Distal diesel oxidation catalyst for prime mover of transport power system

Abstract

A transport power system for generating power is provided. The transport power system includes an elongated intermediate tube having a flexible member and an insulating member connected to the flexible member. The flexible member is coupled to an exhaust manifold disposed on a diesel prime mover configured to generate exhaust gas. The elongated intermediate tube is configured to receive the exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold. A diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is coupled to the insulating member. The transport power system also includes a housing that houses the DOC and the diesel prime mover. The DOCs are positioned away from the diesel prime mover such that the DOCs are configured to be not stacked in a depth direction of the housing. The insulating member is configured to maintain a temperature of the exhaust gas at or above an activation temperature of the DOC.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to exhaust assemblies for prime movers of transportation power systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to exhaust assemblies having a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) remotely located from the diesel prime mover for reducing the size profile of a housing storing the transportation power system. Background Art

[0002] A transport climate control system (TCCS) may include, for example, a transport refrigeration 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 a cargo space of a transport unit (e.g., a truck, a container (such as a container on a flatbed, an intermodal container, etc.), a box truck, a semi-tractor, a bus, or other similar transport unit). The TRS may maintain (one or more) environmental conditions of the cargo space to preserve the cargo (e.g., produce, frozen foods, medicines, etc.). In some embodiments, the transport unit may include an HVAC system for controlling the climate within a passenger space of the vehicle.

[0003] Auxiliary power units (APUs) may be used with tractor vehicles to reduce fuel consumption, maintenance costs, emissions, and noise generated when the tractor prime mover is idling during periods of driver rest or other periods when the vehicle is not moving. Some APUs are used in conjunction with multiple control systems to power vehicle functions such as heating, cooling, engine preheat, lighting, or to power other vehicle functions and operator convenience accessories.

[0004] The prime mover may be used to power the TCCS or the APU.The prime mover may generate exhaust gas that is directed to an exhaust assembly before being exhausted into the environment. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to exhaust assemblies for prime movers of transportation power systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to exhaust assemblies having a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) remotely located from the diesel prime mover for reducing the size profile of a housing storing the transportation power system.

[0006] Exhaust from a diesel prime mover may contain pollutants and particulate matter, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon oxides CO, soot, etc. An exhaust assembly for a diesel prime mover may remove the exhaust and discharge the exhaust into the environment. The exhaust assembly may include a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) to remove at least some pollutants in the exhaust.

[0007] The DOC is configured to operate at a temperature at or above the activation temperature to remove pollutants from the exhaust gas flowing through the DOC. The exhaust gas leaving the prime mover may generally heat the DOC to or above the activation temperature. The DOC may generally be disposed in a cylindrical housing with the inlet and outlet respectively disposed on one of the two flat ends of the cylinder. The radius of the cylinder may be similar to the depth of the prime mover.

[0008] In some embodiments, the prime mover can be arranged in a transport climate control unit or an auxiliary power unit (APU) having mechanical components, electrical sensors, etc. The housing can be generally arranged at the end of a transport unit (e.g., a climate-controlled container) or at a tractor. During transportation, the housing can be generally arranged between the tractors pulling the transport unit. Due to the configuration of the tractor or transport unit, the gap between the rear of the tractor and the front of the transport unit may be limited. In order to fit a thinner housing inside the gap, the DOC and the prime mover can be arranged in a non-stacked relationship in the thickness direction of the housing. In this arrangement, the depth of the housing may be required to accommodate the wider one of the DOC and the prime mover, because the other can be fitted in a different mounting position within the housing.

[0009] In some embodiments, an extended intermediate tube may be provided that is connected at one end to the DOC and at the other end to the prime mover. The extended intermediate tube may allow the DOC to be arranged in a remote mounting position at a distance away from the prime mover. The extended intermediate tube may be insulated to reduce heat losses along the extended flow path in the extended intermediate tube, thereby providing an exhaust gas temperature at the DOC that is at or above the activation temperature of the DOC. The extended intermediate tube may be long and flexible, and may also attenuate noise and vibration generated by the prime mover during operation.

[0010] In an embodiment, a transportation power system for generating power is provided. The transportation power system includes an elongated intermediate pipe having a flexible member and a thermal insulation member connected to the flexible member. The flexible member is coupled to an exhaust manifold arranged on a diesel prime mover configured to generate exhaust gas. The elongated intermediate pipe is configured to receive the exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold. A diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is coupled to the thermal insulation member. The transportation power system also includes a housing that accommodates the DOC and the diesel prime mover. The DOC is positioned away from the diesel prime mover so that the DOC is configured not to be stacked in the depth direction of the housing. The thermal insulation member is configured to maintain the temperature of the exhaust gas at or above the activation temperature of the DOC.

