System and method for managing power supply to transport refrigeration unit (TRU)

Abstract

The invention provides a system and method for managing power supplied to a transport refrigeration unit (TRU). A system for managing power supplied to a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) includes a power supply system, at least one electrical power converter, and control circuitry coupled to the power supply system and the TRU. The power supply system includes a battery cell and a fuel cell connected in parallel. The control circuit is configured to receive information associated with an operational characteristic of a sub-component of the TRU and predict an increase or decrease in a load associated with the sub-component of the TRU based on the received information. Thus, the control circuit broadcasts a control signal to the fuel cell for a predetermined duration before the predicted increase or decrease in the load, such that the control signal regulates the power supply from the fuel cell to the subassembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 599,771, filed on November 16, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to vehicles having transport refrigeration units (TRUs), and more particularly to power systems for such vehicles and methods for controlling power supply to an energy storage unit of the power system. Background Art

[0003] Vehicles such as light commercial vehicles (LCVs) or heavy commercial vehicles are generally deployed for transporting goods via sea, rail or road networks. Such vehicles typically include a cargo container for storing the goods to be transported. In order to maintain the quality of the goods in the cargo container, a refrigeration unit may be deployed to such a cargo container of the vehicle. Typically, the refrigeration unit provides the cargo container with desired environmental parameters, such as temperature, pressure, humidity and other conditions. Such a refrigeration unit is powered by an electric power source, a fuel-based power source or a combination thereof. In addition, a fuel-based power source is also typically used to charge the electric power source and to provide power to the refrigeration unit.

[0004] Conventional TRUs (truck refrigeration units) are usually powered by diesel engines. However, lower efficiency, higher noise and associated non-zero emissions are the main drivers for exploring new ways to power TRUs. In this regard, electrified TRUs powered via a fuel cell (FC)-battery hybrid system are a suitable alternative. However, in order to control the degree of mixing defined as FC-generated power with total TRU / load power, an improved energy management strategy / scheme (EMS) is desired.

[0005] One of the main challenges of standalone FC power sources is their slow dynamic response time, which is governed by parasitic loads and operating temperature. As a result, during fast load transients, the FC voltage drops sharply, which can cause TRU / system failure / shutdown. In addition, frequent FC voltage drops can reduce battery voltage and degrade performance.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide systems and methods that can improve power management in hybrid fuel cell powered TRUs and maximize the adoption of hybrid fuel cell powered TRUs in the transportation industry. Summary of the invention

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the invention.

[0008] A system for managing power supplied to a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) is disclosed. The system includes a power supply system, at least one electric power converter, and a control circuit coupled to the power supply system. The power supply system in communication with the TRU includes at least one battery unit and at least one fuel cell. The at least one battery unit is electrically connected to the TRU to supply power to the TRU. The at least one fuel cell is electrically connected to the TRU and connected in parallel to the at least one battery unit. The at least one electric power converter is electrically connected between the power supply system and the TRU for regulating the power supply to the TRU. The control circuit coupled to the power supply system and the TRU is configured to receive information associated with an operating characteristic of at least one subassembly of the TRU. Next, the control circuit is configured to predict an increase or decrease in a load associated with at least one subassembly of the TRU based on the received information. Finally, the control circuit is configured to broadcast a control signal to the at least one fuel cell for a predetermined duration before the predicted increase or decrease in load, wherein the control signal regulates the power supply from the at least one fuel cell to the at least one subassembly.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, at least one subassembly of the TRU includes at least one of a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, at least one of an air moving device and an electric drive motor is operatively coupled to at least one subassembly of the TRU.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the operating characteristics include a rotational speed, an operating state, and a load current associated with one or more of the at least one subassembly, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, predicting an increase in a load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU includes analyzing received information associated with an operating characteristic of at least one subcomponent of the TRU, and determining an increase in an operating characteristic associated with one or more of the at least one subcomponent, an air moving device, and an electric drive motor.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, if the predicted increase in load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU is greater than a threshold load, the control circuit is further configured to broadcast a control signal to at least one battery unit to supply supplemental power to the at least one subcomponent of the TRU.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, predicting a reduction in a load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU includes analyzing received information associated with an operating characteristic of at least one subcomponent of the TRU, and determining a reduction in an operating characteristic associated with one or more of the at least one subcomponent, an air moving device, and an electric drive motor.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the predetermined duration is set based on one or more parameters of at least one fuel cell.

