Transportation Climate Control System Power Architecture

Abstract

A transportation climate control system is disclosed. The system includes a compressor, a motor-generator-rectifier, a belt drive connected to the motor-generator-rectifier and the compressor, at least one condenser fan, at least one evaporator fan, and a DC-DC converter. The motor-generator-rectifier is connected to the at least one condenser fan, the at least one evaporator fan, and the DC-DC converter and includes a motor, a low-voltage generator connected to the motor, and a rectifier connected to the low-voltage generator. The motor-generator-rectifier can provide a first low-voltage DC power to the at least one condenser fan, the at least one evaporator fan, and the DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter can convert the first low-voltage DC power into a second low-voltage DC power different from the first low-voltage DC power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power architecture for providing energy to a transportation climate control system. Background Art

[0002] A transport climate control system is typically used to control environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a climate-controlled space of a transport unit (e.g., a truck, a container (e.g., a container on a flatbed, an intermodal container, etc.), a box truck, a semi-tractor truck, a bus, or other similar transport unit). A transport climate control system may include, for example, a transport refrigeration system (TRS) and / or a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The TRS may control environmental conditions within the climate-controlled space to maintain cargo (e.g., produce, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, etc.). The HVAC system may control environmental conditions within the climate-controlled space to provide a comfortable ride experience for passengers traveling in the transport unit. In some transport units, the transport climate control system may be mounted externally (e.g., on the roof of the transport unit, on the front wall of the transport unit, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a power architecture for providing energy to a transportation climate control system.

[0004] In some embodiments, the transportation climate control system is equipped with a diesel engine as a prime mover, which drives a motor-generator-rectifier through a belt drive, thereby providing low voltage DC power to drive low voltage DC components, such as (one or more) low voltage DC condenser fans and / or (one or more) evaporator fans.

[0005] Embodiments described herein are directed to a transport climate control system that includes condenser fan(s) and / or evaporator fan(s), wherein the condenser fan(s) and / or evaporator fan(s) are electrically driven variable speed DC fans. Thus, the embodiments described herein can provide flexibility in the size and location of the condenser fan(s) and / or evaporator fan(s). The embodiments described herein can also provide flexibility in the size and location of the condenser coil and / or evaporator coil. The embodiments described herein can also facilitate variable condenser fan(s) and / or evaporator fan(s), which can optimize the performance of the transport climate control system over the entire operating range while also allowing the user to control the desired airflow within the climate-controlled space of the transport unit. Thus, compared to conventional transport climate control systems having condenser fan(s) and / or evaporator fan(s) powered by a mechanical transmission (e.g., a belt drive or gear drive), the embodiments described herein can reduce energy consumption and lower total cost of ownership.

[0006] In one embodiment, a transportation climate control system is disclosed. The transportation climate control system includes a compressor, a motor-generator-rectifier, a belt drive connected to the motor-generator-rectifier and the compressor, at least one condenser fan, at least one evaporator fan, and a DC-DC converter. The motor-generator-rectifier is connected to the at least one condenser fan, the at least one evaporator fan, and the DC-DC converter. The motor-generator-rectifier includes a motor, a low-voltage generator connected to the motor, and a rectifier connected to the low-voltage generator. The motor-generator-rectifier is configured to provide a first low-voltage DC power to the at least one condenser fan, the at least one evaporator fan, and the DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter is configured to convert the first low-voltage DC power into a second low-voltage DC power different from the first low-voltage DC power.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for distributing power for a transportation climate control system is disclosed. The method includes distributing power to a motor-generator-rectifier. The motor-generator-rectifier includes a motor, a low-voltage generator, and a rectifier. The method also includes the motor-generator-rectifier generating a first low-voltage DC power to drive at least one condenser fan, at least one evaporator fan, and a DC-DC converter. The method also includes the DC-DC converter converting the first low-voltage DC power to a second low-voltage DC power different from the first low-voltage DC power. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this disclosure, and which illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described herein may be practiced.

