Air conditioning and refrigeration system and method for containers equipped with transport refrigeration units

Abstract

An air conditioning and refrigeration system for a container equipped with a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) is disclosed. The system includes a variable speed fan configured with a TRU, and one or more first sensors located at predefined locations at a rear portion of a storage space associated with the container. The one or more first sensors are configured to monitor one or more first attributes associated with the rear. The system also includes a controller in communication with the one or more first sensors and the fan. The controller is configured to adjust the speed of the fan and / or adjust the cooling capacity of the TRU based on the monitored first attribute of the rear portion to maintain a predefined environment at the rear portion or across the storage space.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 508,947, filed on June 19, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to transport refrigeration units and, more particularly, to air conditioning and refrigeration systems and methods for containers equipped with transport refrigeration units. Background Art

[0003] A trailer refrigeration unit (TRU) may be used in a container or trailer of a vehicle to supply conditioned air within the container to maintain a conditioned environment within the container. The storage space or environment inside the container may be conditioned based on the product stored or transported in the container. However, the TRU may not be able to effectively monitor the environment of the entire storage space, and may not be able to adequately supply conditioned air to the entire container, especially toward the rear of the container. Therefore, the environment within the container may not be uniformly conditioned according to product compliance. Summary of the invention

[0004] Disclosed herein is an air conditioning and refrigeration system for a container equipped with a transport refrigeration unit (TRU). The system includes: a variable speed fan configured with the TRU; one or more first sensors located at a predefined position at a rear portion of a holding space associated with the container, the one or more first sensors configured to monitor one or more first attributes associated with the rear portion; and a controller in communication with the one or more first sensors and the fan, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the speed of the fan and / or adjust the cooling capacity of the TRU based on the monitored first attributes of the rear portion to maintain a predefined environment at the rear portion or across the holding space.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the system includes one or more second sensors in communication with the controller and configured to monitor one or more second properties associated with one or more of return air received at a return air inlet port of the TRU and ambient air received at an ambient air inlet port of the TRU.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the controller is configured to adjust the speed of the fan and / or cooling capacity of the TRU based on a monitored first property of the rear and a monitored second property of the return air and / or ambient air to maintain a predefined environment across the holding space.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the controller is operatively coupled to a vapor compression system associated with the TRU, wherein the controller controls operation of the vapor compression system to adjust a cooling capacity of the TRU.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the one or more first and second properties include one or more of temperature, humidity, and airflow rate, wherein the predefined environment includes one or more of a predefined temperature range, a predefined humidity range, and a predefined airflow speed range.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, when the monitored temperature at the rear exceeds a predefined temperature range and the monitored temperature of the return air and / or ambient air is within a predefined temperature range, the controller is configured to increase the speed of the fan and / or adjust the cooling capacity of the TRU to maintain the predefined temperature range at the rear.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, when the monitored temperature of the return air and / or ambient air is within a predefined temperature range and / or the monitored temperature of the rear is within a predefined temperature range, the controller is configured to maintain the cooling capacity of the TRU and maintain the speed of the fan to maintain the predefined temperature range across the holding space.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, one or more first sensors are mounted on and / or within one or more boxes storing one or more products at the rear of the container.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, one or more first sensors are mounted on an inner wall of the rear container and / or are disposed in the holding space.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the controller is a control unit of the TRU.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the controller is in communication with a control unit of the TRU.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the container is a trailer associated with a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is one or more of an electric truck, a semi-electric truck, and a non-electric truck.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the fan and TRU are operatively coupled to an AC power source or a DC power source associated with the vehicle.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the system includes one or more third sensors located at the front and middle of the storage space, wherein the one or more first sensors and the one or more third sensor monitors are configured to monitor a first attribute associated with the entire storage space.

