Transport climate control system with auxiliary cooling

Abstract

A climate-controlled transport unit's transport climate control system includes a main heat transfer circuit and a cooler heat transfer circuit. The main heat transfer circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, a main expansion valve, a main evaporator, a cooler expansion valve, and a cooler evaporator. The main evaporator and the cooler evaporator are arranged parallel to each other downstream of the condenser. A working fluid and a second process fluid flow through the main evaporator. The working fluid and a third process fluid flow through the cooler evaporator. The cooler heat transfer circuit includes the cooler evaporator, and the third process fluid is configured to provide auxiliary cooling. Methods of operating the climate-controlled transport unit's transport climate control system include operating in HVACR and cooler mode, operating in HVACR mode, and operating in cooler mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to transportation climate control systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to capacity control of transportation climate control systems that include multiple evaporators. Background Technology

[0002] Climate-controlled transport systems are typically used to control environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within transport units (e.g., containers (such as flatbed containers, intermodal containers, etc.), trucks, boxcars, or other similar transport units). Climate-controlled transport units are commonly used to transport perishable goods, such as agricultural products, frozen foods, and meat products. They are also used to transport passengers between locations.

[0003] A transport climate control system includes climate control circuitry attached to a transport unit to control one or more environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, etc.) in a specific space (e.g., cargo space, passenger space) (often referred to as the "interior space"). The CCU may include, but is not limited to, climate control circuitry with compressors, condensers, expansion valves, evaporators, and fans and / or blowers to control heat exchange between the air within the climate-controlled transport unit's interior space and the external ambient air. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments described herein are typically for capacity control of transport climate control systems that include multiple evaporators.

[0005] The transport unit may have a climate-controlled space for goods or passengers, which is provided with climate control (e.g., heating, cooling, etc.) through a transport climate control system. The transport unit or the tractor unit towing the transport unit may also include electrical components (e.g., batteries, inverters, etc.). These electrical components may generate heat during operation, causing them to malfunction or be damaged. For example, battery charging systems and / or power supply electronics may generate significant amounts of heat during use. Additionally, for example, batteries in the transport unit generate significant amounts of heat during charging and discharging, and / or static converters generate significant amounts of heat when converting power. Heat can severely affect battery efficiency and / or damage the battery. The transport unit or the tractor unit towing the transport unit may include an operator's cab for the transport unit or tractor unit. Climate control of the operating space may be required.

[0006] The disclosed embodiments are capable of providing climate control for climate-controlled spaces and auxiliary cooling for electrical components and / or auxiliary spaces (one or more). The disclosed embodiments may optionally provide climate control for climate-controlled spaces, auxiliary cooling, or both. The disclosed embodiments provide adjustable capacity control among multiple evaporators by controlling, for example, the evaporator working fluid and / or evaporator working fluid pressure passing through a refrigeration circuit having multiple evaporators.

[0007] In one embodiment, a transport climate control system for a climate-controlled transport unit includes a climate-controlled space. The transport climate control system includes a main heat transfer circuit and a cooler heat transfer circuit. The main heat transfer circuit includes a compressor for compressing the working fluid, a condenser, a main expansion valve, a main evaporator, a cooler electronic expansion valve (EEV), and a cooler evaporator. The compression mechanism compresses the working fluid, while the condenser is configured to cool the compressed working fluid with a first process fluid.

[0008] The main expansion valve and the cooler EEV are located parallel to each other downstream of the condenser and are configured to expand the working fluid cooled by the condenser. The main evaporator and the cooler evaporator are located parallel to each other downstream of the condenser. The working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve flows into and through the main evaporator and is configured to cool a second process fluid in the main evaporator. The second process fluid is configured to cool the climate-controlled space. The working fluid expanded by the cooler expansion valve flows into and through the cooler evaporator and cools a third process fluid in the cooler evaporator.

[0009] The cooler heat transfer circuit includes a cooler evaporator. A third process fluid is configured to flow through the cooler heat transfer circuit and provide auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system.

[0010] In one embodiment, the main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve, and the heat transfer circuit includes an electronic pressure regulator downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor.

[0011] In one embodiment, the main expansion valve is an electronic expansion valve (EEV), which is adjustable to control the flow rate of working fluid through the main EEV.

[0012] In one embodiment, a method for operating a transport climate control system includes determining climate control requirements for a main heat transfer circuit and determining climate control requirements for a cooler heat transfer circuit. The climate control system includes a main heat transfer circuit and a cooler heat transfer circuit. The main heat transfer circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, a main evaporator and a cooler evaporator disposed parallel to each other downstream of the condenser, and a main expansion valve and a cooler electronic expansion valve (EEV) downstream of the condenser. The cooler heat transfer circuit includes a cooler evaporator.

[0013] When the main heat transfer circuit and the cooler heat transfer circuit each have climate control requirements, the method includes operation in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and cooling (HVACR) and cooler modes. Operation in HVACR and cooler modes involves guiding the working fluid in a parallel flow through the main evaporator and the cooler evaporator. The main evaporator cools the process fluid to cool the climate-controlled space. The cooler evaporator cools the different process fluids to provide auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system.

[0014] The method includes operating in HVACR mode when only the main heat transfer circuit has climate control requirements. Operating in HVACR mode involves directing the working fluid through the main evaporator and the cooler EEV, and blocking the flow of the working fluid to the cooler evaporator.

[0015] The method includes operating in cooler mode when only the cooler heat transfer circuitry has climate control requirements. Operating in cooler mode includes directing the working fluid through the cooler evaporator and blocking the flow of the working fluid to the main evaporator. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The following figures will provide a better understanding of the description, other features, aspects, and advantages of both the heat transfer circuit and the method of operating the heat transfer circuit:

[0017] Figure 1A This is a side view of an embodiment of a climate-controlled truck.

[0018] Figure 1B This is a partial side view of an embodiment of a climate-controlled straight truck.

[0019] Figure 1C This is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a climate-controlled transport unit and tractor.

[0020] Figure 1D This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a climate-controlled transportation unit.

[0021] Figure 1E This is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a climate-controlled vehicle for transporting passengers.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the climate control circuit of a transportation climate control system.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a climate-controlled transport unit.

[0024] Similar reference numerals indicate similar features. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments described herein are typically for capacity control of a transport climate control system that includes multiple evaporators.

[0026] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Therefore, the following detailed description and drawings should not be construed as limiting.

[0027] Different types of goods / goods may require specific environmental conditions when stored in a transport unit. For example, perishable goods may need to be stored within a specific temperature range to prevent spoilage, while liquid goods may need to be kept at temperatures above their freezing point. Similarly, goods containing electronic components may need to be kept in low-humidity environments to avoid damaging their electronic components. Passengers traveling in a transport unit may need to be kept in a climate-controlled space with specific environmental conditions to ensure their comfort during their journey. For example, the climate-controlled space containing passengers should be at a temperature that generally makes passengers feel comfortable. A transport climate control system can blow conditioned air into the climate-controlled space of the transport unit to maintain the air within the climate-controlled space at the required environmental conditions.

[0028] The transport unit or the tractor unit for towing the transport unit may have electronic components that are temperature-sensitive and / or generate significant heat during operation. For example, the transport unit may include a battery that generates significant heat during discharge and / or charging. The transport unit or the tractor unit for towing the transport unit may have an operator space for operating the transport unit and / or the tractor unit.

[0029] The embodiments described herein are generally directed to capacity control in a transport climate control system comprising multiple evaporators. In some embodiments, a climate control circuit is provided that includes a main heat transfer circuit and a cooler heat transfer circuit. The main heat transfer circuit includes a main evaporator and a cooler evaporator arranged parallel to each other. The main heat transfer circuit can be configured to provide climate control to a climate-controlled space where transport units, such as goods or passengers, may be stored. The cooler heat transfer circuit includes a cooler evaporator and can be configured to provide auxiliary climate control, which can provide climate control independently of the main heat transfer circuit, thereby providing climate control for electrical components(s) (e.g., batteries) or an operator space separate from the climate-controlled space. For example, the climate control circuit can advantageously allocate cooling capacity to the climate-controlled space and the auxiliary climate control by controlling the pressure in the evaporators and / or by directing its capacity only to the main heat transfer circuit or only to the auxiliary climate control through the flow of working fluid in each evaporator.