[0009] Figure 1A A side view of a van 6 having a transportation climate control system is shown according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 1B A side view of a truck with a transport climate control system is shown according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 1C A perspective view of a climate controlled transport unit having a transport climate control system attached to a tractor is shown according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 1D A side view of a climate controlled transport unit with a multi-zone transport climate control system is shown according to one embodiment.

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

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a climate control circuit according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a climate control power system according to one embodiment.

[0016] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present disclosure relates to an electrical architecture for a transportation climate control system.

[0018] In some embodiments, a transportation climate control system is equipped with a diesel engine as a prime mover that drives a motor-generator-rectifier through a belt drive, thereby providing low voltage DC power to drive low voltage DC components, such as low voltage DC condenser fan(s) and / or evaporator fan(s).

[0019] As defined herein, "low voltage" refers to Class A of ISO 6469-3 in an automotive environment. Specifically, "low voltage" refers to a maximum operating voltage between 0V and 60VDC or between 0V and 30VAC. For example, low voltage can be 12VDC, 24VDC, 48VDC, or other suitable DC voltage.

[0020] As defined herein, "high voltage" refers to Class B of ISO 6469-3 in an automotive environment. Specifically, "high voltage" refers to a maximum operating voltage between 60 V and 1500 VDC, or between 30 V and 1000 VDC. For example, high voltage can be 350 VDC, 400 VDC, 700 VDC, 800 VDC, or other suitable DC voltage.

[0021] Figure 1A A climate controlled van 100 is depicted that includes a climate controlled space 105 for carrying cargo and a transportation climate control system 110 for providing climate control within the climate controlled space 105. The transportation climate control system 110 includes a climate control unit (CCU) 115 mounted on a roof 120 of the van 100. The transportation climate control system 110 may include, among other components, a climate control circuit (see Figure 2 ), the climate control circuitry connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion device to provide climate control within the climate controlled space 105. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to climate controlled vans, but may be applied to any type of transport unit (e.g., a truck, a container (e.g., a container on a flatbed, an intermodal container, an offshore container, etc.), a box truck, a semi-tractor, a bus, or other similar transport unit), etc.

[0022] The transport climate control system 110 also includes a programmable climate controller 125 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 110 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the van 100, ambient humidity outside the van 100, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU 115 to the climate-controlled space 105, return air temperature of air returned from the climate-controlled space 105 to the CCU 115, humidity within the climate-controlled space 105, etc.) and transmit the parameter data to the climate controller 125. The climate controller 125 is configured to control the operation of the transport climate control system 110, including the components of the climate control circuit. The climate control unit 115 may include a single integrated control unit 126, or may include a distributed network of 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.

[0023] Figure 1BA climate controlled truck 130 is depicted that includes a climate controlled space 131 for carrying cargo and a transport climate control system 132. The transport climate control system 132 includes a CCU 133 mounted to a front wall 134 of the climate controlled space 131. The CCU 133 may include, among other components, a climate control circuit (see FIG. Figure 2 ), which connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion device to provide climate control within the climate-controlled space 131.

[0024] The transport climate control system 132 also includes a programmable climate controller 135 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 132 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the truck 130, ambient humidity outside the truck 130, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU 133 to the climate-controlled space 131, return air temperature of air returned from the climate-controlled space 131 to the CCU 133, humidity within the climate-controlled space 131, etc.) and transmit the parameter data to the climate controller 135. The climate controller 135 is configured to control the operation of the transport climate control system 132, including the components of the climate control circuit. The climate controller 135 may include a single integrated control unit 136, or may include a distributed network of 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.

[0025] Figure 1C One embodiment of a climate controlled transport unit 140 is shown attached to a tractor 142. The climate controlled transport unit 140 includes a transport climate control system 145 for the transport unit 150. The tractor 142 is attached to the transport unit 150 and is configured to tow the transport unit 150. Figure 1C The transport unit 150 shown in FIG. 1 is a trailer.

[0026] The transport climate control system 145 includes a CCU 152 that provides environmental control (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a climate-controlled space 154 of the transport unit 150. The CCU 152 is disposed on a front wall 157 of the transport unit 150. It should be understood that in other embodiments, 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 ), which connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion device to provide conditioned air within the climate-controlled space 154.

