Method and system for isolating high voltage continuous power supply

Abstract

The application discloses a system and method for electrically isolating a high voltage continuous power supply. The system includes a plurality of components configured to supply high voltage electrical power to a vehicle system; and a high voltage power controller configured to receive high voltage electrical power from the plurality of components. The system also includes an electrical isolation device configured to electrically isolate at least one component of the plurality of components. The high voltage power controller is configured to detect a fault condition of the vehicle system, and when the fault condition is detected, the high voltage power controller is configured to trigger the electrical isolation device to disconnect at least one of the plurality of components from the vehicle system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a high voltage continuous power supply and more particularly to a method and system for vehicle-type electrical isolation of a high voltage continuous power supply when a fault state or condition occurs or is detected. Background Art

[0002] A transport temperature control system may include, for example, a transport temperature control system (TRS) and / or a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A TRS is typically used to control environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within the cargo hold of a transport unit (e.g., a truck, a container (e.g., a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, etc.), a boxcar, a semi-trailer tractor, a public transportation bus, or other similar transport unit). Refrigerated transport units (e.g., transport units with a TRS) are typically used to transport perishable items such as flowers, medicines, agricultural products, frozen foods, and meat products. Typically, a TRS includes a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) attached to the transport unit for controlling environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, etc.) within the cargo hold. The TRU may include, but is not limited to, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a fan or blower to control heat exchange between the air in the cargo hold and the ambient air outside the refrigerated transport unit.

[0003] Some existing transport units may include a prime mover (e.g., an engine) for generating power for a machine (e.g., a generator) that powers the components of the transport temperature control system (e.g., the TRS). As transport units move toward electrification, power for the components of the transport temperature control system may come from a battery source or other power generation source. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a high voltage continuous power supply and more particularly to a method and system for vehicle-type electrical isolation of a high voltage continuous power supply when a fault state or condition occurs or is detected.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, a high voltage continuous power supply is provided, which generates or produces electrical power, such as 400-1600 VDC, by including a plurality of components, each of which generates or produces electrical power at a high DC voltage, such as greater than 60 VDC based on the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard or greater than 50 VRMS (root mean square voltage) based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard, such as 60 VDC or 60 VRMS, 80 VDC or 80 VRMS, 100 VDC or 100 VRMS, etc. A plurality of components can be connected in series to generate and / or produce the electrical power required by a system (e.g., a vehicle system or vehicle), thereby improving system efficiency and system design, because many electrical systems can be better configured to convert DC to AC power at a higher DC voltage. In a non-limiting embodiment, the high voltage continuous power supply can include many beneficial features compared to a system that generates a DC voltage of a lower voltage (e.g., 50 VDC, 40 VDC, 30 VDC, etc.) alone. For example, in one embodiment, the system can use wires with reduced diameters (e.g., lower gauges) to electrically connect the multiple components (e.g., solar panel arrays) because wires that transmit higher voltages can be rated for lower currents. In addition, the system can reduce the number of components required to boost the electrical power provided by a lower direct current (DC) voltage to a higher voltage for use by the vehicle system, such as a DC-DC converter or a boost circuit. In some embodiments, because there are fewer components, the system can also reduce the number of wires used to electrically connect solar photovoltaic panels to the system. In one embodiment, the high-voltage continuous power supply source can be, for example, a solar charging source (such as a solar panel, a solar charging controller, etc.), a wind charging source, a fuel cell (such as a hydrogen fuel cell, etc.), or any combination thereof. As used herein, although it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, the high-voltage continuous power supply source can be a system or device that can continue to generate high-voltage power even after the vehicle system is turned off, such as but not limited to a solar panel array, a wind turbine, a fuel cell, or a combination thereof. The high-voltage continuous power supply source is not a battery because a battery is configured to store energy, but not configured to generate or generate energy, as understood herein. In some embodiments, a high voltage continuous power source (eg, solar panels) may be used in conjunction with other energy sources (eg, electric axles, fuel cells, or grid charging, etc.).

[0006] Because the high DC voltage system continuously generates electrical power when a fault state or condition occurs (e.g., a critical fault, accident, rollover, a system self-detected fault indicating the presence of a high voltage risk, the occurrence or detection of a physical system fault of mechanical, impact, or rapid unplanned disassembly, a manually detected fault or risk, or other detection events that require rapid system isolation to prevent voltage exposure) may pose a safety hazard to emergency personnel, safety personnel, system operators, or similar personnel who may be exposed to the high voltage power supply during extraction, assistance, recovery, mitigation, and / or repair events, the embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for electrically isolating at least one component of a high voltage continuous power supply source to prevent or reduce the risk of high voltage exposure. In some embodiments, an interruptible panel series interconnection, such as an electrical isolation device, can be used to isolate components of a high voltage continuous power supply source, such as solar photovoltaic cells connected in series. The interruptible panel series interconnection can be an irreversible or reversible isolation device, including but not limited to a solid-state relay or other switch mode device or a pyrotechnic safety switch, pyrotechnic fuse, or similar disconnect system, which is configured to electrically isolate high voltage components (such as components of a solar panel system) to reduce or prevent electrical power exposure to below a predetermined voltage threshold, such as below 60VDC (e.g., 50VDC, 40VDC, 30VDC, 24VDC, 12VDC, etc.), or below 50VRMS, or as configured by the user (e.g., the user can determine the level that is high voltage and requires electrical isolation for each component) when a critical fault, accident, rollover or other detected event that requires rapid system isolation to prevent voltage exposure is detected or occurs.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for electrically isolating a high-voltage continuous power supply is provided. The method includes a high-voltage power controller receiving high-voltage electric power from the high-voltage continuous power supply to provide electric power to a load in a system, and the high-voltage power controller detecting whether a fault state occurs in the system powered by at least the high-voltage continuous power supply. The method also includes, when a fault state is detected, electrically isolating at least one of the multiple components of the high-voltage continuous power supply that provides electric power by disconnecting at least one of the multiple components of the high-voltage continuous power supply so that it stops supplying power to the load of the system.

[0008] In another embodiment, a high-voltage continuous power supply system for supplying high-voltage electric power to a vehicle system is provided. The high-voltage continuous power supply system includes: a plurality of components for supplying electric power to a load in the vehicle system; a high-voltage power controller for receiving electric power from the plurality of components; and an electrical isolation device. The electrical isolation device is configured to electrically isolate at least one of the plurality of components by disconnecting at least one of the plurality of components so that it stops supplying power to the load of the system. The high-voltage power controller is configured to detect whether a fault state occurs in the vehicle system, and when a fault state is detected, the high-voltage power controller triggers the electrical isolation device to disconnect at least one of the plurality of components from the load of the vehicle system.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, a vehicle system is provided. The vehicle system includes: a solar array including a plurality of solar photovoltaic cells for supplying high-voltage electric power to a load in the vehicle system; a high-voltage power controller for receiving electric power from the solar array; and an electrical isolation device configured to electrically isolate at least one of the plurality of solar photovoltaic cells by disconnecting at least one of the plurality of solar photovoltaic cells from the load in the vehicle system. The high-voltage power controller is configured to detect whether a fault state occurs in the vehicle system, and when a fault state is detected, the high-voltage power controller triggers the electrical isolation device to disconnect at least one of the plurality of solar photovoltaic cells from the load in the vehicle system.

[0010] Therefore, the systems and methods discussed herein have at least the following advantages:

[0011] Having the ability to isolate specific components of a solar panel array (e.g., solar panel photovoltaic cells and / or battery strings) so that the maximum voltage of the series-connected battery panel string is below a predetermined threshold (e.g., below 60VDC, such as 50VDC, 40VDC, 30VDC, or below 50VRMS, or configurable by the user, such as the user can determine the level that is considered high voltage and requires electrical isolation) to protect after a fault state or condition that requires rapid system isolation to prevent high voltage exposure.