[0011] In another embodiment, an elongated intermediate pipe for an exhaust assembly of a transport power system is provided. The elongated intermediate pipe includes a flexible member and a thermal insulation member. The flexible member is configured to receive exhaust gas from a diesel prime mover. The thermal insulation member is arranged between the flexible member and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC). The thermal insulation member is configured to maintain the temperature of the exhaust gas at or above the activation temperature of the DOC. The flexible member is configured to be coupled to the prime mover and extend from the prime mover. The thermal insulation member extends in a horizontal direction and then in an upward direction, so that the outlet of the elongated intermediate pipe is configured to be connected to the DOC, and the DOC is arranged away from the inlet of the elongated intermediate pipe, so that the DOC is configured to be non-stacked with the prime mover in the depth direction of a housing that accommodates the DOC and the prime mover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure and which illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this specification may be practiced.

[0013] Figure 1A A schematic cross-sectional side view of a refrigerated transport unit with a multi-temperature transport climate control system (MTCS) is shown according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 1B A perspective view of a vehicle having an auxiliary power unit according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0015] Figure 1C A side view of a truck with a front wall mounted vehicle powered transport refrigeration unit is illustrated according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 A transportation power system according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0017] Figure 3Illustrated is a side view of a transport climate control unit attached to a transport unit according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a flexible member of an elongated intermediate tube according to an embodiment.

[0019] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present disclosure generally relates to exhaust assemblies for prime movers of transportation power systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to exhaust assemblies having a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) remotely located from the diesel prime mover for reducing the size profile of a housing storing the transportation power system.

[0021] As defined herein, the prime mover described herein refers to a prime mover for a transport power system (e.g., a prime mover of an auxiliary power unit (APU), a prime mover of a TCCS, etc.), but not a vehicle prime mover for moving a vehicle. In some embodiments, the prime mover may be a diesel engine. That is, in some embodiments, there may be two or more different diesel engines on the same vehicle: one diesel engine may be a main / vehicle (e.g., tractor, truck, etc.) engine for moving the vehicle, and another diesel engine may be an auxiliary engine of the transport power system (e.g., a diesel-powered compression ignition engine).

[0022] Figure 1A One embodiment of a multi-zone transport climate control system (MTCS) 100 for a transport unit (TU) 125 that can be towed, for example, by a tractor (not shown) is illustrated. The MTCS 100 includes a TCCU 110 and a plurality of remote evaporator units 180. The TCCU 110 and each remote evaporator unit 180 provide climate control (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) in separate zones of an interior space 150. The TCCU 110 can include a refrigeration circuit, among other components, that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion valve to provide climate control in at least one of the zones of the interior space 150. Each evaporator unit 180 can also be connected to the refrigeration circuit to provide climate control to a specific zone 152 of the interior space 150.

[0023] The interior space 150 may be divided into a plurality of zones 152. The term "zone" refers to a portion of the interior space 150 that is separated by a wall 175. It should be understood that the invention disclosed herein may also be used in a single-zone TCCS. It should also be understood that the MTCS 100 or single-zone TCCS may be a climate-controlled container transported by rail cars, trucks, trailers, and / or ships.

[0024] The MTCS 100 for the transport unit 125 includes a TCCU 110 and a plurality of remote evaporator units 180 configured to provide climate control within each zone 152. For example, the TCCU 110 may provide climate control within zone 152a, the remote evaporator unit 180a may provide climate control within zone 152b, and the remote evaporator unit 180b may provide climate control within zone 152c.

[0025] The MTCS 100 also includes a MTCS controller 170 and one or more sensors (e.g., Hall effect sensors, current sensors or current transducers, etc.) configured to measure one or more parameters of the MTCS 100 (e.g., ambient temperature, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperature, return air temperature, humidity, etc.) and transmit parameter data to the MTCS controller 170. The MTCS 100 is powered by a transport power system 112. The TCCU 110 is disposed on the front wall 130 of the TU 125. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the TCCU 110 may be disposed, for example, on the ceiling 126 or another wall of the TU 125.

[0026] In some embodiments, the MTCS 100 may include an undermount unit 113. In some embodiments, the undermount unit 113 may be a TCCU, which may also provide environmental control (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within the interior space 150 of the TU 125. The undermount unit 113 may work in conjunction with the TCCU 110 to provide redundancy, or may replace the TCCU 110. Additionally, in some embodiments, the undermount unit 113 may be a transport power system, including, for example, a generator that may help provide power to the TCCU 110.