[0030] Figure 1A An embodiment of a climate-controlled truck 100 is shown, which includes 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 on the roof 120 of the truck 100. Among other components, the transport climate control system 110 may also include climate control circuitry (see...). Figure 2 The climate control circuit connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator (one or more), and an expansion device to provide climate control within the climate-controlled space 105.

[0031] The climate-controlled truck 100 may include a second climate-controlled space 107. The second climate-controlled space 107 may be an operator's cab (e.g., a compartment, etc.) of the climate-controlled truck 100. For example, the second climate-controlled space 107 accommodates an operator when operating (e.g., driving, etc.) the climate-controlled truck 100. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system 110 may be configured to also provide climate control to the second climate-controlled space 107.

[0032] The climate-controlled van 100 may include a battery 109, which is a power source for operating the climate-controlled van 100 and / or for transporting the climate control system 110. In one embodiment, the climate-controlled van 100 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. The climate-controlled van 100 may be a hybrid vehicle using a combination of battery power and engine power, or it may be an electric vehicle without an engine. The transport climate control system 110 may be a hybrid system using a combination of battery power and engine power, or an electric system that does not include or rely on the engine power (not shown) of the climate-controlled van 100. Figure 1A The battery 109 is located outside the CCU 115. However, it should be understood that in one embodiment, the battery 109 may be located inside the CCU 115 and configured to provide power for operating the transport climate control system 110. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system 110 may be configured to provide climate control to the battery 109.

[0033] It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to climate-controlled trucks, but can be applied to any type of transport unit (e.g., trucks, containers (e.g., containers on flatbeds, intermodal containers, sea containers, etc.), boxcars, semi-tractor-trailers, buses or other similar transport units, etc.).

[0034] The transportation 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 transportation climate control system 110 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the truck 100, ambient humidity outside the truck 100, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperature of air supplied by CCU 115 to climate-controlled space 105, return air temperature of return air returning from climate-controlled space 105 to CCU 115, humidity within climate-controlled space 105, temperature of battery 109, temperature of second climate-controlled space 107, etc.) and transmit the parameter data to the climate controller 125. The climate controller 125 is configured to control the operation of the transportation climate control system 110, which includes components comprising climate control circuitry. The climate controller 125 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.

[0035] Figure 1B An embodiment of a climate-controlled straight truck 130 is shown, which includes 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 also include climate control circuitry (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2 The climate control circuit connects, for example, a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion device to provide climate control within the climate-controlled space 131.

[0036] The climate-controlled vertical truck 130 may include a second climate-controlled space 138. The second climate-controlled space 138 may be an operator's cab (e.g., a compartment, etc.) of the climate-controlled vertical truck 130. For example, the second climate-controlled space 138 may accommodate the operator of the climate-controlled vertical truck 130 when operating (e.g., driving, etc.) the climate-controlled vertical truck 130. In one embodiment, a transport climate control system 132 may be configured to provide climate control to the second climate-controlled space 138.

[0037] The climate-controlled inline truck 130 may include a battery 139, which is a power source for operating the climate-controlled inline truck 130 and / or for transporting the climate control system 132. In one embodiment, the climate-controlled inline truck 130 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. The climate-controlled inline truck 130 may be a hybrid vehicle using a combination of battery power and engine power, or it may be an electric vehicle without an engine. The transport climate control system 132 may be a hybrid system using a combination of battery power and engine power, or an electric system that does not include or rely on the engine (not shown) of the climate-controlled inline truck 130 for power. Figure 1B The battery 139 is located outside the CCU 133. However, it should be understood that in one embodiment, the battery 139 may be located inside the CCU 133 and configured to power the transport climate control system 132. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system 132 may be configured to provide climate control to the battery 139.

[0038] The transportation 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 transportation climate control system 132 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the truck 130, ambient humidity outside the truck 130, compressor suction 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, temperature of the battery 139, temperature of the second climate-controlled space 138, etc.) and transmit the parameter data to the climate controller 135. The climate controller 135 is configured to control the operation of the transportation climate control system 132, which includes components comprising 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 distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the specific application of the principles described herein.

[0039] 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 and configured to tow the transport unit 150. Figure 1C The transport unit 150 shown is a trailer.

[0040] 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 will be understood that the CCU 152 may be disposed, for example, on the roof or another wall of the transport unit 150. The CCU 152 includes climate control circuitry (see...). Figure 2 The climate control circuit connects, for example, a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion device to provide conditioned air in the climate-controlled space 154.

[0041] The tractor unit 142 may include a second climate-controlled space 144. The second climate-controlled space 144 may be an operator's compartment (e.g., a cabin, etc.) of the tractor unit 142. For example, the second climate-controlled space 144 may accommodate the operator of the tractor unit 142 when operating (e.g., driving, etc.) the tractor unit 142. In one embodiment, a transport climate control system 145 may be configured to provide climate control to the second climate-controlled space 144.

[0042] The tractor unit 142 may include a battery 139, which is a power source for operating the tractor unit 142 and / or for transporting the climate control system 145. In one embodiment, the tractor unit 142 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. The tractor unit 142 may be a hybrid vehicle using a combination of battery power and engine power, or it may be an electric vehicle without an engine.

[0043] The climate-controlled transport unit 140 may include a battery 153, which is a power source for the transport climate control system 145. The transport climate control system 145 may be a hybrid power system using a combination of battery power and engine power, or an electric system that does not include or rely on the engine (not shown) of the climate-controlled transport unit 140 or the tractor 142 for power. Figure 1C The battery 153 is located within the CCU 152. However, it should be understood that in one embodiment, the battery 153 may be located outside the CCU 152. In such an embodiment, the battery 153 may, for example, be attached to the bottom side of the climate-controlled transport unit 150. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system 145 may be configured to provide climate control to the battery 146 and / or the battery 153.

[0044] 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 CCU 152 to climate-controlled space 154, return air temperature of return air from climate-controlled space 154 back to CCU 152, humidity within climate-controlled space 154, temperature of battery 146, temperature of battery 153, temperature of second climate-controlled space 144, 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, which includes components comprising 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 distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the specific application of the principles described herein.

[0045] 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 can be, for example, driven by a tractor (e.g., Figure 1C The tractor unit 142 in the document is used for towing. It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to tractor units and trailer units, but can be applied to any type of transport unit (e.g., trucks, containers (e.g., containers on flatbeds, intermodal containers, sea containers, etc.), boxcars, semi-tractor units, buses or other similar transport units, etc.).

[0046] MTCS162 includes a CCU 166 and multiple remote units 168 that provide environmental control (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a climate-controlled space 170 of transport unit 164. The climate-controlled space 170 can be divided into multiple zones 172. The term "zone" refers to a portion of the climate-controlled space 170 separated by walls 174. CCU 166 can function as a host unit and provide climate control within a first zone 172a of the climate-controlled space 170. Remote units 168a can provide climate control within a second zone 172b of the climate-controlled space 170. Remote units 168b can provide climate control within a third zone 172c of the climate-controlled space 170. Therefore, MTCS162 can be used to control environmental conditions(s) within each of the multiple zones 172 of the climate-controlled space 170, separately and independently.

[0047] The CCU 166 is disposed on the front wall 167 of the transport unit 160. In other embodiments, it will be understood that the CCU 166 may be disposed, for example, on the roof or another wall of the transport unit 160. The CCU 166 includes climate control circuitry (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 The climate control circuit connects, for example, a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expander to provide conditioned air in the climate-controlled space 170. Remote unit 168a is disposed on the ceiling 179 within the second zone 172b, and remote unit 168b is disposed on the ceiling 179 within the third zone 172c. Each remote unit 168a, 168b includes an evaporator (not shown) connected to the remaining climate control circuitry disposed in CCU 166.

[0048] The climate-controlled transport unit 160 may include a battery 165, which is the power source for the MTCS 162. In one embodiment, the CCU 166 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. The MTCS 162 may be a hybrid system using a combination of battery power and engine power, or an electric system that does not include or rely on an engine (not shown) of the climate-controlled transport unit 162 or the tractor for power. Figure 1D Battery 165 is part of MTCS162. However, it should be understood that in one embodiment, battery 165 may be located outside MTCS162. In such an embodiment, battery 165 may be attached, for example, to the bottom side of climate-controlled transport unit 160. In one embodiment, MTCS162 may be configured to provide climate control to battery 162, a second climate-controlled space (e.g., second climate-controlled space 144) in a tractor unit towing climate-controlled unit 160, and / or the tractor unit's battery (e.g., battery 146), etc.

