Transport refrigeration system energy management system and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transport refrigeration system energy management system and method, and more particularly to a system and method for operating a transport refrigeration system comprising: a trailer system comprising a vehicle connected to a transport container; a power generation device operably connected to an axle of the trailer system, the power generation device configured to rotate at an operating frequency and configured to generate electrical power from rotational energy of the axle to charge an energy storage device when the power generation device is activated; an energy management system for providing power to a transport refrigeration unit of the trailer system, the energy management system comprising an energy controller in communication with at least one of the power generation device and the energy storage device, wherein the energy controller is configured to modify operation of the power generation device when the operating frequency of the power generation device is equal to or less than an energy controller operating limit.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims protection for the interest in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 198694, filed November 5, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety. Background Technology

[0003] The embodiments described herein generally relate to transport refrigeration systems, and more specifically to energy management of such transport refrigeration systems.

[0004] Typically, cold chain distribution systems are used to transport and distribute goods, or more specifically, perishable and environmentally sensitive goods that may be susceptible to temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors (referred to herein as perishable goods). Perishable goods may include, but are not limited to, fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, eggs, dairy products, seeds, flowers, meat, poultry, fish, ice, and pharmaceuticals. Advantageously, cold chain distribution systems allow perishable goods to be transported and distributed efficiently without damage or other undesirable effects.

[0005] Refrigerated vehicles and trailers are commonly used to transport perishable goods in cold chain distribution systems. Refrigeration systems are installed in vehicles or trailers to be operatively associated with the cargo space confined within the vehicle or trailer in order to maintain a controlled temperature environment within the cargo space.

[0006] Conventionally, transport refrigeration systems used in conjunction with refrigerated vehicles and trailers include a transport refrigeration unit with a refrigerant compressor, a condenser with one or more associated condenser fans, an expansion unit, and an evaporator with one or more associated evaporator fans, these components being connected via appropriate refrigerant piping in a closed refrigerant flow loop. Air or an air / gas mixture is drawn from the interior volume of the cargo space by means of the evaporator(s) associated with the evaporator, passing through the air side of the evaporator in heat exchange with the refrigerant, whereby the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, thereby cooling the air. The cooled air is then supplied back to the cargo space.

[0007] In commercially available transport refrigeration systems used in conjunction with refrigerated vehicles and trailers, the compressor, along with other components typically transporting the refrigeration unit, must be powered by a prime mover during transport. In mechanically driven transport refrigeration systems, the compressor is driven by a prime mover via a direct mechanical coupling or belt drive, and other components such as the condenser and evaporator fan are belt-driven.

[0008] Transportation refrigeration systems can also be electrically driven. In an electrically driven transportation refrigeration system, a prime mover that operates continuously and is considered part of the transportation refrigeration system drives a power generation device (such as an AC synchronous generator that generates AC power). The generated AC power powers an electric motor to drive the refrigerant compressor of the transportation refrigeration unit, and also powers an electric AC fan motor to drive the condenser and evaporator motors, as well as the electric heater associated with the evaporator. The generated AC power can also be stored in an energy storage device (such as a battery). In some instances, the power generation device can be operatively coupled to the axles of a refrigerated vehicle or refrigerated trailer. The power generation device can also be operatively coupled to an energy controller, which, among other things, controls the operation of the power generation device. As used throughout, "operatively coupled" means any direct or indirect connection to any other component(s).