[0012] Capable of using solar photovoltaic cells (e.g., panel strings) that each produce or generate high voltage electrical power (e.g., greater than 60VDC, 80VDC, 100VDC, etc.) to improve system efficiency and reduce the gauge and number of wires used to connect the solar panel array system to a system (e.g., a vehicle system and / or TRS).

[0013] The ability to use small modules with no mechanical contactors or moving parts as electrical isolation devices can be installed within the modules of a solar panel array and mounted in a low profile configuration.

[0014] Capable of using discrete, analog, digital and / or data signals to quickly trigger remote isolation of electrical isolation devices to quickly isolate and prevent or reduce the risk of high voltage exposure. In the event of a vehicle system power outage, the electrical isolation device can also remain isolated to provide additional protection against high voltage exposure.

[0015] While the advantages of the systems and methods discussed herein relate to solar panel arrays, it should be understood that these advantages are also applicable to other high voltage continuous power sources.

[0016] Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings are referenced herein. These drawings constitute a part of the present disclosure and illustrate how the systems and methods described in this specification can be implemented.

[0018] Figure 1 A perspective view of a temperature controlled transport unit having a transport temperature control system and a high voltage continuous power supply system and connected to a tractor vehicle is shown according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 A block diagram of a power supply system according to one embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 A flow chart of a method for isolating a high voltage continuous power supply according to one embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 A block diagram of a power supply system with an electrical isolation device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0022] Like reference numerals denote like components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The embodiments described and / or referenced herein may refer to the accompanying drawings; however, these embodiments are non-limiting examples that may be embodied in various other forms. Well-known functions or structures will not be described in detail to avoid unnecessary details obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art how to utilize the present disclosure in any appropriate detailed structure. In this specification and the drawings, similar reference numbers represent elements that can perform the same, similar or equivalent functions.

[0024] In addition, the present disclosure can be described by functional block components and various processing steps. It should be noted that these functional blocks can be implemented by any number of hardware and / or software components as long as they can perform the specified functions. For example, these operations, functions or actions can correspond to software, program codes or program instructions executed by a processor to achieve the desired functions. Although these functional blocks are shown as independent units in the figure, they can be flexibly adjusted in actual implementation. For example: the order of two or more functional blocks can be rearranged; new functional blocks can be added as needed; and a functional block can be subdivided into multiple small blocks, or multiple functional blocks can be merged into one large block, or even some functional blocks can be completely deleted.

[0025] The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given herein. For example, the operations or functions recited in any method claim may be performed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Furthermore, no element is essential to the practice of the present disclosure unless expressly described herein as "critical" or "essential."

[0026] The present disclosure relates to a high voltage continuous power supply, and more particularly to a method and system for implementing electrical isolation suitable for automobiles on a high voltage continuous power supply when a fault state or condition is detected.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, a high-voltage continuous power supply is provided, which generates or produces electricity by integrating multiple components. Each component can work at a high DC voltage, such as 60VDC, 80VDC, 100VDC, etc., so that the overall voltage range reaches 400 to 1600VDC. These multiple components can be connected in series to generate and / or generate the electrical power required by the system (e.g., a vehicle or system) to improve system efficiency and system design, because many electrical systems can be better configured to convert DC to AC power at a higher DC voltage. In an exemplary embodiment, the high-voltage continuous power supply has multiple advantages over traditional low-voltage DC systems (such as 50V, 40V, 30V, etc.): For example, in one embodiment, the system can use thinner wires to connect multiple components (such as solar panel arrays). This is because the wires transmitted by high voltage can carry lower currents, thereby using thinner wires. In addition, the system can reduce the number of components used to increase the low DC voltage to a high voltage suitable for automotive systems, such as DC-DC converters or boost circuits. In some embodiments, the system can also reduce the number of wires used to electrically connect solar photovoltaic cells and / or panels to the system because there are fewer components. In one embodiment, the high-voltage continuous power supply can be, for example, a solar charging source (such as a solar panel, a solar charge controller, etc.), a wind-powered charging source, or a fuel cell (such as a hydrogen fuel cell, etc.), or a combination thereof. In this article, a "high-voltage continuous power supply" refers to a system or device that can continue to generate high-voltage electricity even after the vehicle system is turned off. This may include: a solar panel array, a wind turbine fuel cell, and a combination of the above devices. This definition is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but to clearly explain the core concepts. It should be noted that batteries do not fall into the category of high-voltage continuous power supplies. This is because batteries can only store energy, but cannot continuously generate new energy. In some embodiments, a high-voltage continuous power supply (such as a solar panel) can be used in combination with other energy sources (such as an electric shaft, a fuel cell, or grid charging, etc.).

[0028] Since the high DC voltage system continues to generate electrical power under fault conditions or under certain conditions, it may cause safety risks, such as critical faults, vehicle system faults, electrical system faults, accidents, rollovers, faults automatically detected by the system indicating high voltage risks, mechanical impacts, rapid unplanned disassembly or detected physical system faults, manually detected faults or risks, etc., these situations require rapid system isolation to protect against high voltage exposure. In order to protect first responders, safety personnel and system operators who may be exposed to high voltage electricity in emergency situations (such as rescue, rescue, recovery, mitigation and repair processes), the embodiments described herein provide systems and methods, which are configured to electrically isolate at least one component in a high voltage continuous power supply source to prevent or reduce the risk of high voltage electricity. In some embodiments, interruptible panel series interconnections, such as electrical isolation devices, can be used to isolate components of a high voltage continuous power supply source connected in series, such as solar photovoltaic cells. In some embodiments, for example, interruptible panel series interconnections are used as electrical isolation devices, which can be irreversible or reversible, including but not limited to solid-state relays, other switch mode devices, pyrotechnic safety switches, pyrotechnic fuses or similar power-off systems. These devices are configured to electrically isolate high voltage components, such as those in solar panel systems, to ensure that the voltage of the component drops below a preset threshold, such as below 60VDC (e.g., 50VDC, 40VDC, 30VDC, 24VDC, 12VDC, etc.) or below 50VRMS, when a fault state or condition is detected that requires prompt isolation. These thresholds are user configurable to determine which voltage levels are considered high voltage and require electrical isolation.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the high voltage continuous power supply can be a solar panel array including a plurality of solar photovoltaic cells for a vehicle (e.g., a truck and trailer, a van, a bus, a vehicle, a train and carriage, a drone, an unmanned aerial vehicle, or the like). The solar panel array is configured to convert solar energy into a DC voltage, such as absorbing sunlight and generating electrical power to supply electrical power to the vehicle.

[0030] In some embodiments, the solar panel array may include a plurality of solar photovoltaic cells, each of which is capable of generating or producing electricity at a higher DC voltage (e.g., 60VDC, 80VDC, or 100VDC or more). These solar photovoltaic cells may be a series of panels connected in series to generate or produce electrical power at a higher DC voltage, for example, two series-connected 30VDC power generation photovoltaic cells, or three series-connected 20VDC power generation photovoltaic cells, and / or a single photovoltaic cell configured to generate 60VDC, which can be connected in series to generate or produce a high DC voltage, such as 400-1600VDC, to provide electrical power for vehicle systems and / or TRS / TCCS (e.g., loads). That is, the system improves efficiency by connecting photovoltaic cells in series, and is capable of utilizing a solar panel array with a voltage equal to or exceeding 60VDC. This system design is not intended to be limiting, but is an example of a solar panel array system design, which includes other panels arranged in series to produce a higher DC voltage, for example, two 40VDC power generation photovoltaic cells, one 100VDC power generation photovoltaic cell, and the like. Therefore, a solar panel array including a plurality of solar photovoltaic cells for producing or generating a higher DC voltage may have improved system efficiency and system design as described above.

