Apparatus for powering refrigeration unit of cargo container

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for powering a refrigeration unit of a cargo container. A railcar chassis for transporting cargo containers is disclosed. The railcar chassis includes a storage portion configured to receive a cargo container having a refrigeration unit. The railcar chassis also includes at least one power unit positioned proximate the storage portion and configured to provide electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aspects of an apparatus for providing power to a refrigeration unit mounted on a cargo container. Background Art

[0002] A cargo container is a large box for transporting goods such as perishable goods (such as food items), pharmaceutical products or medical items by ship, rail or truck / truck. Cargo containers are designed so that they can be transported by ship as a marine transport device or by truck / rail transport as a short-haul transport device. In short-haul transport, the cargo container is installed on a rail car chassis or a truck chassis together with a cooling unit for transportation. The cargo container for transporting perishable goods may have an additional unit, such as a cooling unit with a power generator and a refrigeration unit for maintaining the low temperature inside the cargo container. The cooling unit is usually installed on the front of the cargo container, and the cargo container includes a pipe connected to the cooling unit to circulate cold air through the cargo container. Some of the cargo containers can draw power from the prime mover of the transport device. In addition, the cargo container is designed to be able to cool perishable goods even when the cargo container is not connected to a marine transport device such as cargo ship power or rail power and when the truck parks the cart and drives away.

[0003] There are multiple limitations associated with current types of cargo containers and devices for transporting such cargo containers. For example, cooling units reduce the volume of cargo containers that can be used to store and transport perishable items. One of the ways to alleviate these problems is an external power source, such as providing power to the refrigeration unit by drawing power from the prime mover of the truck / train. However, such an arrangement causes additional fuel consumption of the prime mover and a reduction in the performance of the transport device in terms of cruising range and cargo delivery capacity. In order to compensate for the reduction in performance, a transport device with a large-sized prime mover can be used, which further increases the cost of transportation. In addition, additional fuel consumption also increases emissions, such as carbon dioxide, other greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., NOx, unburned hydrocarbons) and particulates, which makes transportation unsafe for the environment.

[0004] Another way to alleviate this problem is to use a detachable cooling unit mounted on the cargo container. However, the detachable cooling unit has limited performance due to the small capacity of fuel that the detachable cooling unit can carry or the small size of the battery that can be installed in the detachable cooling unit. Yet another way to alleviate this problem is to use more than one detachable cooling unit to compensate for the limited capacity of the detachable cooling unit. However, the cargo container may not have space to install the detachable cooling unit. An additional problem with using one or more detachable cooling units is the increased time to install or remove the detachable cargo unit, especially when the cargo container is transferred from the marine transport device to the short-haul transport device. Summary of the invention

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or fundamental inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the invention.

[0006] A railcar chassis for transporting cargo containers is disclosed herein. The railcar chassis includes a storage portion configured to receive a cargo container having a refrigeration unit. The railcar chassis also includes at least one power unit positioned proximate the storage portion and configured to provide electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, at least one power unit includes a first power unit having a storage tank configured to store hydrogen fuel and a power generator that is removably mountable on a cargo container and connected to the storage tank to receive hydrogen fuel for generating a first predefined amount of electrical power for a refrigeration unit.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the at least one power unit includes a second power unit, such that the second power unit is a battery configured to provide a second predefined amount of electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the power generator is an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell system coupled to a generator.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the first power unit and the second power unit are installed below the storage portion.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, one of the first power unit and the second power unit is attached to a cargo container.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, a railcar is disclosed that includes a cargo container having a refrigeration unit and a railcar chassis. The railcar chassis includes a storage portion configured to receive the cargo container having the refrigeration unit. The railcar chassis also includes at least one power unit positioned proximate the storage portion and configured to provide electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the cargo container has a container chassis configured to receive the cargo hold, and the at least one power unit is detachably mounted on the container chassis.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, at least one power unit includes a first power unit having a storage tank configured to store hydrogen fuel and a power generator that is removably mountable on a cargo container and connected to the storage tank to receive hydrogen fuel for generating a first predefined amount of electrical power for a refrigeration unit.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the at least one power unit includes a second power unit, such that the second power unit is a battery configured to provide a second predefined amount of electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the power generator is an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell system coupled to a generator.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, a cargo freight system is disclosed that includes a storage portion and a plurality of cargo containers installed in the storage portion. In addition, the cargo containers have a refrigeration unit. In addition, the cargo freight system includes at least one power unit positioned proximate to the storage portion and configured to provide electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the cargo transport system is a cargo vessel, and the at least one power unit is mounted in a hull of the cargo vessel.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the freight truck system is a freight train having a railcar, the railcar including a railcar chassis having a storage section, and at least one power unit is mounted on the railcar chassis.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, at least one power unit includes a first power unit having a storage tank configured to store hydrogen fuel and a power generator that is removably mountable on a cargo container and connected to the storage tank to receive hydrogen fuel for generating a first predefined amount of electrical power for a refrigeration unit.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the at least one power unit includes a second power unit, such that the second power unit is a battery configured to provide a second predefined amount of electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the first power unit and the second power unit are installed below the storage portion.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, one of the first power unit and the second power unit is attached to a cargo container.

