Systems and methods for management and isolation of transport climate control circuits

Abstract

A method of controlling a transport climate control system includes detecting a leak of working fluid from a climate control circuit. The method also includes isolating a high pressure side of the climate control circuit upon detecting the leak of working fluid. A method of controlling a transport climate control circuit includes detecting overcharge and / or undercharge of the climate control circuit. A transport climate control system includes a climate control circuit and a climate controller configured to detect a leak of working fluid from the climate control circuit. The climate controller is configured to isolate a high pressure side of the climate control circuit upon detecting the leak of working fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to transportation climate control systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to detecting leaks in the climate control loops of a transportation climate control system and minimizing such leaks, and / or mitigating overcharging or undercharging of the climate control loops. Background Technology

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

[0003] The transport climate control system may include a climate control loop with a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The working fluid may include a refrigerant that can be compressed and expanded as it flows through the climate control loop and can be used to heat and / or cool a specific space. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments described herein generally relate to detecting leaks from a climate control loop in a transport climate control system (“TCCS”) and minimizing such leaks, and / or mitigating overcharging or undercharging of the climate control loop.

[0005] The transport unit may have a climate-controlled space for cargo or passengers, which is provided with climate control (e.g., heating, cooling, etc.) via a climate control loop of a transport climate control system. The climate control loop may utilize a working fluid. The working fluid may include a flammable refrigerant. In some cases, flammable refrigerant may leak from the climate control loop into the climate-controlled space. The climate control loop may include a sufficient amount of refrigerant to make the climate-controlled space flammable. Minimizing the amount of leakage from the climate control loop is desirable to prevent the climate-controlled space from becoming a flammable environment.

[0006] The disclosed embodiments enable operation of the TCCS to minimize potential leakage of working fluid into the climate-controlled space. The disclosed embodiments can isolate the high-pressure side of the climate control loop to reduce the likelihood of working fluid leakage into the climate-controlled space. For example, the disclosed embodiments can isolate the high-pressure side by closing the electronic expansion and isolation valve (EEIV) and shutting down the compressor. Some disclosed embodiments can detect overcharging or undercharging of the climate control loop based on the performance of the EEIV.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method involves controlling a TCCS (Treatment Control System) for a transport unit. The TCCS includes a climate control loop having a compressor and an electronic expansion and isolation valve (EEIV). The method includes operating the climate control loop to regulate the climate-controlled space of the transport unit. Operating the climate control loop to regulate the climate-controlled space includes compressing a working fluid with the compressor and expanding the working fluid with the EEIV. The method further includes detecting leakage of the working fluid from the climate control loop; and when leakage of the working fluid from the climate control loop is detected, isolating the high-pressure side of the climate control loop.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method further includes isolating a portion of the low-pressure side of the climate control loop when a leak of the working fluid is detected. In one embodiment, the climate control loop includes an evaporator for heating the working fluid. The portion of the low-pressure side extends through the evaporator unit including the evaporator.

[0009] In one embodiment, the climate control loop includes an isolation valve located downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the compressor. The low-pressure side of the climate control loop is isolated by at least closing the isolation valve.

[0010] In one embodiment, the isolation of the high-pressure side of the climate control loop isolates the high-pressure side of the climate control loop from the low-pressure side.

[0011] In one embodiment, isolating the high-pressure side of the climate control loop includes shutting down the EEIV and turning off the compressor.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method includes: detecting the stepping position of the stepper motor of the EEIV via a stepping position sensor, and detecting at least one stepping position of the EEIV and one or more other operating parameters of the climate control loop. The method further includes: comparing the operation of the EEIV with the expected operation of the EEIV, the expected operation being the operation of the EEIV anticipated based on the detected at least one stepping position of the EEIV and the detected one or more other operating parameters of the climate control loop.

[0013] In one embodiment, the method includes determining the subcooling of the compressed working fluid. The subcooling is determined based on detected pressure and temperature at the location of the compressed working fluid in the EEIV. When the subcooling exceeds a predetermined threshold, the method determines that the climate control loop is overcharged.

[0014] In one embodiment, the climate control loop includes an electronic check valve located downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the compressor. The method includes determining the location of a leak in the climate control loop based on the valve position of the electronic check valve.

[0015] In one embodiment, a method involves controlling a TCCS (Treatment Control System) for a transport unit. The TCCS includes a climate control loop having a compressor for compressing a working fluid and an electronic expansion and isolation valve (EEIV) for expanding the working fluid. The method includes detecting overcharging of the climate control loop.

[0016] The method includes subcooling the compressed working fluid. The degree of subcooling is determined based on the detected pressure and temperature of the compressed working fluid. When the degree of subcooling exceeds a predetermined threshold, the method determines that the climate control loop is overcharged.

[0017] In one embodiment, the temperature of the compressed working fluid is detected by the temperature sensor of the EEIV.

[0018] In one embodiment, the TCCS for the transport unit includes a climate control loop and a climate controller. The climate control loop includes a compressor, a condenser, an EEIV, and an evaporator for the working fluid. The compressor compresses the working fluid, the condenser cools the compressed working fluid, the EEIV expands the cooled working fluid, and the evaporator heats the expanded working fluid.

[0019] The climate controller detects leaks of the working fluid from the climate control loop. When a leak is detected, the climate controller isolates the high-pressure side of the climate control loop.

[0020] In one embodiment, the climate controller at least shuts down the EEIV and the compressor to isolate the high-pressure side of the climate control loop.

[0021] In one embodiment, the EEIV includes a stepper motor and a stepper position sensor. The stepper position sensor detects the stepper motor's step position. The climate controller detects the stepper motor's stepper position via the stepper position sensor. The climate controller compares the operation of the EEIV with its expected operation to determine whether the working fluid is leaking. The expected operation of the EEIV is the operation anticipated based on at least one detected stepper position and one or more other operating parameters of the detected climate control loop.

[0022] In one embodiment, the climate control loop includes an isolation valve downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the compressor. When a leak of the working fluid is detected, the climate controller isolates a portion of the low-pressure side of the compressor by closing the isolation valve.

[0023] In one embodiment, the climate control loop includes an electronic check valve with a proximity sensor. The climate controller detects the valve position of the electronic check valve using the proximity sensor. The climate controller also determines the location of a leak in the climate control loop based on the valve position of the electronic check valve. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The following figures will provide a better understanding of the described features, aspects, and advantages of the transport climate control system and the methods for controlling the transport climate control system, as well as other features, aspects, and advantages, as illustrated in the figures:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a climate-controlled transport unit attached to a tractor.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a climate control unit for a transportation climate control system according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a climate control unit for a transport climate control system according to another embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling a transportation climate control system according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling a transportation climate control system according to another embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling a transportation climate control system according to yet another embodiment.

[0031] Similar reference symbols refer to similar features. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments described herein generally relate to detecting and minimizing leaks from a climate control loop in a transport climate control system (“TCCS”), and / or detecting overcharging or undercharging of the climate control loop.

[0033] 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 considered limiting.

[0034] Different types of goods / cargo may require storage under one or more specific environmental conditions when stored within a transport unit. For example, perishable items may need to be stored within a specific temperature range to prevent spoilage, while liquids may need to be kept at temperatures above their freezing point. Furthermore, items containing electronic components may need to be kept in an environment with low moisture content to avoid damaging these components. Passengers traveling within the transport unit may need to remain in a climate-controlled space with one or more specific environmental conditions to ensure their comfort during travel. For example, the climate-controlled space accommodating passengers should be at a temperature that is generally comfortable for them. A transport climate control system can blow conditioned air into the climate-controlled space of the transport unit to maintain the air within that space under the desired environmental conditions.

[0035] ASHRAE Standard 34 (e.g., ASHRAE 34-2019) provides guidance for determining the safety classification of refrigerants or refrigerant mixtures. Generally non-flammable refrigerants or mixtures are classified as Class 1, while highly flammable refrigerants or mixtures are classified as Class 3. Refrigerants or mixtures with lower toxicity are classified as "A," while those with higher toxicity are classified as "B." Previously, many A1 refrigerants (e.g., R22, R134a, R410A, R125A, etc.) were used because they were generally safe and provided good performance. Currently, most, if not all, of the A1 refrigerants currently in use have been found to have a high global warming potential ("GWP") and therefore could significantly contribute to global warming if released into the environment. Many different refrigerants and refrigerant mixtures (e.g., R32, R1234yf, R1234ze(E), etc.) have low GWPs while providing performance equivalent to current A1 refrigerants (e.g., capacity, temperature glide, operating pressure, etc.). However, many of these equivalent refrigerants / mixtures are mildly flammable (e.g., classified as A2L) and are therefore avoided because they can create hazardous flammable atmospheres if leaked into closed spaces.

[0036] The embodiments described herein generally relate to detecting and minimizing leaks from a climate control loop in a TCCS, and / or detecting overcharging or undercharging of the climate control loop. The climate control loop includes a compressor for compressing a working fluid and an EEIV for expanding the working fluid. The working fluid includes a flammable refrigerant. The climate control loop is configured to provide regulation (e.g., heating, cooling, etc.) to a climate-controlled space. The TCCS includes a climate controller for controlling the climate control loop. For example, the climate controller is configured to isolate the high-pressure side of the climate control loop when a leak of the working fluid is detected. This can advantageously limit the flow of the working fluid within the climate control loop, thereby reducing / minimizing the amount of refrigerant that may leak into the climate-controlled space.

[0037] Figure 1 An embodiment of a climate-controlled transport unit 1 attached to a tractor 5 is shown. The climate-controlled transport unit 1 includes a transport unit 10 and a transport climate control system (“TCCS”) 20 for the transport unit 10. Figure 1Dashed lines are used to illustrate features not visible in the illustrated view. Transport unit 10 can be attached to tractor 5, which is configured to tow transport unit 10 to and from different locations. When not being transported, transport unit 10 can be parked and unattached to tractor 5. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are not limited to tractors and trailer units, but can be applied to any type of transport unit, such as containers (e.g., containers on flatbeds, intermodal containers, etc.), trucks, vans, commercial buses (e.g., school buses, railcars, subway cars, etc.) or other similar transport units.