[0049] 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 zone 172 by the CCU 166 and remote unit 168, return air temperature of return air returning from each zone 172 to the CCU 166 or remote units 168a or 168b, humidity within each zone 118, temperature of battery 146, temperature of tractor battery, temperature of a second climate-controlled space within the tractor, 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 comprising 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 distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the specific application of the principles described herein.

[0050] Figure 1E This is a perspective view of a vehicle 185 including a transport climate control system 187 according to one embodiment. Vehicle 185 is a bus that can transport passengers (one or more) (not shown) to one or more destinations. In other embodiments, vehicle 185 may be a school bus, railcar, subway, or other commercial vehicle carrying passengers. Vehicle 185 includes a supported climate-controlled space (e.g., a passenger compartment) 189 for accommodating multiple passengers. Vehicle 185 includes a door 190 located on one side of vehicle 185. Figure 1E In the illustrated embodiment, a first door 190 is located near the front end of the vehicle 185, and a second door 190 is located towards 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.

[0051] The CCU 170 includes climate control circuitry (see...). Figure 2 The climate control circuit connects, for example, a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion device to provide conditioned air in the climate-controlled space 189.

[0052] Vehicle 185 may include battery 198, which is a power source for operating vehicle 185 and / or for transport climate control system 187. In one embodiment, vehicle 185 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. Vehicle 185 may be a hybrid vehicle using a combination of battery power and engine power, or it may be an electric vehicle without an engine. Transport climate control system 187 may be a hybrid system using a combination of battery power and engine power, or an electric system that does not include or rely on the engine power (not shown) of vehicle 185. Figure 1E The battery 198 is located outside the CCU 192. However, it should be understood that in one embodiment, the battery 198 may be located inside the CCU 192 and configured to power the transport climate control system 187. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system 187 may be configured to provide climate control to the battery 198.

[0053] 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, temperature of the battery 198, 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, which includes components comprising 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 distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the specific application of the principles described herein.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the climate control circuit 200. In one embodiment, the climate control circuit 200 is used to control environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) in the climate-controlled space of the transport unit. For example, the climate control circuit 200 can be used in a transport climate control system (e.g., transport climate control system 110, transport climate control system 132, transport climate control system 145, multi-zone transport climate control system 162, transport climate control system 187, etc.).

[0055] Climate control circuit 200 includes main heat transfer circuit 202 and cooler heat transfer circuit 204. Main heat transfer circuit 202 includes compressor 210, condenser 220, main expansion valve 230, main evaporator 240, cooler electronic expansion valve (EEV) 250, cooler evaporator 260, and programmable climate controller 290. In some embodiments, main heat transfer circuit 202 may also include optional solenoid valve 270 and / or optional electronic pressure regulator (EPR) valve 280. In one embodiment, main heat transfer circuit 202 may be modified to include additional components such as, for example, an economizer heat exchanger, one or more additional valves, sensors (one or more) (e.g., flow sensor, temperature sensor), receiver drier, filter dryer, etc.

[0056] The components of the main heat transfer loop 202 are fluidly connected. For clarity, in Figure 2 The figures provide dotted lines to indicate fluid flow through various components (e.g., condenser 220, main evaporator 240, cooler evaporator 260), and it should be understood that no specific path is specified within each component. Dashed lines are provided to illustrate optional components. Dashed lines are provided in the figures to illustrate electronic communication between different components. For example, when climate controller 290 is configured to control compressor 210, the dotted line extends from climate controller 290 to compressor 210.

[0057] In one embodiment, climate controller 290 includes a memory (not shown) and a processor (not shown) for storing information. In one embodiment, climate controller 290 is a climate controller for a transport climate control system (e.g., climate controller 125, climate controller 135, climate controller 156, climate controller 195, etc.). Climate controller 290 in Figure 2 The climate controller 290 is shown as a single integrated control unit. However, it should be understood that in one embodiment, the climate controller 290 may be a single integrated control unit or a distributed network of climate controller elements (e.g., a distributed network of climate controller elements 126, 127, a distributed network of climate controller elements 136, 137, a distributed network of climate controller elements 158, 159, a distributed network of climate controller elements 196, 197, etc.).

[0058] A working fluid (e.g., refrigerant, refrigerant mixture, etc.) flows through the main heat transfer circuit 202. The compressor 210 includes an inlet 212 and an outlet 214. The working fluid, in a low-pressure gaseous or predominantly gaseous state, is drawn into the inlet 212 of the compressor 210. The working fluid is compressed as it flows through the compressor 210. The compressed working fluid is discharged from the outlet 214 of the compressor 210 and flows to the condenser 220. In one embodiment, the compressor 210 may be a single-speed compressor. In one embodiment, the compressor 210 may be a multi-speed compressor. In such an embodiment, the compressor 210 may be, for example, an engine-driven multi-speed compressor.

[0059] A first process fluid PF1, separate from the working fluid, flows through condenser 220. Condenser 220 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and the first process fluid PF1 to be in a heat transfer relationship without physical mixing as they flow through condenser 220. As the working fluid flows through condenser 220, the first process fluid PF1 absorbs heat from the working fluid and cools it. In one embodiment, the first process fluid PF1 can be air, water, and / or ethylene glycol, etc., suitable for absorbing and transferring heat from the working fluid and climate control circuit 200. For example, the first process fluid PF1 can be ambient air circulated from the outside atmosphere (e.g., from outside the climate-controlled transport unit), water to be heated to hot water, or any suitable fluid for transferring heat from the climate control circuit 200. In one embodiment, the first process fluid PF1 is ambient air from the outside atmosphere or an intermediate fluid that transfers heat from the outside atmosphere to the ambient air. The working fluid is cooled by condenser 220 and becomes liquid or mostly liquid as it passes through condenser 220.

[0060] Working fluid flows from condenser 220 to main expansion valve 230 and cooler EEV 250. Main expansion valve 230 and cooler EEV 250 are located downstream of condenser 220, parallel to each other. Main expansion valve 230 is downstream of condenser 220 and upstream of main evaporator 240. Working fluid is supplied to main evaporator 240 through main expansion valve 230. Cooler EEV 250 is downstream of condenser 220 and upstream of cooler evaporator 260. Working fluid is supplied to cooler evaporator 260 through cooler EEV 250.

[0061] like Figure 2As shown, the main evaporator 240 and the cooler evaporator 260 are located downstream of the condenser 220, parallel to each other. When the climate control circuit 200 utilizes both the main evaporator 240 and the cooler evaporator 260 simultaneously, the working fluid passing through the condenser 220 is divided into multiple parallel flows WF1, WF2. The operation of the climate control circuit 200 is described in more detail below. The first working fluid flow (“first working fluid flow” WF1) discharged from the condenser 220 travels through the main expansion valve 230 and the main evaporator 240. The second working fluid flow (“second working fluid flow” WF2) discharged from the condenser 220 travels through the cooler evaporator 250 and the cooler evaporator 260.

[0062] In one embodiment, the main heat transfer circuit 202 may include one or more additional evaporators (not shown) for cooling a climate-controlled space (e.g., evaporators (one or more) of remote units 168, etc.). In such an embodiment, the additional evaporators (one or more) may be parallel to the main evaporator 240 and the cooler evaporator. The additional evaporators (one or more) may include expansion valves (one or more), pressure regulating valves (one or more), and / or flow control valves (one or more) similar to those of the main evaporator 240.

[0063] The main expansion valve 230 and the cooler EEV 250 each allow the working fluid to expand as it flows through the respective valve. This expansion results in a significant decrease in the working fluid temperature. The lower-temperature gas / liquid working fluid, expanded by the main expansion valve 230 and the cooler EEV 250, then flows to the main evaporator 240 and the cooler evaporator 260.

[0064] The working fluid in the first working fluid flow WF1 is expanded by the main expansion valve 230 and flows from the main expansion valve 230 to the main evaporator 240. The lower-temperature gas / liquid working fluid flows from the main expansion valve 230 and through the main evaporator 240. The second process fluid PF2 also flows separately from the working fluid through the main evaporator 240. The main evaporator 240 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and the second process fluid PF2 to be in a heat transfer relationship without physical mixing as they flow through the main evaporator 250. As the working fluid and the second process fluid PF2 flow through the main evaporator 250, the working fluid absorbs heat from the second process fluid PF2, cooling the second process fluid PF2. The second process fluid PF2 leaves the main evaporator 250 at a lower temperature than when it enters the main evaporator 250. When the working fluid leaves the main evaporator 250, it is gaseous or mostly gaseous. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the working fluid and the second process fluid PF2 flow through the main evaporator 250 in a countercurrent manner. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the working fluid and the second process fluid PF2 may flow through the main evaporator 250 in a parallel flow manner.