[0009] Ideally, the operation of the power generation unit could be modified to ensure safe operation under certain vehicle operating conditions, such as when the anti-lock braking system on the vehicle and / or trailer is activated. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to one embodiment, a transport refrigeration system includes: a trailer system including a vehicle connected to a transport container; a power generation device operatively connected to an axle of the trailer system, the power generation device configured to rotate at an operating frequency and configured to generate electrical power from the rotational energy of the axle to charge an energy storage device when the power generation device is activated; and an energy management system for providing power to the transport refrigeration unit of the trailer system, the energy management system including an energy controller in communication with at least one of the power generation device and the energy storage device, wherein the energy controller is configured to modify the operation of the power generation device when the operating frequency of the power generation device is equal to or less than the operating limit of the energy controller.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, regarding the transport refrigeration system, the operating frequency includes at least one of the following limits and ranges: the frequency of the power generation device, the time period, and the time interval.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, regarding the transport refrigeration system, the energy controller operating limits include at least one of the following limits and ranges: frequency, time period, and time interval, which indicate that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is activated.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, regarding the transport refrigeration system, modifying the operation of the power generation device includes decoupling the power generation device from the energy storage device when the energy controller operating limit is at least one of the following: a frequency of 25 Hz or less; and a negative velocity change of equal to or less than -1 Hz per second for the power generation device operating frequency equal to or greater than 1 Hz and equal to or less than 10 Hz.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, regarding the transport refrigeration system, the decoupling of the power generation device from the energy storage device occurs within 25 milliseconds when the frequency operating conditions are equal to or less than the operating limit.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, regarding the transport refrigeration system, modifying the operation of the power generation device includes recoupling the power generation device to the energy storage device after the passage of time.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, regarding the transport refrigeration system, the elapsed time is equal to or greater than 60 seconds.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, regarding the transport refrigeration system, the energy storage device includes at least one of a battery and a fuel cell.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, regarding the transport refrigeration system, the power generation device includes at least one of the following: a permanent magnet AC generator, an asynchronous generator, a synchronous AC generator, and an engine-driven DC generator.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a transport refrigeration system including a trailer system having a vehicle connected to a transport container, the method comprising: operating a power generation device under frequency operating conditions, the power generation device being operatively connected to at least one of a wheel and an axle of the transport refrigeration system to obtain kinetic energy from the operation of the trailer system; transmitting the frequency operating conditions from the power generation device to a communicatively coupled energy controller; storing operating limits in the energy controller; using the energy controller to compare the operating limits with the frequency operating conditions; when the frequency operating conditions are equal to or less than the stored operating limits, using the energy controller to modify the operation of the power generation device to decouple the power generation device from the energy storage device; and subsequently, using the energy controller to modify the operation of the power generation device to recouple the power generation device to the energy storage device.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, a method for operating a transport refrigeration system, wherein a power generation device is operatively connected to at least one of the wheels of the transport refrigeration system and the axle of the transport refrigeration system.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, the method of operating a transport refrigeration system includes at least one of the following: operating frequency, changes in operating frequency, and changes in operating frequency occurring over time.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, the method of operating a transport refrigeration system includes at least one of the following: frequency, time period, time interval, and wherein at least one of the limit and range indicates that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is activated.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, the method of operating a transport refrigeration system includes at least one of the following: operating frequency, changes in operating frequency, and / or changes in operating frequency occurring over time.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, regarding the method of operating the transport refrigeration system, wherein modifying the operation of the power generation device includes decoupling the power generation device from the energy storage device when the energy controller operating limit is at least one of the following: a frequency of 25 Hz or less; and a negative velocity change of equal to or less than -1 Hz per second for the power generation device operating frequency equal to or greater than 1 Hz and equal to or less than 10 Hz.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, regarding the method of operating the transport refrigeration system, the decoupling of the power generation device from the energy storage device occurs within 25 milliseconds when the frequency operating conditions are equal to or less than the operating limits of the energy controller.

[0026] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, the method of operating a transport refrigeration system includes modifying the operation of the power generation device by recoupling the power generation device and the energy storage device after the passage of time.

[0027] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, the method of operating a transport refrigeration system wherein the elapsed time is equal to or greater than 60 seconds.

[0028] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, the method of operating a transport refrigeration system includes an energy storage device comprising at least one of a battery and a fuel cell.

[0029] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative embodiment, the method of operating a transport refrigeration system includes at least one of the following: a permanent magnet AC generator, an asynchronous generator, a synchronous AC generator, and an engine-driven DC generator.

[0030] Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the features and elements described above can be combined in various combinations without exclusivity. These features and elements, and their operation, will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative and interpretative in nature, rather than limiting. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, similar elements are similarly numbered:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic illustration of a transport refrigeration system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the transport refrigeration system; and

[0034] Figure 3 The illustrations are based on embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The process of operating a transport refrigeration system. Detailed Implementation

[0035] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is presented herein by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Refrigerated vehicles and refrigerated trailers used in conjunction with transport refrigeration systems can be equipped with power generation devices, such as AC synchronous generators that generate AC power for use or storage by the transport refrigeration system. In some embodiments, the power generation device can be at least one of an axle generator and a hub generator operably coupled to the axle, configured to recover rotational energy while the transport refrigeration system is in motion, and, for example, to convert that rotational energy into electrical energy when the axle of the trailer system is rotating due to acceleration, cruising, or braking.