[0024] In order to further illustrate the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the present invention will be provided by reference to specific embodiments of the present invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is recognized that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. The present invention will be described and explained in the accompanying drawings with additional specificity and detail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters refer to like parts throughout the drawings, and in which:

[0026] Figure 1 Diagram of the marine cargo freight system used for marine transportation;

[0027] Figure 2 A drayage cargo freight system for rail transportation is illustrated having a plurality of rail cars having a power unit on one of the rail cars;

[0028] Figure 3 Another rail freight system having a plurality of rail cars with power units on two rail cars is illustrated;

[0029] Figure 4 A railcar is shown having a railcar chassis and a first power unit below the railcar chassis;

[0030] Figure 5 A railcar is shown having a railcar chassis and a first power unit on the railcar chassis;

[0031] Figure 6 A rail car is shown with a cargo container and a first power unit having a clip-on power unit;

[0032] Figure 7 Pictured is the one with additional storage tank Figure 6 The rail car shown in ;

[0033] Figure 8 A railcar is shown with a trailer chassis and a first power unit attached to the trailer chassis;

[0034] Fig. 9 illustrates a railcar with a trailer chassis with attached hydrogen storage and a first power unit attached to the trailer chassis;

[0035] Fig.10 A cargo trucking system with multiple rail cars having a second power unit on one of the rail cars is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig.11 A railcar is shown having a railcar chassis and a second power unit below the railcar chassis;

[0037] Fig.12 A railcar is shown having a railcar chassis and a first power unit on the railcar chassis;

[0038] Fig.13 A rail car with a container chassis and a first power unit is shown; and

[0039] Fig.14 illustrates a rail car with a truck having a container chassis with attached batteries and a first power unit; and Fig.15 Illustration of a van with a truck, a cargo container and a power unit.

[0040] Furthermore, the skilled person will appreciate that the elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not necessarily be drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, and the drawings may show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to various embodiments, and specific language will be used to describe these embodiments. It will be understood, however, that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is intended thereby, and such changes and further modifications in the illustrated system and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[0042] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0043] References throughout this specification to "aspect" or "another aspect" or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in an embodiment," "in another embodiment," "some embodiments," "one or more embodiments," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0044] The term "comprises, comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that includes a list of steps includes not only those steps, but may also include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises ..." does not exclude the presence of other devices or other subsystems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional subsystems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components, without more constraints.

[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 A marine cargo freight system 100 for marine transportation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The cargo freight system 100 of the present disclosure is configured to haul different types of cargo containers 102 and 104. In addition, some of the cargo containers 104 may include a refrigeration unit 106 that provides cooling for perishable food items. In addition, the cargo freight system 100 may be configured to provide power to the refrigeration unit 106 of each of the plurality of cargo containers 104. The cargo freight system 100 may have a hull 108 that is provided with a storage portion that accommodates the cargo containers 102 and 104. In one example, the storage section may extend only to a portion of the multihull 108 to accommodate some of the cargo containers 104. In another example, the storage section may extend to the entire length of the multihull 108 to accommodate other types of cargo containers 102.