[0027] 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 by the CCU 152 to the climate-controlled space 154, return air temperature of air returned from the climate-controlled space 154 to the CCU 152, humidity within the climate-controlled space 154, etc.) and transmit the parameter data to the climate controller 156. The climate controller 156 is configured to control the operation of the transport climate control system 145, including the components of the climate control circuit. The climate controller 156 may include a single integrated control unit 158, or may include a distributed network of 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.

[0028] 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 towed, for example, by a tractor (not shown). It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to tractor and trailer units, but can be applied to any type of transport unit (e.g., a truck, a container (e.g., a container on a flatbed, an intermodal container, an offshore container, etc.), a box truck, a semi-tractor, a bus, or other similar transport unit).

[0029] The MTCS 162 includes a CCU 166 and a plurality of remote units 168 that provide environmental control (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a climate-controlled space 170 of the transport unit 164. The climate-controlled space 170 can be divided into a plurality of partitions 172. The term "partition" refers to a portion of an area of ​​the climate-controlled space 170 separated by a wall 174. The CCU 166 can serve as a master unit and provide climate control within a first partition 172a of the climate-controlled space 166. The remote unit 168a can provide climate control within a second partition 172b of the climate-controlled space 170. The remote unit 168b can provide climate control within a third partition 172c of the climate-controlled space 170. Thus, the MTCS 162 can be used to separately and independently control the environmental condition(s) within each of the plurality of partitions 172 of the climate-controlled space 162.

[0030] The CCU 166 is disposed on the front wall 167 of the transport unit 160. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the CCU 166 may be disposed on, for example, the roof or another wall of the transport unit 160. The CCU 166 includes a climate control circuit (see Figure 2 ), which connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion device to provide conditioned air within the climate-controlled space 170. Remote unit 168a is disposed on ceiling 179 within second zone 172b, and remote unit 168b is disposed on ceiling 179 within third zone 172c. Each remote unit 168a, 168b includes an evaporator (not shown) that is connected to the remaining climate control circuitry disposed in CCU 166.

[0031] MTCS 162 also includes a programmable climate controller 180 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of MTCS 162 (e.g., ambient temperature outside transport unit 164, ambient humidity outside transport unit 164, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperature of air supplied to each of zones 172 by CCU 166 and remote unit 168, return air temperature of air returned from each zone 172 to the corresponding CCU 166 or remote unit 168a or 168b, humidity within each of zones 118, etc.) and transmit the parameter data to climate controller 180. Climate controller 180 is configured to control the operation of MTCS 162, including components of the climate control circuit. Climate controller 180 may include a single integrated control unit 181, or may include a distributed network of 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.

[0032] Figure 1E 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle 185 including a transportation climate control system 187 according to one embodiment. The vehicle 185 is a public transportation vehicle that can transport (one or more) passengers (not shown) to one or more destinations. In other embodiments, the vehicle 185 can be a school bus, a rail car, a subway, or other commercial vehicle that carries passengers. The vehicle 185 includes a climate controlled space (e.g., a passenger cabin) 189 that can accommodate multiple passengers. The vehicle 185 includes a door 190 located on one side of the vehicle 185. Figure 1E In the embodiment shown in FIG, a first door 190 is located near the front end of the vehicle 185 and a second door 190 is located toward 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 transportation climate control system 187 includes a CCU 192 attached to a roof 194 of the vehicle 185.

[0033] CCU192 includes the climate control circuit (see Figure 2 ), which connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion device to provide conditioned air within the climate-controlled space 189. The transportation climate control system 187 also includes a programmable climate controller 195 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the transportation climate control system 187 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the vehicle 185, space temperature within the climate-controlled space 189, ambient humidity outside the vehicle 185, space humidity within the climate-controlled space 189, etc.) and transmit parameter data to the climate controller 195. The climate controller 195 is configured to control the operation of the transportation climate control system 187, including the components of the climate control circuit. The climate controller 195 may include a single integrated control unit 196, or may include a distributed network of 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.