[0038] TCCS20 includes a climate control unit (“CCU”) 30 that provides environmental control (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within the climate-controlled space 12 of the transport unit 10. The climate-controlled space 12 is the interior space of the transport unit 10. CCU 30 provides conditioned air to the climate-controlled space 12 of the transport unit 10 to provide a desired conditioned environment for items held within the climate-controlled space 12 of the transport unit 10. The desired conditioned environment of the climate-controlled space 12 may have one or more desired environmental states (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.). For example, when perishable items are stored within the transport unit 10, CCU 30 may provide cooled air to the climate-controlled space 12. In another example, when electronic devices are within the transport unit 10, CCU 30 may dehumidify the air within the climate-controlled space 12 of the transport unit 10. CCU 30 includes a climate control loop (e.g., see...). Figure 2 See also Figure 3 (etc.), the climate control loop is used to provide conditioned air to the climate-controlled space 12.

[0039] The CCU 30 is disposed on the front wall 14 of the transport unit 10. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the CCU 30 may be disposed, for example, on the roof 14 of the transport unit 10 or on another wall. The climate-controlled transport unit 1 may include a battery (not shown), an internal combustion engine (not shown), or both a battery and an internal combustion engine as a power source. The TCCS 20 may be a hybrid power system using a combination of battery power and engine power, or an electric system that does not include or does not rely on the internal combustion engine of the TCCS 20 or the tractor 5 for power.

[0040] The TCCS20 also includes a programmable climate controller 40 and one or more sensors 50. The sensors 50 are configured to measure one or more parameters of the climate-controlled transport unit 1 (e.g., ambient temperature and / or humidity outside the transport unit 10, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, temperature of air supplied from the CCU 30 to the climate-controlled space 12, temperature of air returning from the climate-controlled space 12 to the CCU 30, humidity within the climate-controlled space 12, etc.) and transmit the parameter data to the climate controller 40. The climate controller 40 is configured to control the operation of the TCCS20, including components of the climate control loop. The climate controller 40 may be a single integrated control unit 42 or a control unit formed by a distributed network of climate controller elements 42, 44. The number of distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the specific application of the principles described herein.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of CCU 100. CCU 100 can be used in TCCS (e.g., Figure 1 The climate-controlled space 102 is regulated within the TCCS 100 (e.g., the climate control loop 130) of the transport unit. The CCU 100 includes a climate control loop 130 for controlling the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) of the climate-controlled space 102. In one embodiment, the climate-controlled space 102 is the climate-controlled space of the transport unit (e.g., the transport unit). Figure 1 The climate-controlled space 12 of the transport unit 10, etc.). The CCU 100 includes an evaporator unit 110 and a condenser unit 120.

[0042] Evaporator unit 110 includes an evaporator air inlet 112, an evaporator air outlet 114, and an internal volume 116. Air travels through the evaporator unit 110 by entering through the evaporator air inlet 112 and exiting through the evaporator air outlet 114. Specifically, air from the climate-controlled space 102 enters the evaporator unit 110 through the air inlet 112, is conditioned within the evaporator unit 110 (e.g., heated, cooled, etc.), and is discharged from the evaporator unit 110 through the evaporator air outlet 114. The conditioned air flows from the evaporator air outlet 114 into the climate-controlled space 102 and conditioned the climate-controlled space 102. The evaporator air inlet 112 may also be referred to as an air return inlet, and the evaporator air outlet 114 may also be referred to as an outlet for conditioned air.

[0043] The condenser unit 120 includes an ambient air inlet 122, an ambient air outlet 124, and an internal volume 126. Ambient air from the external environment 104 (e.g., in…) Figure 1 Ambient air from outside the climate-controlled transport unit 1 (e.g.) flows through the condenser unit 120 by entering through its ambient air inlet 122 and exiting through its ambient air outlet 124.

[0044] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, evaporator unit 110 includes a damper 118 that regulates the flow rate of regulated air from evaporator unit 110. It should be understood that in various embodiments, evaporator unit 110 and condenser unit 120 may each include one or more fans and / or one or more dampers to control the respective airflow through evaporator unit 110 and condenser unit 120. For example, evaporator unit 110 may include one or more evaporator blowers (not shown) that discharge regulated air through evaporator air outlet 114 and / or recycle air from climate-controlled space 104 through evaporator air inlet 112. For example, condenser unit 120 may include one or more condenser fans (not shown) that push air out of condenser unit 120 through ambient air outlet 124.

[0045] The internal volume 116 of the evaporator unit 110 is separated from the internal volume 126 of the condenser unit 120. For example, the CCU 100 may include a partition 105 that separates the internal volume 116 of the evaporator unit 110 from the internal volume 126 of the condenser unit 120. Therefore, air and / or leaked refrigerant within the condenser unit 120 generally cannot flow into the evaporator unit 110, and thus cannot flow into the conditioned space of the climate-controlled space 102 (e.g., the internal volume 116 of the condenser unit 120 has no fluid connection to the climate-controlled space 102).

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the climate control loop 130 includes components located in the evaporator unit 110 and components located in the condenser unit 120, as discussed in more detail below. The climate control loop 130 extends through the partition 105. Pipes, hoses, etc., of the climate control loop 130 extend through the partition 105 to allow working fluid to pass between the components of the climate control loop 130 located in the evaporator unit 110 and the components of the climate control loop 130 located in the condenser unit 120.

[0047] Climate control loop 130 includes compressor 132, condenser 134, electronic expansion and isolation valve (EEIV) 140, and evaporator 150. For example... Figure 2As shown, the climate control loop 130 may also include a receiving tank 152, an energy saver 154, a distributor 156, and an energy storage tank 158. In one embodiment, the climate control loop 130 may be modified to include additional components, such as one or more additional valves, one or more sensors, an overflow tank, a dryer filter, or similar components.

[0048] The operation of the climate control loop 130 is controlled by a programmable climate controller 180. The climate controller 180 is configured to detect various operating parameters of the climate control loop 130. For example, the climate controller uses one or more sensors (e.g., [missing information]). Figure 1 Sensors 50, 162, 182, 184, 186, etc., are used to detect one or more operating parameters of the climate control loop 130. In one embodiment, the climate controller 180 is a climate controller for a transport climate controller system (e.g., Figure 1 The climate controller 180 (TCCS20 in the example) includes, in one embodiment, a memory (not shown) for storing information and a processor (not shown). The climate controller 180 is configured to control the operation of the CCU100 and its components. Figure 2 The climate controller 180 is shown as a single integrated control unit. However, it should be understood that the climate controller 180 in the embodiments may be a single integrated control unit or a distributed network of climate controller elements (e.g., Figure 1 The distributed network of climate controller elements 42 and 44, etc.

[0049] The components of the climate control loop 130 are fluidly connected. Figures 2 to 6 The dashed lines provided are used to indicate optional features or locations. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The dashed lines provided are used to illustrate electronic communication between different components. For example, when the climate controller 180 is configured to control the compressor 132, the dashed line extends from the climate controller 180 to the compressor 132. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The dashed arrows provided are used to indicate the airflow into and out of the evaporator flow unit 110 and the condenser unit 120.

[0050] The working fluid flows through climate control loop 130. The working fluid may include one or more flammable refrigerants. In one embodiment, the refrigerant in the working fluid includes one or more refrigerants classified as A2L. For example, the refrigerant may be a single refrigerant or a mixture of refrigerants (e.g., a combination of two or more refrigerants) classified as A2L. For example, the working fluid may include, but is not limited to, one or more of R32, R1234yf, R1234ze(E), and R454C. It should be noted that the working fluid may also include non-refrigerant components. For example, non-refrigerant components may be, but are not limited to, lubricants, impurities, refrigeration system additives, tracers, ultraviolet dyes, and solubilizers. Typically, these additional components are present in low concentrations relative to the refrigerant(s) in the working fluid.

[0051] In one embodiment, the climate control loop 130 is configured to operate in a cooling mode to provide conditioned air (e.g., cooled air) to the ambient space 102. The flow of the working fluid through the climate control loop 130 during normal operation (e.g., no working fluid leakage, etc.) in cooling mode is described below. Typically, the primary flow path for the working fluid in the climate control loop 130 is from the compressor 132 to the condenser 134, from the condenser 134 to the EEIV 140, from the EEIV 140 to the evaporator 150, and from the evaporator 150 back to the compressor 132.

[0052] Starting with compressor 132, which includes a suction port 133A and a discharge port 133B, a working fluid in a low-pressure gaseous or predominantly gaseous state is drawn into compressor 132 through suction port 133A. The working fluid is compressed as it flows through compressor 132. The compressed working fluid is discharged from compressor 132 through discharge port 133B and flows to condenser 134. The low-pressure working fluid flows into suction port 133A of compressor 132, and the compressed high-pressure working fluid flows out from discharge port 133B of compressor 132.

[0053] Compressor 132 is a multi-speed compressor. In other embodiments, compressor 132 may be a single-speed compressor. Compressor 132 may be driven by a prime mover (not shown). For example, the prime mover may be an internal combustion engine, an electric drive motor, or a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric drive motor. In some embodiments, CCU 100 may include a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric drive motor, and may be configured to use the internal combustion engine alone or the electric drive motor alone. In some embodiments, CCU 100 may include a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric drive motor, and may be configured to use the combination of the internal combustion engine and the electric drive motor (e.g., both operating approximately simultaneously to power multiple different components of CCU 100, etc.). In some embodiments, CCU 100 may be an electric system dependent on one or more batteries that are recharged using local power sources (e.g., the internal combustion engine of CCU 100, the internal combustion engine of a tractor, etc.) and / or public power sources.

[0054] The condenser 134 cools the compressed working fluid as it travels through the condenser 134. For example... Figure 2 As shown by the dashed arrows, ambient air travels through condenser unit 120 via its ambient air inlet 122 and ambient air outlet 124. As it flows through condenser unit 120, the ambient air flows through condenser 134. Condenser 134 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and ambient air to have a heat transfer relationship but without physical mixing as they each flow through condenser 134. As the working fluid flows through condenser 134, the ambient air absorbs heat from the working fluid and cools it. The working fluid is cooled by condenser 134 and becomes liquid or largely liquid as it travels through condenser 134. In some embodiments, ambient air may not be used to directly cool the working fluid. For example, ambient air may be used to cool an intermediate heat transfer fluid (e.g., a solution comprising water, ethylene glycol, etc.), and the cooled intermediate heat transfer fluid travels through condenser 134 to cool the working fluid.

[0055] The working fluid flows from condenser 134 to EEIV140. For example... Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the liquid working fluid flows from condenser 134 to EEIV 140 by traveling through receiving tank 152 and economizer 154. Condenser 134 and receiving tank 152 are located in condenser unit 120, while EEIV 140 and economizer 154 are located in evaporator unit 110. The working fluid traveling from condenser unit 120 to evaporator unit 110 flows from condenser 134 to EEIV 140.

