Integrated cooling system and method for transport refrigeration units

Abstract

The present invention relates to an integrated cooling system and method for a transport refrigeration unit, and more particularly to an integrated cooling system and method for a transport refrigeration system, the transport refrigeration system comprising: a heat rejection heat exchanger; a subcooler comprising a plurality of flow paths, the subcooler being operably coupled to a first rejection heat exchanger; and a heat transfer device comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of flow paths, and the second portion is operably coupled to a heat source.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 705,274, filed on June 19, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments relate generally to transport refrigeration units, and more particularly to systems and methods for cooling a heat source in a transport refrigeration unit. Background Art

[0004] Conventional refrigerated cargo trucks or refrigerated tractor trailers (such as those used for transporting cargo by sea, rail or road) typically include a cargo compartment modified to include a refrigeration system located at one end of the truck, trailer or cargo container. A refrigeration system typically includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator connected in series by refrigerant lines in a closed refrigerant circuit. In some cases, a power unit (such as a combustion engine) provides power or drives the compressor of the refrigeration unit and may be a diesel-powered engine, a natural gas-powered engine or another type of engine. In many tractor trailer transport refrigeration systems, the compressor is driven by the engine shaft through a belt drive or through a mechanical inter-axle coupling. In other systems, the engine of the refrigeration unit drives a generator that generates electrical power, which in turn drives the compressor.

[0005] Trucks, trailers, or engine-less transport refrigeration units (TRUs) that use electric drive systems (including hybrid systems that can combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor powered by an energy storage device (e.g., batteries)) may have one or more onboard power electronics packages (PEPs). Generally, a PEP includes systems and components for controlling and converting electrical power.

[0006] As the power demands on electrical systems in alternative fuel vehicles and TRUs increase, there is a growing need to maximize the efficiency and reliability of such systems. Additionally, there is a constant desire to reduce the cost and space required for components within the electrical system in order to minimize the overall cost and weight of the vehicle and TRU.

[0007] PEPs generate heat during operation, which must be managed to ensure generally safe and reliable operation. Typical PEPs are equipped with a heat sink for cooling (e.g., an enlarged fin surface), which increases the weight and size of the PEP where space is generally limited. Additionally, cooling is generally aided by forced air convection over the fins. However, forced air circulation over the PEP increases the risk that condensate will accumulate inside or outside the power electronics enclosure, which could damage the PEP system and components. Thus, there is a need for improved systems and methods for managing the heat generated by PEPs by eliminating enlarged fins and large heat sinks and eliminating the need for unreliable dedicated forced air circulation. Summary of the Invention

[0008] As refrigerated cargo trucks, trailers, and containers are increasingly powered, in whole or in part, by power electronics systems and components, there is a need to regulate the temperature of such systems to ensure safe and reliable operation. A power electronics package (PEP) may include a direct current (DC) power supply, which is generally required by the motor, and a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) inverter (or power inverter) to convert the DC power to AC power. Some vehicles (particularly fuel cell vehicles) may also use two separate voltage sources (such as batteries and fuel cells) to power the electric motors that drive the wheels, and accordingly, the batteries and / or fuel cells may also be included in the PEP. Other devices may also be included, such as power converters (e.g., direct current to direct current (DC / DC)) that typically manage and transfer power from the voltage sources.

[0009] When power is supplied to the truck and / or container, the PEP generates heat. This heat must be dissipated to avoid overheating and damage to the PEP system and components. As described below, the transport refrigeration system can be configured to allow the PEP to discharge the generated heat to the working fluid (e.g., refrigerant). In some embodiments, the PEP can be configured to be operably coupled to a section of the refrigeration flow circuit. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, the PEP can be positioned adjacent to the subcooler 80 in the subcooler refrigerant flow circuit. The PEP, which can be stored in a container (e.g., a heat transfer device 120), can have a channel through which the working fluid can flow. As the working fluid passes through (or in some cases, passes through) the PEP, heat from the PEP can be discharged to the working fluid.