[0065] The second process fluid PF2 is configured to cool climate-controlled spaces (e.g., climate-controlled spaces 105, 131, 154, 170, and 189). The second process fluid PF2 can be configured to directly or indirectly cool the climate-controlled spaces. In one embodiment, the second process fluid PF2 is air, and the cooled second process fluid PF2 is ventilated into the climate-controlled spaces. In another embodiment, the second process fluid PF2 is an intermediate fluid (e.g., water, a water / glycol mixture, a heat transfer fluid, etc.), and the transport climate control system utilizes the cooled second process fluid PF2 to cool the air vented into the climate-controlled spaces or circulates the cooled second process fluid PF2 through the climate-controlled spaces to provide cooling within the climate-controlled spaces.

[0066] The working fluid in the second working fluid flow WF2 is expanded by the cooler EEV 250 and flows from the cooler EEV 250 into and through the cooler evaporator 260. The third process fluid PF3 also flows separately from the working fluid through the cooler evaporator 260. The cooler evaporator 260 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and the third process fluid PF3 to be in a heat transfer relationship without physical mixing as they flow through the cooler evaporator 260. As the working fluid and the third process fluid PF3 flow through the cooler evaporator 260, the working fluid absorbs heat from the third process fluid PF3, cooling the third process fluid PF3. The third process fluid PF3 leaves the cooler evaporator 260 at a lower temperature than when it entered the cooler evaporator 260. When the working fluid leaves the cooler evaporator 260, it is gaseous or mostly gaseous. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the working fluid and the third process fluid PF3 flow through the cooler evaporator 260 in a countercurrent manner. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the working fluid and the third process fluid PF3 may flow through the cooler evaporator 260 in a parallel flow manner.

[0067] The working fluid exiting the main evaporator 240 flows from the main evaporator 240 to the suction port 212 of the compressor 210. The working fluid exiting the cooler evaporator 260 flows from the cooler evaporator 260 to the suction port 212 of the compressor 210. The first working fluid flow WF1 and the second working fluid flow WF2 converge upstream of the compressor 210. The working fluid flowing out of the main evaporator 240 mixes with the working fluid flowing out of the cooler evaporator 260 and flows into the suction port 212 of the compressor 210.

[0068] In one embodiment, the main expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve, and the main heat transfer circuit 202 includes a solenoid valve 270 and an EPR valve 280. In one embodiment, the compressor 210 may also be a variable-speed compressor. The TX valve is configured to regulate the flow rate f1 of the working fluid entering the main evaporator 240 such that the superheat of the working fluid exiting the main evaporator 240 is maintained constant or approximately constant. The solenoid valve 270 can be closed to stop the flow of working fluid through the main TX valve 230 and the main evaporator 240. The EPR valve 280 is configured to regulate the pressure of the working fluid passing through the EPR valve 280. The EPR valve 280 is configured to allow only working fluid with at least a specific pressure to pass through. The operation of the variable-speed compressor 210, solenoid valve 270, and EPR valve 280 in embodiments of the climate control circuit 200 is discussed in more detail below.

[0069] In one embodiment, the main expansion valve 230 is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV). In such an embodiment, the climate control circuit 200 includes the main EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250. In such an embodiment, the climate control circuit 200 may not include the optional solenoid valve 270 and / or the optional EPR valve 280. The operation of the main EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250 in embodiments of the climate control circuit 200 is discussed in more detail below.

[0070] Cooler heat transfer circuit 204 includes cooler evaporator 260. In one embodiment, a third process fluid PF3 is configured to provide auxiliary cooling within a transport climate control system. In one embodiment, the auxiliary cooling is used to cool components and / or climate-controlled spaces that are different from those regulated by a second process fluid PF2. In one embodiment, cooler heat transfer circuit 204 is configured to provide climate control (e.g., cooling, heating, etc.) to electronic components 206 in the transport unit or towing vehicles that traction the transport unit. In one embodiment, the auxiliary cooling provided by the third process fluid PF3 is used to at least cool electronic components 206. In one embodiment, the third process fluid PF3 cools an intermediate fluid (e.g., air, water, water / glycol mixture, heat transfer fluid, etc.) that flows along and cools electronic components 206.

[0071] In one embodiment, electronic component 206 is a battery (e.g., battery 109, battery 139, battery 146, battery 153, battery 165, battery 198, etc.). In one embodiment, the battery may be in the form of a single cell. However, it should be understood that the battery in the embodiment may be in the form of multiple battery packs. In one embodiment, a third process fluid PF3 flows through the battery and / or along the battery's heat sink. In one embodiment, electronic component 206 is a component of an electronic charging system that charges at least one battery (e.g., battery 109, battery 139, battery 146, battery 153, battery 165, battery 198, etc.) in the transport unit and / or the tractor of the transport unit. In one embodiment, electronic component 206 is a power supply component (e.g., a static converter, etc.) in the transport unit.

[0072] In one embodiment, the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 may be modified to include additional components, such as, for example, an additional heat exchanger, one or more additional valves, one or more sensors (e.g., flow sensors, temperature sensors), a reservoir, etc. The components of the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 are fluidly connected.

[0073] In one embodiment, the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 may include a heater heat exchanger (not shown) positioned parallel to the cooler evaporator 260. When the heater heat exchanger is configured to heat the electronic component 206, a fourth process fluid (not shown) is used to heat the third process fluid PF3. The cooler heat exchange circuit 204 is configured such that when cooling the electronic component 206, the third process fluid PF3 bypasses the heater heat exchanger. In heat pump mode, heat from the electronic component 206 can be transferred to the fourth process fluid (not shown), and the fourth process fluid can be used to heat the second process fluid PF2 and / or the climate-controlled space.

[0074] In one embodiment, the transportation climate control system operates based on the climate control requirements of the main heat transfer circuit 202 and the cooler heat transfer circuit 204. The transportation climate control system has multiple modes. In one embodiment, the transportation climate control system operates the climate control circuit 200 in one of the modes based on the climate control requirements of the main heat transfer circuit 202 and the cooler heat transfer circuit 204. In such an embodiment, the climate controller 290 can configure and / or operate components of the main heat transfer circuit 202 such that the climate control circuit 200 operates according to an appropriate mode.

[0075] In one embodiment, climate control requirements are based on one or more parameters of the transport unit or the tractor unit of the transport unit. In one embodiment, climate control requirements may be based on one or more parameters of, for example, but not limited to, the working fluid, the second process fluid PF2, the third process fluid PF3, the climate-controlled space, and / or the electronic component 206. In one embodiment, the climate control circuit 200 may include, for example, but not limited to, one or more of the following: a temperature sensor 292A for detecting the temperature T1 of the electronic component 206; a cooler outlet sensor 292B for detecting the outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3; a suction temperature sensor 292C for detecting the suction temperature T3 of the working fluid entering the compressor 210; a suction pressure sensor 292D for detecting the suction inlet pressure P1 of the working fluid entering the compressor 210; an evaporator outlet temperature sensor 292E for detecting the outlet temperature T4 of the second process fluid PF2; a cooler suction pressure sensor 292F for detecting the outlet pressure P2 of the working fluid from the cooler evaporator 260; and / or a cooler suction temperature sensor 292G for detecting the outlet temperature T5 of the working fluid from the cooler evaporator 260. In one embodiment, the climate controller 290 may operate the climate control circuit 300 using one or more of sensors 292A, 292B, 292C, 292D, 292E, 292F, and 292G. For clarity, in Figure 2 The connections between the climate controller 290 and the sensors 292A, 292B, 292C, 292D, 292E, 292F, and 292G are omitted (e.g., dotted lines).

[0076] In one embodiment, a climate control requirement arises for the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 when it needs to climate control one or more of its components. In one embodiment, the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 has a climate control requirement when it needs to provide cooling to the electronic component 206. In one embodiment, the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 has a cooling requirement for the electronic component. For example, a cooling requirement may occur when the temperature T1 of the electronic component 206 exceeds a predetermined limit. In one embodiment, the electronic component 206 is required for efficiency or to protect it from heat damage.

