Power control for container ships

Abstract

A power control system (100) for a container ship is disclosed. The power control system (100) has a power interface (105) for supplying energy to at least one refrigerated container (130) transportable by the container ship. The power control system (100) also has a controller (110) configured to obtain load data representing a load on a generator (120) of the container ship and target load range data representing a target load range for the generator (120). The power control system (100) is configured to control the load so that the load falls within the target load range by increasing energy supplied to the power interface (105) by the controller to be stored at the at least one refrigerated container when the load falls below the target load range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power controller and a power control system for a container ship, and associated methods. Background Art

[0002] Container ships play an important role in transporting goods around the world. Container ships will typically have an onboard generator, also known as an "engine-generator set" or "genset," which can be used to provide power to components of the container ship. The generator may include a generator coupled to an engine. For example, a diesel generator may be a combination of a diesel engine and a generator (e.g., an AC generator) that can operate together to generate electrical energy. The generated electrical energy is typically supplied to the ship's components by a combination of current and potential via an onboard electrical circuit (e.g., the power system or utility). Electricity is then the rate at which electrical energy is delivered to the components through the circuit per unit time. The SI unit of power is the watt (W), which is equivalent to one joule per second, however, electricity supply is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is the product of the power in kilowatts and the operating time of the power supply in hours. Therefore, a kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy and is equivalent to 3.6 megajoules (MJ) in SI units.

[0003] Container ship components powered by the generators can include propulsion, such as propellers mounted transversely to the container ship, which can draw in or displace water to maneuver the container ship. Container ships can have onboard pumps, such as marine pumps, for displacing fluids, which can also be powered by the generators. The generators can also carry "hotel loads," for example, power required for systems needed by the ship's crew, such as lighting, heating, and kitchen equipment.

[0004] The power demand on a given container ship's generators can vary significantly over time, taking into account the various powered components on board and their corresponding power requirements. Managing the demands placed on a given generator can be difficult, and thus there is a need for improved power management on container ships that use generators to power ship components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a power control system for a container ship, the power control system comprising:

[0006] a power interface for supplying energy to at least one refrigerated container transportable by the container ship;

[0007] A controller configured to obtain:

[0008] load data representing a load on a generator of the container ship; and

[0009] target load data, the target load data indicating a target load range of the generator;

[0010] The power control system is configured to control the load so that the load falls within the target load range by increasing energy supplied to the power interface by the controller to be stored in the at least one refrigerated container when the load is below the target load range.

[0011] Controlling the load on a generator within a target load range can improve the efficiency of the generator. For example, the amount of fuel oil required to produce a given amount of energy (e.g., one kilowatt-hour) may be lowest when the generator is operating at a specific load (e.g., a target load) or a load range within the target load range. Therefore, by controlling the generator load within the target load range (which can be considered "load smoothing"), the operating efficiency of the generator can be improved. Consequently, generator load smoothing can help reduce fuel consumption by both the generator and the container ship, thereby reducing pollution levels.

[0012] Optionally, the controller increasing the energy supplied to the power interface to be stored at the at least one refrigerated container is to cool the at least one refrigerated container to below a set temperature of the at least one refrigerated container.

[0013] Optionally, the controller increasing the energy supplied to the power interface for storage at the at least one refrigerated container is to cool the at least one refrigerated container by at least 5 degrees Celsius, optionally to a temperature not less than -35 degrees Celsius. In some cases, this is to cool the at least one refrigerated container to at least 5 degrees Celsius below a set temperature of the at least one refrigerated container.

[0014] Optionally, the power control system is configured to control the load so that the load falls within the target load range by reducing energy supplied to the at least one refrigerated container via the power interface by the controller when the load is above the target load range.

[0015] Optionally, reducing the energy supplied to the at least one refrigerated container comprises stopping the supply of energy to the at least one refrigerated container.

[0016] Optionally, the power control system comprises a plurality of power interfaces for supplying energy to a plurality of corresponding refrigerated containers, the plurality of power interfaces including the power interface.

[0017] Optionally, the load on the generator includes a reefer load, the reefer load including energy supplied to the plurality of refrigerated containers via the plurality of power interfaces, and the power control system is configured to control the load so that the load falls within the target load range by adjusting the reefer load by the controller when the load is outside the target load range.

[0018] Optionally, the controller is configured to select one or more refrigerated containers from the plurality of refrigerated containers to adjust the energy supplied thereto via one or more power interfaces of the plurality of power interfaces. Adjusting the supplied energy may include, for example, increasing the supplied energy when the load is below a target load range, and / or decreasing the supplied energy when the load is above a target load range.

[0019] Optionally, the controller is configured to select the one or more refrigerated containers relative to other refrigerated containers in the plurality of refrigerated containers based on at least one of the following criteria:

[0020] the respective positions of the one or more reefer containers on the container ship;

[0021] the type of product contained within the one or more refrigerated containers;

[0022] the model of the one or more refrigerated containers;

[0023] an amount of energy supplied to the one or more refrigerated containers;

[0024] a current internal temperature of the one or more refrigerated containers;

[0025] the coefficient of performance of the one or more refrigerated containers; and

[0026] The outside air temperature of the one or more refrigerated containers at the location on the container ship.

[0027] A second aspect of the present invention provides a power distribution system comprising: the power control system according to the first aspect; and a generator.

[0028] A third aspect of the present invention provides a container ship, comprising: the power control system according to the first aspect; or the power distribution system according to the second aspect.

[0029] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a power controller for a container ship, the power controller being configured to obtain:

[0030] load data representing a load on a generator of the container ship; and

[0031] target range data, the target range data indicating a target load range of the generator;

[0032] The controller is configured to control the load so that the load falls within the target load range by:

[0033] determining when the load is below the target load range; and

[0034] Based on the determination, an amount of energy supplied to the power interface is increased for supplying energy to at least one refrigerated container of the container ship for storage at the at least one refrigerated container.

[0035] Optionally, the power controller increasing the amount of energy supplied to the power interface to be stored at the at least one refrigerated container is to cool the at least one refrigerated container to below a set temperature of the at least one refrigerated container.

[0036] Optionally, the power controller is configured to control the load so that the load falls within the target load range by causing a reduction in energy supplied to the at least one refrigerated container via the power interface when the load is above the target load range.

[0037] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method for operating a power control system of a container ship, the method comprising:

[0038] obtaining load data representing a load on a generator of the container ship;

[0039] obtaining target load range data, the target load range data indicating a target load range of the generator; and

[0040] When the load is lower than the target load range, the load is controlled so as to fall within the target load range by increasing energy supplied to a refrigerated container transportable by the container ship to be stored at the refrigerated container.

[0041] Optionally, increasing the energy supplied to the refrigerated container is cooling the refrigerated container to below a set temperature of the refrigerated container.