[0047] The cargo freight system 100 may include one or more power units 110 configured to provide power to the refrigeration unit 106. The power unit may be a unit that can hold a storage tank or a battery. In a broader sense, a "power unit" may also include a power generator, such as a fuel cell system and a power distribution unit, or a battery with a power distribution unit. The power unit 110 may be a first power unit or a second power unit, depending on their power generation source. For example, the first power unit is a hydrogen fuel-based power generator with a power distribution system, and the second power unit is a battery pack with a power distribution system. The power distribution system may be a device suitable for supplying electrical power according to the rated parameters of the cooling unit. For example, the power distribution system may include components such as a voltage booster, a transformer, which can boost the voltage of the received direct current (DC) electrical power and convert the boosted DC voltage into an alternating current (AC). In addition, the power distribution system may include an AC filter circuit. Details of each type of power unit may be provided in subsequent embodiments. The cargo freight system 100 of the present disclosure cools perishable items in the cargo container 104 without having a separate refrigeration system to provide cooling.

[0048] According to the present disclosure, the cargo transportation system may have another configuration. For example, the cargo transportation system may also be a railway transportation device, the details of which will be explained in the following embodiments.

[0049] Figure 2 A rail freight system 200 having a plurality of rail cars 202 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The rail freight system 200 is a train having rail cars 202. In addition, each rail car 202 may have a storage section 208 on which a cargo container 204 is accommodated. In addition, each cargo container 204 may include a refrigeration unit 206. In addition, one 202A of the rail cars may have a storage section 208 accommodating a power unit 210. In one example, the power unit 210 is a first power unit 210. The first power unit 210 may include a storage tank 212 that may hold hydrogen fuel. The hydrogen fuel may be stored in a gaseous form or a liquid form. In addition, the first power unit 210 may include a power generator 214 that is coupled to the storage tank 212 and may be configured to generate a first predefined amount of electrical power for the refrigeration unit 206. The power generator 214 may be an internal combustion (IC) engine that burns hydrogen fuel for a generator that is powered by the IC engine to generate a first predetermined amount of electrical power. Alternatively, power generator 214 may be a fuel cell system that uses hydrogen fuel to generate the first predetermined amount of electrical power.

[0050] The first power unit 210 may also include a power distributor 216 that may be coupled to the power generator 214 and may supply a first predefined amount of electrical power to the refrigeration unit 206 of each cargo container 204. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , a first power unit 210 is mounted on a railcar 202A and provides power to a refrigeration unit 206. In order to provide power to the refrigeration unit 206, the railcar 202 may include a transmission line 218 connected to an adjacent transmission line 218. In addition, each refrigeration unit 206 may include a rope 220 coupled to the transmission line 218. In addition, when the cargo container 204 is mounted to / removed from the railcar 202, the transmission line 218 and the rope 220 may be easily coupled / disengaged. Such an arrangement allows the refrigeration unit 206 to be quickly re-supplied with electrical power when the cargo container 204 is removed from the marine cargo freight system 100 to the short-haul freight system 200. In addition, the provision of the first power unit 210 eliminates the need for a power generator 214 on the cargo container 202. Such an arrangement allows for a maximum volume that can be used to carry items and also reduces the overall weight of the cargo container 202.

[0051] In one example, the first power unit 210 may be designed in such a way that the components of the first power unit 210 may be mounted on different rail cars. Figure 3 Such an example is shown in Figure 3 Another drayage freight system 300 is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system having a plurality of railcars 302 and a first power unit 304. In the illustrated example, the first power unit 304 may include a storage tank 306 mounted on a railcar 302A and a power generator 308 on another railcar 302B. In addition, the first power unit 304 may include a power distributor 310 on the railcar 302B. Furthermore, the railcars 302A and 302B may be the last and second to last bogeys in the drayage freight system 300, respectively, and the railcar 302 having a cargo container 312 with a refrigeration unit 320 may be mounted as the front bogey. Furthermore, the storage tank 306 may have a fuel line 314 coupled to the power generator 308. Furthermore, the power distributor 310 has a rope 316 coupled to a transmission line 318 of the railcar 302.

[0052] Providing a separate storage tank 306 on one of the railcars 302A allows for a larger volume of hydrogen fuel to be stored, thereby enabling the generation of electrical power for a longer duration. Additionally, providing a power generator 308 on another railcar 302B allows for the use of a larger size power generator 308, which can result in a greater amount of electrical power generation. Additionally, the generation of a greater amount of electrical power allows for a greater number of cargo railcars 302 with containers 312 that can be added to the drayage cargo system 300. Additionally, the additional power can be used to provide a supply of power to the refrigeration unit 320 for a longer duration.