[0027] like Figure 1AAs shown in , the transport power system 112 is arranged in the TCCU 110. In other embodiments, the power system 112 can be separated from the TCCU 110. In addition, in some embodiments, the transport power system 112 may include two or more different power sources arranged inside or outside the TCCU 110. In some embodiments, the transport power system 112 may include one or more of a prime mover, a battery, an alternator, a generator, a solar panel, a fuel cell, etc. In addition, the prime mover may be an internal combustion engine or a micro-turbine engine, and may work as a two-speed prime mover, a variable speed prime mover, etc. In some embodiments, for the prime mover, an exhaust assembly may be included to collect or burn particulate matter such as carbon, soot, etc. coming out of the tail pipe. The transport power system 112 may provide power to, for example, the MTCS controller 170, a compressor (not shown), a plurality of DC (direct current) components (not shown), a power management unit (not shown), etc. The DC component may be an accessory or component of the MTCS 100 that requires DC power to work. Examples of DC components may include, for example, one or more DC fan motors (e.g., Electrically Commutated Motor (ECM), Brushless DC Motor (BLDC), etc.) for a condenser fan or evaporator blower, a fuel pump, a drain heater, a solenoid valve (e.g., a controller pulse control valve), etc.

[0028] The transport power system 112 may include a DC power source (not shown) for providing DC power to a plurality of DC components (not shown), a power management unit (not shown), and the like. The DC power source may receive mechanical power and / or electrical power from, for example, a utility power source (e.g., utility electricity, etc.), a prime mover (e.g., an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine) coupled to a generator machine (e.g., a belt-driven alternator, a direct-drive generator, etc.), and the like. For example, in some embodiments, the mechanical energy generated by the diesel engine is converted into electrical energy by a generator machine. The electrical energy generated by the belt-driven alternator is then converted into DC power by, for example, a bidirectional voltage converter. The bidirectional voltage converter may be a bidirectional multi-battery voltage converter.

[0029] Reference below Figure 2 One embodiment of a transportation power system 112 is described.

[0030] Figure 1BA vehicle 10 according to one embodiment is illustrated. The vehicle 10 is a semi-tractor for transporting cargo stored in a cargo hold (e.g., a container, a trailer, etc.) to one or more destinations. Hereinafter, the term "vehicle" shall be used to represent all such tractors and trucks, and shall not be interpreted as limiting the present application to only tractors in tractor-trailer combinations. In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may be, for example, a straight truck, a van, etc.

[0031] The vehicle 10 includes a main power source 20, a cab 25 defining a sleeping portion 30 and a driving portion 35, an APU 40, and a plurality of vehicle accessory components 45 (e.g., electronic communications, cab lights, primary and / or secondary HVAC systems, primary and / or secondary HVAC fan(s), visor(s) for windows / windshields of the vehicle 10, cab accessories, etc.). The cab 25 may be approached or accessed through a driver-side door (not shown) and a passenger-side door 32. The cab 25 may include a primary HVAC system (not shown) that may be configured to provide conditioned air within the driving portion 35 and possibly throughout the cab 25, and a secondary HVAC system (not shown) for providing conditioned air within the sleeping portion 30 of the cab 25. The cab 25 may also include a plurality of cab accessories (not shown). Examples of cabin accessories may include, for example, a refrigerator, a television, a video game console, a microwave, a device charging station(s), a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, a coffee maker, a secondary HVAC system for providing conditioned air to the sleeping portion 30 .

[0032] The primary power source 20 can provide sufficient power to operate (e.g., drive) the vehicle 10 and any of a plurality of vehicle accessory components 45 and cab accessory components 47. The primary power source 20 can also provide power to the primary HVAC system and the secondary HVAC system. In some embodiments, the primary power source can be a prime mover, such as, for example, an internal combustion engine (e.g., a diesel engine, etc.).

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the APU 40 is a secondary power unit for the vehicle 10 when the primary power source 20 is unavailable. For example, when the primary power source 20 is unavailable, the APU 40 may be configured to provide power to one or more of vehicle accessory components, cab accessories, a primary HVAC system, and a secondary HVAC system. In some embodiments, the APU 40 may be an electrically powered APU. In other embodiments, the APU 40 may be a prime mover powered APU. The APU 40 may be attached to the vehicle 10 using any attachment method. In some embodiments, the APU 40 may be turned on (i.e., activated) or turned off (i.e., deactivated) by an occupant of the vehicle 10 (e.g., a driver or passenger). The APU 40 does not generally provide sufficient power for operating (e.g., driving) the vehicle 10. The APU 40 may be controlled by an APU controller 41. In some embodiments, the APU 40 may include a control unit as described below with reference to Figure 2 The transport power system.