[0056] EEIV 140 expands the cooled working fluid from condenser 134. EEIV 140 allows the working fluid to expand as it flows through it. This expansion causes a decrease in the temperature of the working fluid. For example, the expansion caused by EEIV 140 may cause a 90% drop in pressure, or a drop of approximately 90%, or a drop of more than 90%. The expanded working fluid exists in a two-phase state of gas / liquid. The expanded gaseous / liquid working fluid flows from EEIV 140 to evaporator 150 via distributor 156. Distribute the expanded working fluid into evaporator 150.

[0057] EEIV 140 includes a valve housing 142 and a stepper motor 144. EEIV 140 is configured to open to various degrees (e.g., fully open, 75% open, 50% open, 25% open, etc.) and close (e.g., having a closed position configured to completely block the flow of working fluid through EEIV 140). EEIV 140 can be adjusted to different degrees of opening to change the flow rate of working fluid through it. As discussed herein, it should be understood that "closed" means the valve is fully closed, and "open" means the valve is in a position other than fully closed (e.g., fully open, 75% open, 50% open, 25% open, etc.). EEIV 140 is operated using the stepper motor 144 (e.g., adjusted to a specific valve position). The stepper motor 144 controls the valve position of EEIV 140. In one embodiment, a stepper motor 144 is coupled to the valve body 146 of the EEIV 140 and moves the valve body 146 relative to the orifice 148 of the EEIV 140. For example, the EEIV 140 is closed by moving the valve body 146 to a closed position that seals the orifice 148 using the stepper motor 144.

[0058] During normal operation (e.g., when regulation is provided and no working fluid leakage is detected), climate controller 180 controls stepper motor 144 to regulate the flow through EEIV 140. The number of steps of stepper motor 144 can vary based on the configuration of the climate-controlled transport unit in a particular embodiment (e.g., the configuration of CCU 100, the configuration of climate control loop 130, and / or the configuration of climate-controlled space 102). Stepper motor 144 can have multiple steps that allow it to quickly shut off EEIV 140 while still allowing precise control of the flow through EEIV 140, thereby precisely controlling the regulation of the climate-controlled space 102. Stepper motor 144 can, for example, be configured to have 800 steps. For example, the first step (e.g., step 1) and the last step (e.g., step 800) can correspond to EEIV 140 being shut off and fully opened (e.g., 100% open), or vice versa. In one embodiment, the stepper motor 144 may have a different number of steps than 800. The stepper motor 144 is also configured to be adjustable to each step between its first and last steps. The stepper motor 144 may allow the EEIV 140 to respond faster than previous electronic expansion valves (e.g., faster closing, faster opening, etc.).

[0059] EEIV 140 also includes a step position sensor 182 for stepper motor 144. Step position sensor 182 can be used to detect the current step position SP of stepper motor 144 (e.g., the current step of stepper motor 144). As stepper motor 144 moves, it changes the valve position of EEIV 140; the step position SP of stepper motor 144 can correspond to the valve position of EEIV 140. Climate controller 180 is configured to detect the step position SP of stepper motor 144 via step position sensor 182. In one embodiment, because the step position SP corresponds to the valve position of EEIV 140, climate controller 180 uses the step position SP of stepper motor 144 to detect the current valve position of EEIV 140 (e.g., the degree to which EEIV 140 is open, or whether EEIV 140 is closed). The operation of EEIV 140 is discussed in more detail below.

[0060] An "electronic" expansion valve is an expansion valve driven by an electric motor to regulate the degree to which the valve is opened (e.g., to change the amount of working fluid flowing through the expansion valve). In contrast, a "mechanical" expansion valve is driven by a mechanofluid system in which changes in the superheat of the working fluid automatically regulate the degree to which the valve is opened (e.g., a temperature-sensing bulb in which changes in the temperature of the working fluid automatically regulate the degree to which the valve is opened). An "isolation" valve is a valve configured to seal shut to prevent fluid from passing through (e.g., the closed position, in which the valve orifice is sealed shut). For example, EEIV 140 is simultaneously a valve that is both an "electronic expansion" valve, as EEIV 140 is configured to be adjustable via its electronic stepper motor 144; and ii) an "isolation" valve, as EEIV 140 is configured to have a closed position in which it is sealed shut (e.g., in the closed position, the valve body 146 of the "isolation" valve seals the orifice 148, and EEIV 140 is 100% closed).

[0061] Evaporator 150 heats the working fluid as it travels through it. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the air to be conditioned (e.g., air from climate-controlled space 102) flows through the evaporator unit 110 in a manner physically separate from the working fluid via evaporator air inlet 112 and evaporator air outlet 114. The air travels through evaporator 150 as it flows through evaporator unit 110. Evaporator 150 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and air to be in a heat transfer relationship without physical mixing as they flow through evaporator 150. When the working fluid flows through evaporator 150, it absorbs heat from the air and cools the air. The working fluid is heated by evaporator 150 as it travels through evaporator 150 and becomes gaseous or mostly gaseous.

[0062] The heated working fluid flows from the evaporator 150 back to the compressor 132. For example... Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the gaseous / mostly gaseous working fluid travels from the evaporator 150 to the compressor 132 via the economizer 154, electronic check valve 160, and accumulator 158. The evaporator 150 and economizer 154 are located within the evaporator unit 110, while the compressor 132 and accumulator 158 are located within the condenser unit 120. The working fluid traveling from the evaporator unit 110 to the condenser unit 120 flows from the evaporator 150 to the compressor 132.

[0063] Compressor 132 receives low-pressure working fluid and discharges compressed high-pressure working fluid, while EEIV 140 receives high-pressure working fluid and discharges expanded low-pressure working fluid. Therefore, climate control loop 130 includes a high-pressure side 170 and a low-pressure side 172. High-pressure side 170 is part of climate control loop 130, extending from discharge port 133B of compressor 132 to EEIV 140 and including a condenser 134. High-pressure side 170 receives compressed high-pressure working fluid discharged by compressor 132 and supplies this compressed high-pressure working fluid to EEIV 140. Low-pressure side 172 is part of climate control loop 130, extending from EEIV 140 to suction port 133A of compressor 132 and including an evaporator 150. Low-pressure side 172 receives expanded low-pressure working fluid from EEIV 140 and supplies this expanded low-pressure working fluid to compressor 132.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the climate control loop 130 also includes an electronic check valve 160 located downstream of the evaporator 150 and upstream of the compressor 132. Working fluid travels through the electronic check valve 160 as it flows from the evaporator 150 to the compressor 132. The electronic check valve 160 is a conventional check valve that only allows working fluid to flow in the forward direction. Working fluid attempting to flow through the check valve in the opposite direction automatically moves the valve body to the closed position, sealing the check valve and preventing further flow. The electronic check valve 160 opens / closes automatically based on fluid flow and is not driven by motors, solenoids, etc. The electronic check valve 160 prevents working fluid in the condenser unit 120 from flowing into the evaporator unit 110.

[0065] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, the electronic check valve 160 is located in the condenser unit 120. In other embodiments, the climate control loop 130 may be located after the evaporator 150 and before the compressor 132, and connected to... Figure 2 The electronic check valve 160 is shown in different locations. This electronic check valve 160 can be located within the evaporator unit 110. In one embodiment, the electronic check valve 160 can be located downstream of the evaporator 150 and the economizer 154 and upstream of the compressor 132 (e.g., Figure 2 Position A in the middle). In one embodiment, the electronic check valve 160 may be located downstream of the evaporator 150 and upstream of the economizer 154 and compressor 132 in the evaporator unit 110 (e.g., Figure 2 Position B in the middle.

[0066] Electronic check valve 160 includes a proximity sensor 162. The proximity sensor 162 is used to detect the valve position of electronic check valve 160 (e.g., whether electronic check valve 160 is open or closed). The proximity sensor 162 is attached to the exterior of electronic check valve 160 (e.g., to the exterior of the valve housing of electronic check valve 160), or attached to the housing of electronic check valve 160 but not extending into the interior of electronic check valve 160 (e.g., not penetrating the housing into a passage for the working fluid, not requiring an opening or orifice extending through the valve housing of electronic check valve 160, etc.). The proximity sensor 162 avoids adding any openings / orifices to electronic check valve 160 that could be potential leakage paths for the working fluid. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor 162 is a magnetic field sensor attached to the exterior of electronic check valve 160. Proximity sensor 162 measures the magnetic field of the electronic check valve 160, which differs between the open and closed positions of the electronic check valve 160 (e.g., the closed position results in a first magnetic field, and the open position results in a second magnetic field different from the first magnetic field). For example, the position of a gate (not shown) within the electronic check valve 160 affects the magnetic field measured by proximity sensor 162. Climate controller 180 can be configured to detect whether the electronic check valve 160 is open or closed via proximity sensor 162.

[0067] During normal operation, the climate controller 180 is configured to control EEIV 140 such that the working fluid heated by evaporator 150 (e.g., the working fluid after evaporator 150 and before compressor 132) has a desired superheat. The superheat of a fluid is the difference between its current temperature and its dew point at its current pressure (e.g., T(P)). x Superheat = T(P) x Current -T(P) x (Saturation temperature). The desired superheat can vary based on the configuration of a specific CCU and / or climate control loop. For example, a predetermined superheat can be selected to minimize superheat while ensuring that the working fluid maintains sufficient superheat as it enters compressor 132 (e.g., sufficient superheat to prevent significant condensation of the refrigerant in the working fluid before or inside compressor 132). Typically, the efficiency of CCU 100 decreases with increasing superheat, while significant refrigerant condensation can damage compressor 132.

[0068] The saturation temperature of the working fluid at one or more operating pressures of the climate control loop 130 can be known, for example, from previous testing of the working fluid and / or its components (e.g., testing of one or more refrigerants in the working fluid, etc.). Therefore, the predetermined superheat can correspond to the predetermined target temperature / temperature range (e.g., T(P)) for the heated working fluid. x)Target = Tsuperheat + T(P) x (Saturation temperature). For example, the target temperature or temperature range of the working fluid, the predetermined superheat, and / or (one or more) saturation temperatures can be stored in the memory of the climate controller 180. The climate controller 180 is configured to operate the climate control loop 180 such that the working fluid is at the target temperature or within the target temperature range after being heated by the evaporator 150.

