to any one of aspects 8-14 further includes a climate control circuit to provide climate control within a climate-controlled space during transport.

[0127] Aspect 16

[0128] A method for electricity demand management, the method comprising:

[0129] An electric climate control unit (CCU) configured for use with at least one of a vehicle, trailer, and transport container detects that the electric CCU is connected to a power source;

[0130] The electric CCU detects one or more additional electric CCUs in the vicinity of the electric CCU;

[0131] The electric CCU establishes a communication link with one or more additional electric CCUs;

[0132] When the electric CCU detects one or more additional electric CCUs in the vicinity of the electric CCU, the electric CCU generates an pending power request for the electric CCU to obtain power from the power source;

[0133] The electric CCU transmits the pending power request to the one or more additional electric CCUs;

[0134] The electric CCU monitors one or more additional pending power requests from the one or more additional electric CCUs;

[0135] The electric CCU monitors the position of the electric CCU and the one or more additional electric CCUs in the power request queue for obtaining power from the power source; and

[0136] When the electric CCU is positioned at a height sufficient to request power from the power source in the power request queue, the electric CCU requests power from the power source.

[0137] Aspect 17

[0138] According to the method of aspect 16, wherein the electric CCU detects one or more additional electric CCUs nearby includes the electric CCU detecting one or more additional electric CCUs within the short-range wireless communication range of the electric CCU.

[0139] Aspect 18

[0140] According to the method of aspect 16 or 17, the establishment of a communication link between the electric CCU and the one or more additional electric CCUs includes the establishment of a Bluetooth Low Energy communication link between the electric CCU and the one or more additional electric CCUs.

[0141] Aspect 19

[0142] According to any one of aspects 16-18, the method wherein generating a pending power request by the electric CCU comprises: determining an operating power quantity, the operating power quantity being the power required to currently operate the electric CCU; and determining a charging power quantity, the charging power quantity being the power required to be stored in the rechargeable energy storage of the electric CCU to provide sufficient power for operating the electric CCU.

[0143] Aspect 20

[0144] The method according to any one of aspects 16-19 further includes, when the height of the electric CCU's position in the power request queue is insufficient to request power from the power source, the electric CCU waits to request power from the power source.

[0145] Aspect 21

[0146] According to aspect 20, the method further includes, when the electric CCU is waiting to draw power from the power source, the electric CCU operates in a low-power mode or in an operational idle state to prevent and / or save energy usage.

[0147] Aspect 22

[0148] The method according to any one of aspects 16-21 further includes removing the pending power request from the power request queue when the controller of the electric CCU determines that the power demand in the pending power request is met.

[0149] Aspect 23

[0150] An electric climate control unit (CCU) includes:

[0151] Climate control circuitry configured to provide climate control within a climate-controlled space during transport;

[0152] A controller that controls the operation of the electric CCU and detects when the electric CCU is connected to a power source;

[0153] A wireless communication device comprising short-range wireless peer-to-peer communication for short-range peer-to-peer communication, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to detect one or more additional electric CCUs in the vicinity of the electric CCU and to establish a communication link with the one or more additional electric CCUs; and

[0154] A rechargeable energy storage device configured to be charged by a power source and to provide energy to the electric CCU during transport;

[0155] The electric CCU is configured to be used with at least one of a vehicle, a trailer, and a transport container;

[0156] The controller is configured to generate a pending power request from the power source when the wireless communication device detects one or more additional electric CCUs near the electric CCU;

[0157] The wireless communication device is configured to transmit the pending power request to the one or more additional electric CCUs;

[0158] The wireless communication device is configured to monitor one or more additional pending power requests from the one or more additional electric CCUs; and

[0159] The controller is configured to monitor the position of the electric CCU and one or more additional electric CCUs in a power request queue for obtaining power from the power source, and is configured to request power from the power source when the electric CCU is positioned at a height sufficient to request power from the power source.

[0160] Aspect 24

[0161] According to aspect 23, the electric CCU is configured to detect the nearby one or more additional electric CCUs when the wireless communication device detects that the one or more additional electric CCUs are within short-range wireless communication range of the electric CCU.

[0162] Aspect 25

[0163] According to aspect 23 or 24, the electric CCU is wherein the wireless communication device is configured to establish a communication link with the one or more additional electric CCUs using the Bluetooth Low Energy communication protocol.

[0164] Aspect 26

[0165] According to any one of aspects 23-25, the electric CCU is wherein the controller is configured to generate a pending power request by determining the operating power and the charging power, the operating power being the power required to currently operate the electric CCU, and the charging power being the power that needs to be stored in the rechargeable energy storage of the electric CCU to provide sufficient power for operating the electric CCU.

[0166] Aspect 27

[0167] According to any one of aspects 23-26, the electric CCU, wherein the controller is configured to wait to request power from the power source when the electric CCU's position in the power request queue is insufficient to request power from the power source.