[0034] Figure 1C A temperature controlled straight truck 11 is depicted, which includes a conditioned loading space 12 for carrying cargo. A transport climate control unit (TCCU) 14 is mounted to a front wall 16 of the loading space 12. The TCCU 14 is controlled by a controller 15 to provide temperature control within the loading space 12. The truck 11 also includes a vehicle power compartment 18, which houses a truck prime mover 21 such as an internal combustion engine (e.g., a diesel engine, etc.), which provides power to move the truck 11. In some embodiments, the truck prime mover 21 can work in conjunction with an optional machine 22 (e.g., an alternator). The TCCU 14 includes a transport power system 13. In an embodiment, the transport power system 13 can include an internal combustion engine (e.g., a diesel engine, etc.) to provide power to the TCCU 14. In one embodiment, the TCCU 14 includes a vehicle electrical system. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the TCCU 14 can be powered by a combination of the transport power system 13 and a battery power source, or by the optional machine 22. In some embodiments, the TCCU 14 may also be powered by a truck prime mover 21 in combination with a battery power source or an optional machine 22. Figure 2 One embodiment of a transportation power system 13 is described.

[0035] Although Figure 1C A temperature controlled straight truck 11 is illustrated, but it should be understood that the embodiments described herein are also applicable to any other type of transport unit, including but not limited to vans, containers (such as containers on flatbeds, intermodal containers, etc.), box trucks, or other similar transport units.

[0036] Figure 2A transportation power system 200 including a prime mover assembly 210 and an exhaust assembly 250 is illustrated according to an embodiment. The transportation power system 200 also includes a cooling system 220, a fuel filter 230, and an air filter 240. In an embodiment, the transportation power system 200 may also include a control module, a diesel particulate filter (DPF), a blower, a pressure sensor, a control switch, a system indicator, an ambient temperature sensor, and / or the like for controlling and operating the transportation power system 200.

[0037] For example, the transport power system 200 may be used as Figure 1A The transport power system 112 shown, Figure 1B The transport power system for APU 40 shown, and / or Figure 1C The transport power system 13 is shown.

[0038] For example, in one embodiment, the transport power system 200 may be disposed inside the housing 111 of the TCCU 110 . Figure 2 An illustrative example of may be a direction D ( Figure 1A Observation Figure 1A 1. A view of the transport power system 200 in the TCCU 110 of FIG. In an embodiment, the D direction may be opposite to the direction of travel of the carrier transporting the TCCU 110. It should be understood that the housing 111 may include other components, such as climate control system components (e.g., compressors, condensers, evaporators, controllers, and / or the like).

[0039] The prime mover assembly 210 is configured to provide mechanical power, such as powering a generator, for providing electricity supplied by the transport power system 200. The prime mover assembly 210 receives a fuel (e.g., diesel fuel), mixes the fuel with air, ignites the fuel-air mixture, and captures energy from the fuel combustion to power the generator. In the illustrated example, the prime mover assembly 210 includes a prime mover 215. The prime mover assembly 210 is coupled to an exhaust assembly 250.

[0040] In some embodiments, the prime mover 215 is a diesel engine, wherein fuel is mixed with intake air and ignited within the prime mover 215. The combustion of the fuel produces exhaust gas, which may include pollutants such as particulate matter, fuel droplets, carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, etc. The exhaust gas leaves the prime mover 215 at a temperature approximately the combustion temperature of the fuel. The particulate matter may include soot from incomplete combustion of the fuel. The exhaust gas leaves the prime mover assembly 210 through the exhaust outlet 235 of the prime mover assembly 210. In some embodiments, the diesel engine produces at least 18.9 kW of mechanical power or power.

[0041] In an embodiment, exhaust outlet 235 is coupled to prime mover 215. Exhaust outlet 235 is also coupled to exhaust assembly 250 to exhaust exhaust from prime mover assembly 210. Exhaust travels through exhaust outlet 235 and exhaust assembly 250 before being exhausted and dispersed into the environment. In an embodiment, prime mover 215 is mounted to a housing (e.g., Figure 1A In an embodiment, the exhaust outlet 235 is an exhaust manifold of the prime mover 210. During operation, the prime mover 210 may generate noise and vibration, which may be transmitted to the housing and / or the exhaust assembly 250.

[0042] The cooling system 220 is configured to cool the prime mover assembly 210 during operation. For example, the cooling system 220 can circulate engine coolant between the prime mover assembly 210 and a radiator (not shown) to remove heat from the prime mover assembly 220, and discharge the heat to the environment through the radiator (not shown). The fuel filter 230 is configured to filter contaminants from the fuel system before the fuel enters the prime mover assembly 210. The air filter 240 is configured to filter the intake air to be supplied to the prime mover 215.