[0037] In general, the goal of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) is to prevent vehicle wheels from locking during braking when the friction between the tires and the road surface is insufficient to transfer braking force from the tires to the road. ABS typically uses an electronic brake control unit (which receives wheel speed signals from one or more wheel speed sensors associated with each wheel of the vehicle and / or trailer) and at least one modulator to temporarily reduce the braking pressure applied to one or more of the vehicle's wheels when wheel lockup is detected. If the vehicle is traveling on a split friction surface, the friction between the road surface and the wheels may vary from wheel to wheel, and this will affect the tendency of each wheel to lock up. For example, a wheel on one side of the vehicle may be traveling on ice, causing a loss of traction and wheel slippage, and in this case, the wheel on the ice will lock up with a lower braking pressure than the other wheels. An "ABS braking event" refers to any event that typically occurs on a vehicle requiring automatic activation of ABS capabilities on a road surface with a low threshold coefficient of friction, such as wheel slippage; that is, an "ABS braking event".

[0038] During an ABS braking event, the ABS braking event may cause the generator to experience sudden changes or fluctuations in torque or speed, which may result in excessive torque load or torque spikes. Rapid changes in torsional force may damage components connected to the generator, such as bearings and gearboxes. Additionally, when the wheels experience slippage before the ABS braking event, the axle may rotate at undesirably high speeds, which may also damage the generator 340. To prevent damage to the generator 340 and connected components, or unnecessary wear, it is ideal to modify the operation of the generator when rapid changes in frequency occur. A system and method for modifying the operation of the generator by monitoring changes in frequency are described below.

[0039] Accordingly, based on embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to... Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a transport refrigeration system 200 is shown, and, with reference to Figure 2 This shows a portion of the transport refrigeration system. The transport refrigeration system 200 is illustrated as a trailer system 100, as shown in the diagram. Figure 1As seen in the image. The trailer system 100 includes a vehicle 102 integrally connected to the transport container 106. The vehicle 102 includes an operator's compartment or cab 104 and a propulsion motor 320 that serves as the drive system for the trailer system 100. The propulsion motor 320 is configured to power the vehicle 102. The energy source powering the propulsion motor 320 can be at least one or a combination of compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, gasoline, electricity, and diesel. The propulsion motor 320 can be an electric motor or a hybrid motor (e.g., a combustion engine and an electric motor). The transport container 106 is coupled to the vehicle 102. The transport container 106 can be removably coupled to the vehicle 102. The transport container 106 is a refrigerated trailer and includes a top wall 108, a directly opposite bottom wall 110, opposing side walls 112, and a front wall 114, wherein the front wall 114 is closest to the vehicle 102. The transport container 106 further includes multiple doors 117 at a rear wall 116 opposite the front wall 114. The walls of transport container 106 define a refrigerated cargo space 119. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments described herein can be applied to tractor-trailer refrigeration systems or non-trailer refrigeration equipment, such as, for example, rigid trucks or trucks with refrigerated compartments.

[0040] Typically, transport refrigeration system 200 is used to transport and distribute perishable goods and environmentally sensitive goods (referred to herein as perishable goods 118). Perishable goods 118 may include, but are not limited to, fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, eggs, dairy products, seeds, flowers, meat, poultry, fish, ice, blood, pharmaceuticals, or any other suitable goods requiring temperature-controlled transport. Transport refrigeration system 200 includes transport refrigeration unit 22. Transport refrigeration unit 22 may include a refrigerant compressor, a controller, and an electric motor for driving the refrigerant compressor. The controller may be configured to control the operation of transport refrigeration system 200, including the operation of various components of refrigerant unit 22, to provide and maintain a desired thermal environment within refrigerated cargo space 119.

[0041] The transport refrigeration unit 22 is operatively associated with the refrigerated cargo space 119 and configured to supply conditioned air to the transport container 106. Under the control of the controller 30, the transport refrigeration unit 22 is used to establish and regulate desired environmental parameters, such as temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, exposure, vibration exposure, and other conditions within the refrigerated cargo space 119, as known to those skilled in the art. In embodiments, the transport refrigeration unit 22 is capable of providing a desired temperature and humidity range.