[0077] In one embodiment, the climate control requirement of the main heat transfer circuit 204 is a climate control requirement for a climate-controlled space. In one embodiment, a climate control requirement occurs when the main heat transfer circuit 204 needs to provide climate control to the climate-controlled space. In one embodiment, the climate control requirement may be a cooling requirement for the climate-controlled space. For example, a cooling requirement for the climate-controlled space may occur when the difference between the temperature of the climate-controlled space and the setpoint temperature exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0078] HVACR and Cooler Modes:

[0079] In one embodiment, when both the main heat transfer circuit 202 and the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 have their own climate control requirements, the transport climate control system can be configured to operate the climate control circuit 200 in HVACR and cooler mode. In HVACR and cooler mode, the main evaporator 240 cools the second process fluid PF2, while the cooler evaporator 260 cools the third process fluid PF3.

[0080] In one embodiment, the main expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve, the compressor 210 is a variable speed compressor, and the main heat transfer circuit 202 includes a solenoid valve 270 and an EPR valve 280. In HVACR and cooler modes, the cooler EEV 250, solenoid valve 270, and EPR valve 280 are at least partially open.

[0081] The electronic expansion valve (EEV) has an adjustable opening, allowing the EEV to be adjusted to set the flow rate through it. The "position" of the EEV valve refers to the degree to which the EEV valve is open or closed. For example, climate controller 290 can be configured to position cooler EEV 250 to control the flow rate f1 of the working fluid from cooler EEV 250 to cooler evaporator 260.

[0082] In one embodiment, the speed of the variable-speed compressor 210 is based on the temperature difference between the current temperature of the climate-controlled space and a temperature setpoint T1. In one embodiment, the controller 290 of the transport climate control system controls the variable-speed compressor 210 to have a speed based on said temperature difference, and positions the cooler EEV 250 to have a flow rate f1 based on the outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3 from the cooler evaporator 260. Typically, increasing the flow rate f1 of the working fluid through the cooler evaporator 260 increases the heat absorbed from the third process fluid PF3 and lowers the outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3 from the cooler evaporator 260. In HVACR and cooler modes, the cooler EEV 250 is positioned such that the outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3 is at or below a predetermined setpoint.

[0083] In one embodiment, the predetermined setpoint may be less than 80°F. In one embodiment, the predetermined setpoint may be equal to or approximately 70°F or less than 70°F. In one embodiment, the predetermined setpoint may be equal to or approximately 65°F or less than 65°F. In one embodiment, the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 may be configured to provide sufficient climate control to one or more batteries to maintain a temperature range equal to or approximately 60-70°F.

[0084] In one embodiment, the positioning of the EEV 250 can also be based on the superheat of the working fluid discharged from the cooler evaporator 260. "Superheat" is the difference between the current temperature of the gas and the temperature at which the gas begins to condense. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system and / or climate controller 290 can adjust the position of the EEV 250 based on the superheat of the working fluid discharged from the cooler evaporator 260.

[0085] In one embodiment, the EPR valve 280 has a pressure setting that defines the pressure of the working fluid downstream of the EPR valve 280. The EPR valve 280 is configured to regulate the amount of working fluid passing through it to control the pressure downstream of the EPR valve 280 to achieve a desired pressure setting. The EPR 280 is adjustable, and its pressure setting can be changed. For example, a climate controller 290 can be configured to adjust the position of the EPR valve 280 such that the pressure of the downstream working fluid increases or decreases to achieve a desired pressure setting.

[0086] An increase in the pressure setting of EPR valve 280 causes the main evaporator 240 to operate at a higher pressure. This results in a significant inflow of working fluid into the cooler EEV 250 and the cooler evaporator 260. For example, closing EPR valve 280 causes a greater percentage of working fluid from condenser 220 to flow into the second working fluid stream WF2. Closing EPR valve 280 reduces the operating pressure in cooler evaporator 260, lowers the saturation temperature of the working fluid in cooler evaporator 260, and results in a lower outlet temperature T2 for the third process fluid PF3 from cooler evaporator 260. In one embodiment, closing EPR valve 280 shifts climate control capacity from the main evaporator 240 to cooler evaporator 260 (e.g., reducing the cooling capacity of the main heat transfer circuit while increasing the cooling capacity of cooler evaporator 260). EPR valve 280 can shift climate control capacity without significantly increasing the superheat of the working fluid entering compressor 210. EPR valve 280 can be used to shift climate control capacity while also preventing the working fluid entering compressor 210 from being superheated beyond a desired amount. In one embodiment, even when the main heat transfer circuit 202 is providing large climate control (e.g., the main evaporator 240 is providing large climate control), a colder third process fluid PF3 is required, and / or the compressor 210 is operating at low speed, the EPR valve 280 advantageously controls the saturation temperature of the working fluid at the cooler evaporator 260 to meet the climate control requirements of the cooler heat transfer circuit 204.

[0087] The pressure setting of EPR valve 280 can be increased by partially closing it. In HVACR and cooler modes, when EPR valve 280 reaches or approaches a preset limit, the speed of variable-speed compressor 210 increases and the regulation of EPR valve 280 decreases. In one embodiment, the preset regulation limit is the limit of how much EPR valve 280 can be closed in HVACR and cooler modes. In one embodiment, EPR valve 280 decreases after the speed of variable-speed compressor 210 increases. In one embodiment, after the speed of variable-speed compressor 210 increases, and if the outlet temperature T4 of the second process fluid PF2 is at or below a predetermined setpoint, EPR valve 280 is reset (e.g., fully open, set to its original pressure setting, etc.). In one embodiment, compressor 210 may be a single-speed compressor, and EPR valve 280 may be used to change the climate control capacity of main evaporator 240.

[0088] In one embodiment, the main expansion valve 230 is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV). In one embodiment, the climate control circuit 200 includes a main EEV 230 and a cooler EEV 250. In HVACR and cooler modes, the main EEV 230 controls the flow of working fluid in a first working fluid flow WF1 to the main evaporator 240, while the cooler EEV 230 controls the flow of working fluid in a second working fluid flow WF2 to the cooler evaporator 260. The two EEVs 230 and 250 are located downstream of the condenser 220, parallel to each other.

[0089] The electronic expansion valve (EEV) is adjustable to set the flow rate of the working fluid through the EEV. For example, the climate controller 290 can be configured to operate / regulate the main EEV 230 to change the flow rate f2 of the working fluid going to and passing through the main evaporator 240, and to operate / regulate the cooler EEV 250 to change the flow rate f1 of the working fluid going to and passing through the cooler evaporator 260.

[0090] In one embodiment, electronic component 206 rapidly generates a large amount of heat. For example, electronic component 206 in the embodiment may be a battery that rapidly generates a large amount of heat when charging or discharging electronic components (one or more) and / or power supply components (one or more). Furthermore, electronic component 206 in the embodiment may exhibit significant temperature sensitivity during use.

[0091] Both the main EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250 are adjustable to be fully closed, fully open, and have multiple positions (i.e., steps) between fully open and fully closed. In one embodiment, the main EEV 230 in HVACR and cooler modes is at least partially closed. Closing the main EEV 230 redirects working fluid to the cooler evaporator 260 and increases the flow rate of working fluid through the cooler evaporator 260. This transfers climate control capacity from the main evaporator 240 to the cooler evaporator 260. Closing the main EEV 230 causes the main evaporator 240 to lose working fluid.

[0092] The main EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250 can be adjusted independently. In one embodiment, a transport climate control system and / or controller 290 can be configured to work together to regulate the main EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250. In one embodiment, the main EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250 can be configured to be modulated to allow smooth capacity transfer between the main evaporator 240 and the cooler evaporator 260.

[0093] In one embodiment, the main EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250 can be configured such that the modulation of the EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250 is linked together, resulting in faster capacity transfer between the main evaporator 240 and the cooler evaporator 260, depending on the current capacity distribution between them. In one embodiment, a transport climate control system and / or controller 290 can control the modulation of the EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250 to limit capacity transfer. For example, this can advantageously help prevent flow rate variations that negatively impact the operation of the condenser 220.