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a climate control circuit 200 according to one embodiment. The climate control circuit 200 may be used, for example, in transportation climate control systems 110, 132, 145, 162, and 187 (e.g., Figures 1A-1E ). Climate control circuit 200 generally includes a compressor 220, a condenser 240, an expansion device 260, and an evaporator 280. Climate control circuit 200 is an example and can be modified to include additional components. For example, in one embodiment, climate control circuit 200 can include other components such as, but not limited to, an economizer heat exchanger, one or more flow control devices, a receiving water tank, a dryer, a suction heat exchanger, one or more condenser blowers / fans, one or more evaporator blowers / fans, one or more sensors, a controller, and the like.

[0035] The climate control circuit 200 can generally be applied to various systems for controlling environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) in a space (often referred to as a conditioned space). Examples of such systems include, but are not limited to, HVAC systems, transportation climate control systems, etc. In one embodiment, the HVAC system can be a rooftop unit or a heat pump air conditioning unit.

[0036] Compressor 220, condenser 240, expansion device 260, and evaporator 280 are fluidically connected. In one embodiment, climate control circuit 200 can be configured as a cooling system (e.g., an air conditioning system) capable of operating in a cooling mode. In one embodiment, climate control circuit 200 can be configured as a heat pump system capable of operating in both a cooling mode and a heating / defrost mode.

[0037] The climate control circuit 200 can operate according to well-known principles. The climate control circuit 200 can be configured to heat or cool a liquid process fluid (e.g., a heat transfer fluid or medium (e.g., a liquid such as, but not limited to, water), in which case the climate control circuit 200 can generally represent a liquid chiller system. The climate control circuit 200 can alternatively be configured to heat or cool a gaseous process fluid (e.g., a heat transfer medium or fluid (e.g., a gas such as, but not limited to, air), in which case the climate control circuit 200 can generally represent an air conditioner or heat pump.

[0038] During operation, compressor 220 compresses a working fluid (e.g., a heat transfer fluid (e.g., refrigerant)) from a relatively low-pressure gas to a relatively high-pressure gas. The relatively high-pressure gas, also at a relatively high temperature, is discharged from compressor 220 and flows through condenser 240. According to generally known principles, the working fluid flows through condenser 200 and rejects heat to a process fluid (e.g., water, air, etc.), thereby cooling the working fluid. The cooled working fluid, now in a liquid state, flows to expansion device 260. Expansion device 260 reduces the pressure of the working fluid. As a result, a portion of the working fluid is converted to a gaseous state. The working fluid, now a mixture of liquid and gas, flows to evaporator 280. The working fluid flows through evaporator 280 and absorbs heat from the process fluid (e.g., a heat transfer medium (e.g., water, air, etc.)), heating the working fluid and converting it to a gaseous state. The gaseous working fluid then returns to compressor 220. This process continues when the heat transfer circuit is operating, for example, in cooling mode.

[0039] Figure 3 FIG is a schematic diagram of a climate control power system 300 according to one embodiment. It should be understood that the climate control power system 300 can be used to provide energy to Figure 2 The climate control power system 300 can also power a compressor 220 of the climate control circuit 200 and at least one condenser fan associated with the condenser 240 and at least one evaporator fan associated with the evaporator 280. The climate control power system 300 can also power a transportation climate control system (e.g., Figures 1A-1E The system also provides power to any other components of the transportation climate control system 110 , 132 , 145 , 162 , and 187 shown in FIG. 1 (eg, a vehicle tail lift charger, auxiliary lighting systems within a climate controlled space, etc.).