[0016] A method for managing power supplied to a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) is also disclosed. The method includes providing a power supply system in communication with the TRU. The power supply system includes at least one battery unit and at least one fuel cell. Next, a control circuit coupled to the power supply system receives information associated with an operating characteristic of at least one subcomponent of the TRU. The control circuit then predicts an increase or decrease in a load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU based on the received information. Accordingly, the control circuit broadcasts a control signal to at least one fuel cell for a predetermined duration prior to the predicted increase or decrease in load, such that the control signal regulates the supply of power from the at least one fuel cell to the at least one subcomponent of the TRU.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, in the power supply system, at least one battery unit is electrically connected to the TRU to supply power to the TRU, and at least one fuel cell is electrically connected to the TRU and connected in parallel to the at least one battery unit.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, at least one subassembly of the TRU includes at least one of a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, at least one of an air moving device and an electric drive motor is operatively coupled to at least one subassembly of the TRU.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the operating characteristics include a rotational speed, an operating state, and a load current associated with one or more of the at least one subassembly, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, predicting an increase in a load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU includes analyzing received information associated with an operating characteristic of at least one subcomponent of the TRU, and determining an increase in an operating characteristic associated with one or more of the at least one subcomponent, an air moving device, and an electric drive motor.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, if the predicted increase in load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU is greater than a threshold load, the control circuit is further configured to broadcast a control signal to at least one battery unit to supply supplemental power to the at least one subcomponent of the TRU.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, predicting a reduction in a load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU includes analyzing received information associated with an operating characteristic of at least one subcomponent of the TRU, and determining a reduction in an operating characteristic associated with one or more of the at least one subcomponent, an air moving device, and an electric drive motor.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the predetermined duration is set based on one or more parameters of at least one fuel cell.

[0025] In order to further illustrate the advantages and features of the method, system and device / apparatus, a more specific description of the method, system and device / apparatus will be presented by reference to the specific embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered as limiting the scope thereof. The present disclosure will be described and explained using the accompanying drawings, using additional features and details. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters refer to like parts throughout the drawings, and in which:

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle having a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2A illustrates a block diagram of a system deployed in a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2B illustrates a block diagram of a system deployed in a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0030] Figure 3 A flow chart depicting a method for managing power supplied to a TRU according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0031] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not necessarily have been drawn to scale. For example, a flow chart illustrates the method in terms of the most significant steps involved to help improve understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, with respect to the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to various embodiments, and specific language will be used to describe the embodiments. It will be understood, however, that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, and such changes and further modifications in the illustrated systems and devices and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[0033] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0034] Throughout this specification, references to "aspect," "another aspect," or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in an embodiment," "in another embodiment," "some embodiments," "one or more embodiments," and similar language throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0035] The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that includes a series of steps includes not only those steps but may also include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components beginning with "comprises" do not exclude the presence of other devices or other subsystems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional subsystems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components without more limitations.

[0036] The term "unit" used herein may imply a unit including, for example, one of hardware, software, and firmware, or a combination of two or more of them. "Unit" may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, circuit, etc. A "unit" may be a minimum system component for performing one or more functions, or may be a part thereof.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Conventionally, vehicles with transport refrigeration units (TRU) 101 are typically powered by diesel engines. However, lower efficiency, higher noise, and associated non-zero emissions are the main drivers for exploring new ways to power the TRU 101. In this regard, an electrified TRU 101 powered by a fuel cell (FC)-battery hybrid system is a better alternative. However, in order to control the degree of mixing of power defined as fuel cell generated power with total TRU / load power, an optimized power management strategy (PMS) is desired. The present disclosure provides a system and method for managing the power supplied to the TRU 101 of the vehicle 106. The system 100 disclosed herein for managing the power supplied to the TRU 101 proposes an improved power management strategy that predicts the load of the TRU 101 and controls the power supplied to the TRU 101 accordingly, thereby ensuring optimal energy distribution between the fuel cell and the battery. In addition, the proposed power management strategy ensures that the battery acts as a power assist to the fuel cell.