[0031] In some embodiments, the solar panel arrays may be designed to provide a high voltage panel string array to provide 400-1600 VDC electrical power to the system for maximum efficiency and installation / system design, while these arrays are configured with measures to reduce or prevent the risk of high voltage exposure in the event of a fault state or condition, such as by providing isolation measures so that the solar panel array or its components (such as a battery string or substring) can maintain power generation or transmission not exceeding a predetermined threshold, such as 60 VDC, in the event of a fault. For example, in some embodiments, electrical isolation devices may be provided between serially connected solar photovoltaic cells or between battery panel strings or substrings. These devices are located on the series wires so that any portion of the solar panel array or battery panel string that generates or outputs high voltage power can be disconnected when a fault state or condition is detected. That is, by providing at least one electrical isolation device in a series string of three 20 VDC power generation photovoltaic cells, triggering the electrical isolation device can reduce electrical power generation to below 60 VDC, for example, at least one photovoltaic cell is not connected in series with the remaining photovoltaic cells. Thus, the system is configured to isolate the series line and separate the connection of the solar panel or string or substring based on event detection (e.g., fault state or condition) to reduce the exposed electrical power to a voltage below a predetermined threshold, such as 60VDC or 50VRMS, in the event of possible intentional or unintentional contact or exposure while the solar panel array is still exposed to sunlight and cannot be turned off. It should be understood that the effective value voltage can be related to the peak voltage, peak-to-peak voltage, or average voltage of the system.

[0032] That is, although in some cases, a solar panel array in which each photovoltaic cell is capable of individually generating electricity at a voltage of 50VDC or 35 to 45VRMS may not require isolation in a fault state or under certain conditions, if these photovoltaic cells generating 50VDC electricity are connected in series, such as four photovoltaic panels, they can form a panel string with a total voltage of 200VDC. If a fault state or condition occurs, such as an accident or rollover, the system may continue to generate high voltage even if disconnected from the rest of the system that provides power to the vehicle system or the loads therein, which may pose a safety hazard or risk of high voltage exposure. However, by including electrical isolation devices between series-connected solar photovoltaic cells and / or panel strings, which can electrically isolate or disconnect photovoltaic cells, panel strings or substrings that generate and / or generate high voltage electrical power, the system can ensure safety by preventing or reducing the risk of high voltage exposure (e.g., voltages of 60VDC or 50VRMS or higher) to protect first responders, safety personnel or operators during extraction, assistance, recovery, mitigation and / or repair events.

[0033] In some embodiments, the electrical isolation device may include one or more solid-state switching devices or relays and / or pyrotechnic fuses or pyrotechnic switches that can be remotely triggered or automatically triggered by the occurrence of a fault state or condition (e.g., a critical fault, rollover, or accident). In some embodiments, the electrical isolation device can be configured to provide a mechanical disconnect (e.g., a switch, relay, or fuse) that, once triggered, requires replacement (e.g., a fuse) or manual reset (e.g., a switch) using a local and intentional method (e.g., on the vehicle). That is, the electrical isolation device should not be reset by an automatic control system, nor should it lose isolation function in the event of a power outage (such as a fault-closed switch situation). However, these devices can be manually reset or physically replaced to ensure that isolation is permanently maintained after a triggering isolation event (such as a fault state or condition).

[0034] In some embodiments, the electrical isolation device can be one or more pyrotechnic fuses and / or other permanent electrical isolation devices. It will be appreciated that pyrotechnic fuses or other thermally activated fuses are cost effective and can react quickly when a fault state or condition occurs or is detected (e.g., a thermal event). In addition, the pyrotechnic fuse or pyrotechnic switch has a low spatial profile, is easily inserted into the solar panel array and panel string, and / or can be configured to be remotely triggered or locally activated (e.g., triggered by event detection, such as an accelerometer).

[0035] Figure 1 An embodiment of a vehicle system is shown. The system includes a transport temperature control system 100 for a temperature-controlled transport unit 102. The temperature-controlled transport unit 102 is connected to a vehicle, such as a tractor 103. The temperature-controlled transport unit 102 includes the transport temperature control system 100 for a transport unit 105. The tractor 103 is connected to the transport unit 105 and is configured to tow the transport unit 105. Figure 1 The transport unit 105 shown in the figure is a trailer. It should be understood that the vehicle embodiments described herein are not limited to tractor and trailer units, but can be applicable to any type of transport unit (e.g., trucks, containers (such as containers on flat cars, intermodal containers, shipping containers, etc.), trucks, drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, shuttles, ships, airplanes, road sweepers, dump trucks, box trucks, ambulances, semi-trailer tractors, public vehicles or other similar transport units, etc.).

[0036] The transport temperature control system 100 includes a transport temperature control unit (TCCU) 110, which provides environmental control (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within the temperature-controlled space 106 of the transport unit 105. The transport temperature control system 100 also includes a programmable thermostat 107 and one or more sensors (not shown), which are configured to measure one or more temperature control parameters of the transport temperature control system 100 (e.g., the ambient temperature outside the transport unit 105, the space temperature within the temperature-controlled space 106, the ambient humidity outside the transport unit 105, the space humidity within the temperature-controlled space 106, the door opening event of the transport unit 105, the temperature of the goods in the temperature-controlled space 106, etc.), and transmit the temperature control parameter data to the thermostat 107.

[0037] The TCCU 110 is mounted on the front wall 108 of the transport unit 105. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the TCCU 110 can be mounted on the roof or another wall of the transport unit 105. The TCCU 110 includes a temperature control circuit that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion valve to provide conditioned air in the temperature-controlled space 106.

[0038] Thermostat 107 may include a single integrated control unit 112, or may include a distributed network of thermostat elements 112, 113. The number of distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the particular application of the principles described herein. Thermostat 107 is configured to control the operation of transport temperature control system 100 (including transport temperature control loop).

[0039] The transport temperature control system for the temperature controlled transport unit 102 can be powered by a power supply system including a continuous energy power network (e.g., a solar panel array 115) and one or more energy storage power networks (not shown) and a prime mover power network (not shown). The solar panel array 115 may include a plurality of solar photovoltaic cells configured to convert solar energy into a DC voltage, such as absorbing sunlight from the sun and thereby generating electrical energy. Each solar photovoltaic cell can be configured to generate a predetermined amount of DC voltage, such as 40, 50, 60, 80, 100 VDC, and be connected in series with other solar photovoltaic cells into a string or panel string to supply electrical energy at a high voltage (e.g., 60, 80, 100 VDC, etc.), thereby generating or supplying 400 to 1600 VDC of electrical energy to power the TCCS and / or vehicle systems. Because the solar panel array 115 relies on light energy captured from the sun, the electrical energy generated and output by the solar panel array 115 may vary. The variable electrical energy output by the solar panel array 115 can be sent to a high voltage power controller, which will be discussed in detail below. Although Figure 1Eight solar photovoltaic cells are shown, but it should be understood that the solar panel array 115 may include any number of solar photovoltaic cells, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, or 20 solar photovoltaic cells. Although the solar photovoltaic cells discussed above produce 40 to 100 VDC, it should be understood that each solar photovoltaic cell can be configured to produce a higher or lower amount of DC voltage depending on the panel design. In one embodiment, the panel design can include an array of photovoltaic cells connected in series into strings or substrings to form solar photovoltaic cells that produce 60 to 400 VDC.