[0040] The climate control power system 300 includes a compressor 307 (e.g., Figure 2306 ), a belt drive 306, a prime mover 304, and a clutch 320. Compressor 307 can be mechanically driven by the belt drive 306 or by the prime mover 304 via the clutch 320. The prime mover 304 can be an internal combustion engine (e.g., a diesel engine, a compression ignition engine, etc.). In one embodiment, the compressor 307 can be directly mounted to the prime mover 304 via the clutch 320. In such an embodiment, the prime mover 304 can be configured to mechanically drive the compressor 307 via the clutch 320, for example, when the clutch 320 is engaged (to the compressor 307 and the belt drive 306). When the clutch 320 does not engage the compressor 307 to the belt drive 306, the compressor 307 can be driven by the motor-generator-rectifier 305 via the belt drive 306.

[0041] The motor-generator-rectifier 305 includes a motor 315 (e.g., AC motor windings), a generator 308 connected to the motor 315 (e.g., low-voltage AC generator windings that generate electrical energy when the shaft of the motor-generator-rectifier 305 rotates), and a rectifier 309 (e.g., an AC-DC rectifier) ​​connected to the generator 308.

[0042] In one embodiment, when clutch 320 (and thereby prime mover 304) is engaged with compressor 307 and belt drive 306, motor-generator-rectifier 305 can be powered and / or driven by prime mover 304 via belt drive 306 to provide electrical power. In such an embodiment, compressor 307 can be driven directly by prime mover 304 via clutch 320.

[0043] In one embodiment, the motor-generator-rectifier 305 can be connected to an AC power source 314. In such an embodiment, the clutch 320 (and therefore the prime mover 304) is disconnected from the compressor 307 and the belt drive 306. The AC power source 314 can be, for example, shore power / utility power. The AC power source 314 can be a three-phase AC power source. The AC power source 314 can provide power to the motor 315 of the motor-generator-rectifier 305 to energize the motor 315. The motor 315 can be an electric motor. In such an embodiment, the motor 315 is a backup motor that serves as an alternative prime mover to provide power to the climate control power system 300, for example, when the prime mover 304 is unavailable.

[0044] When the motor 315 is energized, the motor 315 can rotate the shaft (not shown) of the motor-generator-rectifier 305. It should be understood that the motor 315 and the generator 308 are on the same shaft. The shaft of the motor-generator-rectifier 305 can drive the generator 308 so that the generator 308 can generate AC power. In one embodiment, the generator 308 is a low-voltage generator. The AC power generated by the generator 308 is distributed to the rectifier 309. In one embodiment, the rectifier 309 is an active rectifier. The rectifier 309 can convert the AC power generated by the generator 308 into, for example, low-voltage DC power. In one embodiment, the voltage of the converted low-voltage DC power is 48 volts. When the motor 315 is energized, the motor 315 can also drive the compressor 307 via the belt drive 306.

[0045] The climate control power system 300 includes at least one condenser fan 310, at least one evaporator fan 311, and a DC-DC converter 312. In some embodiments, the at least one condenser fan 310 can be a variable speed fan. In some embodiments, the at least one condenser fan 310 can be a low-voltage DC fan. In some embodiments, the at least one evaporator fan 311 can be a variable speed fan. In some embodiments, the at least one evaporator fan 311 can be a low-voltage DC fan.

[0046] The converted low-voltage DC power from the rectifier 309 is distributed to at least one condenser fan 310, at least one evaporator fan 311, and a DC-DC converter 312. In one embodiment, the DC-DC converter 312 is a buck converter that reduces the converted low-voltage DC power from the rectifier 309 to a second low-voltage DC power.

[0047] In one embodiment, the second low-voltage DC power is distributed to the control system 313 to power and / or charge the control system 313. The control system 313 may include a controller, a rechargeable energy storage system (e.g., a battery), a battery charger, solenoid(s), and / or valve(s), etc. In one embodiment, the second low-voltage DC power has a voltage of 12 volts.

