Air management system for a climate control unit of a transport climate control system

Abstract

Techniques are provided for preventing working fluid leaks from collecting and thus being diluted by air within a condenser and / or evaporator compartment of a CCU by any leaked working fluid. It can include a computer readable medium storing executable instructions that, when executed, prevent working fluid leaks from collecting within a climate control unit (CCU) of a transport climate control system. It also includes detecting satisfaction of a start threshold condition related to the CCU. Further, it includes starting a fan in at least one of a condenser unit and an evaporator unit included in the CCU to dilute the leaked working fluid by air within the CCU. Moreover, it includes detecting satisfaction of a stop threshold condition and stopping the started fan.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a climate control unit (CCU) of a transport climate control system (TCCS). More specifically, the embodiments relate to preventing the pooling of working fluid leaks and, thus, diluting any leaked working fluid by air within a condenser and / or evaporator compartment of the CCU. BACKGROUND

[0002] Transport climate control systems are generally used to control environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a climate-controlled space of a transport unit (e.g., a truck, a container (such as a container on a flatbed truck, a rail container, etc.), a van, a semi-trailer, a bus, or other similar transport unit). Transport climate control systems can include, for example, a transport refrigeration system (TRS) and / or a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The TRS can control environmental conditions within the climate-controlled space to preserve cargo (e.g., products, frozen food, pharmaceuticals, etc.). The HVAC system can control environmental conditions within the climate-controlled space to provide passenger comfort for passengers traveling in the transport unit. In some transport units, the transport climate control system can be installed externally (e.g., installed on a roof of the transport unit, installed on a front wall of the transport unit, etc.).

[0003] A transport climate control system can include a climate control circuit having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. A working fluid can include a working fluid that can be compressed and expanded as the working fluid flows through the climate control circuit and can be used to heat and / or cool a particular space. SUMMARY

[0004] The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a climate control unit (CCU) of a transport climate control system (TCCS). More specifically, the embodiments relate to preventing the pooling of working fluid leaks and, thus, diluting any leaked working fluid by air within a condenser and / or evaporator compartment of the CCU.

[0005] The embodiments described herein relate to at least periodically venting air from a condenser unit and / or an evaporator unit of a CCU to avoid the pooling of potential working fluid leaks, thereby diluting any leaked working fluid by air within the condenser unit and / or the evaporator unit of the CCU.

[0006] According to at least one embodiment, a computer-readable medium stores executable instructions that, when executed, prevent a working fluid leak from pooling within a climate control unit (CCU) of a transport climate control system. This includes detecting satisfaction of a start threshold condition related to the CCU. This also includes starting a fan in at least one of a condenser unit and an evaporator unit included in the CCU in order to dilute the leaked working fluid by air within the CCU. Additionally, this includes detecting satisfaction of a stop threshold condition. Further, this includes stopping the started fan.

[0007] According to at least one other embodiment, a controller has a corresponding computer-readable medium storing executable instructions that, when executed, cause a working fluid leak to be diluted by air within a CCU of a transport unit. Components of the controller can include a start detector to detect satisfaction of a start threshold condition related to the CCU. Components of the controller also include an air controller to circulate the air in at least one of the condenser unit and the evaporator unit. Additionally, components of the controller include a stop detector to detect satisfaction of a stop threshold condition and to stop the air controller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure, and which illustrate embodiments described in this specification. Various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described and illustrated herein within the scope of the appended claims. Like reference numerals are used to denote like parts throughout the various figures.

[0009] Figure 1 A transport climate control system for a transport unit attached to a vehicle is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment described and / or recited herein.

[0010] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a climate controlled unit for a transport climate control system is shown in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and / or recited herein.

[0011] Figure 3 A perspective view of an evaporator side of a bulkhead is shown in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and / or recited herein, wherein an evaporator is mounted on an inside surface of the bulkhead.

[0012] Figure 4 A block diagram representing a controller for a transport climate control system is shown in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and / or recited herein.

[0013] Figure 5A process flow executed by a controller for a transport climate control system is shown in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and / or illustrated herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Embodiments disclosed and / or illustrated in the present disclosure relate substantially to CCUs of TCCSs. More specifically, embodiments relate to preventing the pooling of working fluid leaks and, thus, diluting any leaked working fluid by air within the condenser and / or evaporator compartments of the CCU.