[0053] According to the present disclosure, a railcar may have individual power units in different configurations. Exemplary embodiments of different combinations are explained in the following paragraphs.

[0054] Figure 4A railcar 400 is illustrated having a railcar chassis 402 and a first power unit 404 below the railcar chassis 402 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The railcar chassis 402 may include a storage portion 406 that may be formed on the top side of the railcar chassis 402. As shown in the figure, the storage portion 406 may be configured to receive a cargo container 420 having a refrigeration unit 408. Although not visible, the power generator of the first generator unit is inside the refrigeration unit 408. The railcar chassis 402 may also include a set of wheels 410 that enable the railcar 400 to traverse on the track. In addition, the first power unit 404 has a storage tank 412 mounted below a section of the railcar chassis 402. The lower section of the railcar chassis 402 extends along the entire length of the railcar chassis 402. And therefore, the railcar chassis 402 can accommodate a large storage tank 412. The large storage tank 412 allows the refrigeration unit 408 to operate for a longer period of time. Additionally, the storage tank 412 may also include a fill port 416 for allowing refilling of hydrogen fuel and a fuel line 414 for supplying hydrogen fuel to the refrigeration unit 408 via a hose 418 .

[0055] Figure 5 A railcar 500 is shown having a railcar chassis 502 and a first power unit 504 on a storage section 506 of the railcar chassis 502 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In such a configuration, a storage tank 508 is placed next to a cargo container 510 mounted on the storage section 506. The storage tank 508 is a storage tank having a plurality of storage tanks, each of which is ... Figure 4 508 and can be coupled to a refrigeration unit 512 of a cargo container 510. Such a configuration can be used to provide fuel for generating electrical power for short durations or for smaller cooling needs. In addition, the smaller size of the storage tank 508 allows for direct coupling to a hose 514 of the refrigeration unit 512 without the need for a hose 514 similar to that of a refrigeration unit 512. Figure 4 The fuel line of fuel line 414 is shown in FIG.

[0056] During transportation of cargo container 510 or cargo container 420, fuel may be provided by their respective storage tanks 508 and 412. Additionally, when cargo container 510 or cargo container 420 is transferred from a railcar to a truck, refrigeration unit 512 or refrigeration unit 408 may be disconnected from their respective storage tanks and may be coupled to another storage tank on the truck.

[0057] The foregoing embodiments relate to scenarios where a cargo container may be transferred to a container chassis of a truck or a lorry for further inland transport. In some scenarios, a rail car may house a container chassis which may be further connected to a semi-trailer truck. Figures 6 to 9 Such an embodiment is described.

[0058] Figure 6 A railcar 600 is illustrated with a cargo container 602 and a first power unit 604 having a clip-on power generator 606 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the railcar 600 may include a railcar chassis 608 having a storage section 610 that may receive the cargo container 602. In addition, the cargo container 602 may include a container chassis 612 and a cargo hold 614 suitable for holding perishable items. The cargo container 602 may also include a refrigeration unit 616 that may provide cooling to the cargo hold 614. In addition, the first power unit 604 may include a storage tank 618 that may be removed from beneath the container chassis 612. In addition, the cargo container 602 may include a set of wheels 622 that allow the cargo container 602 to be hauled on the road by a semi-trailer truck. In addition, the cargo container 602 may include a landing gear 624 that allows the cargo container 602 to be parked whenever needed during inland transportation. The landing gear 624 may also provide a means for balancing and anchoring the container chassis 602 to the storage section 610 of the track chassis 600 .

[0059] The power generator 606 may include a hose 620 that may be connected to the storage tank 618 to supply hydrogen fuel to the power generator 606. In the illustrated example, the power generator 606 may be removably mounted on the refrigeration unit 616 and may generate a first predetermined amount of electrical power as long as the cargo container 602 is mounted on the railcar chassis 608.

[0060] In one example, additional storage tanks may be provided in the rail car to extend the generation of electrical power. Figure 7 Explain this configuration, Figure 7 The figure shows an additional storage tank 700. Figure 6 600 shown in FIG. 608. Additional storage tank 700 may be mounted below railcar chassis 608 and may include fuel line 702 and hose 704 connected to power generator 606. Such an arrangement may have different configurations. In one configuration, power generator 606 may receive hydrogen fuel storage from two storage tanks simultaneously. In another configuration, additional storage tank 700 may provide hydrogen fuel to power generator 606, and storage tank 618 may be used when additional storage tank 700 is consumed. In yet another configuration, additional storage tank 618 may provide hydrogen fuel when cargo container 602 is removed from railcar 600 and deployed as a trailer of a semi-trailer truck for further inland transportation.

