Method and system for initializing refrigeration system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system for initializing a refrigeration system. The present disclosure relates to a method (300) that includes executing, by a controller (490) of a refrigeration system (20), an initialization program (310) including performing an initialization process (330). The initialization process 330 includes: providing a prompt signal on a dedicated channel 462; monitoring the CAN bus 470 for a response signal from the at least one remote device 480A-1, 480A-2; and assigning a network address to the at least one remote device 480A-1, 480A-2 if a response signal from the remote device 480A-1, 480A-2 is detected on the CAN bus 470.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for initializing a refrigeration system (e.g., a transport refrigeration system), and in particular, to methods and systems for initializing a refrigeration system including one or more remote evaporators. The present disclosure also relates to systems including apparatus suitable for performing such methods. Background Art

[0002] Installing a refrigeration system, for example, within a vehicle or building, involves installing one or more evaporators. The evaporators may be located remotely from other components of the refrigeration system and, as such, may be referred to as remote evaporators. Installation of one or more evaporators may include placing the evaporators within the respective areas and providing electrical wiring between each evaporator and the refrigeration system's controller. However, as part of the refrigeration system installation, manual inspection (e.g., verification) of the functionality of the wiring may be required.

[0003] It is desirable to reduce the time it takes to complete the installation of a refrigeration system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect, a method is provided, comprising: executing, by a controller of a refrigeration system, an initialization program including executing an initialization process, wherein the initialization process comprises: providing a prompt signal on a dedicated channel; monitoring a CAN bus for a response signal from at least one remote device; and assigning a network address to the remote device if a response signal from at least one remote device is detected on the CAN bus.

[0005] The initialization process may include generating an alarm if no response signal from at least one remote device on the CAN bus is detected.

[0006] At least one remote device may be associated with an evaporator configured for heat exchange with a climate control zone. The initialization process may include: if response signals from multiple remote devices are detected on the CAN bus, distinguishing between the multiple remote devices based on differences between the respective response signals; and assigning a network address to each remote device.

[0007] Each remote device of the plurality of remote devices may be associated with a respective evaporator configured for heat exchange with the same climate-controlled zone.

[0008] Distinguishing between the plurality of remote devices may include identifying one of the plurality of remote devices as being associated with a primary evaporator of the climate-controlled zone.

[0009] Executing the initialization procedure may include: executing an additional initialization procedure after executing the initialization process. The additional initialization procedure includes: providing an additional prompt signal on an additional dedicated channel; and monitoring the CAN bus for an additional response signal from at least one additional remote device.

[0010] The additional initialization process may include assigning a network address to at least one additional remote device if an additional response signal from the additional remote device is detected on the CAN bus.

[0011] At least one additional remote device may be associated with an additional evaporator configured for heat exchange with an additional climate-controlled space.

[0012] The additional initialization process may include: if additional response signals from a plurality of additional remote devices are detected on the CAN bus, distinguishing between the plurality of additional remote devices based on differences between the respective additional response signals; and assigning a network address to each additional remote device.

[0013] Each additional remote device may be associated with a respective additional evaporator configured for heat exchange with the same additional climate-controlled space. Distinguishing between the plurality of additional remote devices may include identifying one of the plurality of additional remote devices as being associated with a primary additional evaporator of the additional climate-controlled space.

[0014] The additional initialization process may include terminating execution of the initialization procedure if no additional response signal from the additional remote device is detected on the CAN bus.

[0015] The method may include executing, by a controller of the refrigeration system, an operating procedure including controlling the refrigeration system using the at least one network address if the at least one network address has been assigned during the initialization procedure.