[0015] In accordance with embodiments described and / or illustrated herein, the CCU can be configured to produce optimal air flow from the condenser unit and the evaporator unit. The condenser unit and the evaporator unit can be separated by a bulkhead that provides structural support for a variety of different components of the CCU, such as air filters, fuel filters, evaporator blower(s), condenser(s) fan(s), evaporator coil(s), condenser(s) coil(s), etc. Embodiments described and / or illustrated herein are directed to at least periodically venting air from the condenser unit and / or the evaporator unit of the CCU in order to avoid the pooling of potential working fluid leaks, thereby diluting any leaked working fluid by air within the condenser unit and / or the evaporator unit of the CCU.

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. Additionally, in the following detailed description, each continuous drawing can refer back to features from one or more previous drawings to provide a more clear and substantive explanation of the current example embodiment. Furthermore, the example embodiments described in the DETAILED DESCRIPTION, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments can be utilized, and other modifications can be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the drawings, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0017] Embodiments disclosed and / or illustrated herein relate to at least periodically venting air from the condenser unit and / or the evaporator unit of the CCU in order to avoid the pooling of potential working fluid leaks, thereby potentially lowering any potential leaks below a flammable concentration.

[0018] Figure 1A TCCS 20 for a climate-controlled transport unit 1 according to at least one embodiment described and / or illustrated herein is shown, the climate-controlled transport unit 1 being attached to a tractor 5. The climate-controlled transport unit 1 includes a transport unit 10 and a corresponding TCCS 20.

[0019] The transport unit 10 can be attached to the tractor 5, which is configured to pull the transport unit 10, although the transport unit 10 can alternatively be parked and detached from the tractor 5. Note that the embodiments described herein are not limited to tractor and trailer units, but the embodiments described herein can be applied to any type of transport unit, such as a truck, a container (e.g., a container on a flatbed truck, a container on a railcar, etc.), a van, a semi-tractor, a bus, or other similar transport unit.

[0020] The TCCS 20 includes a climate control unit (CCU) 30 that provides environmental control, e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality control, etc., within the climate-controlled space 12 of the transport unit 10.

[0021] The CCU 30 can provide conditioned air into the climate-controlled space (i.e., interior space) 12 of the transport unit 10, thereby providing a desired conditioned environment for the cargo therein. The desired conditioned environment of the climate-controlled space 12 can have one or more desired environmental conditions of the climate-controlled space 12, e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc. For example, when perishable cargo is within the transport unit 10, the CCU 30 can provide cooled air to the climate-controlled space 12; additionally or alternatively, the CCU 30 can remove humidity from the air within the climate-controlled space 12 as needed by the cargo within the transport unit 10, e.g., when electronic equipment is within the transport unit 10.

[0022] The CCU 30 can be disposed on a front wall 14 of the transport unit 10; i.e., on a side of the transport unit facing in a forward direction, as in the case where the climate-controlled transport unit 1 is attached to the tractor 5. In one or more alternative embodiments, the CCU 30 can be disposed on, e.g., a roof or another wall of the transport unit 10.

[0023] The climate-controlled transport unit 1 can include at least one of a battery (not shown) or a prime mover (not shown) as a primary power source.

[0024] TCCS 20 can be a hybrid power system using a combination of battery power and prime mover power, or an electric power system that does not include or rely on a prime mover of the tractor 5 or TCCS 20 for motive power. The TCCS 20 can also include a programmable climate controller 40 and one or more sensors 50. The one or more sensors 50 can be configured to measure one or more parameters of the climate-controlled transport unit 1, such as, for example, ambient temperature and / or ambient humidity outside the transport unit 10, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, temperature of air supplied to the climate-controlled space 12 by the CCU 30, temperature of air returned to the CCU 30 from the climate-controlled space 12, humidity within the climate-controlled space 12, etc., and the one or more sensors 50 are configured to communicate parameter data to the climate controller 40. The climate controller 40 can be configured to control operation of the TCCS 20, including components of the climate control circuit. The climate controller 40 can 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 can depend on the particular application of the principles described herein.