[0039] One of the main challenges of standalone fuel cell power sources is the slow dynamic response time dictated by parasitic loads and operating temperature. As a result, during fast load transients, the fuel cell voltage drops dramatically, which may lead to failure or shutdown of the TRU 101. In addition, frequent fuel cell voltage drops reduce the battery voltage and degrade the performance of the fuel cell. Therefore, in order to utilize fuel cells in applications where the load changes dynamically, an auxiliary power source (such as a battery) is added along with the fuel cell. For an active fuel cell and battery hybrid configuration, the fuel cell acts as the primary energy source, while the battery acts as an auxiliary power source to support the fuel cell during up and down load transients. The proposed control architecture of the power management strategy is presented in Figure 2A-2B Shown in.

[0040] Figure 1A perspective view of a vehicle 106 having a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) 101 is illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the vehicle 106 may be embodied as a fuel cell based vehicle, which may be part of a powertrain or drive system of such a vehicle. In another embodiment, the vehicle 106 may be embodied as an electric vehicle having an electric motor to provide propulsion for traversing such a vehicle. In yet another embodiment, the vehicle 106 may be embodied as a hybrid vehicle having a combination of a fuel cell and one or more electric motors.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 , the vehicle 106 may include a driver's cabin 107, a container 108, the TRU 101, and the system 100. The driver's cabin 107 may be located at the front of the vehicle 106 and coupled to the container 108. In an embodiment, the container 108 may be pulled by the vehicle 106. It is understood that the embodiments described herein may be applied to transport containers transported by rail, sea, air, or any other suitable container, and thus the vehicle 106 may be a truck, train, ship, airplane, helicopter, etc. The container 108 may be coupled to the vehicle 106 and thus pulled or pushed to a desired destination.

[0042] In an embodiment, the container 108 may include a top wall 110, a bottom wall 112 opposite and spaced from the top wall 110, a pair of side walls 114 spaced from each other and opposite, and a front wall 116 and a rear wall 118 spaced from each other and opposite. The front wall 116 may be closest to the vehicle 106. The container 108 may further include a door (not shown) at the rear wall 118 or any other wall. The walls 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 may together define the boundaries of a cargo compartment within the container 108.

[0043] Vehicle 106 can be used to transport and distribute goods, such as perishable goods and environmentally sensitive goods, referred to herein as perishable goods. Perishable goods can include, but are not limited to, fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, eggs, dairy products, seeds, flowers, meat, poultry, fish, ice, blood, medicines, and any other suitable goods that require cold chain transportation.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the TRU 101 may be coupled to the container 108 and positioned on the front wall 116 of the container 108. The TRU 101 may be adapted to provide desired environmental parameters, such as temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, light exposure, vibration exposure, and other conditions, to the cargo compartment of the container 108. In one or more embodiments, the TRU 101 may be embodied as a refrigeration system capable of providing a desired temperature range and humidity range.

[0045] In an embodiment, the TRU 101 may include, but is not limited to, a compressor, an electric compressor motor, a condenser which may be air cooled, a condenser fan assembly, a receiver, a filter dryer, a heat exchanger, an expansion valve, an evaporator, an evaporator fan assembly, a suction regulating valve, and a controller which may include a computer based processor (e.g., a microprocessor). Figure 1 , the TRU 101 may communicate with the system 100 of the vehicle 106. The system 100 may be configured to supply power for operating the TRU 101 or at least subcomponents of the TRU 101.

[0046] Figure 2A A block diagram of a system 100 deployed in a vehicle 106 is illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B A block diagram of a system 100 deployed in a vehicle 106 is illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] The system 100 disclosed herein includes a power supply system 104 in communication with a TRU 101, at least one electric power converter 105, and a control circuit coupled to the power supply system 104. In an embodiment, the power supply system 104 includes at least one battery unit 102 and at least one fuel cell 103. The at least one battery unit 102 is electrically connected to the TRU 101 to supply power to the TRU 101. In addition, the at least one fuel cell 103 is electrically connected to the TRU 101 and connected in parallel to the at least one battery unit 102. The at least one electric power converter 105 is electrically connected between the power supply system 104 and the TRU 101 for regulating the power supply to the TRU 101. In an embodiment, the at least one electric power converter 105 may be a DC-DC boost converter or a DC-AC converter. The DC / DC boost converter may be configured to adjust the output voltage of the at least one battery unit 102 and / or the at least one fuel cell 103. For example, the DC / DC boost converter may increase the output voltage of the at least one battery unit 102 and / or the at least one fuel cell 103.