[0010] According to one non-limiting embodiment, a transport refrigeration system includes: a heat rejection heat exchanger; a subcooler comprising a plurality of flow paths, the subcooler operably coupled to the heat rejection heat exchanger; and a heat transfer device comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of flow paths and the second portion is operably coupled to a heat source.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, regarding a transport refrigeration system, wherein the plurality of flow paths includes a first flow path and at least a second flow path.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, regarding a transport refrigeration system, wherein a first portion of the heat transfer device is disposed between the first flow path and at least the second flow path.

[0013] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, the transport refrigeration system further comprises: a compressor comprising a suction port and a discharge port, the compressor being configured to circulate a working fluid through the flow circuit, wherein the heat rejection heat exchanger is operably coupled to the compressor discharge port; and the heat absorption heat exchanger is operably coupled to the compressor suction port.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, in another embodiment, regarding a transport refrigeration system, the heat transfer device further includes a radiator, wherein the radiator includes at least two plates, the at least two plates are operably coupled together in parallel to form a flow channel between adjacent plates, and the radiator is disposed between the first part and the second part.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, regarding a transport refrigeration system, wherein the heat source comprises a power electronics device.

[0016] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, regarding a transport refrigeration system, a power electronics device controls the flow of power between one or more of a battery, a motor, a generator, a refrigerated transport system, and a vehicle power system.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, regarding a transport refrigeration system, the power electronics device includes at least one of a power semiconductor device, a converter, an inverter, a battery, and a fuel cell.

[0018] According to one non-limiting embodiment, a heat transfer apparatus includes a first portion and at least a second portion, wherein the first portion is configured such that the first portion is operably coupled to a refrigeration flow circuit of a subcooler; and at least the second portion is operably coupled to a heat source.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, regarding the heat transfer device, the first portion has a passage therethrough for operatively coupling the heat transfer device to the subcooler refrigeration flow circuit.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, regarding the heat transfer apparatus, wherein a heat sink is operably coupled to at least the first portion and the second portion.

[0021] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in another embodiment, regarding the heat transfer device, the heat sink includes at least two plates that are operably coupled together in parallel to form an air flow channel between adjacent plates.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, regarding the heat transfer apparatus, wherein the heat source comprises a power electronics arrangement.

[0023] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, in another embodiment, regarding a heat transfer apparatus, wherein a power electronics device controls the flow of power between one or more of a battery, a motor, a generator, a refrigerated transport system, and a vehicle power system.

[0024] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, regarding the heat transfer apparatus, the power electronics device comprises at least one of a power semiconductor device, a converter, an inverter, a battery, and a fuel cell.

[0025] According to one non-limiting embodiment, a method of operating a transport refrigeration system includes: operating a heat source operably coupled to a heat transfer device to at least partially provide power to the transport refrigeration system including a compressor and a subcooler; operably coupling the heat transfer device to a subcooler flow circuit to allow a working fluid to absorb heat from at least one of the heat transfer device and the heat source; and rejecting heat from the working fluid to at least one of ambient air and the subcooler.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, a method of operating a transport refrigeration system is provided wherein the working fluid is a high pressure, subcooled refrigerant.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in further embodiments, a method of operating a transport refrigeration system is provided wherein the heat source comprises a power electronics device.

[0028] In addition to or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in another embodiment, a method of operating a transport refrigeration system is provided wherein a power electronics device controls the flow of power between one or more of a battery, a motor, a generator, a refrigerated transport system, and a vehicle power system.

[0029] In addition or alternatively to one or more of the features described above, in another embodiment, a method of operating a transport refrigeration system is provided wherein the power electronics device comprises at least one of a power semiconductor device, a converter, an inverter, a battery, and a fuel cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings form a part of the specification. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 A transport refrigeration system having an engine-less transport refrigeration unit (TRU) is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating an engine-less transport refrigeration unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating portions of an engine-less transport refrigeration unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a transport refrigeration unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods is presented herein by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0037] As discussed below, the engine-less transport refrigeration unit (TRU) 26 can be equipped with one or more power electrical devices for controlling and converting electrical power. In general, power electronics is a technology associated with efficiently converting, controlling, and regulating electrical power from its available input form to a desired electrical output form by static means. Some electronic systems involve the transmission and processing of signals and data and do not process significant amounts of energy. However, power conversion using power electronics is performed using semiconductor switching devices (such as diodes, thyristors, and transistors), and significant amounts of electrical energy are processed. The heat generated by such power electronics during operation should be removed from the system to avoid damage to these devices and to ensure continued safe operation.