[0040] Figure 2 A method for providing a Figure 1 Block diagram of a power supply system 200 for providing electrical energy to a transport temperature control system 100 and / or a vehicle system. The power supply system 200 may include one or more prime mover power networks 210, one or more energy storage power networks 220, one or more continuous energy power networks 230, one or more utility power networks (not shown), one or more high voltage power controllers 240, or any combination thereof. The power supply system 200 may use one or more of the prime mover power network 210, the energy storage power network 220, the continuous energy power network 230, and the utility power network at any given time to provide power to a load network 250 including a transport temperature control system 251 and / or a vehicle. The power supply system 200 may be configured as a hybrid power system, powered by a prime mover power network 210 in combination with an energy storage power network 220 and / or a utility power network and / or a continuous energy power network 230. In one embodiment, the power supply system 200 can be configured as a fully electric power system that does not include a prime mover in the prime mover power network 210, but includes a motor 212 to provide power to the transport temperature control system 251, such as an electrified system powered by an energy storage power network 220 and / or a continuous energy power network 230.

[0041] In one embodiment, the prime mover network 210 may include a prime mover 211 and a motor 212, which may provide power to a high voltage power controller 240 and / or an energy storage network 220. The prime mover 211 is configured to generate mechanical power, and the motor 212 is configured to convert the mechanical power into electrical power, for example, an electromechanical energy converter. The prime mover network 210 then sends the generated electrical power to the power controller 240 and / or the energy storage network 220. In some embodiments, the prime mover 211 may be a vehicle prime mover, such as an engine, for moving the vehicle and also providing power to a transport temperature control system 251 in a load network 250 when available. In other embodiments, the prime mover 211 and the motor 212 may be part of a generator set, providing power to a transport temperature control system 251 and / or an energy storage network 220 in a load network 250.

[0042] In some embodiments, the motor 212 may be an electric generator that can provide direct current to the transport temperature control system 251 in the load network 250. In some embodiments, the motor 212 may include an alternator, a regulator (e.g., a direct current regulator), and a rectifier or an AC-DC converter (not shown) for rectifying or converting the alternating current generated by the motor 212 into direct current.

[0043] It is understood that when the vehicle is an electric vehicle, there may be no prime mover 211. The motor may be an electric generator that cooperates with a high voltage (e.g., ranging between 60VDC and 1500VDC; e.g., 400VDC, 800VDC, etc.) DC battery to drive the vehicle. The electric vehicle may also provide a relatively high DC power source (e.g., 400V, 800V, etc.), such as a battery pack or a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS). In addition, the electric vehicle may include one or more DC-DC converters (e.g., two DC-DC converters) that convert relatively high voltage (such as 400VDC, 800VDC, etc.) power into low voltage (e.g., ranging between 0VDC and 60VDC; e.g., 12VDC). That is, the motor 212 can be replaced by a DC-DC converter having similar parameters to the motor so that the power controller 240 can be provided with power from the prime mover network 210.

[0044] The energy storage network 220 may include an energy storage source (e.g., battery 221) and an energy storage management system (not shown). In some embodiments, the energy storage network 220 may be part of the transport temperature control system 251 and may be installed in the TCCU. In other embodiments, the energy storage network 220 may be located outside the transport temperature control system 251 and may be part of the prime mover network 210 and / or the motor 212. In other embodiments, the energy storage network 220 may be located outside the transport temperature control system 251 and outside the prime mover network 210.

[0045] In some embodiments, the energy storage source may include one or more batteries 221. For example, in one embodiment, the energy storage source may include two batteries (not shown). Each battery 221 may also be connected to the power controller 240. It will be appreciated that the energy storage source can provide enough energy to power the transport temperature control system 251 and / or the vehicle in the load network 250 alone. In some embodiments, the energy storage source can provide 12VDC or 24VDC. In other embodiments, the energy storage source can provide 48VDC. In some embodiments, a boost converter or a booster can be used to increase the voltage of the energy storage source to 400, 800, or 1600VDC to provide electrical power to the power controller 240 and / or the vehicle (e.g., the motor 212).

[0046] In some embodiments, the continuous energy network 230 may include a high voltage continuous power source, such as a solar panel array 231, which may be connected to Figure 1 The solar panel array 115 in the figure is the same as that in the figure, and is used to provide electric power to the high-voltage power controller 240 to supply high-voltage electric power to the transport temperature control system 251 and / or the energy storage network 220 of the load network 250 and / or other loads (such as the motor 212, energy consuming equipment, such as accessories, lights, etc.). Here, although not intended to be limiting, the continuous energy network 230 may include any high-voltage continuous power supply source that can continue to generate high-voltage power to the vehicle system after the vehicle system is turned off, such as a solar panel array, a wind turbine, a fuel cell, or a combination thereof. For example, because the solar panel array includes photovoltaic cells, even if the vehicle is not running, as long as the solar panel array can still receive sunlight, the conversion of sunlight to energy will not stop. In some embodiments, the high-voltage continuous power supply source (such as a solar panel) can be used in combination with other energy sources (such as an electric shaft, a fuel cell, or grid charging, etc.).

[0047] In some embodiments, the high voltage power controller 240 may be configured to convert power from any one of the main power network 210, the energy storage power network 220, and the continuous energy power network 230 into a load power that is compatible with the transport temperature control system 251 in the load network 250 and / or one or more loads of the vehicle. That is, the power controller 240 is configured to step down or step up the power from the main power network 210, and / or is configured to step down or step up the power from the energy storage power network 220 and / or the continuous energy power network 230 to obtain the required load power. In some embodiments, the power controller 240 may include one or more of a plurality of different components. In some embodiments, the power controller 240 may include a power distribution module, a multi-channel drive system inverter including one or more DC / DC converters, a DC / AC inverter, one or more DC / DC converters or one or more DC / AC inverters, and a system controller configured to control the system. The system controller may be configured to control components of a vehicle system or TRS, such as Figure 1Thermostat 107, and / or accident, hazard or collision detection system or interface. The power controller 240 may also include telematics equipment, including but not limited to one or more devices for tracking movement and / or providing communication with users or customers via the Internet, cellular, etc., such as a GPS module, RF transceiver, USB interface, WiFi communication module, cellular communication module or other Internet access and communication module. In one embodiment, the power controller 240 may include a DC / DC converter for converting the power generated by the main power power network 210 and / or the continuous energy power network 230 into a voltage compatible with one or more loads of the transport temperature control system 251 in the load network 250, and a second DC / DC converter for converting the energy storage power network 220 into a voltage compatible with one or more loads of the transport temperature control system 251 in the load network 250 and / or the energy storage power network 220.

[0048] In some embodiments, when the vehicle is parked and can access the public power supply, the public power network is configured to charge the energy storage source 221 (or electric vehicle) of the energy storage power network 220. In some embodiments, when the vehicle is parked and can access the public power supply, the public power network can also provide power to operate the transport temperature control system 251 in the load network 250. The public power network includes an AC-DC converter. A public power source (such as shore power, etc.) can be connected to the AC-DC converter to provide an AC power input to the AC-DC converter. The AC-DC converter is configured to convert AC power from the public power supply and provide the converted DC power to the power controller 240.

[0049] In some embodiments, the power controller 240 may also be configured to adjust the voltage and / or current from at least the continuous energy power network 230 to convert or control the electric power to charge the battery 221 in the energy storage power network 220. In other embodiments, when the vehicle is an electric vehicle, the power controller 240 may be configured to adjust the voltage and / or current from at least one of the continuous energy power network 230 or the energy storage power network 220 to provide power to the motor 212.