[0069] In one embodiment, the pressure in the climate control loop 130 varies based on its operation (e.g., the discharge pressure of a multi-speed compressor may vary with its speed, etc.). To maintain a predetermined superheat, a target temperature / temperature range can be determined based on the detected evaporator outlet pressure of the working fluid (e.g., the current pressure of the heated working fluid). The climate controller 180 can be configured to: (e.g., using a pressure sensor) directly detect the pressure of the heated working fluid, or (e.g., based on the current speed of the compressor 132, based on the current power supplied to the electric motor of the compressor 132, based on the discharge pressure of the compressor 132, etc.) indirectly detect the pressure of the heated working fluid. For example, the climate control loop 130 may include a pressure sensor 188 that measures the pressure P1 of the working fluid after it has traveled through the evaporator 150. The pressure sensor 188 is located downstream of the evaporator 150 and upstream of the compressor 132. Figure 2 As shown, pressure sensor 188 is located at or near the inlet of compressor 132 and measures the pressure P1 at the suction port of compressor 132. Pressure sensor 188 may also be referred to as a suction pressure sensor. In one embodiment, pressure sensor 188 may be located closer to the outlet of evaporator 150. For example, pressure sensor 188 may be located at the outlet of evaporator 150, or between evaporator 150 and economizer 154 in climate control loop 130.

[0070] Climate controller 180 may be configured to detect one or more of the following: evaporator inlet temperature, evaporator outlet temperature (e.g., the temperature T1 of the heated working fluid), compressor discharge pressure (e.g., the pressure P1 of the compressed working fluid), evaporator pressure (e.g., the pressure / suction pressure P1 of the heated working fluid), and step position SP of stepper motor 144. In one embodiment, climate controller 180 may be configured to detect leaking working fluid, overcharging of climate control loop 130, and / or undercharging of climate control loop 130 based on one or more of these detected parameters of climate control loop 130.

[0071] like Figure 2As shown, the climate control loop 130 includes a temperature sensor 184 located after the evaporator 150 and before the compressor 132. The temperature sensor 184 can be used to detect the temperature T1 of the working fluid after it has been heated by the evaporator 150. For example, the temperature sensor 184 can be configured to detect the temperature T1 of the working fluid discharged from the evaporator 150. The climate controller 180 can use the temperature sensor 184 to detect the temperature T1 of the heated working fluid. The climate controller 180 is configured to control the EEIV 140 such that the temperature T1 of the heated working fluid is at a target temperature (or temperature range). As discussed above, the target temperature or temperature range can vary with the pressure of the heated working fluid. In one embodiment, the climate control loop 130 is configured to detect the pressure of the heated working fluid indirectly (e.g., based on the current supplied to the compressor 132, the discharge pressure of the compressor 132, etc.) or directly (e.g., via a pressure sensor).

[0072] A climate control loop is configured to utilize a specific amount of working fluid (e.g., having a designed working fluid capacity). The capacity of the climate control loop varies based on its specific configuration (e.g., the dimensions of components within the climate control loop, etc.). An operator and / or technician may fill the climate control loop with more working fluid than its designed capacity; this can be termed overfilling. An operator and / or technician may fill the climate control loop with less working fluid than its designed capacity; this can be termed underfilling. Figure 2 As shown, EEIV 140 may include a temperature sensor 186. Temperature sensor 186 is located on the high-pressure side 172 of EEIV 140 (e.g., before orifice 148, etc.). Temperature sensor 186 measures the temperature T2 of the unexpanded compressed working fluid in EEIV 140. The temperature T2 of the unexpanded working fluid is the temperature of the compressed working fluid after being discharged from compressor 132 (e.g., after discharge port 133B, etc.) and before being expanded by EEIV 140 (e.g., before orifice 148, etc.). For example, temperature sensor 186 measures the temperature T2 of the unexpanded working fluid within EEIV 140. Climate controller 180 may detect the temperature T2 of the unexpanded working fluid via temperature sensor 186.

[0073] like Figure 2As shown, the climate control loop 130 may include a discharge pressure sensor 189 for measuring the pressure P2 of the unexpanded working fluid. The discharge pressure sensor 189 measures the pressure P2 of the compressed working fluid in the high-pressure side 172 of the climate control loop 130. The pressure P2 of the unexpanded working fluid is the pressure of the compressed working fluid after being compressed by the compressor 132 and before being expanded by the EEIV 140. For example, the pressure sensor 189 is located downstream of the compressor 132 and upstream of the EEIV 140 in the climate control loop 130. The climate controller 180 can detect the pressure P2 of the unexpanded working fluid via the pressure sensor 189.

[0074] In one embodiment, the climate controller 180 is configured to detect overcharging of the climate control loop 130 based on the subcooling of the compressed working fluid. Subcooling is the saturation temperature ("T") of the unexpanded working fluid. SAT The difference between the actual temperature T2 and the subcooling (e.g., subcooling = T) is the difference between the actual temperature T2 and the subcooling T2. SAT -T2). As discussed above, the saturation temperature of a fluid is based on the pressure of that fluid (e.g., T is determined based on the detected pressure P2). SAT Climate controller 180 can determine the subcooling of the unexpanded working fluid based on the pressure P2 and temperature T2 of the unexpanded working fluid. When the subcooling exceeds a predetermined threshold, climate controller 180 determines that the climate control loop 130 is overcharged. In one embodiment, the subcooling is detected on the compressed working fluid after compression by the compressor and before expansion by EEIV.

[0075] In one embodiment, climate controller 180 is configured to detect undercharging of climate control loop 130 based on the operation of EEIV 140. For example, climate controller 180 may determine undercharging of climate control loop 130 based on a comparison of the expected step position of EEIV 140 with the actual step position SP. Undercharging can be detected when the variance between the expected and actual step positions of EEIV 140 is greater than a predetermined threshold. For example, climate controller 180 may determine undercharging of climate control loop 130 based on a comparison of the temperature of the working fluid heated by the evaporator with the expected temperature of the working fluid. Undercharging can be detected when the variance between the expected and actual temperatures of the heated working fluid is greater than a predetermined threshold. This comparison is discussed in more detail below. In such an embodiment, climate controller 180 may determine undercharging (rather than leakage) of climate control loop 130 based on whether the trend of the variance exceeds a predetermined limit.

[0076] As discussed above, leaks of the working fluid are potentially hazardous due to the flammability of its refrigerant. In particular, refrigerant leaks into climate-controlled spaces can be dangerous because the refrigerant can turn the climate-controlled space into a flammable environment (e.g., an environment where an ignition source can cause flame propagation / explosion). An ignition source (e.g., spark, flame, etc.) will not cause a propagating flame / explosion until the refrigerant concentration reaches a minimum concentration known as the lower flammability limit.

[0077] Climate controller 180 is configured to isolate the high-pressure side 170 of the climate control loop upon detecting a leak of the working fluid. When the working fluid leaks from the climate control loop 130, climate controller 180 is configured to at least shut down compressor 132 and close EEIV 140. EEIV 140 is closed by adjusting it to its closed position via stepper motor 144. Compressor 132 is configured to prevent the flow of working fluid through compressor 132 when shut down (e.g., configured to prevent the flow of working fluid through the shut-down compressor 132). Isolation is configured to prevent the flow of working fluid from the high-pressure side 170 to the low-pressure side 172, at least by the closed EEIV 140 and the shut-down compressor 132. Isolation prevents the flow of working fluid from the high-pressure side 170 to the low-pressure side 130 of the climate controller loop 130. For example, if a leak occurs in evaporator 150, isolation limits the amount of refrigerant / working fluid that may leak through evaporator 150 by preventing the working fluid in high-pressure side 170 from flowing into evaporator 150. Isolation of climate control loop 130 helps limit potential leaks of working fluid into condenser unit 120, and thus limits the amount of working fluid that may leak into climate-controlled space 102 and turn it into a flammable environment.

[0078] In some embodiments, the climate control loop 130 may have one or more additional fluid connections (e.g., hot gas bypass, etc.) fluidly connecting the high-pressure side 170 and the low-pressure side 172. In such embodiments, isolating the high-pressure side 170 may include the climate controller 180 operating one or more additional components (e.g., valves, etc.) in the one or more additional fluid connections of the climate control loop 130 to block each additional fluid connection. In one embodiment, the climate controller 180 may be configured to maintain isolation on the high-pressure side (e.g., prevent the start-up of a shut-down compressor 132, keep EEIV 140 off, etc.) until an indication that a leak has been repaired is received. An operator and / or technician may indicate to the climate controller 180 that the leak has been repaired via, for example, an HMI 190 and / or a telematics unit 192 connected to the climate controller 180.

[0079] In one embodiment, the climate controller 180 can also be configured to detect the location of a leak in the climate control loop 130. After isolating the high-pressure side 170, the climate controller 180 uses a proximity sensor 162 to detect the valve position of the electronic check valve 160. If the electronic check valve 160 is open, the leak can be determined to be in the low-pressure side 172 downstream of the electronic check valve 160 in the climate control loop 130. For such a leak, the open electronic check valve 160 can allow working fluid (e.g., working fluid within the evaporator 150, etc.) in the low-pressure side 172 upstream of the electronic check valve 160 to flow and leak into the internal volume 126 of the condenser unit 120, where the working fluid can escape to and safely dissipate into the external environment 104. If the electronic check valve 160 is closed, a leak can occur in the high-pressure side 170 of the climate control loop 130, or between the EEIV 140 and the electronic check valve 160 (e.g., in the evaporator 150). For such a leak, the closed electronic check valve 160 prevents the flow of working fluid (e.g., working fluid in the accumulator 158) between the electronic check valve 160 and the compressor 132 and leakage into the condenser unit 120, where the leaked working fluid would flow into the climate-controlled space 102.

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown, the climate controller 180 can be connected to the HMI 190 and the telematics unit 192. The HMI 190 allows the climate controller 130 to display warnings to the operator of the climate-controlled transport unit (e.g., climate-controlled transport unit 1) of the CCU 100. In one embodiment, the CCU 100 includes the HMI 190. In one embodiment, a vehicle (e.g., for moving the transport unit of the TCCS) is used to move the transport unit. Figure 1 The tractor unit 5 (etc.) includes an HMI 190. The telematics unit 192 allows the climate controller 130 to wirelessly transmit warnings to a remote device (not shown) (e.g., a computer, server, server network, etc.). In one embodiment, the TCCS may include the telematics unit 192. In one embodiment, a vehicle (e.g., a transport unit for moving the TCCS) is used to move the transport unit. Figure 1 The traction machine 5 (etc.) includes a remote information processing unit 192.