[0048] In operation, in the operating mode of the climate control power system 300, the prime mover 304 is engaged with the compressor 307 and the belt drive 306 via the clutch 320. In this mode, the prime mover 304 directly drives the compressor 307, which is mounted directly on the prime mover 304. The prime mover 304 is connected to and drives the motor-generator-rectifier 305 via the belt drive 306, so that the generator 308 of the motor-generator-rectifier 305 can provide low-voltage AC power to the rectifier 309 of the motor-generator-rectifier 305. The rectifier 309 can convert the low-voltage AC power into low-voltage DC power to drive the low-voltage DC fans (at least one condenser fan 310 and at least one evaporator fan 311) and provide power to the DC-DC converter 312. The DC-DC converter 312 can convert the low voltage DC power from the rectifier 309 into a second low voltage DC voltage to power and / or charge the control system 313 (e.g., charge the battery of the control system 313, provide DC power to the solenoid(s) and valve(s) of the control system 313, etc.).

[0049] In operation, in the standby mode of the climate control power system 300, the prime mover 304 is decoupled from the compressor 307 and the belt drive 306 by the clutch 320. When the AC power source 314 is connected to the motor 315 to energize the motor 315, the AC power source 314 can provide power to the climate control circuit 300. When the motor 315 is energized, the motor 315 can rotate the shaft of the motor-generator-rectifier 315, which can drive the generator 308 to provide low-voltage AC power to the rectifier 309, which in turn can convert the low-voltage AC power to low-voltage DC power, thereby driving the low-voltage DC fans (at least one condenser fan 310 and at least one evaporator fan 311) and providing power to the DC-DC converter 312. The DC-DC converter 312 can convert the low-voltage DC power from the rectifier 309 into a second low-voltage DC power to power and / or charge the control system 313 (e.g., charge a battery of the control system 313, provide DC power to the solenoid valve(s) and valve(s) of the control system 313, etc.). When the motor 315 is energized, the motor 315 can also drive the compressor 307 via the belt drive 306.

[0050] The embodiments disclosed herein allow each of the at least one condenser fan 310 and the at least one evaporator fan 311 to be individually and independently powered and controlled (e.g., by a controller). In this way, the speed of the at least one condenser fan 310 and / or the speed of the at least one evaporator fan 311 can be controlled independently of the speed of the prime mover 304 and / or the speed of the generator 308.

[0051] In one embodiment, at least one condenser fan 310 and / or at least one evaporator fan 311 may be a fully variable speed fan. In such an embodiment, at least one condenser fan 310 and / or at least one evaporator fan 311 may have more than two speeds. It should be understood that a two-speed fan refers to a fan having a high speed and a low speed corresponding to a two-speed engine / generator driving the fan. The fans (310 and / or 311) may be configured to operate continuously and / or in a cyclic sentinel mode. The speed of the fans (310 and / or 311) may be controlled (e.g., by a controller) to optimize fuel economy at each point. For example, the speed of the fans (310 and / or 311) may be controlled based on a curve fit based on, for example, the speed of the prime mover (e.g., engine), the ambient temperature, and / or the cabinet temperature (e.g., the temperature of the climate-controlled space) during operation (e.g., menu interaction). In one embodiment, the fan speed curve fit (the curve used by the controller to determine the fan speed) may be based on the compressor speed, the ambient temperature, and / or the cabinet temperature. In such an embodiment, the speed of the fans (310 and / or 311) can be controlled based on the load of the transport climate control system. In one embodiment, when, for example, an AC power source (such as utility / shore power) is used and the prime mover is disconnected, a curve fit of the fan speed (a curve that the controller uses to determine the speed of the fan) can be used.

[0052] It will be appreciated that in one embodiment, technology from automotive hybrid vehicles may be used to generate electricity for a transport climate control system. For example, an automotive belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) may be used instead of a conventional motor. Figure 3A belt-driven motor-generator-rectifier 305, or directly coupled to a motor 315, provides low-voltage DC power to the low-voltage DC fans (e.g., at least one condenser fan 310 and at least one evaporator fan 311) and the DC-DC converter 312. It should also be understood that, in one embodiment, to generate power for the low-voltage DC fans (e.g., at least one condenser fan 310 and at least one evaporator fan 311) and the DC-DC converter 312, the motor 315 can be directly coupled to a high-voltage generator (instead of the low-voltage generator 308), where the generator can provide high-voltage AC power (e.g., 400VAC, 50Hz). Alternatively, the high-voltage generator can be a belt-driven device that provides high-voltage AC. The high-voltage AC generated by either of the two high-voltage generator configurations can then be input to an AC-to-DC converter, which can provide the required DC power levels for the at least one condenser fan 310, the at least one evaporator fan 311, and / or the control system 313. In some embodiments, AC (e.g., high voltage AC) powered condenser and / or evaporator fans may be used in place of the at least one condenser fan 310 and the at least one evaporator fan 311. In such embodiments, the condenser and / or evaporator fans may be powered by the high voltage generator and / or prime mover 304.