[0038] Generally, a power electronics package (PEP) includes power electronics devices that control the flow of power between one or more of a battery, a motor, a generator, the refrigerated transport system 100, and a vehicle (e.g., a truck) powertrain. Batteries, fuel cells, converters, inverters, and power semiconductor devices, which may include power diodes, thyristors, power transistors (e.g., MOSFETs and IGBTs), may be included in the PEP. For example, a frequency converter may be included to adjust the speed of the compressor 50. For example, an inverter assembly may be included to convert DC power to AC power before sending the power to the electric motor (e.g., motor 52).

[0039] refer to Figure 1 , illustrates a transport refrigeration system 20 of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport refrigeration system 20 may include a tractor or vehicle 22, a container 24, and an engine-less transport refrigeration unit (TRU) 26. The container 24 may be pulled by the vehicle 22. It is understood that the embodiments described herein may be applied to shipping containers shipped by train, ship, airplane, or any other suitable container, and thus, the vehicle may be a truck, train, ship, airplane, helicopter, etc.

[0040] The vehicle 22 may include an operator's compartment or cab 28 and a combustion engine 56 as part of the power system or drive system of the vehicle 22. The container 24 may be coupled to the vehicle 22 and thereby pulled or propelled to a desired destination. The trailer may include a top wall 30, a bottom wall 32 opposite and spaced from the top wall 30, two side walls 34 spaced from each other and opposite to each other, and opposite front and rear walls 36 and 38, wherein the front wall 36 is closest to the vehicle 22. The container 24 may further include a door (not shown) (e.g., at the rear wall 38). In addition, the container 24 may further include a renewable power source 37 (e.g., a solar panel): the renewable power source 37 is configured to, among other things, recharge the batteries of the energy storage device 39. The walls 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 together define the boundaries of the cargo compartment 40.

[0041] Typically, the transport refrigeration system 20 is used to transport and distribute goods such as, for example, perishable goods and environmentally sensitive goods (referred to herein as perishable goods). Perishable goods may include, but are not limited to, fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, eggs, dairy products, seeds, flowers, meat, poultry, fish, ice, blood, pharmaceuticals, or any other suitable goods requiring cold chain transportation. In the illustrated embodiment, the TRU 26 is associated with the container 24 to provide desired environmental parameters such as, for example, temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, light exposure, vibration exposure, and other conditions for the cargo compartment 40. In other embodiments, the TRU 26 is a refrigeration system capable of providing a desired temperature and humidity range.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The TRU 26 is generally integrated into the container 24 and can be mounted to the front wall 36. The cargo is maintained at a desired temperature by cooling the cargo compartment 40 of the container 24 via the TRU 26 circulating air into and through the cargo compartment 40. It is further contemplated and understood that the TRU 26 can be applied to any transport compartment (e.g., a shipping container or transport container) and not necessarily to those used in tractor-trailer systems. Furthermore, the transport container 24 can be part of the vehicle 22 or configured to be removed from the frame and wheels (not shown) of the container 24 for alternative shipping means (e.g., sea, rail, air, and others).

[0043] Figure 2is a schematic representation of a TRU 26 in an exemplary embodiment. The TRU 26 can circulate a working fluid in a closed loop to control the temperature in a space such as the cargo compartment 40 of the container 24. The working fluid can be circulated to absorb and remove heat from the space, and the heat can then be rejected elsewhere. The working fluid can be a refrigerant in a gas phase, liquid phase, or multiphase or a mixture of a refrigerant and a non-refrigerant or a blend thereof. In some embodiments, the working fluid can be, among others, a natural refrigerant, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), HFC R-134a, R-404a. The natural refrigerant can be CO2, propane, ammonia, or other natural refrigerants that can include a global warming potential (GWP) of approximately 1. It is understood that the TRU 26 and Figure 1 The transport refrigeration system generally describes a single-stage vapor compression system.