[0018] Also described herein is a method for adjusting a holding space of a container equipped with a transport refrigeration unit (TRU). The method includes the steps of: monitoring one or more first attributes associated with a rear portion of the holding space via one or more first sensors; and adjusting, via a controller, a speed of a variable speed fan configured with the TRU and / or adjusting a cooling capacity of the TRU based on the monitored first attributes of the rear portion to maintain a predefined environment at the rear portion or across the holding space.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps of monitoring, via one or more second sensors, one or more second properties associated with one or more of return air received at a return air inlet port of the TRU and ambient air received at an ambient air inlet port of the TRU, and adjusting, via a controller, the speed of the fan and / or the cooling capacity of the TRU based on the monitored first properties of the rear and the monitored second properties of the return air and / or the ambient air to maintain a predefined environment across the storage space.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, a controller is operatively coupled to a vapor compression system associated with the TRU, wherein the method includes the step of controlling, by the controller, operation of the vapor compression system to adjust a cooling capacity of the TRU.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the one or more first and second properties include one or more of temperature, humidity, and airflow rate, wherein the predefined environment includes one or more of a predefined temperature range, a predefined humidity range, and a predefined airflow speed range.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps of: monitoring a first attribute associated with the front and middle of the storage space by one or more third sensors located at the front and middle of the storage space

[0023] In one or more embodiments, when the monitored temperature of the rear exceeds a predefined temperature range and the monitored temperature of the return air and / or ambient air is within a predefined temperature range, the method includes the steps of increasing the speed of the fan and / or adjusting the cooling capacity of the TRU to maintain the predefined temperature range at the rear.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, when the monitored temperature of the return air and / or ambient air is within a predefined temperature range and / or the monitored temperature of the rear is within a predefined temperature range, the method includes the steps of maintaining the cooling capacity of the TRU and maintaining the speed of the fan to maintain the predefined temperature range across the holding space.

[0025] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the above illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features, other aspects, embodiments, features, and techniques of the subject disclosure will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the subject disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the subject disclosure.

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, similar components and / or features may have the same reference number. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference number with a second reference number that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference number is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference number, regardless of the second reference number.

[0028] Figure 1A and 1B An exemplary representation of an air conditioning and refrigeration system “SYSTEM” for a container equipped with a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 The present invention shows one or more embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1A and Figure 1B An exemplary block diagram of a system.

[0030] Figure 3A Exemplary steps involved in a method for adjusting a holding space of a container equipped with a TRU in accordance with one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure are shown.

[0031] Figure 3B A depiction of one or more embodiments disclosed herein is shown. Figures 1A to 2 An exemplary flow chart of the control strategy of the controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Below is a detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are so detailed in order to clearly convey the subject disclosure. However, the number of details provided is not intended to limit the expected variations of the embodiments; on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0033] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term at the time of filing the application as reflected in printed publications and issued patents.

[0034] In the specification, when depicting the device in the accompanying drawings, reference may be made to the spatial relationship between the various components and the spatial orientation of the various aspects of the components. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art after fully reading the subject disclosure, the components of the present invention described herein may be positioned in any desired direction. Therefore, the use of terms such as "above", "below", "higher", "lower", "first", "second" or other similar terms to describe the spatial relationship between the various components or to describe the spatial orientation of the various aspects of such components should be understood as describing the relative relationship between the components or the spatial orientation of the various aspects of such components.

[0035] Trailer refrigeration unit (TRU) can be used in the container or trailer of the vehicle to supply conditioning air in the container for maintaining the conditioning environment in the storage space of the container. Various products (including but not limited to medicines and health products, and perishable items such as food and beverages) can be stored and transported in containers equipped with TRU. These products should be maintained at a specific temperature and / or humidity while being transported to keep them in a healthy state and comply with product compliance regulations. Therefore, based on the products stored or transported in the container, the cooling capacity of the TRU can be adjusted to supply conditioning air in the storage space for maintaining the conditioning environment in the storage space. However, the TRU may not be able to effectively monitor the environment of the entire storage space, and it is also not possible to fully supply conditioning air throughout the storage space, especially towards the rear of the container. Therefore, the environment in the container may not be evenly adjusted according to product compliance regulations, which may affect the stored products. Therefore, according to product compliance regulations, it is necessary to maintain a uniform and regulated environment throughout the storage space of the container.

[0036] The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned shortcomings and limitations associated with existing containers equipped with TRUs by providing an improved, automated, cost-effective and efficient air conditioning and refrigeration system and method for containers equipped with TRUs, which system and method effectively monitors the environment of the entire storage space of the container and further maintains a uniform and regulated environment throughout the storage space and at the rear of the container.