[0168] Aspect 28

[0169] According to aspect 27, the electric CCU, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the electric CCU to operate in a low-power mode or in an operational idle state to prevent and / or save energy use when the electric CCU is waiting to draw power from the power source.

[0170] Aspect 29

[0171] According to any one of aspects 23-28, the electric CCU, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to remove the pending power request from the power request queue when the controller determines that the power demand in the pending power request has been met.

[0172] With respect to the foregoing description, it should be understood that changes in detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The intended specification and described embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the broad meaning of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for electricity demand management, the method comprising: An electric climate control unit (CCU) configured for use with at least one of a vehicle, trailer, and transport container detects that the electric climate control unit is connected to a power source; The electric climate control unit detects one or more additional electric climate control units in the vicinity of the electric climate control unit; The electric climate control unit establishes a communication link with the one or more additional electric climate control units; When the electric climate control unit detects one or more additional electric climate control units in the vicinity of the electric climate control unit, the electric climate control unit generates an pending power request from the power source for the electric climate control unit. The electric climate control unit transmits the pending power request to the one or more additional electric climate control units; The electric climate control unit monitors one or more additional pending power requests from the one or more additional electric climate control units; The electric climate control unit monitors the position of the electric climate control unit in the power request queue for obtaining power from the power source, as well as in the one or more additional electric climate control units. as well as When the electric climate control unit is positioned at an altitude sufficient to request power from the power source in the power request queue, the electric climate control unit requests power from the power source. The electric climate control unit detects one or more additional electric climate control units in the vicinity, including the electric climate control unit detecting one or more additional electric climate control units within the short-range wireless communication range of the electric climate control unit.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein establishing a communication link between the electric climate control unit and the one or more additional electric climate control units includes establishing a Bluetooth Low Energy communication link between the electric climate control unit and the one or more additional electric climate control units.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the electric climate control unit generates the pending power request by: Determine the operating power, which is the power required to currently operate the electric climate control unit; And determine the charging capacity, which is the amount of electricity that needs to be stored in the rechargeable energy storage of the electric climate control unit to provide sufficient power for operating the electric climate control unit.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising, when the electric climate control unit is positioned at an altitude insufficient to draw power from the power source, the electric climate control unit waits to draw power from the power source.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising, when the electric climate control unit is waiting to draw power from the power source, the electric climate control unit operating in a low-power mode or in an operational idle state to prevent and / or save energy usage.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising, when the controller of the electric climate control unit determines that the power demand in the pending power request is met, the electric climate control unit removes the pending power request from the power request queue.

7. An electric climate control unit, comprising: Climate control circuitry configured to provide climate control within a climate-controlled space during transport; A controller that controls the operation of the electric climate control unit and detects when the electric climate control unit is connected to a power source; A wireless communication device, comprising short-range wireless peer-to-peer communication for short-range peer-to-peer communication, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to detect one or more additional electric climate control units in the vicinity of the electric climate control unit and to establish a communication link with the one or more additional electric climate control units. as well as A rechargeable energy storage device configured to be charged by a power source and to provide energy to the electric climate control unit during transport; The electric climate control unit is configured to be used with at least one of a vehicle, trailer, and transport container; The controller is configured to generate an pending power request from the power source when the wireless communication device detects one or more additional electric climate control units near the electric climate control unit; The wireless communication device is configured to transmit the pending power request to the one or more additional electric climate control units; The wireless communication device is configured to monitor one or more additional pending power requests from the one or more additional electric climate control units; The controller is configured to monitor the position of the electric climate control unit (ECU) and one or more additional ECUs in a power request queue for obtaining power from the power source, and is configured to request power from the power source when the ECU's position in the power request queue is high enough to request power from the power source. The wireless communication device is configured to detect the nearby one or more additional electric climate control units when the wireless communication device detects that the one or more additional electric climate control units are within the short-range wireless communication range of the electric climate control unit.

8. The electric climate control unit of claim 7, wherein the wireless communication unit is configured to establish a communication link with the one or more additional electric climate control units using the Bluetooth Low Energy communication protocol.

9. The electric climate control unit of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to generate a pending power request by determining the operating power and the charging power, the operating power being the power required to currently operate the electric climate control unit, and the charging power being the power that needs to be stored in the rechargeable energy storage of the electric climate control unit to provide sufficient power for operating the electric climate control unit.

10. The electric climate control unit of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to wait to request power from the power source when the electric climate control unit is positioned at an insufficient height in the power request queue.

11. The electric climate control unit of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to instruct the electric climate control unit to operate in a low-power mode or in an operational idle state to prevent and / or conserve energy use when the electric climate control unit is waiting to draw power from the power source.

12. The electric climate control unit of claim 7, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to remove the pending power request from the power request queue when the controller determines that the power demand in the pending power request has been met.

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