[0061] According to the present disclosure, in the case where the cargo container is a trailer, the power generator 606 may also be an integral part of the refrigeration unit. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Medium picture.

[0062] Figure 8 A railcar 800 is illustrated with a trailer 802 and a first power unit 804 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The trailer 802 mounted on a railcar chassis 814 may include a trailer chassis 806, a cargo hold 808 supported on the trailer chassis 806, and a refrigeration unit 810. In the illustrated example, the first power unit 804 has a storage tank 812 mounted on the trailer chassis 806 and a power generator integrated into the refrigeration unit 810. In such a configuration, a detachable power generator may not be required, and the trailer 802 may be directly attached to a semi-trailer truck while the refrigeration unit 810 continues to cool the cargo hold 808.

[0063] In one example, railcar 800 may have Fig. 9 The additional storage tank 900 shown in FIG. The additional storage tank 900 can be installed below the rail car chassis 814. In addition, the additional storage tank 900 implements the above Figure 7 Different configurations explained.

[0064] According to the present disclosure, the power unit may have different configurations, or may be of different types, to provide electrical power to the refrigeration unit. Another type of power unit may be a second power unit, which may be adapted to provide a second predetermined amount of electrical power to the refrigeration unit. Such a power unit may be configured to provide a second predetermined amount of electrical power to the refrigeration unit. Fig.10 Continue to explain.

[0065] Fig.10 The drayage freight system 1000 is shown having a plurality of railcars 1002 and a second power unit 1004 on one of the railcars 1004. In addition, the railcar 1002 may have a second power unit 1004 connected to the railcar 1002. Figure 21002A. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the details of the rail car 1002 are not repeated. In the illustrated example, the second power unit 1004 may be a battery 1006 that may be installed on the last rail car 1002A. In addition, the second power unit 1004 may include a power distributor 1008, which may be used as a battery management system, which is suitable for supplying a second predetermined amount of electrical power to each refrigeration unit 1010 of the cargo container 1012 on the rail car 1002. In one example, the battery 1006 may be a lithium ion battery, and in another example, the battery 1006 may be a lead-acid battery. The second power unit 1004 may include an electrical wire 1014 connected to a connection cable 1016 of the refrigeration unit 1010. In one example, the second power unit 1004 may also provide wireless charging to the refrigeration unit 1010. Although not shown, the second power unit 1004 may be used as a battery power pack for the refrigeration unit 1010 of the cargo container 1012.

[0066] The second power unit 1004 may also be implemented as a separate unit for the railcar. Figures 11 to 15 Such an embodiment is shown in the figure.

[0067] Fig.11 A railcar 1100 is illustrated having a railcar chassis 1102 and a second power unit 1104 below the railcar chassis 1102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The railcar chassis 1102 may include a storage portion 1106 that may be formed on a top side of the railcar chassis 1102 and may be configured to receive a cargo container 1110 having a refrigeration unit 1108. In addition, the second power unit 1104 has a battery pack mounted below the railcar chassis 1102. In the illustrated example, a large-sized second power unit 1104 may be mounted over the entire length of the railcar chassis 1102, which allows the refrigeration unit 1108 to operate for a longer period of time. In addition, the second power unit 1104 may also include a charging port 1114 to allow the battery in the second power unit 1104 to be recharged via a cord.

[0068] Fig.12 A railcar 1200 is shown having a railcar chassis 1202 and a second power unit 1204 on a storage section 1206 of the railcar chassis 1202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In such a configuration, the second power unit 1204 is placed next to a cargo container 1208 mounted on the storage section 1206. The second power unit 1204 is smaller than Fig.11The second power unit 1104 of the large size shown in the figure can be connected to the refrigeration unit 1210 of the cargo container 1208. Such a configuration can be used to provide electrical power for a short duration or for a smaller cooling demand. In addition, the second power unit 1204 can include a charging port 1212 to charge the second power unit 1204.

[0069] Similar to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , a cargo container can be transferred to a truck or truck chassis for further inland transportation. In some scenarios, a rail car can accommodate a container chassis, which can be further connected to a Fig.13 and Fig.14 Semi-trailer truck shown in the picture.