[0037] refer to Figures 1A to 2, discloses an air conditioning and refrigeration system “system” 100 for a container (trailer) 102 equipped with a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) 104, which can be configured to maintain a predefined uniform environment across an entire enclosed (storage or holding) space 106, including a rear portion 106-1 associated with the container / trailer 102. Various products (including, but not limited to, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, as well as perishable items such as food and beverages) can be stored and transported in the container / trailer 102. The system 100 can maintain these products at a specific temperature and / or humidity while in transport to keep them in a healthy state and in compliance with product compliance regulations.

[0038] The TRU 104 can be mounted on a container / trailer 102 associated with one or more vehicles (the one or more vehicles include one or more of an electric truck, a semi-electric truck, and a non-electric truck) so that the TRU 104 remains fluidly connected to the surroundings and further fluidly connected to the storage space 106 of the container / trailer 102. The TRU 104 may include a housing having a return air inlet port 104-1, an ambient air inlet port 104-2, and an air outlet port 104-3. The return air inlet port 104-1 may be fluidly connected to the storage space 106 to receive return air, and the ambient air inlet port 104-2 may be fluidly connected to the surroundings to receive ambient (external) air. In addition, the air outlet port 104-3 of the TRU 104 may be fluidly connected to the storage space 106 of the container / trailer 102.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, based on a predefined environment to be maintained in the storage space 106 or in accordance with product compliance regulations, the TRU 104 may be operated to ingress return air via the return inlet port 104-1 and / or to egress ambient air via the ambient air inlet port 104-2, and to discharge air (also exhaust air) into the storage space 106 via the outlet port 104-3 (at a higher or lower temperature than the incoming air (ambient air and / or return air)). For example, the exhaust air from the TRU 104 may be warmer or hotter than the incoming air (ambient air and / or return air), such that the TRU 104 may be used to supply warm or hot air in the storage space 106 of the container / trailer 102 to maintain the predefined environment. In another example, the exhaust air from the TRU 104 may be cooler than the received air, such that the TRU 104 may be used to supply cool air in the container 102 to maintain the predefined environment. The detailed construction and operation of the TRU 104 have been explained in the subsequent paragraphs.

[0040] The system 100 may include a variable speed fan 108 configured with or within the TRU 104, which may control the return airflow to enter the TRU 104 via the return inlet port 104-1, or the ambient airflow to be incorporated into the TRU 104 via the ambient inlet port 104-2, and further control the adjusted exhaust to be incorporated into the storage space 106 of the container 102 via the outlet port 104-3. The system 100 may also include one or more first sensors 110-1, which are located at a predefined position at the rear 106-1 of the storage (storage) space 106 associated with the container 102. The first sensor 110-1 may be located at the bottom, middle, and upper regions of the rear 106-1 of the storage space 106. The first sensor 110-1 may be configured to monitor one or more first attributes associated with the rear 106-1 of the storage space 106. In addition, in some embodiments, additional sensors may be positioned throughout the storage space 106. For example, one or more second sensors 110-2, such as a return air sensor (RAT), may be positioned within the container 102 or TRU 104 at the return air inlet port 104-1 of the TRU 104 to monitor a second property associated with the return air received by the TRU 104, and a supply air temperature (SAT) (not shown) may be positioned outside the container 102 or TRU 104 at the ambient air inlet port 104-2 to monitor a second property associated with the outside (ambient) air received by the TRU 104. Additionally, a third sensor 110-3 may be positioned at the front and / or middle 106-2, 106-3 of the storage space 106, such that the first sensor 110-1 and the third sensor 110-3 may effectively monitor the first property associated with the entire storage space 106. The third sensor 110-3 may be positioned at the bottom, middle, and upper regions of the front and middle of the storage space 106. However, since the third sensor 110-3 may be ineffective in monitoring the entire storage space 106, it is appreciated that the first sensor 110-1 may enable the system 110 to monitor the environment of the entire storage space 106. In addition, monitoring of the control temperature (i.e., the temperature of the return air or the outside / ambient air) by the second sensor 110-2 may enable the system 100 to limit overcooling or overheating of the front or middle portions 106-2, 106-3 of the storage space 106 while maintaining a predefined environment at the rear portion 106-1 of the storage space 106.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the first and second attributes may include one or more of temperature, humidity, and airflow rate, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the predefined environment may include one or more of a predefined temperature range, a predefined humidity range, and a predefined airflow rate range to be maintained in the storage space 106, but are not limited thereto.