[0042] Optionally, increasing the energy supplied to the refrigerated container is cooling the refrigerated container by at least 5 degrees Celsius, optionally to a temperature not less than -35 degrees Celsius. In some cases, this is cooling the refrigerated container to at least 5 degrees Celsius below the set temperature of the refrigerated container.

[0043] Optionally, the method comprises controlling the load so that the load falls within the target load range by reducing energy supplied to the refrigerated container when the load is above the target load range.

[0044] Optionally, reducing the energy supplied to the refrigerated container comprises stopping the supply of energy to the refrigerated container.

[0045] Optionally, the method includes controlling the load so that the load falls within the target load range by increasing energy supplied to a plurality of refrigerated containers for storage at the plurality of refrigerated containers when the load is below the target load range, the plurality of refrigerated containers including the refrigerated container.

[0046] Optionally, the load on the generator comprises a reefer load comprising energy supplied to the plurality of refrigerated containers, and the method comprises controlling the load such that the load falls within the target load range by adjusting the reefer load when the load is outside the target load range.

[0047] Optionally, the method includes selecting one or more refrigerated containers from the plurality of refrigerated containers to adjust the energy supplied thereto. Adjusting the supplied energy may include, for example, increasing the supplied energy when the load is below a target load range, and / or decreasing the supplied energy when the load is above a target load range.

[0048] Optionally, the method comprises selecting the one or more refrigerated containers relative to other refrigerated containers in the plurality of refrigerated containers based on at least one of the following criteria:

[0049] the respective positions of the one or more refrigerated containers on the container ship;

[0050] the type of product contained within the one or more refrigerated containers;

[0051] the model of the one or more refrigerated containers;

[0052] a current amount of energy supplied to the one or more refrigerated containers;

[0053] a current internal temperature of the one or more refrigerated containers;

[0054] the coefficient of performance of the one or more refrigerated containers; and

[0055] The outside air temperature of the one or more refrigerated containers at the location on the container ship. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0057] Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a power control system for a ship according to an example;

[0058] Figure 3A and 3B A graph illustrating an example of managing load on a generator is shown;

[0059] Figure 4 shows a graph illustrating another example of managing load on a generator;

[0060] Figures 5A to 5C shows a graph illustrating temperature distribution of a refrigerated container according to an example;

[0061] Figure 6 A flow chart illustrating a method for a power control system for a vessel according to an example is shown; and

[0062] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a vessel according to an example is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Certain examples described herein provide methods and systems for controlling the load on a container ship generator so that it falls within a target load range. By smoothing out the up and down surges in the generator load, the generator's fuel usage can be reduced in a manner similar to cruise control in a motor vehicle. By specifically controlling the load on the generator so that it falls within a target load range (e.g., including the generator's target load) as provided in the examples described herein, the operating efficiency of the generator can be improved. This can further help reduce fuel consumption of the generator and the container ship, thereby reducing pollution levels.

[0064] Refrigerated containers (also known as refrigerated containers or simply "reefers") can be used to transport temperature-sensitive cargo, such as food (e.g., poultry, fish, meat, etc.), plants, medicines, batteries, etc. A reefer may include an integrated refrigeration unit for keeping the container refrigerated and may be powered by an external power source, such as a power point (e.g., a "reefer point") onboard the container ship. A container ship may have multiple containers on board, some of which may be reefers.

[0065] One or more refrigerated containers on a container ship can be used as thermal energy storage devices, allowing generator load to be controlled, for example, to be maintained within a predetermined target load range. For example, the refrigerated containers can be kept separate from a dedicated energy storage facility (such as a battery) that can be used by the container ship's power supply system. Directing energy storage to the refrigerated containers during periods of low demand on the generators means that during periods of high demand on the generators, the refrigerated containers can be operated at a lower load, for example, thereby using the refrigerated containers as thermal batteries, and in turn allowing the generator load to be controlled so that it can be better maintained within the target load range, thereby bringing the benefits described above.

[0066] Certain examples described herein utilize refrigerated containers to store energy generated by generators, making it possible to smooth and control the generator load so that the load falls within a target load range. Storing energy at the refrigerated container may involve lowering the temperature of the refrigerated container's internal refrigerated space to below the refrigerated container's set temperature (sometimes referred to as "supercooling" the refrigerated container), which enables the generator load to be controlled while allowing the refrigerated container's temperature to be controlled so that the products stored within the refrigerated container do not spoil. For example, in a temperature-controlled supply chain (also known as a "refrigerated chain" or "cold chain"), certain products may need to be maintained within a specific temperature range. The set temperature of at least one refrigerated container carrying such goods can therefore correspond to a specified temperature range, which, for example, can be below freezing for meat, fish, and other frozen foods. Thus, in some cases, the operating temperature of the refrigerated container housing such goods can be lowered while still maintaining the temperature control required for the goods, allowing the aforementioned advantages of smoothing the generator load within the target load range without negatively impacting the goods.

[0067] Figure 1 A container ship such as Figure 7 An example of a power control system 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 7 Container ship 1 has a hull 2 and one or more engine rooms 3 within hull 2. Container ship 1 is powered by one or more large internal combustion engines 4 (such as four-stroke or two-stroke self-igniting internal combustion engines 4) located in engine rooms 3. Engines 4 drive propulsion mechanisms (such as one or more propellers). Ship 1 also includes a fuel system 5 for supplying fuel to engines 4. Figure 1The power control system 100 includes a power interface 105 for supplying energy to at least one refrigerated container 130 transportable by a container ship 1. For example, the power interface 105 may include a power point for supplying power to the at least one refrigerated container 130. The power control system 100 also includes a controller 110, such as a power controller for the container ship 1. The controller 110 may be implemented as part of the power control system 100 located on the container ship 1. In other cases, the controller 110 may be located remotely from the container ship 1 and configured to communicate with the container ship 1, for example, to receive data from and transmit data to the container ship 1, respectively. For example, when the controller 110 is located remotely from the container ship 1, the controller 110 may communicate with components on the container ship 1 (e.g., an onboard sub-controller and / or other components of the power control system 100) via corresponding communication interfaces at the container ship 1 and at the remote location of the controller 110. For example, the remote location may be onshore, such as at a container terminal or at a logistics company's headquarters, or on another ship.

[0068] In some cases, controller 110 may be configured to obtain capacity data representing the maximum load capacity of generator 120. Obtaining data may involve, for example, receiving or retrieving data from a source via a wired or wireless communication channel. In other cases, obtaining data may involve determining data, such as by calculating the data at controller 110. In some cases, obtaining given data may involve receiving or retrieving initial data from a source, such as from another component within or outside power control system 100, and then determining the given data based on the received / retrieved initial data. For example, controller 110 may receive input data, such as information related to generator 120, such as one or more characteristics of the generator, and then determine the capacity data based on the input data. For example, determining may involve calculation and / or a lookup in a database. In an example, controller 110 may also be configured to obtain cargo data, such as from a cargo database, and / or reefer container data, such as information regarding the current status of one or more refrigerated containers.