[0043] The exhaust assembly 250 is configured to treat the exhaust gas to reduce pollutants before dispersing the exhaust gas to the environment. The exhaust assembly 250 may be configured to protect air quality, for decorative purposes, to meet regulatory requirements, etc. In the illustrated example, the exhaust assembly 250 is coupled to the exhaust outlet 235 of the prime mover 215 to receive the exhaust gas from the prime mover 215. In an embodiment, the exhaust assembly 250 may include an extended intermediate pipe 236 to route the exhaust gas from the prime mover 215 to the treatment components of the exhaust assembly 250, such as the DOC 237, the muffler 258, the tail pipe 260, etc.

[0044] The elongated intermediate tube 236 is a conduit configured to route the exhaust gas. The DOC 237 may include a catalytic component configured to treat pollutants in the exhaust gas. In an embodiment, the DOC 237 may be rigidly attached to the housing (e.g., Figure 1C housing 111) and / or chassis of the TU.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, the elongated intermediate pipe 236 is arranged between the prime mover 215 and the DOC 237 for routing exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold of the prime mover 215 to the DOC 237. The elongated intermediate pipe 236 extends laterally from one side of the prime mover 215 and then bends vertically upward to couple with the DOC 237. In an embodiment, the elongated intermediate pipe 236 may include an insulating member 236A and a flexible member 236B, which are fluidly connected to allow exhaust gas to travel through them. The insulating member 236A is connected to the exhaust outlet 235. The flexible member 236B is connected to the DOC 237.

[0046] The elongated intermediate pipe 236 is configured to maintain the thermal energy of the exhaust gas traveling therethrough. The insulation member 236A is configured to continuously insulate throughout the entire process to maintain the temperature and thermal energy of the exhaust gas. In an embodiment, the insulation member 236A of the elongated intermediate pipe 236 may include an insulation material (insulation) such as fiberglass, ceramic fiber material, super wool, etc., to insulate the entire portion of the insulation member 236A of the elongated intermediate pipe 236. In an embodiment, the insulation member 236A may include a rigid stainless steel pipe covered with insulation material, and the insulation material is fixed to the rigid pipe by a stainless steel mesh wrapped around the insulation material. In an embodiment, the insulation member 236A extends generally horizontally from the flexible member 236B and then bends vertically upward to connect with the DOC 237.

[0047] The flexible member 236B of the elongated intermediate tube 236 may be a flexible tube that is coupled to the exhaust outlet 235 of the prime mover 215 at one end and to the thermal insulation member 236A at the other end. The flexible member 236B is configured to absorb noise and / or vibration transmitted to the DOC 237. The flexible member 236B allows the DOC 237 to be rigidly mounted to the housing while being flexibly connected to the prime mover 215. During operation, the prime mover 215 may generate noise and vibration. Since the DOC 237 is not directly mounted to the prime mover 215, the flexible member 236B may interrupt the transmission of vibration to the thermal insulation member 236A and the DOC 237. In an embodiment, the inner surface of the flexible member 236B may be corrugated. The inner space of the flexible member 236B may include a spiral mesh. The flexible member 236B may include a corrugated inner surface and a tortuous path, which may form a barrier to the propagation of sound waves and reduce the noise transmitted to the rest of the exhaust assembly 250. In an embodiment, flexible member 236B is configured to extend laterally in a generally horizontal direction from the exhaust manifold of prime mover 215. In an embodiment, flexible member 236B may include a vibration absorber.

[0048] It will be appreciated that during normal operation of prime mover 215 (eg, after the prime mover reaches normal operating temperature), exhaust gas may exit the exhaust manifold at a relatively high temperature (eg, approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit).

[0049] In an embodiment where the DOC is mounted directly to the prime mover, a short intermediate pipe (e.g., less than 20 inches) may include only a short elbow to redirect the exhaust flow direction into the DOC. Since the DOC is mounted directly to the prime mover, it should be understood that the DOC will vibrate with the prime mover during operation. In contrast, the embodiments disclosed herein provide a DOC 237 that is disposed away from the prime mover 215 and is not directly mounted to the prime mover 215. Therefore, an extended intermediate pipe 236 is provided and is configured to extend a longer distance within the housing (e.g., in a range between 20 inches and 50 inches, such as approximately 47 inches or 48 inches). The extended intermediate pipe 236 can be arranged next to other components, such as pipes for circulating coolant of the cooling system 220, sensors, fasteners, etc. Other components may not be configured to operate at higher temperatures (e.g., temperatures close to the temperature of the exhaust when it leaves the exhaust outlet 235). The heat insulating member 236A of the elongated intermediate tube 236 may prevent heat damage to other components disposed near the heat insulating member 236 of the elongated intermediate tube 236A.