[0042] The transport refrigeration unit 22 may further include a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant heat exchanger, an expansion unit, and a refrigerant heat exchanger, which are connected in refrigerant flow communication in a closed-loop refrigerant circuit and arranged in a conventional refrigeration cycle. The transport refrigeration unit 22 may also include one or more fans associated with the refrigerant heat exchanger and driven by one or more fan motors, and one or more fans associated with the refrigerant heat exchanger and driven by one or more fan motors. The transport refrigeration unit 22 may also include a heater associated with the refrigerant heat exchanger. This heater may be a resistance heater. It will be understood that other components (not shown) may be incorporated into the refrigerant circuit as desired, including, for example, but not limited to, a suction regulating valve, a receiver, a filter / dryer, and an economizer circuit.

[0043] The trailer system 100 also includes an energy management system 330, and may include at least one of a power converter 332, an energy storage device 334, and an energy controller 336 for controlling the power generation device 340, as further described below.

[0044] The transport refrigeration unit 22 has multiple electrical power demand loads on the energy storage device 334, including but not limited to drive motors for fans associated with the refrigerant heat dissipation heat exchanger and drive motors for fans associated with the refrigerant heat absorption heat exchanger. Since the refrigerant compressor motor and each fan motor can be AC ​​or DC motors, it will be understood that various power converters 332 (such as AC-to-DC rectifiers, DC-to-AC inverters, AC-to-AC voltage / frequency converters, and DC-to-DC voltage converters) can be employed in conjunction with the energy storage device 334 as appropriate. Similarly, the power converter 332 also manages the power conversion between the power generation device 340 and the energy storage device 334. The power converter 332 can be as follows: Figure 2 As illustrated, it is located within the energy management system 330 and / or within the transport refrigeration unit 22.

[0045] Examples of storage device 340 may include a battery system (e.g., a battery or battery pack), a fuel cell, a flow battery, and other devices capable of storing and outputting electrical energy, which may be DC. Energy storage device 334 may include a battery system that can employ multiple batteries organized into a battery pack, which can be charged via a stationary charging station 386 (e.g., a wall-mounted 48V power outlet). Charging station 386 may provide single-phase (e.g., Level 2 charging capability) or three-phase AC power to energy storage device 334. It is understood that charging station 386 may have any phase charging and is not limited to single-phase or three-phase AC power. For example, single-phase AC power may be high-voltage DC power, such as, for example, 500VDC.

[0046] Energy controller 336 may be an electronic controller including a processor and associated memory containing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform various operations. The processor of energy controller 336 may be, but is not limited to, any single-processor or multi-processor system in a wide variety of possible architectures including field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), central processing units (CPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or graphics processing units (GPUs) hardware arranged homogeneously or heterogeneously. The memory may be a storage device, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other computer-readable medium. Energy controller 336 may be communicatively coupled to one or more of transport cooling unit 22, energy storage device 334, and power generation device 340. Energy controller 336 may communicate with one or more of transport cooling unit 22, energy storage device 334, and power generation device 340 via wired or wireless communication. For example, wireless communication may occur via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® (such as BLE), and / or radio frequency (e.g., near-field communication (NFC)).

[0047] The energy controller 336 can be configured to receive, process, and transmit signals between: energy storage device 334 and transport cooling unit 22 in response to load demand; power converter 332 in response to signals received, for example, from power generation device 340 and / or received from transport cooling unit; power generation device 340 and energy storage device associated with the generation and storage of electrical energy; and power generation device and energy storage device in response to frequency data associated with power generation device 340.

[0048] When the trailer system 100 is in motion and the axle 365 is rotating, the rotational frequency of the axle (which is also the frequency of the power generation device 340) is related to the speed of the trailer system. The frequency of the power generation device 340 can be determined based on formulas known to those skilled in the art. The power generation device 340 can be configured to provide operating frequency data (such as frequency, changes in frequency, and / or changes in frequency over time (each a "operating frequency")) to an energy controller 336, which can determine from the operating frequency data when to modify the operation of the power generation device. For example, the operating frequency can be transmitted from the power generation device 340 to the energy controller 336 via a rotary encoder 360 operably coupled to the power generation device 340 and / or a frequency sensor 362 operably coupled to or integrated with the power generation device 340. The operating frequency can be transmitted to the energy controller 336 in real time or near real time, thereby indicating the operating conditions of the power generation device ("operating conditions").