[0069] The generator 120 (also referred to as an "engine-generator set" or "genset") may include a generator combined with an engine (e.g., a prime mover). For example, the generator 120 may include a diesel generator—a combination of a diesel engine and a generator (e.g., an AC generator)—to generate electrical energy. The generator 120 may be used to provide electrical power to components of the container ship 1 (e.g., a propeller 140), which may be operated by an electric motor controlled from the bridge of the container ship 1. The propeller 140 may include a propeller mounted transversely to the container ship 1 that can draw or discharge water from port to starboard (i.e., from left to right), or vice versa. The propeller 140 may thus be used to maneuver the container ship 1, such as during docking operations. A pump 150 (e.g., a container pump) on the container ship 1 may also be powered by the generator 120. For example, the pump 150 may be driven by one or more electric motors to convey or displace fluid, the electric motors being supplied with electrical energy generated by the generator 120. The generator 120 may also be used to provide power to systems required by the crew on board the vessel, such as lighting, heating, galley equipment, etc., which may comprise “hotel loads” on the generator 120 .

[0070] The power controller 110 (e.g., as part of the power control system 100 of the container ship 1) is configured to obtain load data representing the load on the generator 120. The load on the generator 120 can be, for example, the total power output of the generator 120 at a given time or over a given time period. The load data can therefore represent a power value or a time series of power values, for example, in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). For example, the generator 120 can have a maximum load capacity represented by a given power value (or "wattage"), which is the maximum amount of power that the generator 120 can supply. At any given time, the generator 120 can therefore operate at a load between zero (0 W) and its maximum load capacity.

[0071] The controller 110 is also configured to obtain target load data representing a target load range for the generator. In some examples, the controller 110 is part of a power management system (PMS), which may include an energy management system (EMS). For example, the power control system 100 of the container ship 1 may form or be part of a PMS and / or EMS. In some examples, one purpose of the PMS and / or EMS is to ensure that power is always available for the safe operation of the container ship 1. The PMS can start and stop one or more generators 120 and / or disconnect less critical loads, for example, to ensure that critical loads are powered in an emergency. To achieve more efficient ship operation, the EMS may incorporate energy storage devices, such as batteries, to optimize the load conditions under which one or more generators 120 are operated. In some examples, the target load range may include a target load for the generator 120. The target load may be a predetermined power value at which the generator 120 is expected to operate. For example, the target load may be an absolute power value, such as a specific wattage, such as 500 kW. Alternatively, the target load may be expressed relative to the maximum load capacity of the generator 120, for example, as a fraction or percentage of the maximum load capacity. In one example, the target load may be a load percentage of 85% of the maximum load capacity of generator 120. Other load percentages, such as within a range of 70% to 90%, may be applicable in some other examples. In some cases, the target load range may be based on the efficiency of generator 120, or specifically the efficiency of the engine of generator 120. For example, the target load range may be determined or predetermined as a load range on generator 120 that provides peak efficiency for generator 120 (or specifically its engine components). For example, it may be determined that generator 120 operates most efficiently at a load percentage (such as 85%) or a load percentage range (such as 80% to 90%) of the maximum load capacity of generator 120. A particular load percentage (range) may be determined as the most efficient load condition for generator 120 (or its engine components), for example, to provide load conditions optimized, for example, by an EMS as described above.

[0072] The efficiency of the generator 120 can correspond to the ratio between the power available at the generator output and the energy supplied at the generator input. The power available at the output of the generator 120 can be, for example, the net power after all losses such as iron loss, copper loss, and mechanical loss. The input of the generator 120 can be a mechanical input, such as an input obtained by the turbine blades and driven by an energy source, such as fuel, such as marine-grade diesel or heavy fuel oil. The efficiency of the generator 120 can therefore be based on the efficiency of the engine of the generator 120. The efficiency of the engine can correspond to the specific fuel oil consumption of the engine, that is, the fuel mass consumed per unit energy of the engine, which can be expressed in, for example, kilograms per kilowatt-hour (kg / kWh) or grams per brake horsepower per hour (g / bhp·h). Therefore, the maximum or peak efficiency of the engine can correspond to the minimum specific fuel oil consumption of the engine. In some cases, the target load of the generator 120 can correspond to the minimum fuel oil consumption of the engine part of the generator 120.

[0073] The power control system 100 or at least the controller 110 thereof is configured to control the load on the generator 120 so that the load falls within a target load range, e.g., including the target load. For example, the predetermined range may correspond to a predetermined range of load values or percentage load values on either side of the target load value. Figure 3A An example is shown in which the target load includes a predetermined load value (e.g., 85% of the maximum load capacity of the generator load). The power control system is configured to control (e.g., maintain) the generator load so that it falls within a predetermined range of the target load value ±Δ, where Δ is a predetermined load value defining the endpoints of the range. For example, Δ can be an absolute power value, such as 10 kW. Alternatively, Δ can be a load percentage (e.g., 5%) of the maximum load capacity of generator 120. In another example, Δ can be a percentage (e.g., 10%) of the target load value (e.g., if the target load is 450 kW, the target load range would be 450 kW ± 45 kW, i.e., from 405 kW to 495 kW, which includes the target load value of 450 kW). In some examples, the target load range can be asymmetric about the target load value. For example, given a target load value L, the power control system can be configured to control the generator load so that it falls within a predetermined range: Δ1 ≤ L ≤ Δ2; where Δ1 and Δ2 are different values. In some cases, the target load range for a generator can be based on a predicted load of the generator, for example, at a future time.

[0074] Power control system 100, or at least controller 110 thereof, is configured to control the load so that it falls within a target load range by increasing the energy supplied to power interface 105 for storage at at least one refrigerated container 130, via controller 110, when the load on generator 120 falls below a target load range. For example, given a target load range of 405 kW to 495 kW (which includes a target load value of 450 kW), when the load on generator 120 falls below 405 kW, controller 110 may increase the energy supplied to power interface 105 for storage at at least one refrigerated container 130 by, for example, the difference between the actual load on generator 120 and the lower limit of the target load range. In some cases, this increase in the amount of energy supplied to power interface 105 may start from zero, e.g., starting with no energy being supplied to power interface 105. The at least one refrigerated container 130 can thus effectively function as a thermal energy storage device. For example, when generator 120 is operating at a load below a target load range, at least one refrigerated container 130 can be actively cooled to below a setpoint temperature for the at least one refrigerated container 130 by controller 110 increasing the energy supplied to power the corresponding refrigeration unit of the at least one refrigerated container 130. This "overcooling" of the at least one refrigerated container 130 involves generator 120 performing additional work relative to the current load, e.g., when the generator maintains the temperature of the at least one refrigerated container 130 at the setpoint temperature. In this manner, the total load on the generator (i.e., including the reefer load attributable to providing energy to the at least one refrigerated container 130) falls within a target load range that includes the target load value. In some cases, controller 110 can determine a difference between the load on generator 120 and the lower limit of the target load range for generator 120 and direct an amount of energy corresponding to the determined difference (e.g., "surplus" energy) to power interface 105 for storage at the at least one refrigerated container 130.