[0042] The system 100 may also include a controller 202 that communicates with the first sensor 110-1, the second sensor 110-2, the third sensor 110-3, the vapor compression system 112 of the TRU 104, and the variable speed fan 108. In one or more embodiments, the controller 202 may be a control unit of the TRU 104. In other embodiments, the controller 202 may communicate with the control unit of the TRU 104. The first sensor 110-1, the second sensor 110-2, and the third sensor 110-3 may be wireless sensors and / or wired sensors that may be connected to the controller 202 via a wired or wireless medium. The controller 202 may be configured to adjust the speed of the fan 108 and / or the cooling capacity of the TRU 104 based on the monitored first attribute of the rear 106-1 and the monitored second attribute (or control temperature) of the return air and / or the ambient (ambient) air to maintain a predefined environment across the entire storage space 106.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, when the monitored temperature of the rear portion 106-1 exceeds a predefined temperature range and the control temperature (the temperature of the return air and / or ambient air) is detected to be within a predefined temperature range, the controller 202 can be configured to increase the speed of the fan 108 and / or operate the vapor compression system 112 to adjust the cooling capacity of the TRU 104 so as to maintain the predefined temperature range at the rear portion 106-1, thereby creating a uniform predetermined environment throughout the storage space 106.

[0044] In other embodiments, when the control temperature (the temperature of the return air and / or the ambient air) is detected to be within a predefined temperature range and / or the monitored temperature of the rear 106-1 is detected to be within a predefined temperature range, the controller 202 can be configured to maintain the same cooling capacity of the TRU 104 and further maintain the speed of the fan 108 to maintain the predefined temperature range across the storage space 106.

[0045] In one example, the predefined temperature range to be maintained in the rear portion 106-1 of the storage space 106 may be set to 5°C ± 2°C, where the set point temperature may be 5°C with a tolerance of 2°C. Additionally, the control temperature detected by the second sensor 110-2 may be 4°C. Additionally, if the temperature of the rear portion 106-1 is detected (by the first sensor 110-1) to be 5°C, the controller 202 may recognize a 3°C gap between the detected temperature and the predefined temperature range of the rear portion 106-1 because the tolerance is ± 2°C. Therefore, the controller 202 may increase the speed of the fan 108 and / or operate the vapor compression system 112 to increase the cooling capacity of the TRU 104 in order to maintain the predefined temperature range (5°C) in the rear portion 106-1.

[0046] refer to Figure 2, the controller 202 may include a processor 202-1 coupled to a memory 202-2 that stores instructions executable by the processor 202-1 to enable the controller 202 to perform one or more specified operations. The memory 202-2 of the controller 202 may contain predefined values ​​for various operating parameters or properties to be maintained within the vessel 102 or space 106. The parameters and properties may include, but are not limited to, temperature set points at various locations within the vessel 102 or space 106, pressure limits, current limits, engine speed limits, and any other desired operating parameters or limits for the TRU 104.

[0047] The controller 202 can control the operation of the vapor compression system 112 of the TRU 104 to adjust the cooling capacity of the TRU 104 based on the predetermined environment to be maintained in the storage space 106. In one or more embodiments, the vapor compression system 112 may include a compressor 204, a condenser 206 configured downstream of the compressor 204, an expansion device 208 configured downstream of the condenser 206, and an evaporator 210 configured downstream of the expansion device 208, which are encapsulated in a housing of the TRU 104 having an inlet port 104-1 and an outlet port 105-2. In addition, the outlet of the compressor 204 can be fluidly connected to the condenser 206. In one or more embodiments, the compressor 204 can be a variable speed scroll compressor, however, other compressors such as reciprocating or screw compressors are also possible without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. A motor (not shown) can be used to drive the compressor 204. For example, the motor can be an integrated electric drive motor driven by a synchronous generator, a commercial power serving an external power generation system (e.g., on board), a generator, etc. The compressor 204 may also be a multi-stage compression device.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, returning to reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B, the TRU 104 can be coupled to the front end (F) of the container / trailer 102. The air outlet port 104-3 of the TRU can be in fluid communication with the storage space 106 of the container / trailer 102, the return inlet port 104-1 can be in fluid communication with the storage space 106, and the surrounding inlet port 104-2 can be in fluid communication with the surrounding. In addition, the trailer 102 can be coupled to the rear end of the cab or truck 114 so that there is a gap between them. The TRU 104 can be coupled to the front end (F) of the container / trailer 102 in the gap area between the cab 114 and the container / trailer 102. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the TRU 104 can be coupled to a specified position on one side or more than one side of the container / trailer 102. In addition, multiple TRUs 104 can be coupled to a single container / trailer 102. Alternatively, a single TRU 104 can be coupled to multiple containers / trailers 102.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, returning to reference Figure 2 In a cooling mode or cooling cycle (i.e., when the cooling capacity of the TRU 104 is to be increased), the TRU 104 may circulate the refrigerant from the compressor 204 to the condenser 206 through the expansion device 208 and the evaporator 210, and then back to the compressor 204. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor leaving the outlet of the compressor 204 may move to the condenser 206, which may include a plurality of condenser coils that may receive air blown by the fan 108 (not shown) of the condenser 206. The condenser 206 may facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing within the condenser 206 coils and the received air to remove latent heat through the condenser 206, which may condense the refrigerant into a high-pressure / high-temperature liquid within the condenser 206 coils. The high-pressure / high-temperature liquid refrigerant may flow to a receiver that may provide storage for excess liquid refrigerant during low-temperature operation. In addition, the refrigerant may flow from the receiver to a filter-dryer that may keep the refrigerant clean and dry.