[0044] Compressor 50 can be a single compressor, a two-stage compressor, a scroll compressor, or other compressor suitable for compressing HFCs or natural refrigerants. Other refrigerant systems can be two-stage vapor compression systems. Compressor 50 includes a motor 52, which can be an integrated electric drive motor driven by a synchronous generator 54. Generator 54 can be driven by a diesel engine 56 of the vehicle towing TRU 26. Alternatively, generator 54 can be driven by a separate engine 56. In the exemplary embodiment, engine 56 is a diesel engine.

[0045] The high temperature and high pressure vapor refrigerant leaves the compressor 50 at the discharge port 51 and then generally travels along Figure 2 Flows in the direction of the arrow depicted in FIG to a heat rejection heat exchanger 60 (e.g., a condenser or gas cooler). The heat rejection heat exchanger 60 and subcooler 80, discussed below, each include a plurality of condenser coil fins 62 and tubes 82 that receive air typically blown by a heat rejection heat exchanger fan (not shown). By removing latent heat through this step, the refrigerant condenses into a high-pressure / high-temperature liquid and flows to a receiver 70, which provides storage for excess liquid refrigerant during low-temperature operation.

[0046] The high pressure refrigerant flows from the receiver 70 to the subcooler 80, which enhances the refrigerant subcooling. The subcooler 80 can be positioned adjacent to the heat rejection heat exchanger 60 and is cooled by air flow from a heat rejection heat exchanger fan (not shown). The subcooler 80 can be a single-pass subcooler or, as shown, a multiple-pass subcooler 80 such that the coil fins and tubes 82 are configured to pass through the subcooler 80 multiple times. For example, the subcooler 80 can have multiple flow paths, such as a first flow path 82a and at least a second flow path 82b, wherein the first flow path 82a fluidly connects the heat rejection heat exchanger 60 to the subcooler 80, and at least a second flow path 82b, wherein the second flow path 82b fluidly connects the subcooler 80 to the economizer heat exchanger 110.

[0047] The heat transfer device 120 can be disposed between the plurality of flow paths (e.g., 82a, 82b) to provide heat exchange between the working fluid and a heat source associated with the heat transfer device 120. In one non-limiting embodiment, the working fluid enters the heat transfer device 120 as a high-pressure subcooled refrigerant through the inlet port 81. In some embodiments, the heat source can include one or more power electronic devices as discussed above.

[0048] The heat transfer device 120 can be a single device or can include an assembly having a first portion 120a, a second portion 120b, and a heat sink 122. Each of the first portion 120a, the second portion 120b, and the heat sink 122 can be configured to be operably coupled together. In some embodiments, the heat sink 122 can be integral with the first portion 120a and / or the second portion 120b. Any of the first portion 120a, the second portion 120b, and / or the heat sink 122 can be made of any suitable material, including metal and / or plastic.

[0049] In some embodiments, first portion 120a can be configured to allow multiple flow paths (e.g., 82a, 82b) to attach to or pass through the outer surface of heat transfer device 120. In alternative embodiments, first portion 120a and / or second portion 120b can be configured to allow multiple flow paths (e.g., 82a, 82b) to pass through first portion 120a and / or second portion 120b via one or more inlets or channels, such that multiple flow paths (e.g., 82a, 82b) can enter heat transfer device 120 to allow multiple flow paths 82a, 82b to be adjacent to heat sink 122. This flow arrangement allows heat exchange to occur between heat transfer device 120 and the working fluid without the need for a separate pump to move the working fluid through or around heat transfer device 120.

[0050] In some embodiments, the second portion 120b can be operably coupled to a heat source. In alternative embodiments, the second portion 120b can include an enclosure for housing the heat source. In some embodiments, the second portion 120b can include a lid that can be opened to allow easy access to the heat source, a seal to provide a leak-free and dust-free environment, and insulation to provide protection from extreme external temperatures (such as extreme heat or cold) when the TRU 26 is located in an extreme weather environment.