[0075] When the load on generator 120 is above a target load range (e.g., above an upper limit of the range), power control system 100 can be configured to control the load so that it falls within the target load range by controlling the energy stored at at least one refrigerated container 130 via power interface 105 by controller 110. For example, at least one refrigerated container 130 may include thermal energy stored when the load on generator 120 was previously below the target load range, which causes controller 110 to increase the energy supplied to power interface 105 to be stored at at least one refrigerated container 130, for example, by supercooling at least one refrigerated container 130 as described. Thus, when the load on generator 120 subsequently rises above the target load range, at least some of the stored energy (thermal energy) stored at at least one refrigerated container 130 can be utilized, for example, by reducing the energy supplied to at least one refrigerated container 130, so that the total load on the generator (i.e., including the reefer load) falls within the target load range that includes the target load value. In some cases, controller 110 controls the energy stored at at least one refrigerated container 130 by reducing the energy supplied to at least one refrigerated container 130 via power interface 105. Reducing the energy supplied to a given refrigerated container may involve, for example, ceasing to supply energy to the given refrigerated container by terminating the supply of power to the given refrigerated container via the associated power interface 105. This may be done, where possible, based on cargo (e.g., merchandise, agricultural products) stored within the at least one refrigerated container, for example based on cargo data as described above.

[0076] The power interface 105 may comprise a device or socket, such as a power point, to which the at least one refrigerated container 130 is connected for supplying power to the at least one refrigerated container 130 .

[0077] In an example, the power control system 100 includes multiple power interfaces (e.g., Figure 2 The power interfaces 105a to 105d in FIG. 105 are configured to connect multiple refrigerated containers 130 (e.g., Figure 2 130e in the refrigerated containers 130a to 130e (described further below). For example, each power interface 105 can provide power to a corresponding refrigerated container 130 in a one-to-one relationship. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the plurality of power interfaces 105 can each provide power to a plurality of refrigerated containers 130 in a one-to-many relationship.

[0078] As described above, the load on the generator 120 may include a reefer load, which includes energy supplied to a plurality of reefers 130 that may be transported by the container ship 1 (e.g., located on the container ship). For example, the generator 120 may generate electricity to supply the reefers 130, wherein the share of the total electricity generated by the generator 120 (i.e., the total load on the generator 120) attributable to this circumstance corresponds to the reefer load. Therefore, the power control system 100 may be configured to control the generator load so that it falls within the target load range by controlling the energy stored at the plurality of reefers 130 via the plurality of power interfaces 105 by the controller 110 to reduce the reefer load so that the generator load falls within the target load range. For example, referring to Figure 1 Furthermore, considering the case where at least one reefer 130 comprises a plurality of reefers on container ship 1, the load on generator 120 may be comprised of: a reefer load for powering the plurality of reefers; a propeller load for powering propellers 140; a pump load for powering pumps 150; and a hotel load. Accordingly, controller 110 may control the thermal energy stored at the plurality of reefers 130 via one or more power interfaces 105 to reduce the reefer load while maintaining the propeller, pump, and hotel loads. For example, the reefer load may be reduced by reducing the energy supplied to the reefer until the load falls within a target load range. In this manner, thermal energy stored in the reefer (e.g., due to previous overcooling of the reefer) may be released by raising the corresponding temperature setting of the selected reefer while still being below a preset maximum temperature (e.g., the "predetermined setting" set by the bill of lading for the corresponding cargo carried by the reefer container). Thus, the selected refrigerator will not require cooling until the refrigerator temperature approaches the adjusted set temperature, eg, the corresponding refrigeration unit of the selected refrigerator may be stopped and only use power for internal fan rotation.

[0079] As described herein, when the load on generator 120 falls below a target load range that includes a target load, controller 110 increases energy supplied to power interface 105 for storage at at least one refrigerated container 130. In this manner, power control system 100 is configured to control the load on generator 120 so that the load falls within the target load range. For example, controller 110 may cause more energy generated by generator 120 to be directed through at least one refrigerated container point that supplies power to at least one refrigerated container. In some cases, energy may be stored at the refrigerated container by "supercooling" the at least one refrigerated container. For example, at least one refrigerated container may be operated at a first set temperature, and then, when the load falls below the target load range, controller 110 may direct energy to operate the at least one refrigerated container at a second set temperature that is lower than the first set temperature. Thus, when the load on generator 120 falls below the target load range, controller 110 may increase energy supplied to power interface 105 to cool the at least one refrigerated container to below the set temperature of the at least one refrigerated container, so that power control system 100 controls the load on generator 120 to fall within the target load range. For example, controller 110 may cause more energy to be supplied to at least one refrigerated container 130 via power interface 105 to cool the at least one refrigerated container 130 by at least 5°C. In some cases, at least one refrigerated container 130 may be cooled to a temperature no lower than -35°C. In an example, the reefer may have a first set temperature of -18°C, and controller 110 may cause the reefer to be subcooled to a second set temperature of -25°C, i.e., below the first set temperature. In some examples, controller 110 may cause the reefer to be subcooled by a predetermined amount, such as a predetermined number of degrees Celsius. Subcooling the reefer effectively makes the reefer an energy storage device because, as long as the reefer is subcooled below its temperature setting, no energy is required to refrigerate the reefer. Consequently, the subcooled reefer may not need to be actively cooled by its refrigeration unit for a longer period of time than a reefer that is not subcooled because the subcooled reefer takes longer to warm up. In this way, the at least one reefer may be considered part of the ship's energy storage device. Supercooling the reefer also does not affect the contents of the reefer, for example, by causing the goods contained therein to deteriorate. For example, operating the reefer at such low temperatures can cause microorganisms to be destroyed and help preserve the frozen goods contained within the refrigerated container.

[0080] As described, when the load is below the target load range, the controller 110 can direct energy to operate the at least one refrigerated container below the first set temperature. In some examples, the controller 110 can be configured to determine, via an input signal from, for example, the power interface 105 and / or a reefer unit controller for the at least one refrigerated container 130, to begin supercooling the at least one refrigerated container 130 to below the first set temperature. The input signal can be a wired or wireless signal. In some examples, the input signal can be sent as a "dead man's" system, such that the controller 110 can be configured to determine the input signal to begin supercooling the at least one refrigerated container 130, and then, for example, if the signal is no longer received, the at least one refrigerated container 130 returns to normal cooling operation.