[0048] In an embodiment, a control circuit is coupled to the power supply system 104 and the TRU 101. The control circuit is configured to receive information associated with an operational characteristic of at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101. The at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser. In an embodiment, at least one of an air moving device such as a fan and an electric drive motor is operatively coupled to at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101. As used herein, the term "operating characteristic" may be interpreted as referring to at least one of a rotational speed, an operating state, and a load current associated with one or more of the at least one subcomponent, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor. In one or more embodiments, the control circuit may be a stand-alone unit or integrated with the TRU 101 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The control circuit may be configured to receive various inputs indicating an operational state of the TRU 101 and determine a power demand of the TRU 101. Based on the power demand, the control circuit may be configured to direct a power supply from the at least one fuel cell 103 to the TRU 101. In one or more embodiments, the control circuitry may communicate with multiple sensors, such as fan speed sensors, temperature sensors, voltage sensors, and current sensors of TRU 101 , and may be configured to estimate power requirements of TRU 101 based on inputs received from the multiple sensors of TRU 101 .

[0049] Next, the control circuit is configured to predict an increase or decrease in a load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101 based on the received information. For example, the step of predicting is performed using information collected from one or more relays attached to a switch associated with the at least one subcomponent. The relay provides information about which of the at least one subcomponent is turned on. In addition, depending on the retrieved relay information, the control circuit accesses a lookup table to predict the required power or load that the system 100 needs to prepare for. In an embodiment, the step of predicting an increase in load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101 includes analyzing the received information associated with the operating characteristics of at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101, and then determining an increase in the operating characteristics associated with one or more of the at least one subcomponent, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor. If the increase in the predicted load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101 is greater than a threshold load, the control circuit is further configured to broadcast a control signal to at least one battery unit 102 to supply supplemental power to at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101.

[0050] Alternatively, the control circuitry predicts a reduction in a load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101 by analyzing received information associated with an operating characteristic of at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101 and then determining a reduction in an operating characteristic associated with one or more of the at least one subcomponent, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor.

[0051] Finally, the control circuit broadcasts a control signal to the at least one fuel cell 103 at a predetermined duration before the predicted increase or decrease in load, wherein the control signal regulates the power supply from the at least one fuel cell 103 to the at least one subassembly. In an embodiment, the predetermined duration is set based on one or more parameters of the at least one fuel cell 103. As used herein, the "one or more parameters" of the at least one fuel cell 103 that determine the predetermined duration include a compressor time constant and a maximum ramp rate supported by the at least one fuel cell 103. The compressor time constant refers to a time delay associated with the compressor. The maximum ramp rate refers to the maximum ampere / second at which the at least one fuel cell 103 supports power ramping.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the communication between various components such as control circuits, sensors, TRU 101, at least one battery unit 102 and at least one fuel cell 103 can be embodied as wireless communication or wired communication. In an embodiment, the sensor communicates with the control circuit via an on-board network. The on-board network can include, but is not limited to, for example, a controller area network (CAN), a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) network, a vehicle area network (VAN), a domestic digital bus (D2B), a time-triggered protocol (TTP), Flex Ray, IEEE 1394, a data communication protocol based on carrier sense multiple access and collision detection (CSMA / CD), an inter-integrated circuit (I2C), an inter-device bus (IEBus), a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1708, SAE J1939, an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 11992, ISO 11783, a power line communication (PLC), a plastic optical fiber (POF), a serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus, a local interconnect network (LIN), etc.

[0053] As used herein, the term "control circuit" may refer to one or a combination of a microprocessor, suitable logic, circuit, audio interface, visual interface, tactile interface, etc. The control circuit may include, but is not limited to, a microcontroller, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) processor, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a state machine, and / or other processing units or circuits. In one or more embodiments, the control circuit may include a processor, a memory, a module, and data. The module and the memory are coupled to the processor. The processor may be a single processing unit or several units, all of which may include multiple computing units. The processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuits, and / or any device that manipulates signals based on operating instructions. In addition to other capabilities, the processor is configured to obtain and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory.