[0094] In one embodiment, the climate control circuit 200 is configured to partially allow rapid transfer of climate control capacity between the main evaporator 240 and the cooler evaporator 260. In one embodiment, this may be beneficial for electrical components that rapidly generate large amounts of heat and / or require rapid cooling. In one embodiment, this is beneficial when high energy is required from one or more batteries and / or during high-power charging of one or more batteries.

[0095] HVACR mode:

[0096] In one embodiment, when the main heat transfer circuit 202 has climate control requirements and the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 does not, the climate control circuit 200 can operate in HVACR mode. In HVACR mode, the main evaporator 240 provides cooling to the second process fluid PF2, while the cooler evaporator 260 does not provide cooling to the third process fluid PF3.

[0097] In HVACR mode, flow through the cooler evaporator 260 is blocked. In one embodiment, the cooler EEV 250 is shut off. The shut-off cooler EEV 250 prevents working fluid from flowing through the cooler EEV 250 and the cooler evaporator 260. In one embodiment, the second working fluid flow WF2 may include a solenoid valve 255 upstream of the evaporator cooler 260. The solenoid valve 255 is shut off, preventing working fluid from flowing toward and through the cooler evaporator 260.

[0098] In one embodiment, the main expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve, the compressor 210 is a variable speed compressor, and the main heat transfer circuit 202 includes a solenoid valve 270 and an EPR valve 280, as described above. In one embodiment, the EPR valve 280 and the solenoid valve 270 are at least partially open in HVACR mode.

[0099] In HVACR mode, the working fluid discharged from condenser 220 flows through solenoid valve 270 and TX valve 230 to main evaporator 240, and then through main evaporator and EPR valve 280 to inlet 212 of variable speed compressor 210. In HVACR mode, the speed of variable speed compressor 210 is based on the climate control requirements of the climate-controlled space. In one embodiment, the speed of variable speed compressor 210 is based on the temperature of the climate-controlled space and / or the outlet temperature T4 of the second process fluid PF2.

[0100] In one embodiment, the main expansion valve 230 is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV), as described above. In HVACR mode, the position of the main EEV 230 can be adjusted based on the climate control requirements of the climate-controlled space. In one embodiment, the speed of the compressor 210 is controlled based on the climate control requirements in HVACR mode. In one embodiment, the flow rate f2 of the working fluid through the main EEV 230 is based on the temperature of the climate-controlled space and / or the outlet temperature T4 of the second process fluid PF2. In one embodiment, the controller 290 can be configured to control and / or adjust the position of the main EEV 230 such that the overheating of the working fluid entering the compressor 210 does not exceed a desired amount.

[0101] Cooler mode:

[0102] In one embodiment, when the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 has climate control requirements and the main heat transfer circuit 202 does not have climate control requirements, the heat transfer circuit 202 can operate in cooler mode. In cooler mode, the cooler evaporator 240 provides cooling to the second process fluid PF3, while the main evaporator 240 does not provide cooling to the third process fluid PF2.

[0103] In one embodiment, the main expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve, the compressor 210 is a variable speed compressor, and the main heat transfer circuit 202 includes a solenoid valve 270 and an EPR valve 280, as described above. In one embodiment, in cooler mode, the solenoid valve 270 is closed and the cooler EEV 250 is at least partially open.

[0104] The closed solenoid valve 270 prevents the working fluid from flowing through the main evaporator 240. In cooler mode, the working fluid discharged from the condenser 220 flows through the cooler EEV 250 to and through the cooler evaporator 260. In cooler mode, the speed of the variable-speed compressor 210 and the position of the cooler EEV 250 are based on climate control requirements for the cooler heat transfer circuit 204. In one embodiment, the speed of the variable-speed compressor 210 and the position of the cooler EEV 250 are based on the temperature T1 of the electronics 206 and / or the outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system and / or climate controller 290 in cooler mode is configured to operate the variable-speed compressor 210 at the minimum speed required to achieve the desired outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3.

[0105] In one embodiment, the main expansion valve 230 is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV), as described above. In cooler mode, the main EEV 230 is closed, preventing working fluid from flowing into and through the main evaporator 240.

[0106] Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 300 for operating a transport climate control system (e.g., transport climate control system 110, transport climate control system 132, transport climate control system 145, MTCS 162, transport climate control system 187) for climate-controlled transport units (e.g., climate-controlled truck 100, climate-controlled straight truck 130, climate-controlled transport unit 140, climate-controlled transport unit 160, vehicle 185). The transport climate control system includes climate control circuitry (e.g., climate control circuitry 200), which includes a main heat transfer circuit (e.g., main heat transfer circuitry 202) and a cooler heat transfer circuit (e.g., cooler heat transfer circuitry 204). The main heat transfer circuitry provides climate control for climate-controlled spaces (e.g., climate-controlled spaces 105, 131, 154, 170, 189). In one embodiment, the cooler heat transfer circuit provides climate control to at least one or more electronic components (e.g., electronic component 206, battery 109, battery 139, battery 146, battery 153, battery 165, battery 198) of the climate-controlled transport unit or the tractor towing the climate-controlled transport unit. The method begins at 310.

[0107] At location 310, the controller of the transport climate control system (e.g., Figure 2 The controller 290 shown detects one or more climate control parameters of the climate-controlled vehicle or attached tractor (e.g., tractor 145). In one embodiment, one or more parameters may include, for example, but not limited to, the temperature of the climate-controlled space, the temperature of electronic components (e.g., temperature T1), the temperature of a second climate-controlled space (e.g., second climate-controlled space 107, second climate-controlled space 138, second climate-controlled space 144), the return temperature of the process fluid (e.g., the temperature T6 of the second process fluid PF2), and / or the return temperature of the second process fluid (e.g., the temperature T7 of the third process fluid PF3). Method 300 then proceeds to 320.

[0108] At 320, the controller determines the climate control requirements for the main heat transfer circuit and the cooler heat transfer circuit. In some embodiments, the climate control requirements for the main heat transfer circuit and the cooler heat transfer circuit can be determined based on the climate control parameters obtained at 310.

[0109] In one embodiment, the climate control requirement of the cooler heat transfer circuit may be the cooling requirement of electronic components (e.g., battery cooling requirements). In such an embodiment, the cooler heat transfer circuit may have a climate control requirement when the temperature of the electronic components exceeds a predetermined limit. In one embodiment, the predetermined limit may be, for example, a temperature at which the electronic components operate less efficiently or a temperature to prevent thermal damage to the electronic components.

[0110] In one embodiment, the climate control requirement of the main heat transfer circuit may be a cooling requirement for the climate-controlled space. In this embodiment, a cooling requirement for the climate-controlled space may occur when the difference between the temperature of the climate-controlled space and the setpoint temperature exceeds a predetermined amount. The method then proceeds to 330.

[0111] At point 330, the controller determines whether both the main heat transfer circuit and the cooler heat transfer circuit have climate control requirements. If the controller determines that both the main heat transfer circuit and the cooler heat transfer circuit have climate control requirements, then method 300 proceeds to 340. If the controller determines that neither the main heat transfer circuit nor the cooler heat transfer circuit has climate control requirements, then method 300 proceeds to 350.

[0112] At 340, the climate control system operates the climate control circuitry in HVACR and cooler modes. Operating the climate control circuitry 340 in HVACR and cooler modes may include directing working fluid from the condenser (e.g., condenser 220) into a parallel flow that extends through the main evaporator (e.g., main evaporator 240) and the cooler evaporator (e.g., cooler evaporator 260), which are arranged parallel to each other in the main heat transfer circuitry. The parallel flow may include a first flow (e.g., first working fluid flow WF1) extending through the main expansion valve (e.g., main expansion valve 230) and the main evaporator, and a second flow extending through the cooler electronic expansion valve (e.g., EEV) (e.g., EEE 250 cooler) and the cooler evaporator.

[0113] Operation 340 in HVACR and cooler mode may include operating the cooler EEV in an open position with the cooler EEV at least partially open. In one embodiment, the open position of the cooler EEV may be based on the climate control requirements of the cooler heat transfer circuitry.