[0049] Energy controller 336 may be configured to include one or more predetermined operating limits and / or ranges (“operating limits”) based on frequency data and indicating ABS activation. Operating limits may be stored in the memory of energy controller 336. Operating limits may include at least one of frequency, frequency variations, and / or frequency variations occurring over time. Energy controller 336 may be further configured to compare one or more frequency operating conditions with one or more operating limits. As described below, under certain conditions, energy controller 336 is configured to modify the operation of generator 340. Generally, under normal operating conditions, trailer system 100 may operate at an average speed of 90 km / h (km / hr), which may approximate an average generator frequency of 90 Hz. In a non-limiting embodiment, energy controller 336 may modify the operation of generator 340 when the average speed of trailer system 100 is equal to or less than 26 km / hr and / or the generator frequency drops to 25 Hz or less. In this embodiment, no modification occurs if the decrease in speed is caused by normal trailer system operation (e.g., normal deceleration by applying the brakes under normal operating conditions or by lifting the operator's foot off the accelerator pedal). In another non-limiting embodiment, the energy controller 336 may modify the operation of the power generation device 340 when the power generation device experiences a rapid decrease in operating frequency (e.g., a negative velocity change for a signal at a conversion rate of -1 Hz per second (or less) within a frequency range equal to or greater than 1 Hz and equal to or less than 10 Hz). When the energy controller 336 detects that the frequency operating conditions are greater than the operating limits, the energy controller 336 may then be configured to allow the power generation device to continue normal operation without interruption. When the energy controller 336 detects that the frequency operating conditions are equal to or less than the operating limits, the energy controller 336 may then be configured to modify the operation of the power generation device as discussed below.

[0050] The power generation device 340 is configured to obtain electrical power from the kinetic energy of the trailer system 100. The power generation device 340 may be at least one of an axle generator and a hub generator configured to recover rotational energy when the transport refrigeration system 200 is in motion and converting rotational energy into electrical energy (e.g., when the axle 365 of the trailer system 100 is rotating due to acceleration, cruising or braking).

[0051] The generator 340 can be mounted on or operatively connected to the axle 365 of the trailer system 100, and the hub generator can be mounted on the wheel 364 of the trailer system 100. It is understood that the generator 340 can be mounted on any wheel 364 or axle 365 of the trailer system 100. Figure 2The example of the mounting location of the power generation device 340 illustrated is one example of a mounting location. The power generation device 340 then uses the generated electrical power to charge the energy storage device 334. In an alternative embodiment, the power generation device 340 can be operatively connected to the axle 365 or wheel 364 via at least one mechanical linkage (such as, for example, a drive shaft, belt system, or gear system (e.g., a gearbox)). The mechanical linkage is configured to rotate the power generation device 340 as the wheel 364 or axle 365 rotates when the power generation device 340 is activated.

[0052] The power generation device 340 may include a single on-board, engine-driven AC generator configured to generate alternating current (AC) power including at least one AC voltage at one or more frequencies. In embodiments, the power generation device 340 may be, for example, a permanent magnet AC generator, an asynchronous generator, or a synchronous AC generator. In another embodiment, the power generation device 340 may include a single on-board, engine-driven DC generator configured to generate direct current (DC) power (e.g., at least one voltage).

[0053] Go to Figure 3 This illustrates a method for operating a transport refrigeration system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method begins in block 302 with the operation of a power generation device 340 under frequency operating conditions. The power generation device may be operatively connected to at least one of the wheels 364 and axles 365 of the transport refrigeration system 200 to obtain kinetic energy from the operation of the trailer system 100. In this block, the trailer system 100 is being operated under normal operating conditions (e.g., a truck / trailer is traveling along a road), such as being fully loaded without ABS engaged, or at a reduced power generation frequency due to deceleration possibly caused by normal braking or deceleration without brake application (i.e., the driver depressing the accelerator pedal). The power generation device 340 may be configured to transmit at least one frequency operating condition (which may include the operating frequency, changes in the operating frequency, and / or changes in the operating frequency over time) to an energy controller 336. The energy controller is configured to control the operation of the power generation device 340 as described below.