[0054] The control circuit may also include suitable logic, circuits, interfaces and / or codes that can be configured to execute instruction sets stored in the memory. The memory may additionally store various types of information related to vehicle or passenger preferences, such as a predetermined set of limit parameters of one or more components, driver behavior, location information, vehicle registration information, historical data related to passenger preferences and driver behavior, etc. In an exemplary implementation of a memory unit according to the present disclosure, the memory unit may include, but is not limited to, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, a solid-state drive (SSD) and / or a CPU cache memory. The memory may also include any non-temporary computer-readable medium known in the art, including, for example, volatile memory (such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM)) and / or non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memory, hard disk, optical disk and tape).

[0055] Modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform tasks or implement data types. Modules can also be implemented as (one or more) signal processors, (one or more) state machines, logic circuits, and / or any other device or component that manipulates signals based on operating instructions. In addition, modules can be implemented with hardware, instructions executed by a processing unit, or by a combination thereof. A processing unit may include a computer, a processor such as a processor, a state machine, a logic array, or any other suitable device capable of processing instructions. A processing unit may be a general-purpose processor that executes instructions to enable a general-purpose processor to perform the desired tasks, or a processing unit may be dedicated to performing the desired functions. In another aspect of the present disclosure, a module may be a machine-readable instruction (software) that, when executed by a processor / processing unit, performs any of the described functionalities.

[0056] Figure 3 Illustrated is a flow chart depicting a method 300 for managing power supplied to a TRU 101 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] At step 301, a power supply system 104 is provided in communication with a TRU 101. The power supply system 104 includes at least one battery unit 102 and at least one fuel cell 103. In one or more embodiments, the at least one battery unit 102 is electrically connected to the TRU 101 to supply power to the TRU 101, and the at least one fuel cell 103 is electrically connected to the TRU 101 and connected in parallel to the at least one battery unit 102.

[0058] At step 303, control circuitry coupled to power supply system 104 receives information associated with operational characteristics of at least one subcomponent of TRU 101. In an embodiment, at least one subcomponent of TRU 101 includes at least one of a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser. Additionally, at least one of an air moving device and an electric drive motor may be operably coupled to at least one subcomponent of TRU 101. The operational characteristics may include a rotational speed, an operational state, and a load current associated with one or more of the at least one subcomponent, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor.

[0059] At step 305, the control circuit predicts an increase or decrease in a load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101 based on the received information. In an embodiment, predicting an increase in a load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101 includes analyzing the received information associated with an operational characteristic of at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101 and determining an increase in an operational characteristic associated with one or more of the at least one subcomponent, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor. Alternatively, predicting a decrease in a load associated with at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101 includes analyzing the received information associated with an operational characteristic of at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101 and determining a decrease in an operational characteristic associated with one or more of the at least one subcomponent, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor.

[0060] At step 307, the control circuit broadcasts a control signal to the at least one fuel cell 103 for a predetermined duration prior to the predicted increase or decrease in load, wherein the control signal regulates the supply of power from the at least one fuel cell 103 to the at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101. If the predicted increase in load associated with the at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101 is greater than a threshold load, the control circuit is further configured to broadcast a control signal to the at least one battery unit 102 to supply supplemental power to the at least one subcomponent of the TRU 101. In an embodiment, the predetermined duration is set based on one or more parameters of the at least one fuel cell 103.

[0061] Although shown and described in a particular sequence Figure 3 However, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the steps may appear in a variation of this sequence. In addition, for the sake of brevity, Figure 1-2B The relevant descriptions have already covered Figure 3 The details associated with the various steps are not discussed in detail herein. As will be gathered, the present disclosure provides a system 100 and method 300 for managing power supplied to a TRU 101 of a vehicle 106. Advantageously, the system 100 and method 300 according to the present disclosure provide improved energy management by predicting changes from steady-state operation of the TRU 101 and dynamically adjusting the energy supply before transient loads or lack of loads occur. In addition, for higher power load transients, at least one battery unit 102 acts as an auxiliary or additional power source to supplement the power supplied from at least one fuel cell 103. Finally, the system 100 ensures a minimum or optimal size of the battery of the hybrid power system, thereby keeping the size of the at least one battery unit 102 small.