[0025] At least with respect to the programmable climate controller 40 and the one or more sensors 50, Figure 1 Features otherwise not visible in the illustrated view are shown in dashed lines in

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a CCU 30 for a TCCS (e.g., the TCCS 20 shown in Figure 1

[0027] The CCU 30 is used in a transport climate control system to condition a climate-controlled space 12. The CCU 30 includes a climate control circuit 130 that is configured and used to control one or more environmental conditions, such as, for example, temperature, humidity, air quality, etc., of the climate-controlled space 12. The CCU 30 includes at least an evaporator unit 110 and a condenser unit 120.

[0028] ​The evaporator unit 110 can include an evaporator air inlet 112, which can alternatively be referred to as an air return inlet, and an evaporator air outlet 114. Air enters through the evaporator air inlet 112 and exits through the evaporator air outlet 114, thereby traveling through the evaporator unit 110. After air from the climate-controlled space 12 enters the evaporator unit 110 through the evaporator air inlet 112, the air is conditioned within the evaporator unit 110, i.e., the air is heated or cooled; and the conditioned air is discharged from the evaporator unit 110 through the evaporator air outlet 114. In some embodiments, the evaporator unit 110 can include one or more evaporator blowers (not shown) that discharge the conditioned air through the evaporator air outlet 114 and recover air from the climate-controlled space 12 through the evaporator air inlet 112. The conditioned air flows from the evaporator air outlet 114 to the climate-controlled space 12 to condition the climate-controlled space 12.

[0029] The condenser unit 120 can include an ambient air inlet 124 and an ambient air outlet 126. Ambient air from the outside environment 104, e.g., ambient air from outside the climate-controlled transport unit 1, flows through the condenser unit 120 by entering through the ambient air inlet 124 and exiting through the ambient air outlet 126. In some embodiments, the condenser unit 120 can include one or more condenser fans 360C that push air out of the condenser unit 120 through the ambient air outlet 126.

[0030] The evaporator unit 110 can include a damper 118 that regulates the flow of conditioned air from the condenser unit 120. The evaporator unit 110 can also include one or more fans 360E for controlling the respective air flow through the evaporator unit 110. Further, in various different embodiments, the evaporator unit 110 can include one or more of, or each of, a damper 118 or a blower 330 for discharging air within the evaporator unit 110 to the environment (e.g., to outside of the CCU 30); similarly, in various different embodiments, the condenser unit 120 can include one or more of, or each of, a damper 118 or a blower 330 for discharging air within the condenser unit 120 to the environment (e.g., to outside of the CCU 30).

[0031] CCU 30 may also include a partition 105 that separates the internal volume 112 of the evaporator unit 110 from the internal volume 122 of the condenser unit 120. Therefore, air and / or leaked gaseous working fluid within the condenser unit 120 cannot flow into the evaporator unit 110, nor into the conditioned space of the climate-controlled space 12.

[0032] Climate control loop 130 may extend through partition 105. Pipes, hoses, etc. of climate control loop 130 extend through partition 105 to guide working fluid between components of climate control loop 130 located in evaporator unit 110 and components of climate control loop 130 located in condenser unit 120.

[0033] Figure 3 A perspective view of the inner side of a partition 302 according to at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and / or enumerated herein is shown, wherein an evaporator 110 is mounted on the inner surface of the partition 302.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment, the evaporator unit 110 is disposed on the evaporator side of the partition 302, and the condenser unit (in) Figure 3 (Not shown in the image) is disposed on the condenser side of the baffle 302. Both the evaporator unit 110 and the condenser unit 120, along with the baffle 302, can be integrated into the exhaust device 60 (…). Figure 1 (at least a part of)

[0035] Evaporator coil 310 receives air from the conditioned space, such as air blown by an evaporator blower (not shown). A warm airflow enters through baffle 302, where the two-phase working fluid absorbs heat from the air. The working fluid can be heated as it leaves evaporator unit 110 and is returned to compressor unit 40 for recirculation. Cooling air exiting the air outlet opening can be guided back into the conditioned space, where it removes heat from the cargo and maintains the cargo at the desired temperature.