[0054] In block 304, the method includes passing frequency operating conditions from the power generation device to a communicatively coupled energy controller 336.

[0055] In block 306, the method includes storing operating limits in energy controller 336. Operating limits are based on at least one of frequency, changes in frequency, and / or changes in frequency over time, each of which can indicate ABS activation. For example, frequency operating conditions may include rapid frequency changes from high to low frequencies (e.g., when the average speed of trailer system 100 is equal to or less than 26 km / hr and / or the generator frequency drops to 25 Hz or less). No modification will occur if the speed decrease is caused by normal operation (e.g., normal deceleration by applying the brakes under normal operating conditions or by lifting the operator's foot off the accelerator pedal). Frequency operating conditions may also include rapid frequency changes occurring within a predetermined time period (e.g., negative speed changes for a signal at a conversion rate of -1 Hz per second (or less) within a frequency range equal to or greater than 1 Hz and equal to or less than 10 Hz).

[0056] In block 308, the method includes using energy controller 336 to compare a stored operating limit with a frequency operating condition. In block 310, the method includes using the energy controller to modify the operation of the power generation device to decouple the power generation device from the energy storage device when the frequency operating condition is equal to or less than the stored operating limit. Modifying the operation of the power generation device may include electrically disconnecting (e.g., decoupling) the energy storage device 334 from the power generation device 340 by using energy controller 336 to enable switching and / or reducing the operating frequency to a nominal value (e.g., zero). Generally, ideally, the power generation device 340 should be decoupled from the energy storage device 334 quickly. In a non-limiting embodiment, energy controller 336 may be configured to decouple the energy storage device 334 from the power generation device 340 within 25 milliseconds of determining that the frequency operating condition is equal to or less than the stored operating limit.

[0057] In block 312, the method includes: after a predetermined time delay, using energy controller 336 to modify the operation of power generation device 340 to recouple the power generation device and energy storage device. Energy controller 336 may be configured to electrically recouple the power generation device to the energy controller following the time delay. In a non-limiting embodiment, after a predetermined time delay (e.g., 60 seconds) stored in the energy controller, the energy controller recouples the power generation device 340 and energy storage device 334.

[0058] Recoupling can occur in a similar manner to decoupling. For example, the energy controller can be configured to enable a switch to allow the energy storage device and the power generation device 340 to recouple. In a non-limiting embodiment, recoupling may include increasing the operating frequency of the power generation device. For example, the method may include gradually increasing the load on the power generation device 340 over a period of time. In a non-limiting embodiment, the method may include increasing the load incrementally (load / time) based on the maximum operating load of the power generation device or based on the nominal load. For example, increasing the load on the power generation device 340 may begin with 20% of the nominal load, wherein the load is increased by 20% every 30 seconds until the nominal power is reached under normal operating conditions.

[0059] Although the above descriptions have been presented in a specific order Figure 3 The process is as described, but it should be recognized that the order of steps may vary unless otherwise specifically required in the appended claims.

[0060] As described above, embodiments can take the form of processes implemented by a processor and means (such as a processor) for practicing those processes. Embodiments can also take the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in a tangible medium (such as a floppy disk, CD-ROM, hard disk, or any other computer-readable storage medium), wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by the computer, the computer becomes means for practicing the embodiments. Embodiments can also take the form of computer program code (e.g., whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and / or executed by a computer, transmitted over a transmission medium, loaded into and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted over a transmission medium (such as on electrical wiring or cabling, via optical fiber, or via electromagnetic radiation)), wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by the computer, the computer becomes means for practicing the exemplary embodiments. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuitry.

[0061] The term “approximately” is intended to include a degree of error associated with a measurement based on a specific quantity of equipment available at the time of filing this application. For example, “approximately” can include a range of ±8%, 5%, or 2% for a given value.