[0114] In one embodiment, operating the climate control circuit in HVACR and cooler mode may include controlling the speed of a variable-speed compressor (e.g., compressor 210) and regulating an electronic pressure regulator (EPR) valve (e.g., EPR valve 280) in the main heat transfer circuit. The EPR valve is located in the first flow and is configured to regulate the pressure (e.g., pressure P3) of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator. In one embodiment, the variable-speed compressor may be controlled based on the climate control requirements of the main heat transfer circuit and the cooler heat transfer circuit. In one embodiment, the EPR valve and the cooler EEV may be modulated to alter the climate control provided by the main evaporator and the cooler evaporator. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system closes the EPR valve to transfer climate control capacity (e.g., cooling capacity) in the climate control circuit from the main evaporator to the cooler evaporator. The climate control circuit operates the EPR valve based on the outlet temperature of the process fluid from the cooler evaporator (e.g., the outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3) and the superheat of the working fluid discharged from the cooler evaporator. Method 300 then returns to 320 or optionally to 310.

[0115] At 350, the controller determines whether the main heat transfer circuit has a climate control requirement and whether the refrigeration unit heat transfer circuit does not. If the controller determines that the main heat transfer circuit has a climate control requirement and the refrigeration unit heat transfer circuit does not, then method 300 proceeds to 360. Otherwise, method 300 proceeds to 370.

[0116] At 360, the climate control system operates the main climate control circuit in HVACR mode. Operating the climate control circuit 360 in HVACR mode may include directing working fluid from the condenser through the main expander and the main evaporator, and preventing the working fluid from flowing through the cooler evaporator. In one embodiment, preventing the working fluid from flowing through the cooler evaporator includes positioning the EEV valve in the closed position. In one embodiment, preventing the working fluid from flowing through the cooler evaporator may include closing solenoid valves (e.g., solenoid valve 255) upstream of the evaporator cooler and downstream of the condenser.

[0117] In one embodiment, operating the climate control circuit 360 in HVACR mode may include controlling the speed of the variable-speed compressor in the main heat transfer circuit based on the climate control requirements of the main heat transfer circuit. In one embodiment, the speed of the variable-speed compressor may be adjusted based on the temperature of the climate-controlled space, the outlet temperature of the process fluid from the main evaporator (e.g., the outlet temperature T4 of the second process fluid PF2), and / or the return temperature of the process fluid to the main evaporator (e.g., the return temperature T6 of the second process fluid PF2). Method 300 then returns to 320 or optionally to 310.

[0118] At 370, the controller determines whether the cooler heat transfer circuit has a climate control requirement and whether the main heat transfer circuit does not. If the controller determines that the cooler heat transfer circuit has a climate control requirement and the main heat transfer circuit does not, method 300 proceeds to 380. Otherwise, method 300 returns to 320 or optionally to 310. In one embodiment, when neither the main heat transfer circuit nor the cooler heat transfer circuit has a climate control requirement, the method returns from 370 to 310.

[0119] At 380, the climate control system operates the main climate control circuit only in cooler mode. Operating the climate control circuit 380 in cooler mode may include directing working fluid from the condenser through the cooler EEV and the cooler evaporator, and preventing working fluid from flowing through the main evaporator.

[0120] In 380, directing the working fluid from the condenser through the cooler EEV may include positioning the cooler EEV in an open position that allows the working fluid to pass through the cooler EEV to the cooler evaporator. In one embodiment, the open position of the cooler EEV may be based on the climate control requirements of the cooler heat transfer circuitry. In one embodiment, the open position of the cooler EEV may be based on one or more of the following: the temperature of the electronic component (e.g., the temperature T1 of electrical component 206), the return temperature of the second process fluid to the cooler evaporator (e.g., the return temperature T7 of the third process fluid PF3), and / or the outlet temperature of the process fluid from the cooler evaporator (e.g., the outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3).

[0121] In one embodiment, preventing the flow of working fluid through the main evaporator at 380 may include positioning a solenoid valve (e.g., solenoid valve 270) in a closed position. The solenoid valve may be located downstream of the condenser and upstream of the main evaporator. A closed solenoid valve prevents working fluid discharged from the condenser from flowing into and through the main evaporator.

[0122] In one embodiment, the main expansion valve in the heat transfer circuit is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV). In one embodiment, preventing the working fluid from flowing through the main evaporator at 380 includes positioning the main EEV in the closed position. Closing the main EEV prevents the working fluid discharged from the condenser from flowing into and through the main evaporator.

[0123] It should be understood that in some embodiments, one or more determinations and actions in method 300 may be performed by a climate controller (e.g., climate controller 125, climate controller 135, climate controller 156, climate controller 195) of the transport climate control system in the embodiments. In one embodiment, method 300 may include and / or be modified to include, for example, Figure 2Features of the climate control circuit 200 shown and / or described above.

[0124] aspect:

[0125] Any of aspects 1-7 can be combined with any of aspects 8-14.

[0126] Aspect 1. A transport climate control system for a climate-controlled transport unit, the climate-controlled transport unit including a climate-controlled space, the transport climate control system comprising:

[0127] The main heat transfer circuit includes:

[0128] A compressor is used to compress working fluids.

[0129] The condenser downstream of the compressor cools the working fluid compressed by the compressor with the first process fluid.

[0130] The main expansion valve and the cooler electronic expansion valve (EEV), located parallel to each other downstream of the condenser, expand the working fluid cooled by the condenser.

[0131] A main evaporator and a cooler evaporator, located parallel to each other downstream of the condenser, heat the working fluid expanded by a main expansion valve and a cooler EEV, wherein the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve is configured to flow through the main evaporator and cool a second process fluid in the main evaporator, the main expansion valve or an electronic pressure regulator valve located downstream of the main evaporator being configured to regulate the climate control capacity of the main evaporator, wherein the working fluid expanded by the cooler EEV is configured to flow through the cooler evaporator and cool a third process fluid in the cooler evaporator, the cooler EEV controlling the flow of the working fluid to the cooler evaporator; and

[0132] The heat transfer circuit of the cooler includes:

[0133] The third process fluid is configured to flow through the cooler heat transfer circuit and provide auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system, wherein...

[0134] The second process fluid is configured to cool a climate-controlled space.

[0135] Aspect 2. The transport climate control system according to aspect 1, wherein the third process fluid is configured to cool one or more of the batteries of the climate-controlled transport unit and the batteries of the tractor attached to the climate-controlled transport unit.

[0136] Aspect 3. A transport climate control system according to either Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the third process fluid is a liquid.

[0137] Aspect 4. The transport climate control system according to any one of Aspects 1-3, wherein the compressor is a variable speed compressor.

[0138] Aspect 5. The transport climate control system according to any one of Aspects 1-4, wherein the main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve, and the main heat transfer circuit comprises:

[0139] An electronic pressure regulator valve is located downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor. The electronic pressure regulator is configured to control the pressure of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator.

[0140] Aspect 6. The transport climate control system according to aspect 5, wherein the electronic pressure regulator valve is configured to control the pressure of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator based on the outlet temperature of the third process fluid from the cooler evaporator.

[0141] Aspect 7. The transport climate control system according to any one of Aspects 1-6, wherein the main expander is an electronic expansion valve that controls the flow of the working fluid to the main evaporator.

[0142] Aspect 8. A method for operating a climate-controlled transport unit in a transport climate system, the transport climate control system comprising a main heat transfer circuit and a cooler heat transfer circuit, the main heat transfer circuit comprising a compressor, a condenser, a main evaporator and a cooler evaporator arranged parallel to each other downstream of the condenser, and a main expansion valve and a cooler electronic expansion valve (EEV) downstream of the condenser, the method comprising:

[0143] Determine the climate control requirements for the main heat transfer circuit and the cooler heat transfer circuit.

[0144] When both the main heat transfer circuit and the cooler heat transfer circuit have climate control requirements, the system operates in HVACR and cooler mode. Operating in HVACR and cooler mode includes guiding the working fluid through the main evaporator and cooler evaporator in a parallel flow manner. The main evaporator cooling is configured to cool the first process fluid in the climate-controlled space of the climate-controlled transport unit. The main expansion valve or the electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator is configured to regulate the climate capacity of the main evaporator. The cooler evaporator cooling provides a second process fluid that provides auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system. The cooler EEV controls the flow of the working fluid into and through the cooler evaporator.

[0145] When only the main heat transfer circuit has climate control requirements, it operates in HVACR mode, wherein operating in HVACR mode includes directing the working fluid through the main evaporator and blocking the flow of the working fluid to the cooler evaporator; and

[0146] When only the cooler heat transfer circuit has climate control requirements, it operates in cooler mode, wherein operating in cooler mode includes guiding the working fluid through the cooler evaporator and blocking the flow of the working fluid through the main evaporator.