[0036] One or more embodiments of fan 360C, fan 360E, baffle 118 and / or blower 330 may be provided at the top of at least a portion of partition 302 to provide an automated opening for adjusting the rate of airflow between evaporator unit 110 and condenser unit 120.

[0037] Fans 360C and 360E can be automated to agitate the air within condenser unit 120 and evaporator unit 110, respectively. Furthermore, both baffle 118 and blower 330 can be automated, causing baffle 118 to open intermittently and / or blower 330 to open intermittently, thereby dissipating any accumulated working fluid or other harmful or even toxic gases, such as working fluid that may leak from either evaporator unit 110 or condenser unit 120.

[0038] Therefore, the non-limiting embodiments of fan 360C, fan 360E, baffle 118 and / or blower 330 described and enumerated herein are designed and / or configured to reduce or even eliminate the risk that may arise from leakage of working fluid from either evaporator unit 110 or condenser unit 120, especially when using working fluids that are flammable and / or toxic.

[0039] In addition to other functions, controller 180 may be provided to adjust the operation of various features and components of CCU 100, including climate control loop 130 (which may in turn include baffle 118 and blower 330), as well as the operation of corresponding components of controller 180.

[0040] According to at least one embodiment described and enumerated herein, a climate controller 180, which may be implemented individually and / or jointly by a series of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof, may include: a memory (not shown) for storing information, and a processor (not shown). Furthermore, the climate controller 180 may be deployed as a single integrated control unit, such as... Figure 2 As shown. Alternatively, the climate controller 180 can be deployed as a distributed network of climate controller components.

[0041] Figure 4 A block diagram is shown representing a controller 180 corresponding to a climate control loop 130 according to at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and / or enumerated herein. As shown, the controller 180 includes at least a start detector 405, an air controller 410, and a stop detector 415. Although shown as discrete components, various components may be divided into additional components, combined into fewer components, or entirely eliminated when considered within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Those skilled in the art will understand that each function and / or operation of the components can be implemented individually and / or jointly by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.

[0042] The startup detector 405 may refer to a component designed, programmed, or configured to detect the satisfaction of startup threshold conditions associated with CCU 100. According to at least one embodiment of the air management system described and / or enumerated herein, the startup threshold condition may include: a predetermined amount of time since the system was last used; additionally or alternatively, the startup threshold condition may include: a detected volume of working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) leaking within the condenser unit 120 exceeding a predetermined volume.

[0043] For example, the predetermined time may include: a predetermined number of hours (e.g., six hours) since the blower in at least one of the condenser unit 120 and evaporator unit 110 has been pre-started, and / or a predetermined amount of time since the prime mover (e.g., engine) or other power source (e.g., battery power) for the transport unit has been shut off. Therefore, the embodiments described and / or enumerated herein can be implemented at night or on weekends at other times, thereby dissipating potential accumulations of leaked working fluids (e.g., A2L).

[0044] Air controller 410 may refer to a component designed, programmed, or configured to provide instructions to electromechanically activate (i.e., open) baffle 118 and / or blower 330 when activation detector 405 detects that a activation threshold condition associated with CCU 100 is met. Thus, by a non-limiting example, after activation detector 405 has determined that a predetermined amount of time (e.g., six hours) has elapsed since baffle 118 or blower 330 was last shut down, air controller 410 may activate one or both of these components.

[0045] The air controller provides instructions to start the baffle 118 and / or the blower 330 independently of the prime mover or other power source of the transport unit.

[0046] Once activated by the air controller 410, the baffle 118 and the blower 330 can circulate the air within the evaporator unit 110, and / or the baffle 118 and the blower 330 can discharge air, including any leaked working fluid from the condenser unit 120, into the atmosphere through any of its ducts for a predetermined amount of time, such as 30 seconds.

[0047] Shutdown detector 415 may refer to a component designed, programmed, or configured to detect the fulfillment of a shutdown threshold condition and ultimately provide an instruction to shut down the air controller. According to at least one embodiment of the air management system described and / or enumerated herein, the shutdown threshold condition may include: a predetermined amount of time, such as 30 seconds, since the system was started; additionally or alternatively, the shutdown threshold condition may include: a detected volume of leaked working fluid within the condenser unit 120 decreasing below a threshold volume.