[0070] Fig.13 A railcar 1300 is shown with a trailer 1302 and a second power unit 1304 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The trailer 1302 may include a trailer chassis 1306, a cargo compartment 1308 supported on the trailer chassis 1306, and a refrigeration unit 1310. In the illustrated example, the second power unit 1304 has a battery pack mounted on the trailer chassis 1306. In one example, the railcar 1300 may have a Fig.14 The additional second power unit 1400 shown in FIG. The additional second power unit 1400 can be installed below the rail car chassis 1312. In addition, the additional second power unit 1400 can provide power to achieve the above-mentioned Figure 7 Different configurations explained.

[0071] According to the present disclosure, the railcar chassis may also include a combination of a first power unit and a second power unit that work together to provide power to the refrigeration unit. Fig.14 , the second power unit may provide electrical power to the refrigeration unit, and the first power unit 1402 may generate electricity to power the refrigeration unit 1310 or charge the battery of the second power unit 1304. The first power unit 1402 may include a clip-on power generator, which may be a fuel cell unit with a built-in power distribution system. The first power unit 1402 may also include an onboard storage tank 1404 that stores hydrogen fuel for consumption by the fuel cell. Such a configuration enables autonomy in providing power to the refrigeration unit 1310 when the trailer 1302 is unloaded from the railcar chassis 1312 and mounted on a truck. For this short period of time, the onboard storage tank 1404 provides hydrogen fuel to the fuel cell in the first power unit 1402 to generate electrical power for the refrigeration unit.

[0072] Alternatively, the first power unit and the second power unit may be operated simultaneously to provide electrical power. In addition, the amount of electrical power drawn from each of the first power unit and the second power unit may depend on a variety of factors, such as the volume of available hydrogen fuel and the state of charge of the battery, whether the system is stationary or in motion, depending on ambient temperature, and other examples.

[0073] According to the present disclosure, there may be the following scenarios: Figure 1 The cargo container 104 shown in FIG. 1 may be transferred from the marine cargo freight system 100 to the rail cargo freight system 200 (eg, Figure 2 204). In addition, to transfer the cargo container 104, the cargo container 104 is disconnected from the power unit 110 and subsequently mounted on the rail car 202 and connected to the power unit 210. During the transition, the cargo container 104, 204 is not powered by either of the power units 110 and 210. The cargo containers 104, 204 are designed to be autonomous in terms of power generation so that the refrigeration units of the cargo containers can be powered during the transition from one mode of transportation to another mode of transportation. The cargo containers 104, 204 may include a clip-on power generator that uses a battery with a built-in power distribution system (similar to Figures 11 to 13 ), or using a fuel cell unit with a built-in power distribution system and an onboard storage tank with hydrogen (similar to the clip-on power generator 606, 1402) to generate electrical power for the refrigeration unit 106, 206 of the cargo container 104, 204 as the cargo container 104, 204 moves from the ship 100 to the railcar 200 or from the railcar 200 to the ship 100. In one example, the capacity of the battery and the amount of hydrogen storage are sufficient to keep the cargo container 104, 204 refrigerated during the transition from one mode of transportation to another mode of transportation. In such a configuration, when the clip-on power generator 606, 1402 is coupled to the storage container 1400 from the railcar chassis 1312, the storage container 1400 can be refilled with hydrogen fuel in the storage container within the clip-on power generator 606, 1402. A similar method can be used to move a cargo hold from the cargo truck system 100 to a container chassis that can have hydrogen storage tanks or batteries, which can be referred to as a truck.

[0074] The cargo container of the present disclosure is capable of providing power to its refrigeration unit when the cargo container is transferred directly from the cargo trucking system 100 or 200 to the truck. During such a transfer, the cargo container may be powered by a clip-on generator with onboard storage. Such an example is Fig.15 It is shown in Fig.15Truck 1500 is shown having a truck 1502, a cargo container 1504, and a power unit 1506. Power unit 1506 may be a hydrogen storage device or may be a battery pack. In addition, cargo container 1504 may include a container chassis 1508 and a cargo hold 1510 suitable for holding perishable items. Cargo container 1504 may also include a refrigeration unit 1512, which may provide cooling to cargo hold 1510. In addition, cargo container 1504 may include a container chassis 1508 and a cargo hold 1510 suitable for holding perishable items. Fig.14 The second power unit 1304 shown in Figure 6 1504. In one example, the cargo container 1504 may include a clip-on power generator 1514 that may have an onboard storage tank 1516 that stores hydrogen fuel for consumption by a fuel cell in the clip-on power generator 1514. Although not shown, the clip-on power generator 1514 may also include a power distribution unit adapted to provide power to the refrigeration unit 1512. The clip-on power generator 1514 may provide power to the refrigeration unit 1512 during transfer of the cargo hold 1504 from the cargo trucking system 100 or 200 to the truck 1502. Such an arrangement provides the cargo container 1504 with autonomy.