[0050] The TRU 104 or vapor compression system 112 may further include an economizer 212 fluidly disposed between the compressor 204, the receiver, the evaporator 210, and the condenser 206. In one or more embodiments, the expansion device 208 may be an electronic evaporator expansion valve (EVXV). The economizer 212 may increase refrigerant subcooling. When the economizer 212 is active, an injection solenoid valve associated with the economizer 212 may open to allow refrigerant to pass through an auxiliary expansion valve having a sensing ball located upstream of the intermediate inlet port of the compressor 204. The injection solenoid valve may be controlled in response to the temperature measured at the ball and is used to expand and cool the refrigerant entering the economizer counterflow heat exchanger, which may additionally subcool the liquid refrigerant.

[0051] Refrigerant may flow from the economizer heat exchanger of the economizer 212 to the EVXV 208. As the liquid refrigerant passes through the orifice of the EVXV 208, at least some of the liquid refrigerant may evaporate. The evaporated refrigerant may then enter the evaporator 210 via a distributor and then flow through the evaporator coil of the evaporator 210. The evaporator 210 may absorb heat from air (e.g., return air returned from the storage space 106 or external / ambient air) to evaporate some or all of the remaining liquid refrigerant in the evaporator 210. The air may preferably be drawn or pushed across the evaporator coil by the fan 108. The refrigerant vapor may be drawn back into the compressor 204 from the evaporator 210 through the suction service valve via an accumulator that may store any excess refrigerant. Furthermore, a heat exchanger may be additionally configured in the TRU 104 to facilitate heat transfer during the cooling cycle from the hot refrigerant supplied by the condenser 206 or the subcooled liquid from the heat exchanger of the economizer to the cold refrigerant supplied by the evaporator 210. In addition, the variable speed fan 108 may effectuate (increase or decrease) the flow of air (ambient air and / or return air) through the TRU 104 while passing the air across the evaporator coils carrying the cold refrigerant to cool the air and further supply the cold exhaust air into the storage space 106 via the outlet port 104-3, thereby maintaining a predetermined environment throughout the storage space 106 of the container / trailer 102.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the controller 202 may include a communication module 202-3 that may operatively couple the controller 202 to the first sensor 110-1, the second sensor 110-2, the third sensor 110-3, the vapor compression system 112 of the TRU 104, and the variable speed fan 108, and also enable the controller 202 to receive temperature inputs, pressure inputs, and humidity levels from various points in the storage space 106. In addition, the controller 202 may include actuators, drive circuits, and relays that are used to receive signals or currents from the controller 202 and, in turn, control various internal components of the TRU 104, the fan 108, the vapor compression system 112, and external or peripheral devices in the TRU 104.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the fan 108 and the TRU 104 are operably coupled to an AC power source or a DC power source (collectively referred to herein as 116) associated with the vehicle. The controller 202 can control the operation of the fan 108 and the vapor compression system 112 of the TRU 104 based on the available electrical power while maintaining a predefined environment in the storage space 106. In one or more embodiments, when the controller 202 calculates that the available electrical power is below a predefined level after a predefined time, which may affect the maintenance of the predefined environment in the storage space 106 after the predefined time, the controller 202 can transmit an alarm signal to a mobile device associated with a vehicle user or a human-machine interface (HMI) installed in the vehicle accordingly. The alarm signal can indicate a request to charge the power source of the vehicle and / or electrically connect the TRU 104 and the system to an external power source.