[0051] The shape and size of the heat sink 122 can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the heat transfer device 120 and the amount of heat to be dissipated from the heat source. The heat sink 122 can include a single device, such as a plate, disposed between the first portion 120a and the second portion 120b for exchanging heat between the heat source and the working fluid flowing through the plurality of flow paths 82a, 82b. In one non-limiting embodiment, the heat sink includes at least two plates that are operably coupled together in parallel to form flow channels between adjacent plates, and the at least two plates are disposed between the first portion 120a and the second portion 120b. In some embodiments, one or more plates of the heat sink 122 can include one or more grooves or surface features for improving heat transfer properties.

[0052] The refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer device 120 may be supplied at one or more inlets (e.g., Figure 2 ,81, Figure 3 , 81a, 81b) or export (e.g., Figure 2 ,84, Figure 3 , 84a, 84b) and then enter the subcooler 80. In some embodiments, the flow path can be as follows Figure 2 As illustrated in FIG, there is a single inlet 81 into the heat transfer device 120 or a single outlet 84 from the heat transfer device 120. In alternative embodiments, the multiple flow paths 82a, 82b may enter and exit the heat transfer device 120 multiple times.

[0053] Go to Figure 3 , the subcooler 80 can have multiple flow paths, for example, 82a, 82b. Flow path 82a can enter the heat transfer device 120 from the subcooler 80 via inlet 81 and re-enter the subcooler 80 via outlet 84a. Flow path 82b can re-enter the heat transfer device 120 via inlet 81b and re-enter the subcooler 80 via outlet 84b, where the refrigerant flow proceeds to the filter-dryer 90 and the economizer heat exchanger 110.

[0054] Return to Figure 2, the filter-dryer 90 keeps the refrigerant clean and dry and discharges the refrigerant to the first refrigerant flow path 100 of the economizer heat exchanger 110, which enhances refrigerant subcooling. The economizer heat exchanger 110 may be a plate-type heat exchanger that provides refrigerant heat exchange between the first refrigerant flow path 100 and the second refrigerant flow path 102.

[0055] From the first refrigerant flow path 100, refrigerant flows from the economizer heat exchanger 110 to the expansion device 130. The expansion device 130 controls the entry of refrigerant into the evaporator 150. The expansion device 130 is controlled by the controller 140 in response to signals from the evaporator outlet temperature sensor 132 and the evaporator outlet pressure sensor 134. An evaporator fan (not shown) draws or pushes air across the evaporator 150 to condition the air in the compartment 40. The controller 140 may be microprocessor-based and may control various operations of the TRU 26, including the compressor 50 and the expansion devices 112, 130, and may receive input from various sensors and user input devices (such as the sensors 132, 134).

[0056] TRU 26 further includes a second refrigerant flow path 102 connected through an economizer heat exchanger 110. Second refrigerant flow path 102 connects between first refrigerant flow path 100 and an intermediate inlet port 160 of compressor 50. Intermediate inlet port 160 is located intermediately along the compression path between compression suction port 53 and compressor discharge port 51. Economizer expansion device 112 is positioned upstream of economizer heat exchanger 110 in second refrigerant flow path 102. Economizer expansion device 112 may be an electronic economizer expansion device controlled by controller 140. When economizer 110 is active, controller 140 controls economizer expansion device 112 to allow refrigerant to pass through second refrigerant flow path 102, through economizer heat exchanger 110, and to intermediate inlet port 160. The economizer expansion device 112 serves to expand and cool the refrigerant advancing to the economizer heat exchanger 110 , thereby subcooling the liquid refrigerant in the first refrigerant flow path 102 advancing to the evaporator expansion device 130 .

[0057] refer to Figure 4, a method for operating a transport refrigeration system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method begins at step 402, wherein the operational transport refrigeration system 100 operates a heat source (such as, a PEP operably coupled to a heat transfer device 120) to at least partially provide power to the transport refrigeration system 100. The transport refrigeration system 100 includes a compressor 50 and a subcooler 80. The heat source may include at least one or more power electronic device devices, including power semiconductor devices, converters, inverters, batteries, and fuel cells. The compressor 50 circulates a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant) in a closed loop. The compressor 50 may be a single-stage or two-stage compressor, a scroll-type compressor, or other compressor suitable for compressing a working fluid (including an HFC or a natural refrigerant).