[0062] Although specific language has been used to describe the subject matter, any resulting limitations are not intended. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications in operation may be made to the method to realize the inventive concept as taught herein. The accompanying drawings and the foregoing description provide examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the elements described may be well combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, some elements may be divided into a plurality of functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

1. A system for managing power supplied to a transport refrigeration unit (TRU), the system comprising: a power supply system in communication with the TRU, the power supply system comprising: at least one battery unit electrically connected to the TRU to supply power to the TRU; and at least one fuel cell electrically connected to the TRU and connected in parallel to the at least one battery unit; at least one electric power converter electrically connected between the power supply system and the TRU for regulating power supply to the TRU; and a control circuit coupled to the power supply system and the TRU, the control circuit being configured to: receiving information associated with an operational characteristic of at least one subcomponent of the TRU; predicting an increase or decrease in a load associated with the at least one subcomponent of the TRU based on the received information; A control signal is broadcast to the at least one fuel cell a predetermined duration prior to the predicted increase or decrease in the load, wherein the control signal regulates the supply of power from the at least one fuel cell to the at least one subassembly.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one subassembly of the TRU includes at least one of a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: At least one of an air moving device and an electric drive motor is operatively coupled to the at least one subassembly of the TRU.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The operating characteristics include a rotational speed, an operating state, and a load current associated with one or more of the at least one subassembly, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Predicting the increase in the load associated with the at least one subcomponent of the TRU comprises: analyzing the received information associated with the operational characteristic of the at least one subcomponent of the TRU; and An increase in the operating characteristic associated with one or more of the at least one subassembly, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor is determined.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein if the predicted increase in the load associated with the at least one subcomponent of the TRU is greater than a threshold load, the control circuit is further configured to broadcast a control signal to the at least one battery unit to supply supplemental power to the at least one subcomponent of the TRU.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Predicting the reduction in the load associated with the at least one subcomponent of the TRU comprises: analyzing the received information associated with the operational characteristic of the at least one subcomponent of the TRU; and A reduction in the operating characteristic associated with one or more of the at least one subassembly, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor is determined.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined duration is set based on one or more parameters of the at least one fuel cell.

9. A method for managing power supplied to a transport refrigeration unit (TRU), the method comprising: providing a power supply system in communication with the TRU, the power supply system comprising at least one battery unit and at least one fuel cell; receiving, via control circuitry coupled to the power supply system, information associated with an operational characteristic of at least one subcomponent of the TRU; predicting, via the control circuitry, an increase or decrease in a load associated with the at least one subcomponent of the TRU based on the received information; as well as A control signal is broadcasted via the control circuit to at least one fuel cell a predetermined duration prior to the predicted increase or decrease in the load, wherein the control signal regulates the power supply from the at least one fuel cell to the at least one subassembly of the TRU.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: In the power supply system, The at least one battery unit is electrically connected to the TRU to supply power to the TRU, and The at least one fuel cell is electrically connected to the TRU and is connected in parallel to the at least one battery unit.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one subassembly of the TRU includes at least one of a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: At least one of an air moving device and an electric drive motor is operatively coupled to the at least one subassembly of the TRU.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The operating characteristics include a rotational speed, an operating state, and a load current associated with one or more of the at least one subassembly, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Predicting the increase in the load associated with the at least one subcomponent of the TRU comprises: analyzing the received information associated with the operational characteristic of the at least one subcomponent of the TRU; and An increase in the operating characteristic associated with one or more of the at least one subassembly, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor is determined.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein if the predicted increase in the load associated with the at least one subcomponent of the TRU is greater than a threshold load, the control circuit is further configured to broadcast a control signal to the at least one battery unit to supply supplemental power to the at least one subcomponent of the TRU.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Predicting the reduction in the load associated with the at least one subcomponent of the TRU comprises: analyzing the received information associated with the operational characteristic of the at least one subcomponent of the TRU; and A reduction in the operating characteristic associated with one or more of the at least one subassembly, the air moving device, and the electric drive motor is determined.

17. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The predetermined duration is set based on one or more parameters of the at least one fuel cell.

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