[0081] Figure 5A An exemplary first temperature distribution 500 for a plurality of refrigerators is shown on a graph of the number of refrigerators versus their corresponding temperatures. In the first temperature distribution 500, the refrigerators are operated according to a first set temperature 510 (-18°C in this example). The refrigerators of the first temperature distribution 500 are all located within a temperature range between a first lower limit temperature 512 and a first upper limit temperature 514. For example, the temperature range may be a predetermined set temperature range for the refrigerators, in other words, the set temperature for each refrigerator may include a set temperature range between a first lower limit temperature 512 (e.g., -20°C) and a first upper limit temperature 514 (e.g., -16°C). In some cases, the temperature range between the first lower limit temperature 512 and the first upper limit temperature 514 may be provided by a predetermined tolerance on the set temperature, for example a tolerance of + / - 2°C applied to the first set temperature 510 of -18°C in this example gives a temperature range between -20°C and -16°C, i.e., a temperature range between the first lower limit temperature 512 and the first upper limit temperature 514. In Figure 5A In the example shown in FIG5 , the plurality of refrigerators are subcooled to a second set temperature 520, which is -35°C in this example and is lower than the first set temperature 510. The subcooled refrigerators of the second temperature profile 502 are within a temperature range between a second lower limit temperature 522 and a second upper limit temperature 524. For example, the first lower limit temperature 512 and the first upper limit temperature 514 may have been lowered to the second lower limit temperature 522 and the second upper limit temperature 524, respectively. Alternatively, the set temperatures of the plurality of refrigerators may be lowered from the first set temperature 510 (e.g., -18°C) to the second set temperature 520 (e.g., -35°C), with the predetermined tolerance remaining the same (e.g., + / - 2°C), for example, to give the plurality of refrigerators in the second temperature profile 502 a set temperature range between the second lower limit temperature 522 (e.g., -37°C) and the second upper limit temperature 524 (e.g., -33°C).

[0082] Figure 5B Another example is shown in which a plurality of refrigerators have a first temperature distribution 500 about a first set temperature 510 and between a first lower temperature limit 512 and a first upper temperature limit 514. Figure 5B In the first temperature distribution 500 and Figure 5A The first lower limit temperature 512 is the same as the first upper limit temperature 514, that is, the first lower limit temperature 512 is -20°C, the first upper limit temperature 514 is -16°C, and the first set temperature 510 is -18°C. As described above, the plurality of refrigerators represented by the first temperature distribution 500 can have a first set temperature range between the first lower limit temperature 512 and the first upper limit temperature 514. However, in this example, overcooling the plurality of refrigerators involves lowering the lower limit of the first set temperature range, that is, the first lower limit temperature 512, without adjusting the first set temperature 510 or the first upper limit temperature 514 of the plurality of refrigerators. For example, Figure 5B Second temperature profile 504 in FIG. 5 shows a second set temperature range for refrigerated containers, which has a second set temperature 520 equal to first set temperature 510 (e.g., -18°C) and a second upper limit temperature 524 equal to first upper limit temperature 514 (e.g., -16°C). However, second lower limit temperature 522 (e.g., -24°C) is lower than first lower limit temperature 512 (e.g., -20°C). Therefore, in second temperature profile 504 for refrigerated containers, there are refrigerated containers operating at temperatures lower than the first set temperature range, which were not present in first temperature profile 500. These refrigerated containers are therefore undercooled and can store energy generated by generator 120 as heat energy, allowing generator 120 to operate within the target load range.

[0083] In some examples, as previously described, there are multiple coolers 130 powered by multiple power interfaces 105 . Figure 2 An example is shown in which five reefers 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e are powered via a plurality of power interfaces 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d as part of a power control system 100 for a container ship 1. The controller 110 may therefore be configured to select one or more reefers to increase the energy supplied thereto via the one or more power interfaces 105 when the load on the generator 120 is below a target load range. For example, Figure 2 A subset of the refrigerated bins A through E shown in FIG. 1 may be selected by the controller 110 to store energy generated by the generator 120 .

[0084] In such an example, the controller 110 may select one or more refrigerators 130 based on the time that has elapsed since the controller 110 increased the supply of energy to the one or more refrigerators 130. For example, the controller 110 may select those refrigerators 130 associated with the longest time that has elapsed since the controller 110 last increased the supply of energy to the refrigerators 130. In other words, the refrigerators 130 that have been operating for the longest time without being supplied with additional energy. In an example, the controller 110 may select one or more refrigerators 130 based on the time that has elapsed since the one or more refrigerators last performed a refrigeration cycle. For example, the controller 110 may select those refrigerators 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e associated with the longest time that has elapsed since the one or more refrigerators last performed a refrigeration cycle. In other words, the controller 110 may select the one or more refrigerators 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e that have been operating for the longest time without performing a refrigeration cycle.

[0085] For example, depending on the type of refrigerator used in the refrigerator, the refrigeration cycle can include a vapor compression cycle, a vapor absorption cycle, a gas cycle, or a Stirling cycle. In the case of a vapor compression cycle, the circulating working fluid (also known as a "refrigerant") travels through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve (also known as a "throttle valve"), and an evaporator (where the refrigerant evaporates as a cold liquid-vapor mixture by cooling the warmer air from the refrigerated space), and then returns to the compressor inlet to complete the cycle. Therefore, the corresponding time period since each refrigerator 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e performed or completed the last refrigeration cycle can be tracked, and the controller 110 can select one or more refrigerators based on, for example, the time period corresponding to one or more refrigerators. In some examples, the number of refrigeration cycles performed by the refrigerator can be counted, and the controller 110 can select one or more refrigerators based on the number of refrigeration cycles performed by the one or more refrigerators. For example, when selecting one or more refrigerators 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e, the controller 110 may prioritize the refrigerators that have performed the fewest cooling cycles.

[0086] Additionally or alternatively, controller 110 may select one or more reefer containers based on their respective locations on container ship 1 relative to other reefer containers in the plurality of reefer containers 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, and 130e. For example, controller 110 may prioritize reefer containers located in certain areas of container ship 1. For example, when selecting one or more reefer containers for supercooling, controller 110 may prioritize reefer containers that are surrounded by other reefer containers in the plurality of reefer containers. Such surrounded reefer containers may be more insulated, for example, by the other reefer containers themselves, than other reefer containers located closer to the outside of the container ship, and therefore warm more slowly and thus store thermal energy longer. In another example, controller 110 may prioritize reefer containers that are closer to generator 120 or another defined location on container ship 1. Data identifying the locations of the reefer containers may be stored in a memory (such as a database) that is part of the reefer containers or part of container ship 1. The controller 110 may be configured to receive an indication of the data or location, for example, directly or indirectly from the memory.