[0147] Aspect 9: According to the method of aspect 8, wherein guiding the working fluid through the cooler evaporator in cooler mode includes positioning the cooler EEV in the open position based on the climate control requirements of the cooler heat transfer circuit.

[0148] Aspect 10. The method according to any one of Aspects 8 and 9, wherein, in HVACR and cooler modes, guiding the working fluid through the main evaporator and cooler evaporator in a parallel flow manner comprises:

[0149] The first portion of the working fluid from the condenser is guided through a first stream of parallel flow, including the main expansion valve and the main evaporator.

[0150] The second portion of the working fluid from the condenser is directed through a second stream comprising the cooler EEV and the cooler evaporator.

[0151] Aspect 11. The method according to any one of Aspects 8-10, wherein,

[0152] The main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve, and

[0153] In HVACR and cooler modes, the working fluid is guided in a parallel flow through the main evaporator and cooler evaporator, including:

[0154] A portion of the working fluid from the condenser is guided through a first parallel flow comprising a thermostatic expansion valve, the main evaporator, and electronic pressure regulator valves downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor.

[0155] The position of the electronic pressure regulator valve is controlled based on the outlet temperature of the second process fluid from the cooler evaporator and the superheat of the working fluid discharged from the cooler evaporator.

[0156] Aspect 12. The method according to any one of Aspects 8-11, wherein,

[0157] The compressor is a variable speed compressor, and

[0158] Operation in HVACR and cooler modes involves controlling the speed of the variable-speed compressor based on the outlet temperature of the second process fluid from the cooler expander.

[0159] Aspect 13. The method according to aspect 12, wherein operating in HVACR and cooler mode includes increasing the speed of the variable speed compressor to avoid positioning the electronic pressure regulator valve at or above a preset limit.

[0160] Aspect 14. The method according to any one of Aspects 8-13, wherein,

[0161] The main expansion valve is the main electronic expansion valve (EEV), and

[0162] In HVACR and cooler modes, the working fluid is guided in a parallel flow through the main evaporator and cooler evaporator, including:

[0163] The main EEV is positioned based on the climate control requirements of the main evaporator, and

[0164] Climate control requirements based on cooler heat transfer circuits are used to locate the cooler EEV.

[0165] The embodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description; and all variations within the meaning and equivalent scope of the claims are included therein.

Claims

1. A transport climate control system for a climate-controlled transport unit, the climate-controlled transport unit comprising a climate-controlled space, characterized in that, The transport climate control system includes: The main heat transfer circuit includes: The compressor is used to compress the working fluid. The condenser downstream of the compressor cools the working fluid compressed by the compressor with the first process fluid. The main expansion valve and the cooler electronic expansion valve, located parallel to each other downstream of the condenser, expand the working fluid cooled by the condenser. A main evaporator and a cooler evaporator are located parallel to each other downstream of the condenser to heat the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve and the cooler electronic expansion valve, wherein the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve is configured to flow through the main evaporator and cool a second process fluid in the main evaporator, the main expansion valve or an electronic pressure regulator valve located downstream of the main evaporator is configured to regulate the climate control capacity of the main evaporator, wherein the working fluid expanded by the cooler electronic expansion valve is configured to flow through the cooler evaporator and cool a third process fluid in the cooler evaporator, and the cooler electronic expansion valve controls the flow of the working fluid to the cooler evaporator; A controller for controlling a transport climate control system, the controller transferring climate control capacity from the main evaporator to the cooler evaporator in one of the following ways: Partially close the electronic pressure regulator valve, or The main expansion valve, which is an electronic expansion valve, is partially closed. and Cooler heat transfer circuit, the cooler heat transfer circuit includes: The cooler evaporator, wherein the third process fluid is configured to flow through the cooler heat transfer circuit and provide auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system, wherein The second process fluid is configured to cool the climate-controlled space.

2. The transportation climate control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third process fluid is configured to cool one or more of the batteries of the climate-controlled transport unit and the batteries of the tractor attached to the climate-controlled transport unit.

3. The transportation climate control system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fluid used in the third process is a liquid.

4. The transport climate control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressor is a variable speed compressor.

5. The transport climate control system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve, and the main heat transfer circuit includes: The electronic pressure regulator valve is located downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor. The electronic pressure regulator is configured to control the pressure of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator.

6. The transport climate control system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The electronic pressure regulator valve is configured to control the pressure of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator based on the outlet temperature of the third process fluid from the cooler evaporator.

7. The transport climate control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller transfers climate control capacity from the main evaporator to the cooler evaporator by partially shutting down the main expander, which is the electronic expansion valve.

8. The transport climate control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat transfer circuit includes the electronic pressure regulator valve, and the controller transfers climate control capacity from the main evaporator to the cooler evaporator by partially closing the electronic pressure regulator valve.

9. A method for operating a climate-controlled transport unit, characterized in that, The transportation climate control system includes a main heat transfer circuit and a cooler heat transfer circuit. The main heat transfer circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, a main evaporator and a cooler evaporator arranged parallel to each other downstream of the condenser, and a main expansion valve and a cooler electronic expansion valve downstream of the condenser. The method includes: Determine the climate control requirements of the main heat transfer circuit and the cooler heat transfer circuit. When both the main heat transfer circuit and the cooler heat transfer circuit have climate control requirements, operation is performed in HVACR and cooler mode. Operating in HVACR and cooler mode includes guiding the working fluid in a parallel flow through the main evaporator and the cooler evaporator, wherein the main evaporator cooling is configured to cool a first process fluid in the climate-controlled space of the climate-controlled transport unit, the main expansion valve or an electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator is configured to regulate the climate capacity of the main evaporator, wherein the cooler evaporator cools a second process fluid that provides auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system, and the cooler electronic expansion valve controls the flow of the working fluid into and through the cooler evaporator. Operating in HVACR and cooler mode includes transferring climate control capacity from the main evaporator to the cooler evaporator by one of the following methods: Partially close the electronic pressure regulator valve, or The main expansion valve, which is an electronic expansion valve, is partially closed. When only the main heat transfer circuit has climate control requirements, it operates in HVACR mode, wherein operating in HVACR mode includes directing the working fluid through the main evaporator and blocking the flow of the working fluid to the cooler evaporator; and When only the cooler heat transfer circuit has climate control requirements, it operates in cooler mode, wherein operating in cooler mode includes guiding the working fluid through the cooler evaporator and preventing the flow of the working fluid through the main evaporator.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that: Guiding the working fluid through the cooler evaporator in cooler mode includes positioning the cooler electronic expansion valve in the open position based on the climate control requirements of the cooler heat transfer circuit.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that: In the HVACR and cooler modes, guiding the working fluid through the main evaporator and the cooler evaporator in a parallel flow manner includes: The first portion of the working fluid from the condenser is guided through a first parallel flow including the main expansion valve and the main evaporator, and A second portion of the working fluid from the condenser is directed through a second flow comprising the cooler's electronic expansion valve and the cooler's evaporator.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve, and In the HVACR and cooler modes, guiding the working fluid through the main evaporator and the cooler evaporator in a parallel flow manner includes: A portion of the working fluid from the condenser is guided through a first flow of parallel flow comprising the thermostatic expansion valve, the main evaporator, and the electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor. The position of the electronic pressure regulator valve is controlled based on the outlet temperature of the second process fluid from the cooler evaporator and the superheat of the working fluid discharged from the cooler evaporator.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The compressor is a variable speed compressor, and Operation in the HVACR and cooler modes includes controlling the speed of the variable-speed compressor based on the outlet temperature of the second process fluid from the cooler expander.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that: Operating in HVACR and cooler mode involves increasing the speed of the variable speed compressor to avoid positioning the electronic pressure regulator valve at or above a preset limit.

15. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The main expansion valve is a main electronic expansion valve, and In the HVACR and cooler modes, guiding the working fluid through the main evaporator and the cooler evaporator in a parallel flow manner includes: The main electronic expansion valve is positioned based on the climate control requirements of the main evaporator, and The electronic expansion valve of the cooler is located based on the climate control requirements of the cooler's heat transfer circuit.

16. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Climate control capacity is transferred from the main evaporator to the cooler evaporator by partially closing the electronic pressure regulator valve.

17. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Climate control capacity is transferred from the main evaporator to the cooler evaporator by partially closing the main expansion valve, which is the electronic expansion valve.

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