[0053] aspect

[0054] It should be understood that any of aspects 1-11 may be combined with any of aspects 12-15.

[0055] Aspect 1. A transportation climate control system, comprising:

[0056] compressor

[0057] Motor-generator-rectifier;

[0058] a belt drive connected to the motor-generator-rectifier and the compressor;

[0059] at least one condenser fan;

[0060] at least one evaporator fan; and

[0061] DC-DC converters,

[0062] wherein the motor-generator-rectifier is connected to the at least one condenser fan, the at least one evaporator fan and the DC-DC converter,

[0063] Wherein, the motor-generator-rectifier includes:

[0064] electric motor;

[0065] a low voltage generator connected to the electric motor; and

[0066] connected to the rectifier of the low voltage generator,

[0067] wherein the motor-generator-rectifier is configured to provide a first low-voltage DC power to the at least one condenser fan, the at least one evaporator fan, and the DC-DC converter, and

[0068] The DC-DC converter is configured to convert the first low-voltage DC power into a second low-voltage DC power different from the first low-voltage DC power.

[0069] Aspect 2. The transportation climate control system of aspect 1, wherein the compressor is configured to be directly driven by a prime mover via a clutch.

[0070] Aspect 3. The transportation climate control system of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the motor-generator-rectifier is configured to be driven by a prime mover via the belt drive.

[0071] Aspect 4. The transportation climate control system of any of aspects 1-3, wherein the prime mover is a diesel engine.

[0072] Aspect 5. The transportation climate control system of any of aspects 1-4, wherein the compressor is configured to be driven by the electric motor via the belt drive.

[0073] Aspect 6. The transportation climate control system of aspect 1, wherein the electric motor is configured to be driven by an AC power source.

[0074] Aspect 7. The transportation climate control system of aspect 6, wherein the electric motor is configured to rotate a shaft of the motor-generator-rectifier, and

[0075] The shaft is configured to drive the low voltage generator to provide electrical power.

[0076] Aspect 8. The transportation climate control system of any of aspects 1-7, wherein the DC-DC converter is a buck converter that steps down the first low voltage DC power to the second low voltage DC power.

[0077] Aspect 9. The transportation climate control system of any of aspects 1-8, wherein the at least one condenser fan and / or the at least one evaporator fan are variable speed fans.

[0078] Aspect 10. The transportation climate control system of any of aspects 1-9, wherein the speed of the at least one condenser fan and / or the speed of the at least one evaporator fan is controlled independently of the speed of the prime mover and / or the speed of the low voltage generator.

[0079] Aspect 11. The transportation climate control system of any of aspects 1-10, wherein the first low voltage DC power is 48 volts and the second low voltage DC power is 12 volts.

[0080] Aspect 12. A method of distributing power to a transportation climate control system, the method comprising:

[0081] Distributing electrical power to a motor-generator-rectifier unit comprising a motor, a low-voltage generator, and a rectifier,

[0082] The motor-generator-rectifier generates a first low voltage DC power to drive at least one condenser fan, at least one evaporator fan and a DC-DC converter,

[0083] The DC-DC converter converts first low-voltage DC power into second low-voltage DC power different from the first low-voltage DC power.

[0084] Aspect 13. The method according to Aspect 12, further comprising:

[0085] a prime mover directly driving a compressor of said transport climate control system; and

[0086] The prime mover drives the motor-generator-rectifier via a belt drive.