[0087] Additionally or alternatively, the controller 110 may select one or more refrigerated containers based on, for example, the type of product contained within the one or more refrigerated containers relative to the other refrigerated containers in the plurality of refrigerated containers 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, and 130e. For example, the controller 110 may not actively select refrigerated containers that contain temperature-unstable products. For example, temperature-unstable products may deteriorate when exposed to external temperatures (e.g., below a specific temperature range). Therefore, overcooling the refrigerated containers containing such products (e.g., changing their set temperatures) may cause the products to deteriorate. Therefore, the controller 110 may be configured to not select such refrigerated containers when selecting one or more refrigerated containers to increase the energy supplied to them. As described above, the controller 110 may obtain cargo data (e.g., including information related to the products contained in the refrigerated containers to be transported by the container ship). For example, the cargo data may be stored in a memory (such as a database) that is part of the refrigerated containers or part of the container ship 1 (e.g., the memory mentioned in the example above). The controller 110 may be configured to receive an indication of the data or products directly or indirectly from the memory.

[0088] Additionally or alternatively, the controller 110 may select one or more refrigerated containers based on the current internal temperature of the one or more refrigerated containers, for example, relative to the current internal temperature of the other refrigerated containers in the plurality of refrigerated containers 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, and 130e. For example, the controller 110 may select refrigerated containers that operate at or below a predetermined temperature (e.g., -10°C). In some cases, the controller 110 may select refrigerated containers that operate at the highest refrigeration temperature within a set temperature range. For example, the controller 110 may select refrigerated containers that operate at a refrigeration temperature that is closest to the upper limit of the set temperature range for the refrigerated container. Figure 5C Another exemplary temperature profile 550 for a plurality of refrigerated containers is shown. The refrigerated containers are operated at a set temperature 510 with a predetermined tolerance that is symmetrical about the set temperature 510, thereby providing a set temperature range between a lower temperature limit 512 and an upper temperature limit 514. In other examples, the tolerance may be asymmetrical about the set temperature 510; for example, a subrange (of the set temperature range) between the lower temperature limit 512 and the set temperature 510 may be larger than a subrange between the set temperature 510 and the upper temperature limit 514, or vice versa. Three points 551, 552, and 553a are marked on the temperature profile 550, representing three respective refrigerated containers from the plurality of refrigerated containers. The refrigerated container operating at a temperature closest to the upper temperature limit 514 of the set temperature range (represented by point 553a) is selected by the controller 110 to increase the energy supplied to the refrigerated container (e.g., to overcool the refrigerated container) when the load on the generator 120 falls below the target load range, thereby causing the refrigerated temperature of the refrigerated container to decrease. An undercooled refrigerator is represented by point 553b, which operates at a temperature below the set point temperature 510 of the plurality of refrigerators and closer to the lower limit temperature 512 of the set point temperature range than most of the plurality of refrigerators represented in temperature distribution 550.

[0089] Temperature data indicative of the internal temperature of a given reefer container may be measured by a temperature sensor that is part of the reefer container (e.g., a thermocouple in the reefer container connected to a reefer controller of the given reefer container). Each reefer container may have its own reefer controller, refrigeration unit, and temperature sensor, with the reefer controller controlling only a single reefer container, e.g., its refrigeration unit. The controller 110 of the power control system 100 of the container ship 1 may therefore be configured to receive reefer temperature data, e.g., indicative of the measured reefer temperature of the given reefer container, from, e.g., a temperature sensor or reefer controller of the given reefer container.

[0090] Additionally or alternatively, controller 110 may select one or more reefer containers based on the external air temperature of the one or more reefer containers at their respective locations on container ship 1, e.g., relative to other reefer containers in the plurality of reefer containers 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, and 130e. For example, controller 110 may select reefer containers that have the lowest difference between their respective refrigerated temperatures and the ambient air temperature at their respective locations. The air temperature may be measured by a temperature sensor in each reefer container, as described above, or by a separate temperature sensor installed as part of the vessel. For example, in addition to one or more temperature sensors configured to measure the internal reefer container temperature, a given reefer container may also have one or more external temperature sensors configured to measure the ambient air temperature of the given reefer container. Controller 110 may therefore be configured to receive air temperature data, e.g., indicating the measured air temperature surrounding the given reefer container, from, e.g., the external temperature sensor of the given reefer container or a reefer container controller.

[0091] Additionally or alternatively, the controller 110 may select one or more reefer containers 130 based on the current amount of energy stored at or supplied to the one or more reefer containers 130. For example, the controller 110 may select reefer containers 130 that have the least amount of energy stored therein, the greatest amount of unused energy storage capacity, and / or the least amount of energy supplied thereto. For example, the controller 110 may obtain dynamic operating data (e.g., as part of the reefer container data described previously) for a plurality of reefer containers 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, and 130e. The dynamic operating data may indicate the amount of energy supplied to a given reefer container at a given time to maintain the given reefer container at its set temperature (e.g., within its set temperature range). Thus, an operating curve for each reefer container may be determined based on the obtained dynamic operating data. Thus, the controller 110 may select one or more reefers 130 based on dynamic operating data and / or operating curves of the one or more reefers, eg, relative to other containers in the plurality of refrigerated containers 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e.

[0092] Additionally or alternatively, the controller 110 may select one or more reefers based on their model number, for example, relative to the other reefer containers in the plurality of refrigerated containers 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, and 130e. The model number of a given reefer may include, for example, a manufacturer identifier and / or a specific model identifier. The controller 110 may access these parameters via a database (e.g., a reefer database), which may also store the lifespan of the reefer as another parameter. In an example, the efficiency of a given reefer may be determined based on its specifications (e.g., model number) and dynamic operational data. Thus, the expected performance of the given reefer may be determined. The controller 110 may select one or more reefers based on their efficiency or expected performance, for example, relative to the other reefer containers in the plurality of refrigerated containers 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, and 130e. For example, the controller 110 may select those reefers 130 that are most efficient to subcool because those reefers warm up the slowest and require the least energy to keep them subcooled. In some examples, the controller 110 may select one or more reefers based on a coefficient of performance (COP) of the one or more reefer containers, for example, relative to other reefer containers in the plurality of reefer containers 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e.

[0093] Figure 3B 130e is shown in which, for example, a refrigerated container selected from a plurality of refrigerated containers 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 130e is powered on and off in order to control the generator load so that it falls within a predetermined range about a target load (e.g., Figure 3A Turning on the refrigerator, for example so that it is powered up to achieve the target cooling temperature, increases the refrigerator load and therefore increases the total load on the generator 120. Therefore, when the controller determines that the generator load will drop or has dropped below the target load range - that is, below the target load value minus the target load value, the controller will determine that the generator load will drop or has dropped below the target load range - that is, below the target load value minus the target load value. Figure 3A Δ in the example of - the reefer is turned on to increase the reefer load on the generator 120 so that the total generator load falls within a predetermined range of the target load value ±Δ. For example, for a reefer containing frozen goods, the controller may cause a 'start' signal to be sent to the reefer and allow the reefer to determine when to shut itself down, for example via a corresponding reefer controller, based on, for example, temperature data. Shutting down the reefer so that no power is supplied to it reduces the reefer load and therefore reduces the total load on the generator 120. Thus, when the controller determines that the generator load will rise or has risen above the target load range - that is, above the target load value plus Figure 3A In the example of Δ, the reefer is turned off to reduce the reefer load on the generator 120 so that the total generator load falls within a predetermined range of the target load value ±Δ.