[0050] It should also be understood that the catalyst in the DOC 237 can be designed to operate at a temperature above the activation temperature (e.g., 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 500 degrees Fahrenheit). At lower temperatures, the DOC 237 may be ineffective in removing pollutants from the exhaust. The activation temperature is generally about the temperature of the exhaust gas leaving the exhaust manifold. The insulation of the extended intermediate pipe 236 can provide thermal conservation so that after the exhaust gas travels through the entire flow path in the extended intermediate pipe 236, the temperature of the exhaust gas leaving the extended intermediate pipe 236 and entering the DOC 237 is at or above the activation temperature of the DOC 237. In an embodiment, the exhaust gas leaving the extended intermediate pipe 236 and entering the DOC 237 can be at or above the temperature of the exhaust gas leaving the exhaust manifold.

[0051] Muffler 258 is configured to attenuate noise traveling through exhaust assembly 250. In the illustrative example, muffler 258 may be disposed downstream of DOC 237.

[0052] Tail pipe 260 is disposed at an end of exhaust assembly 250 opposite the end coupled to prime mover assembly 210. Tail pipe 260 may include one or more connected pipes selectively arranged to release exhaust gas to the environment while managing sediment accumulation within exhaust assembly 250. In some embodiments, tail pipe 260 may be shaped to prevent fluid (e.g., water such as rain) and / or debris from entering exhaust assembly 250.

[0053] exist Figure 2 In the illustrative example of FIG. 1 , exhaust assembly 250 includes one or more mounting brackets 259 for mounting exhaust assembly 250 and / or components of exhaust assembly 250 directly or indirectly to a housing (e.g., Figure 1A 111 of the housing). In an embodiment, when installed, the mounting bracket 259 can rigidly attach the exhaust assembly 250 to the housing. For example, the mounting bracket 259 can attach the vertical connecting pipe 256 between the DOC 237 and the tail pipe 260 to the housing. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 259 can attach the DOC 237 and / or the DPF to the housing. For example, the mounting bracket 259 can be one or more L-shaped brackets.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, by providing an extended intermediate tube 236, the DOC 237 can be positioned vertically above and displaced to the side of the prime mover 210. The extended intermediate tube 236 includes insulation material to reduce heat loss of the exhaust gas over the extended distance it travels from the prime mover 210 to the DOC 237 within the extended intermediate tube 236. In addition, the extended intermediate tube 236 can be a flexible tube that is compatible with the vibration of the prime mover 210, thereby allowing the DOC 237 to be rigidly mounted to the housing and / or the insulation member 236A to be used as a rigid member mounted to the DOC 237. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the DOC 237 is not mounted directly to the prime mover 215 .

[0055] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the TCCU 310 attached to the transport unit 350 according to an embodiment.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the TCCU 310 is arranged at one end of the TU 350. It should be understood that the TU 350 may be Figure 1A TU 125 shown. Figure 2 As shown, the TCCU 310 includes a housing 315 that houses a prime mover 320 and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) 330 in an exhaust assembly (not shown) that processes exhaust gas exhausted by the prime mover 320 .

[0057] It should be understood that DOC 330 may have a generally rectangular or cylindrical housing. DOC 330 may have a depth that is the diameter of the cylindrical housing, or may be as large as 100 mm. Figure 3 The diagram shows the dimension between the left and right edges of the DOC 330 as viewed. The prime mover 320 may have a depth of Figure 3 The diagram shows the dimension between the left and right edges of the prime mover 320 as viewed. The housing 315 may have a depth of Figure 2 The dimension is shown as viewed between the left and right edges of housing 315. In an embodiment, depth may be defined as the smallest dimension of the respective height, length, and depth of DOC 330, prime mover 320, or housing 315.

[0058] In trailer applications, the housing 315 is typically disposed on the front wall of the TU 350 (e.g., Figure 1A The front wall 130 shown) and the rear of the tractor (e.g. Figure 1B The gap in the space (e.g., the outer rear wall 26 and the outer rear wall 26 of the vehicle 10 shown) is formed between the outer rear wall 26 and the outer rear wall 26 of the vehicle 10. Figure 1A The distance between the housing 315 and the front wall 130 shown, etc.) is predetermined by the configuration of the TU 350 and the vehicle. For example, the swing radius of the tractor (e.g., 19 inches or more) can determine the maximum depth of the housing 315 that can be tolerated before the TCCU 310 is required to extend further into the climate-controlled space in the TU 350 to avoid collision interference with the exterior rear wall of the tractor or equipment mounted on the rear wall. This clearance can then help determine the maximum depth of the housing 315 of the TCCU 310 before the TCCU 310 must extend into the interior space of the TU 350 and contend with the cargo capacity of the TU 350. A smaller profile TCCU 310 that fits within this clearance distance is generally more preferred to maximize the cargo space available in the TU 350.