[0048] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a processing flow performed by a controller for a climate control loop, according to at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and / or enumerated herein.

[0049] As shown in the figure, processing flow 500 includes sub-processes executed by multiple different components of controller 180, which may correspond to CCU 130. However, processing flow 500 is not limited to such components and processes, as it can be modified in various ways, such as reordering two or more sub-processes described herein, eliminating at least one sub-process, adding other sub-processes, replacing components, or even having multiple different components that assume sub-processing roles consistent with other components described below. Processing flow 500 may include multiple different operations, functions, or actions, as shown in one or more of boxes 505, 510, 515, and 520. These multiple different operations, functions, or actions may, for example, correspond to software, program code, or program instructions that can be executed by a digital processor that enables the function to be performed. Processing may begin at box 505.

[0050] At box 505 (Detection of Startup Threshold Condition Satisfaction), the startup detector 405 can detect the satisfaction of startup threshold conditions related to the CCU. As previously described, the startup threshold conditions may include: a predetermined amount of time for detecting a predetermined volume of working fluid within the condenser unit or evaporator unit.

[0051] For example, the predetermined time amount may include a predetermined amount of time since the blowers in condenser unit 120 and / or evaporator unit 110 were last started, said predetermined time amount may be customized to be measured in minutes, hours, days or even weeks; and / or the predetermined time amount may include a predetermined number of hours since the prime mover or other power source for the transport unit was shut down. Therefore, the embodiments described and / or enumerated herein can be implemented at night or on weekends at other times, thereby dissipating potential accumulations of leaked working fluids (e.g., A2L). The process can proceed from box 505 to box 510.

[0052] In block 510 (starting the fan and / or opening the baffle), the air controller 410 can provide instructions to electromechanically start (i.e., open) the baffle 118 and / or the blower 330 independently of the ignition of the prime mover of the transport unit. The start-up instructions provided by the air controller 410 can cause the baffle 118 to open to expel air from either the condenser unit 120 or the evaporator unit 110, and / or cause the blower 330 to circulate the air therein for a predetermined time, which can be measured in seconds, minutes, or even hours. This predetermined time may be affected by factors, in a non-limiting list including but not excluding: the area of ​​the cargo area, the type of working fluid used, and the ignition frequency of the transport unit. Processing can proceed from block 510 to block 515.

[0053] In block 515 (Detection of Satisfaction of Shutdown Threshold Condition), the shutdown detector 415 can detect the satisfaction of a shutdown threshold condition, which may include: a predetermined amount of time since the baffle 118 has been opened and / or the blower 330 has been turned on in at least one of the condenser unit 120 and the evaporator unit 110. Additionally or alternatively, the shutdown threshold condition may include: a detected volume of working fluid within the condenser unit or evaporator unit decreasing below an acceptable threshold level. Processing may proceed from block 515 to block 520.

[0054] In frame 520, air controller 410 can provide instructions to electromechanically close open baffle 118, or shut down the activated blower 330 in condenser unit 120 and / or evaporator unit 110.

[0055] Box 525 (Starting the Engine) can refer to starting the engine of the tractor 5, optionally starting the engine when the above conditions are met. The fresh air damper must be closed regardless of whether the fan is off or the engine is started.

[0056] Therefore, the safety of the interior and surrounding area of ​​the transport refrigeration unit can be improved according to the embodiments described and illustrated herein.

[0057] aspect

[0058] It should be understood that any of the following aspects can be combined:

[0059] Aspect 1. A computer-readable medium storing executable instructions, which, when executed, perform a function to prevent working fluid leaks from accumulating within a climate control unit (CCU) of a transport climate control system, the function including:

[0060] The startup threshold conditions associated with the CCU are checked and confirmed to be met.

[0061] Start the fan in at least one of the condenser unit and evaporator unit included in the CCU so that the leaked working fluid is diluted by the air in the CCU;

[0062] The shutdown threshold condition is met; and

[0063] Turn off the fan that has been started.

[0064] Aspect 2, the computer-readable medium according to aspect 1, wherein the activation threshold condition includes: a predetermined time period for detecting a predetermined volume of working fluid within the condenser unit or evaporator unit of the CCU.