[0094] Figure 4 Shown with Figure 1 The exemplary system shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example in which the load on the generator 120 is managed over time by the power control system 100. Specifically, Figure 4 A graph is shown with time on the abscissa (x-axis) and generator load on the ordinate (y-axis). A target load value for the generator 120 is represented as a dashed line intersecting the ordinate, and a target load range is represented as a range between the dashed lines intersecting the ordinate at -Δ and +Δ about the target load value. At portion 410 of the graph, the generator 120 is operating at a load below the target load. At portion 420, the generator load is increased by charging the battery 115 during a period of low demand on the generator 120. The battery 115 may be separate from the refrigerated container 130 on the container ship 1 and used to store energy generated by the generator 120 when the load is below the target load range including the target load; as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0095] At section 430, it is determined that the generator load is below the target load, and in response, the controller 110 sends a control signal to one or more power interfaces 105 that power one or more refrigerators to supercool the refrigerator. In some examples, supercooling the refrigerator is permitted only when the set temperature of the refrigerator is below negative five (-5) degrees Celsius. Thus, the controller 110 increases the energy supply to the power interface 105 for storage at the refrigerator by supercooling the refrigerator. The generator load is thus further increased at section 430 by the controller supercooling the one or more refrigerators, so that the generator load reaches the target load of the generator 120.

[0096] At portion 440 of the graph, the demand (load) on generator 120 has risen above the target load. In some examples, one or more batteries (e.g., battery 115) can be used to handle the high-demand period and / or another generator can be brought online. At portion 450, the generator load is reduced by stopping the charging of battery 115, which was previously initiated at portion 420. The selected reefers are sequentially shut down during portion 460 until the generator load is reduced to the target load. In other examples, the set temperature range of one or more selected reefers can be adjusted (e.g., expanded) to delay the startup of the selected reefers in order to reduce the generator load without shutting down the reefers. As previously described, reefers can be prioritized based on one or more possible factors to determine the order in which the reefers are selectively shut down. Through portion 470, the power switches of one or more reefers on container ship 1 are used to control the generator load so that it falls within a predetermined range while also maintaining the refrigeration temperature (e.g., within a predetermined range to prevent the refrigerated cargo from deteriorating).

[0097] Figure 6 A method 600 according to an example is shown for a power control system of a container ship 1. The method 600 comprises three blocks 610, 620 and 630.

[0098] At block 610, load data representing the load on the generator is obtained. For example, this may include receiving, retrieving, or determining the amount of power currently being output by the generator, such as the amount of power being output to components on the container ship 1. In some examples, this may involve aggregating all partial loads currently on the generator, e.g., each partial load attributable to a different component of the ship powered by the generator. The load data may be obtained in "real time," e.g., while the generator is operating, to indicate the current load status of the generator. In an example, the load data may include a time series of power values recorded at predetermined time intervals.

[0099] At block 620, target load data representing a target load range for the generator is obtained. For example, this may include receiving, retrieving, or determining a predetermined range of power values at which the generator is intended to operate. In an example, the target load data may be retrieved from a memory (e.g., the same database that stores the load capacities of the generators on container ship 1). In other examples, the target load range may be based on the efficiency of the generator or the efficiency of its engine components. For example, the target load range may be calculated as a load range on the generator that provides the peak efficiency of the generator (or specifically its engine components). This determination may be made for each generator so that each generator has its own peak efficiency and associated target load range. In other examples, the target load range is determined based on the obtained target load value. For example, the target load value may be a preset value that does not change depending on the generator being managed. For example, the target load may be set to 85% of the maximum generator load, regardless of which specific generator is being managed.

[0100] In some examples, capacity data indicating the maximum load capacity of the generator is also obtained. This may involve receiving, retrieving, or determining a power value indicating the maximum amount of power that the generator can output. For example, a data storage device, such as a database, may store the load capacity of the generators on the container ship 1, and the capacity data of the generators may be obtained from the data storage device.

[0101] At block 630 , when the load is below the target load range, the load is controlled so that the load falls within the target load range by increasing energy supplied to the refrigerated container transportable by the container ship to be stored at the refrigerated container.

[0102] In one example, when the load is above a target load range, the load is controlled to fall within the target load range by controlling the energy stored at the reefer container. For example, by reducing the reefer load, for example by utilizing energy previously stored as thermal energy at the reefer container when the generator is operating at a load below the target load range, the power demand of components powered by the generator can be met while the total load on the generator is reduced. As described above, controlling the energy stored at the reefer container, for example via a power interface configured to supply power to the reefer container, can include reducing the amount of energy supplied to the reefer container. For example, the amount of energy directed to the power interface for supplying power to one or more reefers can be reduced while maintaining the operating temperature of the one or more reefers within a set temperature range for the one or more reefers, for example by selecting an already overcooled reefer to reduce the amount of energy supplied thereto. This can reduce the energy demand of the one or more reefers on the generator and, therefore, can help keep the total load of the generator within the target load range relative to the target load value. In some cases, reducing the energy supplied to a given reefer involves stopping the supply of energy to the given reefer, for example, by shutting off power to the given reefer. For example, this may be done at the power interface of a given refrigerator, or at a power controller that controls the power directed to one or more power interfaces.

[0103] As described in the example, by increasing the energy supplied to the plurality of refrigerated containers for storage at the plurality of refrigerated containers when the load falls below a target load range, the load can be controlled so that the load falls within a predetermined (or "target") load range. Thus, when the generator is operating at a load below the target load range, the shortfall can be at least partially mitigated by increasing the refrigerated container load on the generator. Increasing the refrigerated container load, for example by directing more energy to one or more power interfaces configured to supply power to the refrigerated containers, can in turn increase the total load on the generator so that it falls within the generator's target load range.

[0104] At other times, the load can be controlled to fall within the target load range by reducing the reefer load. For example, when the generator is operating at a load above the target load range, the surplus can be at least partially reduced by reducing the reefer load on the generator. Reducing the reefer load, for example by directing less energy to the already overcooled reefer, can further reduce the total load on the generator until it falls within the target load range. In this way, the effective "heat battery" provided by one or more reefers can be utilized.

[0105] In some cases, the generator may provide energy to multiple reefers, for example, via one or more power interfaces as described in the examples above. In such cases, method 600 may involve selecting one or more reefers from the multiple reefers to increase the energy supplied thereto when the generator load falls below a target load range. The energy surplus between the target load and the current generator load can thus be at least partially utilized by selecting one or more reefers to increase the energy supplied thereto, for example, via the corresponding power interfaces. As described in more detail above, the selection may be based on the time since the last increase in energy supply to the one or more reefers, the respective location of the one or more reefers on the container ship 1, the type of product contained within the one or more reefer containers, the model of the one or more reefer containers, the current amount of energy supplied to the one or more reefer containers, the current internal temperature of the one or more reefer containers, and / or the external air temperature at the location of the one or more reefer containers on the container ship relative to the other reefer containers in the multiple reefer containers.