[0081] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a CCU200 according to another embodiment. The CCU200 can be used for transporting climate control systems (e.g., Figure 1The transport climate control system 10 (etc.) is used to regulate the climate-controlled space 202. The CCU 200 includes a climate control loop 230, which can be used to control the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) of the climate-controlled space 202. In one embodiment, the climate-controlled space 202 is the climate-controlled space of the transport unit (e.g., Figure 1 The climate-controlled space 12 of the transport unit 10, etc.

[0082] Figure 3 The CCU200 in the middle has the same Figure 2 A similar configuration to CCU 100, except that an isolation valve 260 is used instead of an electronic check valve between the evaporator 250 and the compressor 232. For example, CCU 200 includes an evaporator unit 210, a condenser unit 220, and a climate control loop 230 controlled by a climate controller 280. For example, CCU 200 includes a compressor 232, a condenser 234, an EEIV 240 with a stepper motor 244, an evaporator 250, a receiving tank 252, an energy saver 254, a distributor 256, and an energy storage tank 258. Similar to climate controller 180, climate controller 280 can also be connected to HMI 290 and telematics unit 292. It should be understood that in other embodiments... Figure 3 The CCU200 in the above can be used in conjunction with the above-mentioned... Figure 2 The approach discussed in CCU 100 has been modified.

[0083] The working fluid flows through the climate control loop 230 and is used to regulate the air supplied to the climate-controlled space 202. In one embodiment, the working fluid includes components similar to those described above. Figure 2 The working fluid of the climate control loop 130 in the discussion is a similar flammable refrigerant. (As discussed above regarding...) Figure 2 As discussed in CCU 100, climate controller 280 is configured to isolate the high-pressure side 270 of climate control loop 230 when the climate controller 280 detects a leak in the working fluid.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the climate control loop includes an isolation valve 260, which is positioned downstream of the evaporator 250 and upstream of the compressor 232 within the climate control loop 230. The working fluid flows through this isolation valve 260 as it travels from the evaporator 250 to the compressor 232. Figure 3 In this embodiment, isolation valve 260 is disposed in condenser unit 220. In other embodiments, climate control loop 260 may be included downstream of evaporator 250 and upstream of compressor 232. Figure 3The isolation valve 260 is shown in different locations. The isolation valve 260 may be located within the evaporator unit 210. In one embodiment, the isolation valve 260 may be located downstream of the evaporator 250 and economizer 256 and upstream of the compressor 232 within the evaporator unit 210 (e.g., Figure 3 (e.g., position A2 in the middle). In one embodiment, the isolation valve 260 may be located downstream of the evaporator 250 and upstream of the economizer 252 and compressor 232 in the evaporator unit 210 (e.g., Figure 3 (e.g., position B2 in the middle).

[0085] Climate controller 280 controls the isolation valve 260. Isolation valve 260 has an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the flow of working fluid is prevented through isolation valve 260. In one embodiment, isolation valve 260 has an on / off configuration with two valve positions: fully open and closed. Unlike check valves that automatically open / close by the pressure of the working fluid, the isolation valve is actuated by an external force. For example, isolation valve 260 is actuated by supplying air, hydraulic pressure, current, etc. Isolation valve 260 switches positions when actuated (e.g., from its closed position to its open position, and from its open position to its closed position). Isolation valve 260 may have a fail-close configuration in which isolation valve 260 returns to its closed position when not actuated. In one embodiment, isolation valve 260 is a solenoid valve. For example, climate controller 280 may supply current to isolation valve 260 to actuate it.

[0086] In one embodiment, the isolation valve 260 includes a feedback sensor 262. The feedback sensor 262 is connected to the climate controller 260 and provides confirmation of the operation of the isolation valve 260. This confirmation may be an electrical signal. The feedback sensor 262 is configured to send confirmation that the isolation valve 260 is in its closed position. For example, when a leak is detected, the climate controller 280 switches the isolation valve 260 to its closed position. Once the isolation valve 260 has moved to its closed position, the feedback sensor 262 sends this confirmation to the climate controller 280. The feedback sensor 262 ensures that the isolation valve 260 is properly closed to stop the flow of working fluid.

[0087] Climate controller 280 is configured to isolate a portion 272A of the low-pressure side 272 of climate control loop 230 when a working fluid leak is occurring. This portion 272A of climate control loop 230 extends from EEIV 240 to isolation valve 260. This portion 272A of climate control loop 230 includes an evaporator 250. When a working fluid leak is detected, climate controller 280 is configured to isolate the high-pressure side 270 and also close isolation valve 260, which isolates the portion 272A of the low-pressure side 272 of climate control loop 230. For example, the closed EEIV 240 and the closed isolation valve 260 isolate the portion 272A of the low-pressure side 272 of climate control loop 230.

[0088] When a working fluid leak is detected, the climate controller 280 is configured to isolate the climate control loop 230 into at least three distinct sections: a high-pressure side 270, a first portion 272A of the low-pressure side 272, and a second portion 272B of the low-pressure side 272. This prevents the working fluid from flowing between the isolated sections. When a leak occurs in the climate control loop 230, the isolation prevents the working fluid in other sections from flowing to the section with the leak. For example, if a leak occurs in the first portion 272A of the low-pressure side 272 (e.g., in the evaporator 250, etc.), the isolation prevents the working fluid in the high-pressure side 270 and the second portion 272B of the low-pressure side 272 from flowing into the first portion 272 and leaking into the evaporator unit 210, and then into the climate-controlled space 202. The isolation of the climate control loop 230 helps limit potential leakage of the working fluid into the condenser unit 210, and thus limits the amount of working fluid that could leak into the climate-controlled space 202 and cause it to become a flammable environment. The second part 272B extends from the isolation valve 262 to the compressor 232. Figure 3 As shown, the second part 272B may include an energy storage tank 258.

[0089] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method 1000 for controlling a TCCS including a climate control loop. In one embodiment, method 1000 can be... Figure 1 And as described above in TCCS20. In one embodiment, method 1000 can be... Figure 2 The climate controller 180 used in the system controls including Figure 2 And as described above, the TCCS of CCU 100. Method 1000 starts from 1010.

[0090] At 1010, the TCCS operates a climate control loop (e.g., climate control loop 130) to regulate the climate-controlled space (e.g., climate-controlled space 12, climate-controlled space 102). In one embodiment, the climate-controlled space is the climate-controlled space of the transport unit (e.g., Figure 1 The climate-controlled space 12 of the transport unit 10. The climate control loop includes: a compressor (e.g., compressor 132), a condenser (e.g., condenser 134), an EEIV (e.g., EEIV 140), and an evaporator (e.g., evaporator 150). The compressor compresses the working fluid, the condenser cools the working fluid, the EEIV expands the working fluid, and the evaporator heats the working fluid. For example, the climate control loop operates in a cooling mode to supply conditioned air (e.g., cooled air, etc.) to the climate-controlled space. Method 1000 then proceeds to 1020.

[0091] At 1020, the TCCS climate controller (e.g., climate controller 180) detects whether the working fluid is leaking from the climate control loop. In one embodiment, at 1020, the climate controller may detect the leak based on one or more monitoring parameters of the climate-controlled transport unit (e.g., climate-controlled transport unit 1). At 1020, the climate controller may utilize one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensor, pressure sensor, air quality sensor, etc.) to monitor one or more of these parameters.

[0092] In some embodiments, detecting whether the working fluid is leaking at 1020 may include comparing the actual operation of the EEIV with its expected operation based on one or more step positions of the EEIV. The EEIV may include a stepper motor (e.g., stepper motor 144) that adjusts the valve position of the EEIV, and a stepper position sensor (e.g., stepper position sensor 182). The climate controller may be configured to detect the stepper motor's step position via the stepper position sensor.

[0093] As discussed above, a climate controller can be configured to adjust the EEIV based on the superheat of the working fluid (e.g., adjusting the EEIV so that temperature T1 is at a target temperature / range, etc.). For example, a leaking refrigerant results in a smaller amount of working fluid in the climate control loop. A smaller amount of working fluid in the climate control loop can cause the EEIV to open wider to allow more working fluid to pass through and maintain the same cooling capacity of the evaporator. Based on previous tests (e.g., previous tests of the climate control loop, previous tests of climate control loops with the same or similar configuration, etc.), one or more specific relationships between other operating parameters in the climate control loop and the step position of the EEIV in the absence of a leak can be determined. The climate controller can use these relationships based on one or more step positions of the EEIV to detect whether the working fluid is leaking.

[0094] In one embodiment, detecting a working fluid leak at 1020 may include: the climate controller at 1022 comparing the step position of the EEIV with a expected step position. Comparing the step position with the expected step position at 1022 may include: the climate controller detecting the operating state of the climate control loop; and comparing one or more step positions of the EEIV with one or more expected step positions based on the operating state of the climate control loop. For example, the climate controller is configured to detect: one or more step positions of the EEIV (e.g., one or more step positions of the stepper motor of the EEIV), and one or more temperatures of the working fluid (e.g., the temperature T1 of the heated working fluid, the temperature T1 of the working fluid over time, etc.), and one or more pressures of the working fluid (e.g., the pressure P1 of the working fluid, the discharge pressure of the compressor, or the pressure P1 over time or the discharge pressure of the compressor, etc.). In some embodiments, the climate control loop may have already detected one or more of the operating states during operation at 1010.

[0095] The expected step position can be a step position desired based on the temperature and pressure of the working fluid used to determine the superheat of the working fluid (e.g., temperature T1, pressure P1, operating parameters used to indirectly detect the pressure, etc.). The climate controller can be configured to determine that the working fluid is leaking when the difference between the actual step position of the EEIV (e.g., the detected step position) and the expected step position exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., a predetermined step amount, a predetermined number of steps, etc.). In one embodiment, the climate controller can be configured to determine that the working fluid is leaking at 1022 when the trend of the difference exceeds a predetermined limit (e.g., the difference increases by more than X steps per minute, etc.). For example, the climate controller is configured to periodically determine the difference between the actual step position and the expected step position of the EEIV, and then determine the trend of the difference over a predetermined time period (e.g., the difference is determined to have a trend over previous X minutes / hours, etc.). When the trend of the difference in the step position of the EEIV exceeds the predetermined limit, the climate controller can then determine that the working fluid is leaking at 1022. This electrical current can be referred to as drift. In some embodiments, the trend of the difference can be used to determine whether the heat transfer loop is undercharged or leaking.