[0050] As discussed in more detail below, when a fault state or condition that may result in a risk of high voltage exposure occurs or is detected, the power supply system 200 is configured to electrically isolate any or all portions of a continuous energy power network 230 that provides high voltage electrical power from a high voltage power source (e.g., a solar charging source, such as a solar panel, a solar charge controller, etc., a wind turbine, or a fuel cell, such as a hydrogen fuel cell, or a combination thereof) to prevent high voltage exposure. In one embodiment, the continuous energy power network 230 may include an electrical isolation device, such as a solid-state relay or other switch mode device, a pyrotechnic safety switch, a pyrotechnic fuse, or a similar disconnect system, so that any component or series-connected components in the continuous energy power network 230 that generates high voltage power can be disconnected. In one embodiment, the term "high voltage" may be used to refer to voltages in excess of 60 VDC or 50 VRMS, 80 VDC, or 100 VDC. In some embodiments, the fault state or condition may include, but is not limited to, a critical fault (e.g., a vehicle system fault, an electrical system fault, etc.), an accident, a rollover event, a system self-detected fault indicating a high voltage risk, a physical system fault that has occurred or has been detected, a mechanical, collision, or rapid unplanned disassembly, a manually detected fault or risk, or other detected events that require rapid system isolation to prevent high voltage exposure. In some embodiments, the detection of a fault state or condition can trigger electrical isolation of at least one component of the high voltage continuous power supply (e.g., a photovoltaic cell) based on other systems. In some embodiments, other systems can remain operational to continue charging the battery.

[0051] Figure 3 A method for electrically isolating a high voltage continuous power supply (eg Figure 1 The solar panel array 115 shown, Figure 2 Flow chart of method 300 of continuous energy power network 230, etc. shown.

[0052] At step 305, a high voltage continuous power supply including a plurality of components is configured to generate or produce high voltage electrical power. In one embodiment, the high voltage continuous power supply may be a solar panel array, such as Figure 1The solar panel array 115 shown includes photovoltaic cells connected in series, which absorb sunlight and generate electrical power from the absorbed sunlight to supply high voltage electrical power to the transport temperature control system and / or energy storage power network of the vehicle system and / or load network and / or another load (e.g., a motor). Here, although not intended to be limiting, the high voltage continuous power supply source may include any high voltage continuous power supply source that continues to generate high voltage power to the vehicle system after the vehicle system is turned off, such as a solar panel array, a wind turbine, a fuel cell, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the high voltage continuous power supply source (e.g., a solar panel) can be used in combination with other energy sources (e.g., an electric shaft, a fuel cell, or grid charging, etc.). The method 300 then proceeds to step 310.

[0053] At step 310, a high voltage power controller (e.g., Figure 2 The high-voltage power controller 240 shown in the figure receives the high-voltage power generated by the high-voltage continuous power supply. The high-voltage power controller is configured to convert the power of the high-voltage continuous power supply into load power that is compatible with one or more loads of the transport temperature control system or vehicle system in the load network. That is, this power controller can perform step-down or step-up processing to obtain the required load power. In some embodiments, the power controller may include one or more different components. In some embodiments, the power controller 240 may include a power distribution module, a multi-channel drive system inverter including one or more DC / DC converters, a DC / AC inverter, one or more DC / DC converters or one or more DC / AC inverters, and a system controller configured to control the system. The system controller may be configured to control a vehicle system or a component of a vehicle or TRS, for example Figure 1 climate controller 107, and / or an accident, hazard or collision detection system or interface. The power controller 240 may also include telematics equipment, including but not limited to one or more devices for tracking movement and / or providing communication with a user or customer via the Internet, cellular, etc., such as a GPS module, an RF transceiver, a USB interface, a WiFi communication module, a cellular communication module, or other Internet access and communication module. In one embodiment, the power controller may include a DC / DC converter for converting power generated by a high voltage continuous power supply to a voltage compatible with one or more loads of a transport temperature control system in a load network, and a second DC / DC converter for converting the energy storage power network to a voltage compatible with the load network and / or one or more loads of the transport temperature control system in the energy storage power network. The method 300 then proceeds to step 315.

[0054] In step 315, the high voltage power controller is configured to detect whether a fault state or condition has occurred in a vehicle system powered by at least the high voltage continuous power supply, or whether a fault state or condition has been detected. In some embodiments, the fault state or condition may include, but is not limited to, a critical fault, an accident, a rollover event, a system self-test fault indicating a high voltage risk, a physical system fault that occurs or is detected by mechanical, collision, or rapid unplanned disassembly, a manually detected fault or risk, or other detection events that require rapid system isolation to prevent high voltage exposure. If the high voltage power controller does not detect a fault state or condition (e.g., "No"), the process will return to step 305 to continue to generate or produce high voltage power. In some embodiments, an accident, hazard, or collision detection system or interface included on the vehicle system can be used to detect the fault state or condition. For example, in some embodiments, one or more inclinometers, accelerometers, gyroscopes can be used to detect an accident, hazard, or collision, and if a triggering event occurs or is detected, such as rapid deceleration, vehicle direction or angular velocity or rotation speed exceeding a threshold, or the like, the high voltage power controller can receive a signal of a vehicle system fault state or condition, such as a CAN bus signal to detect a rollover event. If the high voltage power controller detects a fault state or condition of the vehicle system, such as receiving a “yes” fault state or condition signal, the process proceeds to step 320 .

[0055] In step 320, at least one of the multiple components of the high-voltage continuous power supply source that supplies electrical power is disconnected. In some embodiments, an electrical isolation device may be provided between multiple components connected in series to disconnect any component (individually or in series grouping) that generates a voltage exceeding a predetermined voltage threshold (e.g., higher than 40VDC, 50VDC, 60VDC, 80VDC, 100VDC, etc.) to prevent high voltage exposure, such as due to a detected fault state or condition event. In some embodiments, the electrical isolation device may be configured to disconnect multiple components irreversibly or reversibly. In some embodiments, the electrical isolation device that irreversibly disconnects multiple components may be a pyrotechnic switch, a pyrotechnic fuse, or a similar permanent isolation device. In some embodiments, the high-voltage power controller may be configured to send a signal to a pyrotechnic switch, a pyrotechnic fuse, or a similar permanent isolation device to trigger activation of the electrical isolation device, such as a thermal event or a mechanical event that opens a fuse. When the electrical isolation device is configured to irreversibly disconnect multiple components, the electrical isolation device may be replaced or repaired to continue the operation of the high-voltage continuous power supply source. In some embodiments, the electrical isolation device that reversibly disconnects multiple components can be a solid-state switch device, a solid-state relay, or other switch mode device, which triggers the opening of the switch or relay to disconnect at least one of the multiple components, such as a component configured to generate or generate a voltage higher than 60VDC, higher than 80VDC, or higher than 100VDC. Such an electrical isolation device can then be configured to be manually reset. That is, the electrical isolation device described herein is configured to isolate the high-voltage continuous power supply after triggering a fault state isolation event, such as permanent isolation, until the electrical isolation device is manually reset or physically replaced. In some embodiments, the triggering of the electrical isolation device can be configured by the user, for example, the user can determine the level of triggering electrical isolation. It should be understood that although it has been discussed that the electrical isolation device receives a signal that triggers the disconnection device, the triggering of the disconnection can also be automatic. For example, in one embodiment, a mechanical switch that triggers the activation of the electrical isolation device can be provided, such as a limit switch, an impact sensor, or a floating switch, such as a mercury switch or a tilt switch. It should also be understood that in some embodiments, the disconnection triggering of the electrical isolation device can be remote, for example, when a fault state or condition is detected, the operator or the vehicle fleet controller can remotely trigger the electrical isolation, such as the operator of the vehicle is unresponsive or an accident is detected and sent to the vehicle fleet controller. In some embodiments, a high voltage continuous power source (such as a solar panel) may be used in conjunction with other energy sources (e.g., an electric axle, a fuel cell, or charging from the grid, etc.) that may remain functional to charge the battery even if a fault state or condition is triggered, such as even if a solar panel array is found to be in a fault state or condition.