[0062] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprises and / or comprising” specify the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0063] While this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments(s), those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and equivalents can replace its elements. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to suit particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode conceived for carrying out this disclosure, but rather to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A transport refrigeration system, comprising: Trailer system, which includes a vehicle attached to a transport container; A power generation device operatively connected to the axle of the trailer system, the power generation device being configured to rotate at an operating frequency and to generate electrical power from the rotational energy of the axle so as to charge the energy storage device when the power generation device is activated; as well as An energy management system for providing power to the transport refrigeration unit of the trailer system, the energy management system including an energy controller in communication with at least one of the power generation device and the energy storage device, wherein the energy controller is configured to modify the operation of the power generation device when the operating frequency of the power generation device is equal to or less than the operating limit of the energy controller. The energy controller operating limits include at least one of the following: frequency, time period, and time interval, and wherein at least one of the limits and the range indicates that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is activated.

2. The transport refrigeration system according to claim 1, wherein, The operating frequency includes at least one of the following limits and ranges: the frequency of the power generation device, the time period, and the time interval.

3. The transport refrigeration system according to claim 1, wherein, Modifying the operation of the power generation device includes decoupling the power generation device from the energy storage device when the energy controller operating limits are at least one of the following: 25Hz or lower frequency; as well as For the operating frequency of a power generation device that is equal to or greater than 1 Hz and equal to or less than 10 Hz, the negative velocity change is equal to or less than -1 Hz per second.

4. The transport refrigeration system according to claim 3, wherein, The decoupling of the power generation device from the energy storage device occurs within 25 milliseconds when the frequency operating conditions are equal to or less than the operating limit.

5. The transport refrigeration system according to claim 1, wherein, Modifying the operation of the power generation device includes recoupling the power generation device to the energy storage device after the passage of time.

6. The transport refrigeration system according to claim 5, wherein, The elapsed time is equal to or greater than 60 seconds.

7. The transport refrigeration system according to claim 1, wherein, The energy storage device includes at least one of a battery and a fuel cell.

8. The transport refrigeration system according to claim 1, wherein, The power generation device includes at least one of the following: a permanent magnet AC generator, an asynchronous generator, a synchronous AC generator, and an engine-driven DC generator.

9. A method of operating a transport refrigeration system comprising a trailer system having a vehicle connected to a transport container, the method comprising: Operating the power generation unit under frequency operating conditions; The frequency operating conditions are transmitted from the power generation device to a communicatively coupled energy controller; The operating limits are stored in the energy controller; The energy controller is used to compare the operating limits with the frequency operating conditions. When the frequency operating conditions are equal to or less than the stored operating limits, the energy controller is used to modify the operation of the power generation device to decouple the power generation device from the energy storage device. as well as As time goes on, the operation of the power generation device is modified using an energy controller to recouple the power generation device to the energy storage device; The stored operating limits include at least one of the following limits and ranges: frequency, time period, time interval, and wherein at least one of the limits and ranges indicates that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is activated.

10. The method of operating a transport refrigeration system according to claim 9, wherein, The power generation device is operatively connected to at least one of the wheels and axles of the transport refrigeration system.

11. The method of operating a transport refrigeration system according to claim 9, wherein, Frequency operating conditions include at least one of the following: operating frequency, changes in operating frequency, and changes in operating frequency over time.

12. The method of operating a transport refrigeration system according to claim 9, wherein, Modifying the operation of the power generation device includes decoupling the power generation device from the energy storage device when the energy controller operating limits are at least one of the following: 25Hz or lower frequency; as well as For the operating frequency of a power generation device that is equal to or greater than 1 Hz and equal to or less than 10 Hz, the negative velocity change is equal to or less than -1 Hz per second.

13. The method of operating a transport refrigeration system according to claim 9, wherein, The decoupling of the power generation device from the energy storage device occurs within 25 milliseconds when the frequency operating conditions are equal to or less than the operating limits of the energy controller.

14. The method of operating a transport refrigeration system according to claim 9, wherein, Modifying the operation of the power generation device includes recoupling the power generation device and the energy storage device after the passage of time.

15. The method of operating a transport refrigeration system according to claim 13, wherein, The elapsed time is equal to or greater than 60 seconds.

16. The method of operating a transport refrigeration system according to claim 9, wherein, The energy storage device includes at least one of a battery and a fuel cell.

17. The method of operating a transport refrigeration system according to claim 9, wherein, The power generation device includes at least one of the following: a permanent magnet AC generator, an asynchronous generator, a synchronous AC generator, and an engine-driven DC generator.

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