[0065] Aspect 3, the computer-readable medium according to aspect 2, wherein the predetermined time amount includes: a predetermined number of hours since the fan in at least one of the condenser unit and the evaporator unit was previously started.

[0066] Aspect 4. The computer-readable medium according to any one of Aspects 2 or 3, wherein the predetermined time amount includes: a predetermined number of hours since the main power source for the transport unit was shut down.

[0067] Aspect 5, the computer-readable medium according to any one of aspects 2 to 4, wherein the working fluid comprises A2L.

[0068] Aspect 6. The computer-readable medium according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the shutdown threshold condition includes one or more predetermined time intervals since the fan in at least one of the condenser unit and the evaporator unit has been started.

[0069] Aspect 7. The computer-readable medium according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the shutdown threshold condition includes: the detected volume of the working fluid within the condenser unit or the evaporator unit drops below a threshold level.

[0070] Aspect 8. The computer-readable medium according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the command to start the fan in at least one of the condenser unit and the evaporator unit is independent of the ignition of the main power source of the transport unit.

[0071] Aspect 9. The computer-readable medium according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein an activated fan in the condenser unit exhausts air from the condenser unit into the atmosphere.

[0072] Aspect 10. The computer-readable medium according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein an activated fan in the evaporator unit circulates air within the evaporator unit.

[0073] Aspect 11. A controller having a corresponding computer-readable medium storing executable instructions, which, when executed, cause a working fluid leak to be diluted by air within a climate control unit (CCU) of a transport unit, the controller having components comprising:

[0074] A startup detector, which is used to detect the satisfaction of startup threshold conditions related to the CCU;

[0075] An air controller for circulating the air in at least one of a condenser unit and an evaporator unit;

[0076] Shutdown detector, the shutdown detector being used for:

[0077] The detection shutdown threshold condition is met, and

[0078] Shut down the air controller.

[0079] Aspect 12. The controller according to aspect 11, wherein the start-up threshold condition includes: detecting a predetermined volume of working fluid within the condenser unit or evaporator unit of the CCU for one or more predetermined time periods.

[0080] Aspect 13, the controller according to aspect 12, wherein the predetermined time amount includes: a predetermined number of hours since the fan in at least one of the condenser unit and the evaporator unit was previously started.

[0081] Aspect 14. The controller according to any one of Aspects 12 or 13, wherein the predetermined time amount includes: a predetermined number of hours since the main power source for the transport unit has been shut down.

[0082] Aspect 15. The controller according to any one of aspects 12 to 14, wherein the working fluid includes A2L.

[0083] Aspect 16. The controller according to any one of aspects 11 to 15, wherein the air controller includes a fan located in at least one of the condenser unit and the evaporator unit included in the CCU.

[0084] Aspect 17. The controller according to aspect 16, wherein the fan in either the condenser unit or the evaporator unit can be started independently of ignition of the main power source for the CCU until the detected volume of gas in either the condenser unit or the evaporator unit drops below a threshold level.

[0085] Aspect 18. The controller according to any one of Aspects 16 or 17, wherein the fan in either the condenser unit or the evaporator unit can be started independently of the ignition of the main power source for the CCU until a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

[0086] Aspect 19. The controller according to any one of aspects 11 to 18, wherein the air controller includes a baffle door corresponding to an evaporator unit included in the CCU.

[0087] Aspect 20, the controller of claim 19, wherein the baffle door can be opened independently of ignition of the main power source for the CCU until the detected volume of gas in either the condenser unit or the evaporator unit drops below a threshold level.

[0088] Aspect 21, the controller according to claim 19, wherein the baffle door can be opened independently of ignition of the main power source for the CCU until a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