[0056] When the electrical isolation device irreversibly disconnects one or more components, the high-voltage continuous power supply source can return to step 305 to generate or produce high-voltage electrical power after repairing or replacing the electrical isolation device. When the electrical isolation device reversibly disconnects one or more components, the high-voltage continuous power supply source can return to step 305 to generate or produce high-voltage electrical power after manually resetting the electrical isolation device. That is, the electrical isolation device is not intended or allowed to lose isolation via an automatic control system reset or when power is removed (e.g., a fault-closing switch), but the electrical isolation device is manually resettable or physically replaceable, thereby maintaining permanent isolation after an isolation event (e.g., a fault state or condition) is triggered.

[0057] Figure 4 It shows a method that can be used in vehicle systems (such as Figure 1 A power supply system 400 for a tractor and trailer unit 103) having Figure 2 Power supply system 200 and use Figure 3 The power supply system may include a solar panel array 431 as a high voltage continuous power supply source (eg Figure 2 Solar panel array 231), battery 421 as energy storage source (such as Figure 2 The battery 221) and the high voltage power controller 440 (such as Figure 2 The power supply system 400 may be configured to electrically isolate at least one of the plurality of solar photovoltaic cells of the solar panel array 431 providing high voltage electrical power upon detecting a fault state or condition of the vehicle system to prevent high voltage exposure, for example, to make the power supply system 400 safely accessible to emergency personnel, safety personnel, system operators, or the like who may be exposed to high voltage power during extraction, assistance, recovery, mitigation, and / or repair events due to a fault state or condition (e.g., an accident or rollover event), as described above.

[0058] Without being bound by theory, in some embodiments, a solar panel array may operate optimally at a higher DC voltage, such as by connecting strings of panels or substrings of photovoltaic cells in series, because it is easier to convert DC to AC at a higher DC voltage. Although in some embodiments, solar panels can be constructed at lower DC voltages, such as less than 40VDC, 50VDC, or 60VDC, additional wiring may be required, and additional components, such as a DC-DC converter (e.g., a boost circuit), may be required to convert the lower DC voltage electrical power to a higher voltage (e.g., 400-1600V) required by the system to supply electrical power to the necessary loads (e.g., charging batteries, powering, etc.). Therefore, the solar panel array 431 discussed herein includes high-voltage generating solar photovoltaic cells, such as each generating or generating electrical power at a DC voltage greater than 60VDC, 80VDC, or 100V, which are connected in series to generate a higher voltage DC power supply to the system, such as 400 to 1600VDC.

[0059] Back to Figure 4, the solar panel array 431 may include a plurality of components, such as serially connected solar photovoltaic cells 433-1, ..., 433-8, and a DC combiner 434 configured to control and / or combine DC voltage power from the plurality of solar photovoltaic cells 433-1, ..., 433-8. The DC combiner 434 may be a DC switchboard or panel box that includes one or more monitoring devices, such as devices for measuring voltage, current, temperature, etc., fuse circuit breakers with fuse links, surge protection devices, and / or switches for combining or controlling the connection of series-connected panel strings or substrings of solar photovoltaic cells. For example, at least one (or more) electrical isolation devices 432-1 to 432-6 are configured between the serially connected solar photovoltaic cells 433-1 to 433-8, and on the wires that transmit the power generated or produced by the photovoltaic cells. These isolation devices are intended to electrically isolate one or more solar photovoltaic cells 433 to prevent or mitigate exposure to high voltage power when a fault state or condition is detected in the vehicle system. For example, this can ensure that the power supply system 400 is safe for first responders, safety personnel, and personnel operating during rescue, assistance, recovery, mitigation, and / or repair activities in the event of a fault state or condition such as an accident or rollover. In some embodiments, the electrical isolation devices 432-1 to 432-6 can be installed in any panel string or sub-string of solar photovoltaic cells 433-1 to 433-8 whose series voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., 60VDC, 80VDC, or 100VDC). For example, depending on the system design, the solar photovoltaic cells 433-1 to 433-8 can be configured to have different electrical connection methods, such as two 20VDC panel strings, three 30VDC panel strings, one 60VDC panel string, etc. Therefore, an electrical isolation device 432-1 to 432-6 can be set between two 20VDC panel strings and one 30VDC panel string, and these panel strings are connected in series to form a 70VDC panel string. When a fault state or condition occurs or is detected, the isolation device is used to disconnect at least part of the panel string from the power supply system 400, thereby preventing or reducing the risk of high voltage exposure that may be caused by the panel string. It should be understood that the above description is not meant to be limiting, and any possible configuration of the electrical isolation devices 432-1 to 432-6 between the solar photovoltaic cells 433-1 to 433-8 is covered herein.

[0060] In some embodiments, the electrical isolation devices 432-1 to 432-6 can be configured to irreversibly or reversibly disconnect at least one solar photovoltaic cell 433-1 to 433-8 in the event of a fault state or a specific condition (e.g., a critical fault, an accident, or other event that requires rapid system isolation to protect from high voltage exposure), thereby electrically isolating the voltage of the high voltage solar photovoltaic cell to less than 60VDC or 50VRMS. In some embodiments, the electrical isolation device that irreversibly disconnects multiple components can be a pyrotechnic switch, a pyrotechnic fuse, or a similar permanent isolation device. In some embodiments, the high voltage power controller 440 can be configured to send a signal to a pyrotechnic switch, a pyrotechnic fuse, or a similar permanent isolation device to trigger the activation of the electrical isolation devices 432-1, ..., 432-6, such as a thermal event or a mechanical event that opens the fuse. When the electrical isolation device 432-1, ..., 432-6 is configured to irreversibly disconnect the solar photovoltaic cell 433-1, ..., 433-8, the electrical isolation device 432-1, ..., 432-6 can be replaced or repaired to continue the operation of the solar panel array 431. In some embodiments, the electrical isolation device that reversibly disconnects the solar photovoltaic cell can be a solid-state switch device, a solid-state relay, or other switch mode device that is triggered to open the switch or relay to disconnect at least one solar photovoltaic cell or panel string, for example, a panel string that produces or generates electrical power with a voltage greater than 60VDC. Such electrical isolation devices 432-1, ..., 432-6 can then be configured to be manually reset. That is, the electrical isolation devices 432-1, ..., 432-6 described herein are configured to isolate at least one component of the solar panel array 431 after triggering a fault state isolation event, for example, permanently isolate until manually reset or physically replace the electrical isolation device. It should be understood that although it has been discussed that the electrical isolation device receives a signal that triggers the disconnection, the triggering disconnection can also be automatic. For example, in one embodiment, a mechanical switch or shunt trip circuit breaker may be provided that triggers activation of the electrical isolation device, such as a limit switch, impact sensor, float switch (e.g., mercury switch or tilt switch), or external signal. It should also be understood that in embodiments including electrical isolation devices 432-1, ..., 432-6 as solid-state switching devices, solid-state relays, or other switch-mode devices, such devices may allow the solar panel array 431 to be configured or designed to switch isolation or voltage, for example, different panel string configurations.