[0059] In railroad applications, the TCCU 310 and the TU 350 can be arranged in a well-car of a railroad car. The well-car typically has a maximum allowable total length of the TU 350 on which the TCCU 310 is mounted. Therefore, the less the housing 315 extends beyond the TU 350, the longer the TU 350 can be, and therefore more cargo can be loaded into the temperature-controlled space of the TU 350. The temperature-controlled cargo space of the TU 350 is of high commercial value. It should be understood that the size of the interior space of the TU 350 is typically used to carry palletized cargo, so that the interior space can maximize the amount of palletized cargo stored therein. In some railroad applications, minimizing the size profile of the housing 315 can fit another two 40-inch by 45-inch pallets on the floor inside the TU 350, and another two pallets can be stacked on top of the pallet on the floor. Even though the lower portion 316 of the TCCU 310 extends partially into the climate-controlled space of the TU 350 and occupies less space than a standard pallet, the TCCU 310 may disproportionately reduce the actual or usable capacity of the TU 350 by replacing the cargo capacity within the TU 350 with a full row of pallets. For example, even though the TCCU 310 extends to half or one-quarter the size of a standard pallet within the interior space of the TU 350, the actual or usable capacity within the interior space of the TU 350 may be reduced by a full row of pallets. Thus, by maximizing the number of components of the TCCU 310 in the portion of the housing outside the interior space of the TU 350, the climate-controlled space of the TU 350 may be fully utilized by palletized cargo, which is generally preferred for transport climate control systems.

[0060] In an embodiment, in order to reduce the depth of the housing 315, the DOC 330 may be arranged vertically above the prime mover 320 (eg, Figure 2 The DOC 330 is arranged vertically above and shifted to the side (as shown in the side view of FIG. 1 ) and away from the prime mover 320, rather than being directly mounted to one side of the prime mover 320. That is, the DOC 330 is arranged vertically above and shifted to the side (as shown in the side view of FIG. Figure 2 DOC 237 and prime mover 215).

[0061] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a flexible member 400 of an elongated intermediate tube according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the flexible member 400 can be used as Figure 2 The flexible member 236B shown. Figure 4 As shown, the flexible member 400 may include an inlet 410 configured to be connected to an exhaust manifold of a prime mover (e.g., Figure 2 The exhaust outlet 235 of the prime mover 215 is shown. Figure 4As shown, a convoluted stainless steel tube 420 is sleeved on an inner bellows 430 to provide a flexible conduit for the flexible member 400. A spiral mesh member 440 is disposed in the bellows 430. The inner surface of the bellows 430 and / or the spiral mesh member 440 can force the exhaust gas from the prime mover to travel through a tortuous path in the flexible member 400, which can attenuate vibration and noise.

[0062] Multiple aspects of this application:

[0063] It should be understood that any of aspects 1-8 and 9-13 may be combined.

[0064] Aspect 1. A transportation power system for generating power, the transportation power system comprising:

[0065] an elongated intermediate tube having a flexible member and a thermally insulating member connected to the flexible member, the flexible member being coupled to an exhaust manifold disposed on a diesel prime mover configured to generate exhaust gas, wherein the elongated intermediate tube is configured to receive the exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold;

[0066] a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) coupled to the thermal insulation member; and

[0067] a housing accommodating the DOC and the diesel prime mover,

[0068] wherein the DOC is located away from the diesel prime mover so that the DOC is configured not to be stacked in the depth direction of the housing, and

[0069] The thermal insulation member is configured to maintain the temperature of the exhaust gas at or above an activation temperature of the DOC.

[0070] Aspect 2. The transportation power system according to aspect 1 further comprises:

[0071] a mounting bracket fixedly attaching the DOC to the housing, wherein

[0072] The flexible member is structurally configured to dampen vibrations generated by the diesel prime mover.

[0073] Aspect 3. A transport power system according to any one of Aspects 1 or 2, wherein:

[0074] The insulating member comprises a rigid tube covered with an insulating material.

[0075] Aspect 4. A transport power system according to any one of Aspects 1-3, wherein:

[0076] The thermal insulation extends upwardly and laterally away from the diesel prime mover such that an outlet of the elongated intermediate tube couples with the DOC.

[0077] Aspect 5. A transport power system according to any one of Aspects 1-4, wherein, when the shell is installed on the transport unit, the depth direction of the shell corresponds to the length direction of the transport unit, so that the width of the shell fits within the gap on the end of the transport unit.