[0054] refer to Figure 3A , a method 300 for adjusting the storage space of a container / trailer equipped with a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) is disclosed. In addition, referring to Figure 3B , discloses an exemplary flow chart depicting a control strategy of a controller. The method 300 may involve a first sensor 110-1, a second sensor 110-2, a third sensor 110-3, a vapor compression system 112 of a TRU 104, and a variable speed fan 108. The method 300 may include the following step 302: monitoring, by the first sensor, one or more first properties associated with a rear portion of the storage space. In addition, the method 300 may include the following step 304: monitoring, by the second sensor, one or more second properties associated with one or more of the return air and the ambient air received at the return air inlet port and the ambient air inlet port of the TRU, respectively.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the method 300 may include the step of positioning one or more third sensors at the front and middle of the storage space. The third sensors may be configured to monitor the first property associated with the front and middle of the storage space.

[0056] The method 300 may further include the following step 306: adjusting, by the controller, the speed of the fan and / or the cooling capacity of the TRU based on the monitored first property of the rear and the monitored second property of the return air and / or the ambient air to maintain a predefined environment across the storage space. In one or more embodiments, the method of adjusting the cooling capacity of the TRU may include the following steps: controlling, by the controller, the operation of a vapor compression system associated with the TRU to adjust the cooling capacity of the TRU.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, when the control temperature (the temperature of the return air and / or the ambient air) is detected to be within a predefined temperature range, at step 308, the controller may maintain the same cooling capacity in the TRU and further maintain the speed of the fan to maintain the predefined temperature range across the storage space.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, when the control temperature (the temperature of the return air and / or the ambient air) is detected to be within a predefined temperature range and the monitored temperature of the rear is detected to be within the predefined temperature range, at step 310, the controller can maintain the same cooling capacity of the TRU and further maintain the same speed of the fan to maintain the predefined temperature range across the storage space.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, when the monitored temperature at the rear exceeds a predefined temperature range and the control temperature (the temperature of the return air and / or ambient air) is detected to be within the predefined temperature range, at step 306, the controller may increase the fan speed and adjust the cooling capacity of the TRU to maintain the predefined temperature range at the rear of the storage space.

[0060] Thus, the present invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations associated with existing containers / trailers equipped with TRUs by providing an improved, automated, cost-effective and efficient air conditioning and refrigeration system for containers equipped with TRUs. The present invention effectively monitors the environment of the entire storage space of the container (including the rear of the storage space) and further maintains a uniform and regulated environment throughout the storage space, thereby keeping the stored product healthy and in compliance with product compliance regulations.

[0061] The use of the term "uniform environment" refers to a conditioned environment within the storage space 106, wherein the temperature, humidity, and / or other environmental conditions associated with the storage space 106 may be a numerical value having a variation of less than or equal to ±10% of the numerical value, expressly including any narrow range within the given range of the numerical value as well as the exact numerical value. For example, a temperature of "approximately" 30°C refers to a temperature from 27°C to 33°C, but also expressly includes any narrower temperature range or even a single temperature within the range, including, for example, a temperature of exactly 30°C.

[0062] Although the subject disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Modifications may be made to adapt a particular condition or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the subject disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather that the subject disclosure includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the subject disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0063] In interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprise" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components or steps can be combined or utilized or exist together with other elements, components or steps not explicitly referenced. In the case where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, rather than A plus N or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. An air conditioning and refrigeration system for a container equipped with a transport refrigeration unit (TRU), the system include: A variable speed fan equipped with the TRU; one or more first sensors located at predefined positions at a rear portion of a holding space associated with the container, the one or more first sensors configured to monitor one or more first properties associated with the rear portion; as well as A controller in communication with the one or more first sensors and the fan, wherein the controller is configured to adjust a speed of the fan and / or adjust a cooling capacity of the TRU based on the monitored first property of the rear portion to maintain a predefined environment at the rear portion or across the holding space.