[0061] The high voltage power controller 440 may be configured to receive power from the battery 421 or the solar panel array 431 and convert the received power into a load power compatible with one or more loads of the transport temperature control system 451 or other AC accessory applications or vehicles. That is, the power controller 440 is configured to buck or boost the power to obtain the required load power. In some embodiments, the power controller 440 may be a multi-channel drive system inverter, which includes a processor-enabled control system 441, a DC / DC converter 442, two DC / AC inverters 443, and a DC bus 445. The DC / DC converter 442 may be a maximum power point tracking converter for converting the power generated by the solar panel array 431 into a voltage compatible with one or more loads of the transport temperature control system 451, such as a boost or buck converter. It is understood that in other embodiments, the power controller 440 may include two or more DC / DC converters 442. The DC / AC inverter 443 may be a DC / AC inverter configured to convert the DC voltage power into AC power as a power source for the TCCS and / or other AC accessory applications. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the power controller 440 may include a single DC / AC inverter 443 or may include three or more DC / AC inverters 443. In some embodiments, a telemetry device 444 may be connected to the power controller 440 or as a component thereof. The telemetry device 444 may include, but is not limited to, GPS technology or similar technology for tracking movement and / or communicating with a user or customer via the Internet, a cellular network, and may include a GPS module, an RF transceiver, a USB interface, a WiFi communication module, a cellular communication module or other Internet access and communication module, an accident, danger or collision detection system or interface. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the power controller may be connected to two or more telemetry devices 444. The power controller 440 may also include a memory, a clock, and an input / output (I / O) interface (not shown).

[0062] The control system 441 may be a processor-enabled device configured to control the power supply system and / or the TCCS 451, for example Figure 1 The climate controller 107, and / or vehicle systems, such as interconnectivity between components, which are configured to use the method (e.g. Figure 3Method 300) performs electrical isolation of the high voltage continuous power supply. The control system 441 can receive a signal from the accident, hazard, collision detection system or interface 446 to detect whether a fault state or condition has occurred, such as a CAN bus signal, which indicates a critical fault, such as a vehicle system fault, an electrical system fault, or the like, an accident, a rollover event, a system self-detected fault indicating a high voltage risk, a physical system fault of mechanical, collision, or rapid unplanned disassembly has occurred or has been detected, a manually detected fault or risk, or other detected events that require rapid system isolation to prevent high voltage exposure. The accident, hazard, collision detection system or interface 446 can be an inclinometer, accelerometer, gyroscope, if a triggering event is detected, such as rapid deceleration, vehicle direction or angular velocity or rotation speed exceeds a threshold, or the like. In one embodiment, the accident, hazard, collision detection system or interface 446 can be configured to monitor the performance of the solar panel array 431, such as whether it is working, such as by monitoring and detecting any changes in voltage, current, or other fault conditions. In some embodiments, the control system 441 can detect other systems in the vehicle system to determine whether to trigger the electrical isolation of at least one component (e.g., photovoltaic cell) of the high voltage continuous power supply. In some embodiments, the accident, danger, collision detection system or interface 446 can be configured to use the inclinometer, accelerometer and / or gyroscope on the vehicle or the power electronic device that powers the TRS / TRU to determine the fault state or condition. The control system 441 can also receive signals for controlling the inverter channel 443, such as the frequency and V / Hz of the power supply to the load (e.g., TCCS 451). In one embodiment, the DC combiner 434 can be configured to monitor the solar panel array to detect any changes in voltage, current or other fault conditions to trigger the activation of the electrical isolation device 432-1, ..., 432-6. The DC combiner 434 can be configured to send signals to the power control system 441, the accident, danger, collision detection system or interface 446 and / or directly to the electrical isolation device 432-1, ..., 432-6.

[0063] In some embodiments, the power distribution module 460 may be electrically connected between the battery 421 and the power controller 440 via the DC bus 445 to receive or provide electrical power. The power distribution module 460 is configured to control the distribution of power from the battery 421. For example, when the vehicle is an electric vehicle, it may provide power to the motor (e.g., Figure 2The auxiliary battery charger 465 may be a generator (e.g., an internal combustion engine) for providing power to charge the battery 421, or may be a connection to a utility grid (e.g., shore power, etc.). In some embodiments, the power distribution module 440 may be configured to control power distribution to vehicle systems or other components of the vehicle (e.g., accessories, air conditioning units (e.g., cabin air conditioning), or similar devices).

[0064] Therefore, the systems and methods discussed herein have at least the following advantages:

[0065] The system has the ability to isolate specific components in a solar panel array, such as solar PV cells or strings of panels, so that the maximum voltage of the series-connected string of panels is below a predetermined threshold (e.g., below 60VDC, 50VRMS, 50VDC, 40VDC, etc.). This feature helps prevent high voltage exposure when a fault state or condition occurs that requires rapid isolation.

[0066] Using solar photovoltaic cells that each produce or generate high voltage power (e.g., greater than 60VDC, 80VDC, 100VDC, etc.) to form a series string can provide 400 to 1600VDC power to the system (e.g., a panel string or sub-string), thereby improving system efficiency and reducing the size and number of wires required to connect the solar panel array system to the vehicle system and / or TRS / TCCS.

[0067] The ability to use small modules with no mechanical contactors or moving parts as electrical isolation devices can be installed within the modules of the solar panel array and can be configured in a low profile.

[0068] Capable of rapidly triggering remote isolation of electrical isolation devices using discrete, analog, digital and / or data signals to quickly isolate and reduce the risk of high voltage exposure. Even when the vehicle system is powered off, the electrical isolation device can maintain isolation to provide additional protection against high voltage exposure.

[0069] The systems and methods disclosed herein include an electrical isolation device that is configured to respond to a control signal from a vehicle system or TRS control system upon detection of a fault state or condition (such as a critical fault, system failure, or accident, such as a collision or rollover), thereby triggering the electrical isolation device and disconnecting the connection between certain solar panels, such as photovoltaic cells or panel strings. In a certain embodiment, the electrical isolation device is set to a normal open circuit response mode. This means that when the shutdown signal stops or is removed, the electrical isolation device automatically disconnects, thereby achieving a disconnection between the solar panel strings. Therefore, the systems and methods discussed herein enable the voltage of the solar panel array or its components (such as photovoltaic cells) to exceed 60VDC in normal conditions. However, when a fault state or condition is detected, the system will reduce these components to isolated sections, panel strings, or photovoltaic cells, and the voltage of each section will drop below 60VDC or 50VRMS, or as configured according to the user's settings.

[0070] Different features, variations, and multiple different embodiments with various details have been shown and described herein. In this application, what is sometimes described in the form of a specific embodiment is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit or imply that what is contemplated is limited to a particular embodiment. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiment or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations, and other embodiments may be envisioned by those skilled in the art, which should all be considered within the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the scope of the present disclosure should be determined by those skilled in the art based on appropriate legal interpretation and construction based on the complete disclosure provided at the time of application, including its equivalents.

[0071] The subject matter described herein sometimes shows different components contained within or connected to different other components. It should be understood that these depicted architectures are only examples, and many other architectures can actually be implemented to achieve the same functionality. Conceptually, any arrangement of components that achieve the same functionality can be effectively "associated" to achieve the desired functionality. Therefore, any two components combined to achieve a specific functionality can be considered to be "associated" to each other to achieve the desired functionality, regardless of their architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components that are so associated can also be considered to be "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Any two components that can be so associated can also be considered to be "operably coupled" to achieve the desired functionality.