[0078] Aspect 6. The transportation power system according to any one of aspects 1-5, wherein the DOC is not mounted on the diesel prime mover.

[0079] Aspect 7. The transportation power system according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the flexible member comprises a curved stainless steel tube sleeved on a bellows.

[0080] Aspect 8. The transportation power system according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the thermal insulation member comprises a stainless steel pipe covered by a thermal insulation material.

[0081] Aspect 9. An elongated intermediate pipe for an exhaust assembly of a transportation power system configured to generate power, the elongated intermediate pipe comprising:

[0082] a flexible member configured to receive exhaust gas from a diesel prime mover; and

[0083] a thermal insulation member disposed between the flexible member and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), the thermal insulation member being configured to maintain a temperature of the exhaust gas at or above an activation temperature of the DOC,

[0084] wherein the flexible member is configured to be coupled to and extend from the prime mover, and

[0085] wherein the heat insulating member extends in a horizontal direction and then in an upward direction, so that the outlet of the extended intermediate pipe is constructed to be connected to the DOC, and the DOC is arranged away from the inlet of the extended intermediate pipe, so that the DOC is constructed not to be stacked with the prime mover in the depth direction of the casing accommodating the DOC and the prime mover.

[0086] Aspect 10. The elongated intermediate tube of aspect 9, wherein the flexible member is configured to dampen vibrations generated by the prime mover.

[0087] Aspect 11. An elongated intermediate tube according to any one of Aspects 9 or 10, wherein the insulating member comprises a rigid tube covered by an insulating material.

[0088] Aspect 12. The elongated intermediate tube according to any one of aspects 9 to 11, wherein the flexible member comprises a curved stainless steel tube sleeved on a corrugated tube.

[0089] Aspect 13. The elongated intermediate tube according to any one of aspects 9-12, wherein the insulating member comprises a stainless steel tube covered by an insulating material.

Claims

1. A transport power system for generating power, the transport power system comprising: an elongated intermediate tube having a flexible member and a thermally insulating member connected to the flexible member, the flexible member being coupled to an exhaust manifold disposed on a diesel prime mover configured to generate exhaust gas, wherein the elongated intermediate tube is configured to receive the exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold; a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) coupled to the thermal insulation member; and a housing accommodating the DOC and the diesel prime mover, wherein the DOC is positioned away from the diesel prime mover so that the DOC is configured not to be stacked with the diesel prime mover in the depth direction of the housing, and The thermal insulation member is configured to maintain the temperature of the exhaust gas at or above an activation temperature of the DOC.

2. The transport power system according to claim 1, further comprising: a mounting bracket fixedly attaching the DOC to the housing, wherein The flexible member is structurally configured to dampen vibrations generated by the diesel prime mover.

3. The transport power system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The insulating member comprises a rigid tube covered with an insulating material.

4. The transport power system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The thermal insulation extends upwardly and laterally away from the diesel prime mover such that an outlet of the elongated intermediate tube couples with the DOC.

5. The transport power system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: When the housing is mounted on a transport unit, the depth direction of the housing corresponds to the length direction of the transport unit, so that the width of the housing fits within the gap on the end of the transport unit.

6. The transport power system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The DOC is not mounted on the diesel prime mover.

7. The transport power system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The flexible member comprises a curved stainless steel tube sleeved on a corrugated tube.

8. The transport power system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The insulating member includes a stainless steel pipe covered with an insulating material.

9. An elongated intermediate pipe for an exhaust assembly of a transportation power system configured to generate power, the elongated intermediate pipe comprising: a flexible member configured to receive exhaust gas from a diesel prime mover; and a heat insulating member disposed between the flexible member and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), the heat insulating member being configured to maintain a temperature of the exhaust gas at or above an activation temperature of the DOC, wherein the flexible member is configured to be coupled to and extend from the prime mover, and wherein the heat insulating member extends in a horizontal direction and then in an upward direction, so that the outlet of the extended intermediate pipe is constructed to be connected to the DOC, and the DOC is arranged away from the inlet of the extended intermediate pipe, so that the DOC is constructed not to be stacked with the prime mover in the depth direction of the casing accommodating the DOC and the prime mover.

10. The elongated intermediate tube according to claim 9, wherein: The flexible member is configured to dampen vibrations generated by the prime mover.

11. An elongated intermediate tube according to any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein: The insulating member comprises a rigid tube covered with an insulating material.

12. The elongated intermediate tube according to any one of claims 9-10, wherein: The flexible member comprises a curved stainless steel tube sleeved on a corrugated tube.

13. The elongated intermediate tube according to any one of claims 9-10, wherein: The insulating member includes a stainless steel pipe covered with an insulating material.

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