[0075] The cargo truck system and railcar provide electrical power to the refrigeration unit during its transportation, thereby ensuring that the cargo container does not need to carry additional units to generate power or carry stored electrical energy. As a result, the cargo container can be designed to transport larger volumes of cargo. In addition, since the first power unit uses hydrogen fuel, the operation of the first power unit has less negative environmental impact.

[0076] Although specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, it is not intended that any limitation be created thereby. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, a variety of work modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The accompanying drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the elements described may be well combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be divided into a plurality of functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

1. A rail car chassis, include: a storage portion configured to receive a cargo container having a refrigeration unit; and At least one power unit is positioned proximate the storage portion and is configured to provide electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

2. The railcar chassis according to claim 1, in, The at least one power unit includes a first power unit having: a storage tank configured to store hydrogen fuel; and A power generator is removably mounted on the cargo container and coupled to the storage tank to receive the hydrogen fuel for generating a first predefined amount of electrical power for the refrigeration unit.

3. A railcar chassis according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The at least one power unit includes a second power unit, and wherein the second power unit is a battery configured to provide a second predefined amount of electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

4. A railcar chassis according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The power generator is an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell system coupled to an electrical generator.

5. A rail vehicle chassis according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The first power unit and the second power unit are installed under the storage part.

6. A railcar chassis according to any one of the preceding claims, in, One of the first power unit and the second power unit is attached to the cargo container.

7. A rail vehicle, include: A cargo container having a refrigeration unit; A railcar chassis, comprising: a storage portion configured to receive the cargo container; and At least one power unit is mounted on one of the rail car chassis and the cargo container and is configured to provide electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

8. The rail vehicle according to claim 7, in, The cargo container has a container chassis configured to receive a cargo hold, wherein the at least one power unit is detachably mounted on the container chassis.

9. The rail vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, in, The at least one power unit includes a first power unit having: a storage tank configured to store hydrogen fuel; and A power generator is removably mounted on the cargo container and coupled to the storage tank to receive the hydrogen fuel for generating a first predefined amount of electrical power for the refrigeration unit.

10. A rail vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The at least one power unit includes a second power unit configured to provide a second predefined amount of electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

11. The rail vehicle according to claim 10, in, The second power unit is a battery configured to provide the second predefined amount of electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

12. A rail vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The power generator is one of an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell system coupled to an electrical generator.

13. A cargo freight system, include: Storage part; a plurality of cargo containers mounted in the storage portion, wherein the cargo containers have refrigeration units; and At least one power unit is positioned proximate the storage portion and is configured to provide electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

14. The cargo transportation system according to claim 13, in, The cargo transport system is a cargo ship, and at least one power unit is installed in a hull of the cargo ship.

15. The cargo transportation system according to claim 13, in, The freight truck system is a freight train having a rail car, wherein the rail car includes a rail car chassis having a storage section, and wherein the at least one power unit is mounted on the rail car chassis.

16. The cargo transportation system according to claim 13, in, The cargo container comprises: a container chassis configured to receive a cargo hold; At least one power unit is mounted on the container chassis; and A clip-on power generator having an onboard hydrogen tank adapted to provide power to the refrigeration unit.

17. A cargo freight system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The at least one power unit includes a first power unit having: a storage tank configured to store hydrogen fuel; and A power generator is coupled to the storage tank and is configured to receive the hydrogen fuel for generating a first predefined amount of electrical power for the refrigeration unit.

18. A cargo freight system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The second power unit is a battery configured to provide a second predefined amount of electrical power to the refrigeration unit.

19. A cargo freight system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The first power unit and the second power unit are installed under the storage part.

20. A cargo freight system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, One of the first power unit and the second power unit is mounted on the storage portion.

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