[0106] The above embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples. Additional embodiments are envisioned. For example, many situations involving the use of one or more refrigerated containers are described. However, the cargo on the container ship may include battery electric vehicles, motor vehicles with car batteries, electrical appliances, electronic devices, batteries, heaters, or other electrical equipment that can be used as energy storage devices when the generator load is below the target load range in the envisioned embodiments. For example, one or more power interfaces can supply power to such cargo types (e.g., charging points for electric vehicles), and the controller of the power control system can direct the energy generated by the generator to one or more power interfaces to be stored at the cargo (e.g., to charge the electric vehicle). When the load on the generator is above the target load range, the controller can reduce the energy supplied to the cargo via the power interface so as to reduce the generator load to the target load range of the generator.

[0107] It should be noted that although each example is described separately, features from each example can be combined, and features of one example can be combined with features of one or more other examples. Examples of the present invention have been discussed. However, it should be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the described examples without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power control system for a container ship, the power control system comprising: a power interface for supplying energy to at least one refrigerated container transportable by the container ship; A controller configured to obtain: load data, the load data representing a load on a generator of the container ship; as well as target load data, the target load data indicating a target load range of the generator; The power control system is configured to control the load so that the load falls within the target load range by increasing the energy supplied to the power interface through the controller to store the energy in the at least one refrigerated container and supercooling the at least one refrigerated container to below a set temperature when the load is lower than the target load range.

2. The power control system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller increasing the energy supplied to the power interface to be stored at the at least one refrigerated container is to cool the at least one refrigerated container to below a set temperature of the at least one refrigerated container.

3. The power control system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller increasing the energy supplied to the power interface for storage at the at least one refrigerated container is to cool the at least one refrigerated container by at least 5 degrees Celsius.

4. The power control system according to claim 1, wherein: The power control system is configured to control the load so that the load falls within the target load range by reducing energy supplied to the at least one refrigerated container via the power interface by the controller when the load is higher than the target load range.

5. The power control system according to claim 4, wherein: Reducing the energy supplied to the at least one refrigerated container includes stopping the supply of energy to the at least one refrigerated container.

6. The power control system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of power interfaces for supplying energy to a plurality of corresponding refrigerated containers, the plurality of power interfaces including the power interface.

7. The power control system according to claim 6, wherein: The load on the generator comprises a reefer load comprising energy supplied to a plurality of refrigerated containers via the plurality of power interfaces, and The power control system is configured to adjust the refrigerated container load by the controller when the load is outside the target load range to control the load so that the load falls within the target load range.

8. The power control system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The controller is configured to select one or more refrigerated containers from a plurality of refrigerated containers to adjust the energy supplied to the one or more refrigerated containers via one or more power interfaces of the plurality of power interfaces.

9. The power control system according to claim 8, wherein: The controller is configured to select the one or more refrigerated containers relative to other refrigerated containers in the plurality of refrigerated containers based on at least one of the following criteria: the respective positions of the one or more refrigerated containers on the container ship; the type of product contained within the one or more refrigerated containers; the model of the one or more refrigerated containers; an amount of energy supplied to the one or more refrigerated containers; a current internal temperature of the one or more refrigerated containers; a coefficient of performance of the one or more refrigerated containers; as well as The outside air temperature of the one or more refrigerated containers at the location on the container ship.

10. The power control system according to claim 3, wherein: The controller increasing the energy supplied to the power interface to be stored at the at least one refrigerated container is to cool the at least one refrigerated container to a temperature not lower than -35 degrees Celsius.

11. A power distribution system, comprising: The power control system according to claim 1; as well as The generator.

12. A container ship, comprising: The power control system according to any one of claims 1 to 10; or The power distribution system according to claim 11.

13. A power controller for a container ship, the power controller being configured to obtain: load data representing a load on a generator of the container ship; and target range data, the target range data indicating a target load range of the generator; The controller is configured to control the load so that the load falls within the target load range by: determining when the load is below the target load range; and Based on a determination of when the load is below the target load range, increasing an amount of energy supplied to a power interface for supplying energy to at least one refrigerated container of the container ship for storage at the at least one refrigerated container to supercool the at least one refrigerated container to below a set temperature.

14. The power controller according to claim 13, wherein: The power controller increasing the amount of energy supplied to the power interface to be stored at the at least one refrigerated container is to cool the at least one refrigerated container to below a set temperature of the at least one refrigerated container.

15. The power controller according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The power controller is configured to control the load so that the load falls within the target load range by reducing energy supplied to the at least one refrigerated container via the power interface when the load is above the target load range.

16. A method for operating a power control system of a container ship, the method comprising: obtaining load data representing a load on a generator of the container ship; obtaining target load data, wherein the target load data represents a target load range of the generator; as well as When the load is lower than the target load range, the load is controlled so as to fall within the target load range by supercooling at least one refrigerated container to below a set temperature by increasing energy supplied to refrigerated containers transportable by the container ship to be stored at the refrigerated containers.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein Increasing the energy supplied to the refrigerated container is to cool the refrigerated container to below a set temperature of the refrigerated container.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein Increasing the energy supplied to the refrigerated container is to cool the temperature of the refrigerated container by at least 5 degrees Celsius.

19. The method of claim 16, comprising controlling the load so that the load falls within the target load range by reducing energy supplied to the refrigerated container when the load is above the target load range.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein Reducing the energy supplied to the refrigerated container includes stopping the supply of energy to the refrigerated container.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, comprising controlling the load so that the load falls within the target load range by increasing energy supplied to a plurality of refrigerated containers to be stored at the plurality of refrigerated containers when the load is below the target load range, the plurality of refrigerated containers including the refrigerated container.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the load on the generator comprises a reefer load comprising energy supplied to the plurality of refrigerated containers, The method includes controlling the load by adjusting the refrigerated container load when the load is outside the target load range so that the load falls within the target load range.

23. The method of claim 21, comprising selecting one or more refrigerated containers from the plurality of refrigerated containers to adjust the energy supplied to the one or more refrigerated containers.

24. The method of claim 23, comprising selecting the one or more refrigerated containers relative to other refrigerated containers in the plurality of refrigerated containers based on at least one of the following criteria: the respective positions of the one or more refrigerated containers on the container ship; the type of product contained within the one or more refrigerated containers; the model of the one or more refrigerated containers; a current amount of energy supplied to the one or more refrigerated containers; a current internal temperature of the one or more refrigerated containers; a coefficient of performance of the one or more refrigerated containers; as well as The outside air temperature of the one or more refrigerated containers at the location on the container ship.

25. The method according to claim 18, wherein Increasing the energy supplied to the refrigerated container is cooling the refrigerated container to a temperature not lower than -35 degrees Celsius.

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