[0096] In one embodiment, detecting whether the working fluid is leaking at 1020 may include comparing the temperature of the working fluid heated by the evaporator at 1024 with the expected temperature of the working fluid. Comparing the temperature of the heated working fluid at 1024 with the expected temperature may include detecting the operating state of the climate control loop. For example, the climate controller is configured to detect: the first step position of the EEIV, the second step position of the EEIV (e.g., the step position of the stepper motor of the EEIV), the first temperature of the heated working fluid (e.g., the temperature T1 of the heated working fluid at the first step position), and the second temperature of the heated working fluid (e.g., the temperature T1 of the heated working fluid at the second step position).

[0097] When the climate controller adjusts the EEIV to control the temperature of the heated working fluid (e.g., to control superheat, to control temperature T1, etc.), the climate controller is configured to compare how the adjustment of the EEIV affects the temperature of the heated working fluid with how the adjustment of the EEIV is expected to affect the temperature. For example, the climate controller may determine that the adjustment of the EEIV (e.g., from a detected first step position to a detected second step position, etc.) is expected to increase or decrease the temperature of the heated working fluid by X degrees (e.g., increase or decrease the superheat of the heated working fluid by X degrees, increase or decrease the temperature T1 by X degrees). This temperature change is the expected temperature of the heated working fluid.

[0098] In one embodiment, at 1024, the climate controller can be configured to determine that a leak has occurred based on the difference between the actual temperature of the working fluid (e.g., the detected temperature T1) and the expected temperature of the working fluid. For example, when the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., a predetermined temperature amount). In one embodiment, the climate controller can be configured to determine at 1024 that the working fluid is leaking when the trend of the difference exceeds a predetermined limit (e.g., the change in the difference increases by more than X degrees per minute, etc.). For example, the climate controller is configured to periodically determine the difference between the actual step position and the expected step position of the EEIV, and then determine the trend of the difference over a predetermined time period (e.g., the difference is determined to have a trend over previous X minutes / hours, etc.). When the trend of the difference in the step position of the EEIV exceeds the predetermined limit, the climate controller can then determine at 1024 that the working fluid is leaking. In some embodiments, the trend of the difference can be used to determine whether the heat transfer loop is undercharged or leaking. In some embodiments, the climate controller is configured to use the average or time average of the differences in (one or more) detected temperatures, (one or more) detected pressures, etc.

[0099] In one embodiment, detecting whether the working fluid is leaking at 1020 can utilize different types of working fluid / refrigerant leak detection. For example, the climate controller can utilize a refrigerant detector (not shown) to detect the presence of refrigerant in the climate-controlled space and / or the interior space of the CCU (e.g., the interior space of the condenser unit, the interior space of the evaporator unit, etc.). Method 1000 then proceeds to 1030. At 1030, if a leak of the working fluid from the climate control loop is detected, method 1000 proceeds to 1040. If no leak of the working fluid from the climate control loop is detected, method 1000 returns to 1010. For example, when no working fluid leak is detected, the climate controller continues the climate control loop's regulation of the climate-controlled space at 1010.

[0100] At 1040, when a working fluid leak is detected, the climate controller isolates the high-pressure side of the climate control loop (e.g., high-pressure side 170, high-pressure side 270). Isolating the high-pressure side may include shutting down the compressor at 1042 and closing the EEIV at 1044. For example, isolation of the high-pressure side at 1040 can prevent the working fluid in the high-pressure side from flowing into the low-pressure side of the climate control loop (e.g., low-pressure side 172, etc.). In one embodiment, shutting down the compressor at 1042 may occur before the EEIV is closed at 1044 (e.g., before the EEIV reaches its closed position). Method 1000 then proceeds to 1050. Method 1000 then proceeds to an optional 1050.

[0101] At 1050, the climate controller determines the location of a leak in the climate control loop. The climate control loop may include an electronic check valve (e.g., electronic check valve 160) with a proximity sensor (e.g., proximity sensor 162). In one embodiment, determining the location of a leak in the climate control loop at 1050 may include detecting the valve position of the electronic check valve at 1052 via proximity sensor 162. The valve position of the electronic check valve (e.g., open or closed) may indicate the location of a leak in the climate control loop, as described above regarding... Figure 2 The electronic check valve 160 is discussed. The method proceeds to optional 1060.

[0102] At 1060, the climate controller issues a warning of a working fluid leak. This warning may include the location of the leak identified at 1050. In one embodiment, issuing warning 1060 may include: an HMI (e.g., HMI 190) connected to the climate controller displaying the warning to alert the operator of the climate-controlled transport unit (e.g., climate-controlled transport unit 1). In one embodiment, issuing warning 1060 may include: a telematics unit (e.g., telematics unit 192) connected to the climate controller wirelessly transmitting the warning to a remote device (e.g., a computer, server, server network, etc.).

[0103] In some embodiments, method 1000 may include: the climate controller maintaining isolation at 1040 until receiving an indication that the leak has been repaired. For example, the climate controller may be configured to prevent the compressor from starting until indicated that the leak has been repaired. An operator and / or technician may instruct the climate controller that the leak has been repaired via, for example, an HMI (e.g., HMI 190) and / or a telematics unit (e.g., telematics unit 192) connected to the TCCS. In such an embodiment, method 1000 will remain at 1040, 1050, or 1060 until the indication is received. After receiving the indication that the leak has been repaired, method 1000 may return from 1040, 1050, or 1060 to 1010. For example, the climate controller may be configured to resume climate control (e.g., start the compressor, turn on EEIV) once the climate controller receives the indication that the leak has been repaired.

[0104] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method 1100 for controlling a Transport Climate Control System (TCCS) including a climate control loop, according to another embodiment. In one embodiment, method 1110 can be... Figure 1 And as described above in TCCS20. In one embodiment, method 1100 can be... Figure 2 The climate controller 280 used in the system is employed to control including Figure 3 The TCCS of CCU 200 as described above. Method 1100 begins at 1110.

[0105] Apart from 1150, method 1100 is similar. Figure 4 Method 1000. For example, method 1100 includes: operating the climate-controlled space at 1110 to regulate the climate-controlled space; determining at 1120 whether the working fluid is leaking from the climate control loop; based on whether the working fluid is leaking, returning to 1110 or proceeding to 1140; isolating the high-voltage side of the climate control loop at 1140; and sending a warning at 1160, similar to... Figure 4 Method 1000. After isolating the high-pressure side of climate control at 1140, method 1100 can proceed from 1140 to optional 1150.

[0106] At 1150, a climate controller (e.g., climate controller 280) isolates a portion of the low-pressure side of a climate control loop (e.g., climate control loop 230) (e.g., portion 272A of low-pressure side 272). Isolating the portion of the low-pressure side of the climate control loop at 1150 may include closing an isolation valve (e.g., isolation valve 260) in the climate control loop at 1152. This isolation valve is located on the low-pressure side of the climate control loop. For example, the isolation valve is located downstream of the evaporator (e.g., evaporator 250) and upstream of the compressor (e.g., compressor 232) in the climate control loop. Figure 5 In this embodiment, the isolation of the low-pressure side at 1150 occurs after the shutdown of EEIV 1142 in 1140. In another embodiment, the isolation of the low-pressure side at 1150 may occur before or simultaneously with the shutdown of EEIV at 1142, and after the shutdown of the compressor at 1142. Method 1100 then proceeds to an optional 1160.

[0107] At point 1160, the climate controller issues a warning of a working fluid leak. In one embodiment, issuing warning 1160 includes: an HMI (e.g., HMI 290) connected to the climate controller displaying the warning to alert the operator of the climate-controlled transport unit (e.g., climate-controlled transport unit 1). In another embodiment, issuing warning 1160 includes: a telematics unit (e.g., telematics unit 292) connected to the climate controller wirelessly transmitting the warning to a remote device (e.g., a computer, server, server network, etc.).

[0108] In some embodiments, method 1100 may include: the climate controller maintaining isolation at 1140 and 1150 until receiving an indication that the leak has been repaired. For example, the climate controller may be configured to prevent the compressor from starting until indicated that the leak has been repaired. An operator and / or technician may instruct the climate controller that the leak has been repaired via, for example, an HMI (e.g., HMI 190) and / or a telematics unit (e.g., telematics unit 192) connected to the TCCS. In such an embodiment, method 1100 will remain at 1150 or 1160 until the indication is received. After receiving the indication that the leak has been repaired, method 1100 may return from 1150 or 1160 to 1110. For example, the climate controller may be configured to resume climate control (e.g., start the compressor, turn on EEIV, etc.) once the climate controller receives the indication that the leak has been repaired.

[0109] Figure 6This is a flowchart of a method 1200 for controlling a Transport Climate Control System (TCCS) including a climate control loop, according to yet another embodiment. In one embodiment, the method 1200 can be... Figure 1 And as described above in TCCS20. In one embodiment, method 1200 can be used to control including Figure 2 The TCCS of CCU 100 as described above, or the control including Figure 3 The TCCS of CCU 200 as described above. Method 1200 begins at 1210.

[0110] At 1210, a climate control loop (e.g., climate control loop 130, climate control loop 230) is operated to regulate the climate-controlled space (e.g., climate-controlled space 12, climate-controlled space 102, climate-controlled space 202). In one embodiment, the climate-controlled space is the climate-controlled space of the transport unit (e.g., Figure 1 The climate-controlled space 12 of the transport unit 10, etc. The climate control loop includes a compressor (e.g., compressor 132, compressor 232), a condenser (e.g., condenser 134, condenser 234), an EEIV (e.g., EEIV 140, EEIV 240), and an evaporator (e.g., evaporator 150, evaporator 250). The compressor compresses the working fluid, the condenser cools the working fluid, the EEIV expands the working fluid, and the evaporator heats the working fluid. For example, the climate control loop operates in a cooling mode to supply conditioned air (e.g., cooled air) to the climate-controlled space. Method 1200 then proceeds to 1270, and optionally to 1220.

[0111] Method 1200 includes: detecting at 1220 whether the working fluid is leaking from the climate control loop; the method proceeds to 1230 to determine whether the working fluid is leaking; the method continues to return to 1210, or in conjunction with... Figure 4 Similar to 1020, 1030, and 1040 described in the text Figure 6 The high-voltage side of the climate control loop is isolated at locations 1220, 1230, and 1240 in method 1200. In one embodiment, 1220, 1230, and 1240 in method 1200 have features similar to those of 1020, 1030, and 1040 as described above in method 1000.