2. The system according to claim 1, in, The system includes one or more second sensors in communication with the controller and configured to monitor one or more second properties associated with one or more of return air received at a return air inlet port of the TRU and ambient air received at an ambient air inlet port of the TRU, Wherein the controller is configured to adjust the speed of the fan and / or the cooling capacity of the TRU based on the monitored first property of the rear and the monitored second property of the return air and / or the ambient air to maintain the predefined environment across the holding space.

3. The system according to claim 1, in, The controller is operatively coupled to a vapor compression system associated with the TRU, wherein the controller controls operation of the vapor compression system to adjust the cooling capacity of the TRU.

4. The system according to claim 1, in, The one or more first and second properties include one or more of temperature, humidity, and airflow rate, wherein the predefined environment includes one or more of a predefined temperature range, a predefined humidity range, and a predefined airflow speed range.

5. The system according to claim 1, in, When the monitored temperature of the rear portion exceeds the predefined temperature range and the monitored temperature of the return air and / or the ambient air is within the predefined temperature range, the controller is configured to increase the speed of the fan and / or adjust the cooling capacity of the TRU to maintain the predefined temperature range at the rear portion.

6. The system of claim 1, in, When the monitored temperature of the return air and / or the ambient air is within the predefined temperature range and / or the monitored temperature at the rear is within the predefined temperature range, the controller is configured to maintain the cooling capacity of the TRU and maintain the speed of the fan to maintain the predefined temperature range across the holding space.

7. The system of claim 1, in, The one or more first sensors are mounted on and / or within one or more boxes storing one or more products at the rear portion of the container.

8. The system of claim 1, in, The one or more first sensors are mounted on an inner wall of the container at the rear and / or are arranged in the storage space.

9. The system of claim 1, in, The controller is a control unit of the TRU.

10. The system of claim 1, in, The controller communicates with a control unit of the TRU.

11. The system of claim 1, in, The container is a trailer associated with a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is one or more of an electric truck, a semi-electric truck, and a non-electric truck.

12. The system of claim 1, in, The fan and the TRU are operatively coupled to an AC power source or a DC power source associated with a vehicle.

13. The system of claim 1, in, The system includes one or more third sensors located at the front and middle of the storage space, wherein the one or more first sensors and the one or more third sensor monitors are configured to monitor a first attribute associated with the entire storage space.

14. A method for adjusting the storage space of a container equipped with a transport refrigeration unit (TRU), the method The following steps are involved: monitoring, via one or more first sensors, one or more first properties associated with a rear portion of the holding space; as well as Based on the monitored first attribute of the rear portion, a speed of a variable speed fan configured with the TRU and / or a cooling capacity of the TRU is adjusted by a controller to maintain a predefined environment at the rear portion or across the holding space.

15. The method of claim 14, in, The method comprises the following steps: monitoring, via one or more second sensors, one or more second properties associated with one or more of return air received at a return air inlet port of the TRU and ambient air received at an ambient air inlet port of the TRU; and The speed of the fan and / or the cooling capacity of the TRU is adjusted by the controller based on the monitored first property of the rear portion and the monitored second property of the return air and / or the ambient air to maintain the predefined environment across the holding space.

16. The method of claim 14, in, The controller is operatively coupled to a vapor compression system associated with the TRU, wherein the method includes the step of controlling, by the controller, operation of the vapor compression system to adjust the cooling capacity of the TRU.

17. The method of claim 14, in, The method comprises the steps of monitoring a first property associated with the front and the middle of the storage space by one or more third sensors located at the front and the middle of the storage space.

18. The method of claim 14, in, The one or more first and second properties include one or more of temperature, humidity, and airflow rate, wherein the predefined environment includes one or more of a predefined temperature range, a predefined humidity range, and a predefined airflow speed range.

19. The method of claim 14, in, When the monitored temperature of the rear portion exceeds the predefined temperature range and the monitored temperature of the return air and / or the ambient air is within the predefined temperature range, the method includes the steps of increasing the speed of the fan and / or adjusting the cooling capacity of the TRU to maintain the predefined temperature range at the rear portion.

20. The method of claim 14, in, When the monitored temperature of the return air and / or the ambient air is within the predefined temperature range and / or the monitored temperature of the rear is within the predefined temperature range, the method includes the steps of maintaining the cooling capacity of the TRU and maintaining the speed of the fan to maintain the predefined temperature range across the holding space.

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