[0072] With respect to the foregoing description, it should be understood that changes in detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The specification and described embodiments should be considered exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by a broad interpretation of the claims. Exemplary embodiments: The following Examples 1-9 can be combined with any of Examples 10-16. Examples 10-15 can be combined with any of Example 16. Embodiment 1 is a method for electrically isolating a high-voltage continuous power supply, comprising: The high voltage power controller receives high voltage electric power from the high voltage continuous power supply; The high voltage power controller provides the high voltage electric power to the load in the system; The high-voltage power controller detects that at least the system powered by the high-voltage continuous power supply has a fault condition; and When the fault state is detected, at least one of the multiple components of the high-voltage continuous power supply that provides the high-voltage electrical power to the load of the system is disconnected to electrically isolate the at least one component. Embodiment 2 is based on embodiment 1, wherein the high-voltage continuous power supply includes a solar panel array, and the multiple components include solar photovoltaic cells of the solar panel array. Embodiment 3 is based on embodiment 1 or 2, wherein electrically isolating the at least one component includes irreversibly disconnecting at least one component among the plurality of components. Embodiment 4 is based on embodiment 3, wherein the irreversibly disconnecting at least one of the plurality of components comprises triggering a pyrotechnic switch to disconnect the high voltage continuous power supply from the system. Embodiment 5 is based on embodiment 4, wherein triggering the pyrotechnic switch includes at least one of remotely activating the pyrotechnic switch via a signal from the high voltage power controller, and automatically activating the pyrotechnic switch when the fault condition is detected. Embodiment 6 is based on embodiments 1-2, wherein at least one component can only be reset manually after being electrically isolated. Example 7 is based on Examples 1-2, wherein disconnecting at least one of the multiple components of the high-voltage continuous power supply includes opening a solid-state switching device or a relay to disconnect at least one of the multiple components of the high-voltage continuous power supply, wherein the solid-state switching device or the relay can only be manually reset to reconnect at least one of the multiple components to the vehicle system. Embodiment 8 is based on embodiments 1-7, wherein the detected fault state includes one or more of a critical fault, an accident, or a rollover event. Embodiment 9 is based on embodiments 1-8, wherein the predetermined voltage threshold is lower than 60 VDC or 50 VRMS. Embodiment 10 is a high-voltage continuous power supply system for supplying high-voltage electric power to a vehicle system, comprising: a plurality of components configured to supply high voltage electrical power to a load in a vehicle system; a high voltage power controller configured to receive the high voltage electrical power from the plurality of components; and an electrical isolation device configured to electrically isolate at least one of the plurality of components by disconnecting at least one of the plurality of components from the high-voltage continuous power supply system to prevent at least one of the plurality of components from providing the high-voltage electrical power to the load of the vehicle system, The high-voltage power controller is configured to detect a fault state of the vehicle system, and when the fault state is detected, the high-voltage power controller is configured to trigger the electrical isolation device to disconnect at least one of the multiple components from the load of the vehicle system. Embodiment 11 is based on embodiment 10, wherein the high-voltage continuous power supply system includes a solar panel array, and the multiple components include solar photovoltaic cells of the solar panel array. Embodiment 12 is based on embodiment 10 or 11, wherein the electrical isolation device is a pyrotechnic switch configured to irreversibly disconnect at least one component of the plurality of components. Embodiment 13 is based on embodiment 12, wherein the pyrotechnic switch is configured to be triggered by at least one of remote triggering and automatic triggering when the fault state is detected to irreversibly disconnect at least one component of the plurality of components. Example 14 is based on Example 10 or 11, wherein the electrical isolation device is a solid-state relay configured to disconnect at least one of the multiple components, wherein the solid-state relay can only be manually reset to reconnect at least one of the multiple components to the vehicle system. Example 15 is based on Examples 10-14, wherein the detected fault state includes one or more of a critical fault, an accident, or a rollover event. Embodiment 16 is a vehicle system, comprising: a solar array, including a plurality of solar photovoltaic cells, for supplying high voltage electrical power to loads of the vehicle system; a high voltage power controller configured to receive the high voltage electric power from the solar array; and an electrical isolation device configured to electrically isolate at least one of the plurality of solar photovoltaic cells by disconnecting at least one of the plurality of solar photovoltaic cells from the load in the vehicle system, The high-voltage power controller is configured to detect a fault state of the vehicle system, and when the fault state is detected, the high-voltage power controller is configured to trigger the electrical isolation device to disconnect at least one of the plurality of solar photovoltaic cells from the load in the vehicle system.

Claims

1. A method for electrically isolating a high voltage continuous power supply, characterized in that: include: The high voltage power controller receives high voltage electric power from the high voltage continuous power supply; The high voltage power controller provides the high voltage electric power to the load in the system; The high-voltage power controller detects that at least the system powered by the high-voltage continuous power supply has a fault condition; as well as When the fault state is detected, at least one of the multiple components of the high-voltage continuous power supply that provides the high-voltage electrical power to the load of the system is disconnected to electrically isolate the at least one component.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The high voltage continuous power supply includes a solar panel array, and the plurality of components include solar photovoltaic cells of the solar panel array.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The electrically isolating the at least one component includes irreversibly disconnecting at least one component of the plurality of components.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Irreversibly disconnecting at least one of the plurality of components includes triggering a pyrotechnic switch to disconnect the high voltage continuous power supply from the system.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that Triggering the pyrotechnic switch includes at least one of remotely activating the pyrotechnic switch via a signal from the high voltage power controller, and automatically activating the pyrotechnic switch when the fault condition is detected.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The at least one component can only be reset manually after being electrically isolated.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Disconnecting at least one of the multiple components of the high-voltage continuous power supply includes opening a solid-state switching device or relay to disconnect at least one of the multiple components of the high-voltage continuous power supply, wherein the solid-state switching device or relay can only be manually reset to reconnect at least one of the multiple components to the vehicle system.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The detected fault conditions include one or more of a critical fault, an accident, or a rollover event.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The predetermined voltage threshold is lower than 60 VDC or 50 VRMS.

10. A high voltage continuous power supply system for supplying high voltage electric power to a vehicle system, characterized in that: include: a plurality of components configured to supply high voltage electrical power to a load in a vehicle system; a high voltage power controller configured to receive the high voltage electrical power from the plurality of components; as well as an electrical isolation device configured to electrically isolate at least one of the plurality of components by disconnecting at least one of the plurality of components from the high-voltage continuous power supply system to prevent at least one of the plurality of components from providing the high-voltage electrical power to the load of the vehicle system, The high-voltage power controller is configured to detect a fault state of the vehicle system, and when the fault state is detected, the high-voltage power controller is configured to trigger the electrical isolation device to disconnect at least one of the multiple components from the load of the vehicle system.

11. The high voltage continuous power supply system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The high-voltage continuous power supply system includes a solar panel array, and the plurality of components include solar photovoltaic cells of the solar panel array.

12. The high voltage continuous power supply system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The electrical isolation device is a pyrotechnic switch configured to irreversibly disconnect at least one component of the plurality of components.

13. The high voltage continuous power supply system according to claim 12, characterized in that: The pyrotechnic switch is configured to be triggered at least one of remotely and automatically upon detection of the fault condition to irreversibly disconnect at least one of the plurality of components.

14. The high voltage continuous power supply system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that: The electrical isolation device is a solid state relay configured to disconnect at least one of the plurality of components, wherein the solid state relay can only be manually reset to reconnect the at least one of the plurality of components to the vehicle system.

15. The high voltage continuous power supply system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that: The detected fault conditions include one or more of a critical fault, an accident, or a rollover event.

16. A vehicle system, characterized in that: include: a solar array, including a plurality of solar photovoltaic cells, for supplying high voltage electrical power to loads of the vehicle system; a high voltage power controller configured to receive the high voltage electric power from the solar array; as well as an electrical isolation device configured to electrically isolate at least one of the plurality of solar photovoltaic cells by disconnecting at least one of the plurality of solar photovoltaic cells from the load in the vehicle system, The high-voltage power controller is configured to detect a fault state of the vehicle system, and when the fault state is detected, the high-voltage power controller is configured to trigger the electrical isolation device to disconnect at least one of the plurality of solar photovoltaic cells from the load in the vehicle system.

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