[0112] In one embodiment, method 1200 may include: determining the location of a leak in the climate control loop at 1050, and / or sending a warning at 1060, similar to... Figure 4 The method 1000 shown and described above is 1050. In one embodiment, method 1200 may include: as shown... Figure 5 As shown and described above, a portion of the low-pressure side of the climate control loop is isolated at 1150, and / or a warning is sent at 1160 in method 1100. In some embodiments, method 1200 may include: the climate controller maintaining isolation at 1240 until an indication that the leak has been repaired is received, similar to that discussed above for method 1000, or similar to that discussed above for method 1100.

[0113] At 1270, the climate control controller monitors for overcharging or undercharging of the climate control loop. Monitoring for overcharging or undercharging of the climate control loop may include executions at 1272, 1276, 1278, 1280, and 1282. At 1272, the climate controller detects one or more operating parameters of the climate control loop. Detecting one or more parameters at 1272 may include: detecting the valve position of EEIV at 1274; detecting the temperature of the working fluid heated by the evaporator (e.g., temperature T1, etc.) at 1275; and / or detecting the temperature (e.g., temperature T2, etc.) and pressure (e.g., pressure P2, etc.) of the unexpanded working fluid at 1276.

[0114] The detection of the valve position of EEIV at 1274 may include: the climate controller detecting the stepping position of the stepper motor (e.g., stepper motor 144, stepper motor 244) of EEIV via a stepper position sensor (e.g., stepper position sensor 182). The detection of the temperature of the working fluid after being heated by the evaporator at 1275 may include: the climate controller detecting the temperature of the working fluid after being heated by the evaporator via a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 184).

[0115] Detecting the temperature of the unexpanded working fluid at 1276 may include: the climate controller detecting the temperature of the unexpanded working fluid via a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 186). In one embodiment, the climate controller detects the temperature of the unexpanded working fluid within the EEIV.

[0116] Detecting the pressure of the unexpanded working fluid at 1276 may include: the climate controller detecting the pressure of the unexpanded working fluid via a pressure sensor (e.g., pressure sensor 189). In one embodiment, detecting the pressure of the unexpanded working fluid may include: the climate controller indirectly detecting the pressure of the unexpanded working fluid (e.g., based on the current speed of the compressor, based on the power supplied to the electric motor of the compressor, etc.). Method 1200 then proceeds to 1278.

[0117] At 1278, the climate controller determines the subcooling of the working fluid and / or the intended operation of the EEIV. The subcooling at 1278 is the subcooling of the unexpanded working fluid (e.g., the compressed working fluid before being expanded by the EEIV), as discussed above. The subcooling of the unexpanded working fluid can be used to determine whether the climate control loop is overcharged. For example, subcooling is the saturation temperature ("T") of the unexpanded working fluid. SAT The difference between the actual temperature T2 and the subcooling (e.g., subcooling = T) is the difference between the actual temperature T2 and the subcooling T2. SAT -T2). The climate controller 180 can determine the subcooling of the unexpanded working fluid based on the pressure P2 and temperature T2 of the unexpanded working fluid. Method 1200 then proceeds to 1280.

[0118] In one embodiment, determining the expected EEIV at 1278 may include determining the expected step position of the EEIV. For example, the climate controller may determine the expected step position in a manner similar to that discussed above for method 1000. In another embodiment, determining the expected EEIV at 1278 may include determining the expected temperature of the working fluid after it has been heated by the evaporator. For example, the climate controller may determine the expected temperature of the heated working fluid in a manner similar to that discussed above for method 1000.

[0119] At 1280A, the determined subcooling is compared with a predetermined threshold. When the subcooling is greater than the predetermined threshold, climate controller 180 can determine that the climate control loop 130 is overcharged. When the subcooling does not exceed the predetermined threshold (e.g., the subcooling is equal to or less than the threshold), method 1200 proceeds to 1280B. When the subcooling exceeds the predetermined threshold, method 1200 proceeds to 1282.

[0120] At 1280B, the expected operation of the EEIV is compared with the actual operation of the EEIV. In one embodiment, the climate controller may compare the expected step position of the EEIV with the actual step position of the EEIV (e.g., step position POS). In another embodiment, the climate controller may compare the expected temperature of the working fluid heated by the evaporator with the detected temperature of the working fluid heated by the evaporator (e.g., temperature T1). When the difference between the expected operation and the actual operation of the EEIV does not exceed a predetermined threshold (e.g., temperature amount, step amount, etc.), method 1200 returns to 1210. When the difference between the expected operation and the actual operation of the EEIV exceeds the predetermined threshold, method 1200 proceeds to 1282. At 1282, the climate controller issues a warning that the climate control loop is overcharged or undercharged. In one embodiment, issuing the warning at 1280 includes: an HMI (e.g., HMI 190, HMI 290) connected to the climate controller displays a warning to the operator of the climate-controlled transport unit (e.g., climate-controlled transport unit 1). In one embodiment, issuing a warning at 1280 includes: a telematics unit (e.g., telematics unit 192, telematics unit 292) connected to the climate controller wirelessly transmitting the warning to a remote device (e.g., a computer, server, server network, etc.).

[0121] Figure 6 Method 1200 includes steps 1280A and 1280B as subsequent steps. However, steps 1280A and 1280B can occur in different orders. In one embodiment, the order of steps 1280A and 1280B can be switched within method 1200. In another embodiment, steps 1280A and 1280B can occur in parallel within method 1200. Figure 6 A method 1200 is shown that includes detecting both overcharging and undercharging of a climate control loop. However, in some embodiments, method 1200 may include only detecting either overcharging or undercharging of the climate control loop. In such embodiments, method 1200 may include only one of 1280A or 1280B.

[0122] In some embodiments, the detection of overcharging or undercharging of the climate control loop at 1270 can be combined with the detection of whether the working fluid is leaking from the climate control loop at 1220. For example, detecting whether the working fluid is leaking from the climate control loop at 1220 may include: detecting the valve position of the EEIV (e.g., for comparing the step position of the EEIV with a expected step position at 1022 in method 1000; for comparing the temperature of the working fluid heated by the evaporator with the expected temperature of the working fluid at 1024 in method 1000). The climate controller may be configured to detect the valve position of the EEIV, and the detected valve position may be used at 1220 to detect whether the working fluid is leaking from the climate control loop (e.g., for comparing step positions, for comparing the temperature of the heated working fluid, etc.) and to detect overcharging of the climate control loop at 1270 (e.g., determining the subcooling of the EEIV at 1278). In one embodiment, the climate controller may be configured to shut down the climate control loop (e.g., shut down the compressor, etc.) when an overcharge is detected in the climate control loop at 1280B. For example, method 1200 may include shutting down the climate control loop between 1280B and 1282, or shutting down the climate control loop after a warning is sent at 1282.

[0123] Multiple aspects:

[0124] Any aspect of aspect 1 to 10 can be combined with any aspect of aspect 11 to 20, and any aspect of aspect 11 to 13 can be combined with any aspect of aspect 14 to 20.

[0125] Aspect 1. A method for controlling a transport climate control system (TCCS) for a transport unit, the TCCS including a climate control loop having a compressor and an electronic expansion and isolation valve (EEIV), the method comprising:

[0126] Operating the climate control loop to regulate the climate-controlled space of the transport unit, wherein operating the climate control loop to regulate the climate-controlled space includes: compressing the working fluid with the compressor and expanding the working fluid with the EEIV;

[0127] Detection of leakage of the working fluid from the climate control loop; and

[0128] When a leak of the working fluid from the climate control loop is detected, the high-pressure side of the climate control loop is isolated.

[0129] Aspect 2. The method according to aspect 1, wherein the high-pressure side of the climate control loop is isolated from the low-pressure side of the climate control loop.

[0130] Aspect 3. The method according to either aspect 1 or 2, wherein isolating the high-pressure side of the climate control loop comprises: shutting down the EEIV and shutting down the compressor.

[0131] Aspect 4. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 3 further includes:

[0132] When a leak of the working fluid from the climate control loop is detected, a portion of the low-pressure side of the climate control loop is isolated.

[0133] Aspect 5. The method according to aspect 4, wherein the climate control loop includes an evaporator for heating the working fluid, and the portion of the low-pressure side extends through an evaporator unit including the evaporator.

[0134] Aspect 6. The method according to either aspect 4 or 5, wherein isolating the portion of the low-pressure side of the climate control loop comprises: closing an isolation valve located downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the compressor in the climate control loop.

[0135] Aspect 7. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein,

[0136] Expanding the working fluid in the EEIV includes: a stepper motor adjusting the EEIV based on the superheat of the working fluid; and

[0137] Detecting leakage of the working fluid from the climate control loop includes:

[0138] Detect at least one step position of the EEIV and one or more other operating parameters of the climate control loop; and

[0139] The operation of the EEIV is compared with the expected operation of the EEIV, which is the operation of the EEIV expected based on at least one step position of the detected EEIV and one or more other operating parameters of the detected climate control loop.

[0140] Aspect 8. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 7 further includes:

[0141] Detecting overcharging of the climate control loop, wherein detecting overcharging of the climate control loop includes:

[0142] Detect the temperature and pressure of the working fluid compressed by the compressor;

[0143] The subcooling of the working fluid compressed by the compressor is determined based on the temperature and pressure of the working fluid compressed by the compressor; and

[0144] When the supercooling exceeds a predetermined threshold, the climate control loop is detected to be overcharged.

[0145] Aspect 9. The method according to Aspect 8, wherein the EEIV includes a temperature sensor located on the low-pressure side of the EEIV, and the temperature of the working fluid expanded by the EEIV is detected via the temperature sensor of the EEIV.

[0146] Aspect 10. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 3 and 7 to 9 further includes:

[0147] When a leak of the working fluid from the climate control loop is detected, the location of the leak in the climate control loop is determined, wherein determining the location of the leak in the climate control loop includes:

[0148] The valve position of an electronic check valve is detected, the electronic check valve being located downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the compressor in the climate control loop; and

[0149] The location of the leak in the climate control loop is determined based on the detected valve position of the electronic check valve.

[0150] Aspect 11. A method for controlling a transport climate control system (TCCS) for a transport unit, the TCCS including a climate control loop having a compressor for compressing a working fluid and an electronic expansion and isolation valve (EEIV) for expanding the working fluid, the method comprising:

[0151] Operate the climate control loop to regulate the climate-controlled space;

[0152] Detecting at least one of overcharging and undercharging of the climate control loop, wherein detecting overcharging of the climate control loop includes:

[0153] Detect the temperature and pressure of the compressed working fluid, and

[0154] The subcooling of the compressed working fluid is determined based on the temperature and pressure of the compressed working fluid.