[0089] The terminology used in this specification is intended to describe particular embodiments and not to be limiting. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” or even the absence of such modifiers may refer to the plural form. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and / or “having” as used in this specification indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0090] Regarding the foregoing description, it should be understood that changes may be made in details, particularly in the shape, size, and arrangement of the construction materials and components used, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The term "embodiment" as used in this specification may, but does not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. This specification and the described embodiments are merely examples. Other and further embodiments may be designed without departing from its basic scope, the true scope and spirit of which are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A computer-readable medium storing executable instructions, which, when executed, perform a function to prevent working fluid leaks from accumulating within a climate control unit (CCU) of a transport climate control system configured to provide climate control to the interior space of a transport unit, the function including: The satisfaction of a single start threshold condition from a plurality of start threshold conditions is detected, wherein one of the plurality of start threshold conditions is a predetermined amount of time elapsed since the main power source for the transport unit was turned off; In response to the satisfaction of the single activation threshold condition, at least one of the baffle or the blower is activated to agitate the working fluid from within the climate control unit; Detecting the satisfaction of a single shutdown threshold condition from a plurality of shutdown threshold conditions, wherein one of the plurality of shutdown threshold conditions is a predetermined amount of time elapsed since at least one of the baffle or the blower was activated; and Shut down at least one of the activated baffles or blowers.

2. The computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of start-up threshold conditions include: a predetermined amount of time elapsed since the start-up of at least one of the baffles in at least one of the condenser unit or evaporator unit of the climate control unit or at least one of the blowers.

3. The computer-readable medium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in, The plurality of activation threshold conditions include: a predetermined number of hours elapsed since the power source for the transport unit was shut down; and / or The working fluid includes A2L.

4. The computer-readable medium according to claim 2, wherein, The shutdown threshold conditions include: a predetermined amount of time elapsed since the baffle in at least one of the condenser unit and the evaporator unit or the blower in at least one of the blowers has been started; and / or The shutdown threshold condition includes: the detected volume of the working fluid in the condenser unit or the evaporator unit drops below a threshold level.

5. The computer-readable medium according to claim 2, wherein, The command for starting the baffle in at least one of the condenser unit or the evaporator unit or the blower is independent of the ignition of the power source for the transport unit.

6. The computer-readable medium according to claim 2, wherein, The activated baffle in the condenser unit expels air from the condenser unit into the atmosphere; and / or The blower in the evaporator unit is activated to circulate the air within the evaporator unit.

7. A controller having a corresponding computer-readable medium storing executable instructions, which, when executed, cause a working fluid leak to be diluted by air within a climate control unit (CCU) of a transport unit, the controller having components comprising: A start detector is configured to detect the satisfaction of a single start threshold condition from a plurality of start threshold conditions, wherein one of the plurality of start threshold conditions is a predetermined amount of time elapsed since the main power source for the transport unit has been shut down. An air controller for activating at least one of a baffle or a blower in response to the satisfaction of the single activation threshold condition, so as to circulate the working fluid of air from at least one of the condenser unit or evaporator unit of the climate control unit. Shutdown detector, the shutdown detector being used for: The satisfaction of a single shutdown threshold condition from a plurality of shutdown threshold conditions is detected, wherein one of the plurality of shutdown threshold conditions is a predetermined amount of time elapsed since at least one of the baffle or the blower was activated, and Shut down at least one of the activated baffles or blowers.

8. The controller according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of start-up threshold conditions include: a predetermined amount of time elapsed since the start-up of the baffle in at least one of the condenser unit or the evaporator unit or the blower.

9. The controller according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The plurality of activation threshold conditions include: a predetermined number of hours elapsed since the power source for the transport unit was shut down; and / or The working fluid includes A2L.

10. The controller according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The command for starting the baffle in at least one of the condenser unit and the evaporator unit or the at least one of the blowers is independent of the ignition of the power source for the transport unit.

11. The controller according to claim 10, wherein, The baffle in at least one of the condenser unit or the evaporator unit, or the blower in at least one of the blowers, can be activated independently of ignition from the main power source for the climate control unit until the detected volume of gas within either the condenser unit or the evaporator unit drops below a threshold level; and / or The baffle in at least one of the condenser unit or the evaporator unit, or the blower in at least one of the blowers, can be started independently of the ignition of the main power source for the climate control unit until a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

12. The controller according to claim 7, wherein, A blower, which is activated in relation to the evaporator unit, circulates air within the evaporator unit.

13. The controller according to claim 12, wherein, The activated baffle can remain activated independently of ignition of the main power source for the climate control unit until the detected volume of gas in at least one of the condenser unit or the evaporator unit drops below a threshold level; and / or The activated baffle can remain activated independently of the ignition of the main power source for the climate control unit until a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

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