[0058] In general, a heat source can be used to control the flow of power between one or more of a battery, a motor, a generator, a refrigerated transport system, and a vehicle powertrain. During operation, as the heat source supplies power to the truck and / or container, the heat source generates heat that must be dissipated to avoid overheating and damage to the heat source systems and components.

[0059] The transport refrigeration system 100 can be configured to allow heat generated by a heat source to be rejected to a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant). In step 404, the compressor 50 operates to direct the working fluid to the subcooler 80, which receives high-pressure subcooled refrigerant from a heat rejection heat exchanger (e.g., condenser 60) through a flow circuit 82 (including 82a, 82b).

[0060] At step 406, the method includes operatively coupling the heat transfer device 120 to the subcooler refrigerant flow circuit (e.g., flow paths 82a, 82b) to allow the working fluid to absorb heat from at least one of the heat transfer device 120 and a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat transfer device 120 may have a passage through which the working fluid may flow to allow heat exchange to occur.

[0061] In step 408, as the working fluid flows through the refrigerant flow circuit (e.g., flow paths 82a, 82b), heat from the heat source can be rejected to the working fluid as the refrigerant passes through (or in some cases, through) the heat transfer device 120. For example, by directing the flow of the working fluid through 82a, 82b, heat exchange can occur without having to have a separate pump to push or pull the refrigerant through the heat transfer device 120. The temperature of the working fluid as it flows through the subcooler 80 is generally in the range of -20°F to 120°F. In contrast, the heat source, and therefore the heat sink 122, will be at a higher temperature so that as the working fluid flows through the subcooler 80 and then exits the subcooler 80, the heat sink 122 will heat the working fluid, which can be rejected to the air.

[0062] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to (one or more) exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt particular circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode conceived for carrying out the present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A transport refrigeration system comprising: heat rejection heat exchanger; a subcooler comprising a plurality of flow paths, the subcooler operatively coupled to the heat rejection heat exchanger; as well as a heat transfer apparatus comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of flow paths and the second portion is operably coupled to a heat source; wherein the plurality of flow paths include a first flow path and at least a second flow path; wherein the first portion of the heat transfer device is disposed between the first flow path and the at least second flow path; Wherein, the first portion is configured to allow the plurality of flow paths to attach to or pass through an outer surface of the heat transfer device.

2. The transport refrigeration system of claim 1 , further comprising: compressor, The compressor includes a suction port and a discharge port, the compressor being configured to circulate a working fluid through a flow circuit, wherein the heat rejection heat exchanger is operably coupled to the compressor discharge port; and the heat absorption heat exchanger is operably coupled to the compressor suction port.

3. The transport refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein: The heat transfer apparatus further comprises a heat sink, wherein the heat sink comprises at least two plates operably coupled together in parallel to form a flow channel between adjacent plates, and the heat sink is disposed between the first portion and the second portion.

4. The transport refrigeration system of claim 1, wherein: The heat source includes a power electronics device.

5. The transport refrigeration system of claim 4, wherein: The power electronics device controls the flow of electrical power between one or more of a battery, a motor, a generator, a refrigerated transport system, and a vehicle propulsion system.

6. The transport refrigeration system of claim 4, wherein: The power electronics device includes at least one of a power semiconductor device, a converter, an inverter, a battery, and a fuel cell.

7. A method of operating the transport refrigeration system of claim 1, comprising: operating a heat source operatively coupled to the heat transfer device to at least partially power the transport refrigeration system including the compressor and the subcooler; operating the compressor to direct the working fluid in the flow circuit to the subcooler; operatively coupling the heat transfer device to the subcooler to allow the working fluid to absorb heat from at least one of the heat transfer device and the heat source; as well as Heat is rejected from the working fluid to at least one of ambient air and the subcooler.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The working fluid is a high-pressure, subcooled refrigerant.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The heat source includes a power electronics device.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Power electronics devices control the flow of electrical power between one or more of the battery, motor, generator, refrigeration system, and vehicle propulsion system.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein The power electronics device includes at least one of a power semiconductor device, a converter, an inverter, a battery, and a fuel cell.

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