[0087] Aspect 14. The method according to Aspect 12 further includes:

[0088] An AC power source supplies power to the motor of the motor-generator-rectifier;

[0089] The electric motor rotates the shaft of the motor-generator-rectifier; and

[0090] The shaft drives the low voltage generator, thereby providing electricity.

[0091] Aspect 15. The method according to any one of Aspects 12-14, further comprising:

[0092] The speed of the at least one condenser fan and the speed of the at least one evaporator fan are controlled independently of the speed of the prime mover or the speed of the low voltage generator.

[0093] The terms used in this specification are intended to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms "a," "an," and "the" also include plural forms. When used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0094] With respect to the foregoing description, it should be understood that changes may be made in detail, particularly in the construction materials employed and the shapes, sizes, and arrangements of the components, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This specification and the described embodiments are intended to be exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A transport climate control system, characterized in that The transport climate control system comprises: compressor Motor-generator-rectifier; a belt drive connected to the motor-generator-rectifier and the compressor; at least one condenser fan; at least one evaporator fan; and DC-DC converters, wherein the motor-generator-rectifier is connected to the at least one condenser fan, the at least one evaporator fan and the DC-DC converter, Wherein, the motor-generator-rectifier includes: an AC motor connected to the belt drive; An AC low-voltage generator connected to the electric motor, the electric motor and the low-voltage generator being located on the same shaft of the motor-generator-rectifier; and connected to the rectifier of the low voltage generator, wherein the motor-generator-rectifier is configured to provide a first low-voltage DC power to the at least one condenser fan, the at least one evaporator fan, and the DC-DC converter, and The DC-DC converter is configured to convert the first low-voltage DC power into a second low-voltage DC power different from the first low-voltage DC power.

2. The transportation climate control system of claim 1, wherein: The compressor is configured to be directly driven by the prime mover via a clutch.

3. The transportation climate control system of claim 1, wherein: The motor-generator-rectifier is configured to be driven by a prime mover via the belt drive.

4. The transportation climate control system of claim 2, wherein: The prime mover is a diesel engine.

5. The transportation climate control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The compressor is configured to be driven by the electric motor via the belt drive.

6. The transportation climate control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The electric motor is configured to be driven by an AC power source.

7. The transportation climate control system of claim 6, wherein: The electric motor is configured to rotate the shaft of the motor-generator-rectifier, and The shaft is configured to drive the low voltage generator to provide electrical power.

8. The transportation climate control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The DC-DC converter is a step-down converter that steps down the first low-voltage DC power to the second low-voltage DC power.

9. The transportation climate control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The at least one condenser fan and / or the at least one evaporator fan are variable speed fans.

10. The transportation climate control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The speed of the at least one condenser fan and / or the speed of the at least one evaporator fan is controlled independently of the speed of the prime mover and / or the speed of the low voltage generator.

11. The transportation climate control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first low-voltage DC power is 48 volts, and the second low-voltage DC power is 12 volts.

12. A method of distributing power to a transportation climate control system, characterized in that The method comprises: distributing electrical power to a motor-generator-rectifier comprising an AC motor connected to a belt drive, an AC low-voltage generator connected to the motor, and a rectifier, the AC motor being connected to a belt drive, the AC low-voltage generator being connected to the motor, the rectifier being connected to the low-voltage generator, the motor and the low-voltage generator being located on the same shaft of the motor-generator-rectifier, The motor-generator-rectifier generates a first low voltage DC power to drive at least one condenser fan, at least one evaporator fan and a DC-DC converter, The DC-DC converter converts first low-voltage DC power into second low-voltage DC power different from the first low-voltage DC power.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Also includes: a prime mover directly driving a compressor of said transport climate control system; and The prime mover drives the motor-generator-rectifier via a belt drive.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Also includes: An AC power source supplies power to the motor of the motor-generator-rectifier; The electric motor rotates the shaft of the motor-generator-rectifier; and The shaft drives the low voltage generator, thereby providing electricity.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: Also includes: The speed of the at least one condenser fan and the speed of the at least one evaporator fan are controlled independently of the speed of the prime mover or the speed of the low voltage generator.

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