[0155] The detection of insufficient filling includes:

[0156] Detect the step position of the EEIV, and

[0157] The expected operation of the EEIV is determined based on its step position; and

[0158] A warning is sent when the climate control loop is determined to be either overcharged or undercharged.

[0159] Aspect 12. The method according to aspect 11, wherein the EEIV includes a temperature sensor, and the detected temperature of the working fluid after being compressed by the compressor is detected via the temperature sensor of the EEIV.

[0160] Aspect 13. A Transport Climate Control System (TCCS) for a transport unit, comprising:

[0161] Climate control loop, the climate control loop comprising:

[0162] The compressor is used to compress the working fluid.

[0163] A condenser, used to cool the working fluid compressed by the compressor.

[0164] An electronic expansion and isolation valve (EEIV) is used to expand the working fluid condensed by the condenser, and

[0165] An evaporator for heating the working fluid expanded by the EEIV; and

[0166] Climate controller, the climate controller being configured to:

[0167] Detecting leaks of the working fluid from the climate control loop, and

[0168] When it is determined that the working fluid is leaking from the climate control loop, the high-pressure side of the climate control loop is isolated.

[0169] Aspect 14. The TCCS according to aspect 13, wherein the climate controller is configured to shut down the EEIV and the compressor in order to isolate the high-pressure side of the climate control loop.

[0170] Aspect 15. The TCCS as described in either Aspect 13 or 14, wherein,

[0171] The EEIV includes a stepper motor and a stepper position sensor, the stepper position sensor being used to detect the stepper motor's stepping position, and

[0172] The climate controller is configured to:

[0173] At least one step position of the stepper motor is detected via the stepper position sensor.

[0174] Detect one or more other operating parameters of the climate control loop, and

[0175] The operation of the EEIV is compared with the expected operation of the EEIV, which is the operation of the EEIV expected based on at least one detected step position and one or more other operating parameters of the detected climate control loop.

[0176] Aspect 16. The TCCS according to any one of aspects 13 to 15, wherein,

[0177] The climate controller is configured to:

[0178] The valve position of the EEIV and the temperature of the working fluid expanded by the EEIV are detected.

[0179] The expected temperature of the working fluid expanded by the EEIV is determined based on the detected valve position of the EEIV.

[0180] The subcooling of the EEIV is determined by comparing the expected temperature of the working fluid expanded by the EEIV with the detected temperature of the working fluid expanded by the EEIV.

[0181] When the supercooling exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the climate control loop is overcharged.

[0182] Aspect 17. The TCCS according to any one of aspects 13 to 16, wherein,

[0183] The climate control loop includes an isolation valve located downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the compressor.

[0184] The climate controller is configured to isolate a portion of the low-pressure side of the compressor by closing the isolation valve when a leak of the working fluid is detected from the climate control loop.

[0185] Aspect 18. The TCCS according to aspect 17 further includes:

[0186] A climate control unit, comprising an evaporator unit and a condenser unit, wherein the evaporator unit includes an evaporator and the condenser unit includes a condenser, wherein...

[0187] The portion on the low-pressure side extends through the evaporator unit.

[0188] Aspect 19. The TTCS according to any one of Aspects 13-16, wherein,

[0189] The climate control loop includes an electronic check valve with a proximity sensor, and

[0190] The climate controller is configured to:

[0191] The valve position of the electronic check valve is detected via the proximity sensor, and

[0192] The location of the leak in the climate control loop is determined based on the detected valve position of the electronic check valve.

[0193] The examples disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting in all respects. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all modifications of the invention are within the meaning and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a transport climate control system for a transport unit, the transport climate control system comprising a climate control loop having a compressor and an electronic expansion and isolation valve, the method comprising: Operating the climate control loop to regulate the climate-controlled space of the transport unit, wherein operating the climate control loop to regulate the climate-controlled space includes compressing the working fluid with the compressor and expanding the working fluid with the electronic expansion and isolation valve; Leakage of the working fluid from the climate control loop is detected, wherein the electronic expansion and isolation valve includes a temperature sensor positioned on the high-pressure side of the electronic expansion and isolation valve, and the detection of leakage of the working fluid from the climate control loop includes detecting the temperature of the working fluid compressed by the compressor via the temperature sensor in the electronic expansion and isolation valve; and When a leak of the working fluid from the climate control loop is detected, the high-pressure side of the climate control loop is isolated.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The high-pressure side of the climate control loop is isolated from the low-pressure side of the climate control loop; and / or The high-pressure side of isolating the climate control loop includes: shutting down the electronic expansion and isolation valve and shutting down the compressor.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: When a leak of the working fluid from the climate control loop is detected, a portion of the low-pressure side of the climate control loop is isolated.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The climate control loop includes an evaporator for heating the working fluid, and the portion on the low-pressure side extends through the evaporator unit including the evaporator; and / or The portion that isolates the low-pressure side of the climate control loop includes: closing an isolation valve located downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the compressor in the climate control loop.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Expanding the working fluid in the electronic expansion and isolation valve includes: a stepper motor adjusting the electronic expansion and isolation valve based on the superheat of the working fluid; and Detecting leaks of the working fluid from the climate control loop includes: Detect at least one step position of the electronic expansion and isolation valve and one or more other operating parameters of the climate control loop; and The operation of the electronic expansion and isolation valve is compared with its expected operation to detect whether the working fluid is leaking from the climate control loop, the expected operation of the electronic expansion and isolation valve being the operation of the electronic expansion and isolation valve expected based on the detected at least one step position of the electronic expansion and isolation valve and the detected one or more other operating parameters of the climate control loop.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: Detecting overcharging of the climate control loop, wherein detecting overcharging of the climate control loop includes: Detect the temperature and pressure of the working fluid compressed by the compressor; The subcooling of the working fluid compressed by the compressor is determined based on the temperature and pressure of the working fluid compressed by the compressor; and When the supercooling exceeds a predetermined threshold, the climate control loop is detected to be overcharged.

7. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: When a leak of the working fluid from the climate control loop is detected, the location of the leak in the climate control loop is determined, wherein determining the location of the leak in the climate control loop includes: The valve position of an electronic check valve is detected, the electronic check valve being located downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the compressor in the climate control loop; and The location of the leak in the climate control loop is determined based on the valve position of the electronic check valve.

8. A method for controlling a transport climate control system for a transport unit, the transport climate control system comprising a climate control loop having a compressor for compressing a working fluid and an electronic expansion and isolation valve for expanding the working fluid, the method comprising: Operate the climate control loop to regulate the climate-controlled space; Detecting at least one of overcharging and undercharging of the climate control loop, wherein detecting overcharging of the climate control loop includes: Detect the temperature and pressure of the compressed working fluid, and The subcooling of the compressed working fluid is determined based on the temperature and pressure of the compressed working fluid. The detection of insufficient filling includes: The step position of the electronic expansion and isolation valve is detected, and The expected operation of the electronic expansion and isolation valve is determined based on the step position of the electronic expansion and isolation valve; and A warning is issued when the climate control loop is determined to be either overcharged or undercharged. The electronic expansion and isolation valve includes a temperature sensor, and the temperature of the working fluid after being compressed by the compressor is detected via the temperature sensor of the electronic expansion and isolation valve.

9. A transport climate control system for a transport unit, comprising: Climate control loop, the climate control loop comprising: The compressor is used to compress the working fluid. A condenser, used to cool the working fluid compressed by the compressor. An electronic expansion and isolation valve is provided for expanding the working fluid condensed by the condenser. The electronic expansion and isolation valve includes a temperature sensor located on the high-pressure side of the valve, the temperature sensor being used to detect the temperature of the working fluid. An evaporator for heating the working fluid expanded by the electronic expansion and isolation valve; and Climate controller, the climate controller being configured to: The temperature of the working fluid compressed by the compressor is detected via the temperature sensor in the electronic expansion and isolation valve. Leakage of the working fluid from the climate control loop is detected based on the temperature of the working fluid detected by the temperature sensor in the electronic expansion and isolation valve. When it is determined that the working fluid is leaking from the climate control loop, the high-pressure side of the climate control loop is isolated.

10. The transport climate control system according to claim 9, wherein, The climate controller is configured to close the electronic expansion and isolation valve and shut down the compressor to isolate the high-pressure side of the climate control loop; and / or in, The electronic expansion and isolation valve includes a stepper motor and a stepper position sensor, the stepper position sensor being used to detect the stepper motor's stepping position, and The climate controller is configured to: At least one step position of the stepper motor is detected via the stepper position sensor. Detect one or more other operating parameters of the climate control loop, and The operation of the electronic expansion and isolation valve is compared with its expected operation, which is the operation of the electronic expansion and isolation valve anticipated based on the detected at least one step position and the detected one or more other operating parameters of the climate control loop. This allows for the detection of whether the working fluid is leaking from the climate control loop and / or in, The climate controller is configured to: The valve position of the electronic expansion and isolation valve and the temperature of the working fluid expanded by the electronic expansion and isolation valve are detected. The expected temperature of the working fluid expanded by the electronic expansion and isolation valve is determined based on the valve position of the electronic expansion and isolation valve. The subcooling of the electronic expansion and isolation valve is determined by comparing the expected temperature of the working fluid to be expanded by the electronic expansion and isolation valve with the detected temperature of the working fluid to be expanded by the electronic expansion and isolation valve. When the supercooling exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the climate control loop is overcharged.

11. The transport climate control system according to claim 9, wherein, The climate control loop includes an isolation valve located downstream of the evaporator and upstream of the compressor. The climate controller is configured to isolate a portion of the low-pressure side of the compressor by closing the isolation valve when a leak of the working fluid is detected from the climate control loop.

12. The transport climate control system according to claim 11, further comprising: A climate control unit, comprising an evaporator unit and a condenser unit, wherein the evaporator unit includes the evaporator and the condenser unit includes the condenser, wherein... The portion on the low-pressure side extends through the evaporator unit.

13. The transport climate control system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The climate control loop includes an electronic check valve with a proximity sensor, and The climate controller is configured to: The valve position of the electronic check valve is detected via the proximity sensor, and The location of the leak in the climate control loop is determined based on the valve position of the electronic check valve.

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