[0016] According to a second aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0017] According to a third aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium having stored thereon the computer program according to the second aspect.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a refrigeration system comprising a controller configured to perform the method according to the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 A vehicle including a transport refrigeration system is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 Is suitable for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example transport refrigeration unit for use with a vehicle of the type described herein, the example transport refrigeration unit including a vapor-compression refrigeration circuit;

[0021] Figure 3 is shown to be suitable for Figure 2 A diagram of an exemplary electronic system for use with a transport refrigeration unit;

[0022] Figure 4 It shows the use of Figure 3 A flowchart of an example method for initializing a refrigeration system using an electronic system;

[0023] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 a flow chart of the initialization procedure of the illustrated method;

[0024] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 A flowchart of an additional initialization procedure for the illustrated method; and

[0025] Figure 7 is a highly schematic diagram of a machine-readable medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 is shown including a transport refrigeration system 20. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the transport refrigeration system 20 forms part of a highway refrigerated semi-trailer having a structure 22 that supports (or forms) at least one climate-controlled compartment 24 configured to be cooled and / or heated by the TRU 110. The climate-controlled compartment 24 has a plurality of zones (e.g., thermally or hermetically separated) that can be separated from one another. Figure 1 Not shown, but as follows Figure 2 ). Thus, transport refrigeration system 20 can operate as a multi-temperature refrigeration system utilizing multiple zones. Structure 22 includes a chassis. Structure 22 supports TRU 110. Vehicle 10 also includes a tractor unit 14 that is removably coupled to a trailer. Transport refrigeration systems according to the present disclosure can be provided in and / or on other types of vehicles (e.g., rigid trucks, etc.).

[0027] Figure 2 Schematically shows a suitable Figure 1 An example TRU 110 for use within the vehicle 10 and transport refrigeration system 20 is shown. The TRU 110 includes a vapor-compression refrigeration circuit 400.

[0028] The vapor-compression refrigeration circuit 400 includes a condenser 404 configured to reject heat to a heat sink 44 (e.g., ambient air outside the climate-controlled compartment 24). The vapor-compression refrigeration circuit 400 also includes a plurality of evaporators 408A-1, 408A-2, 408B-1, 408B-2, 408C-1, and 408C-2, each configured to receive heat from a climate-controlled zone 24A, 24B, or 24C of the transport refrigeration system 20. For these purposes, the vapor-compression refrigeration circuit 400 also includes a compressor 402 and a plurality of expansion valves 406A-1, 406A-2, 406B-1, 406B-2, 406C-1, and 406C-2. Accordingly, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the vapor-compression refrigeration circuit 400 can be controlled to remove heat from the climate-controlled compartment 24 by circulating refrigerant therein.

[0029] More specifically, in Figure 2 In the example shown, the vapor-compression circuit 400 includes six evaporators 408A-1, 408A-2, 408B-1, 408B-2, 408C-1, and 408C-2. The first primary evaporator 408A-1 and the first auxiliary evaporator 408A-2 (which together form a first pair of evaporators 408A-1, 408A-2) are both configured to receive heat from the first climate-controlled zone 24A of the transport refrigeration system 20. Similarly, the second primary evaporator 408B-1 and the second auxiliary evaporator 408B-2 (together forming the second pair of evaporators 408B-1, 408B-2) are both configured to receive heat from the second climate-controlled zone 24B of the transport refrigeration system 20, while the third primary evaporator 408C-1 and the third auxiliary evaporator 408C-2 (together forming the third pair of evaporators 408C-1, 408C-2) are both configured to receive heat from the third climate-controlled zone 24C of the transport refrigeration system 20. The evaporators are typically located close to the respective climate-controlled zones with which they exchange heat and remote from the compressor 402 and condenser 404, and thus may be referred to as remote evaporators.

[0030] More specifically, in Figure 2 In the example shown, each pair of evaporators is fluidly connected in parallel with the other pairs of evaporators between the compressor 402 and the condenser 404. Additionally, the primary evaporator in each pair of evaporators is fluidly connected in parallel with the secondary evaporator in that pair of evaporators. Respective expansion valves 406A-1, 406A-2, 406B-1, 406B-2, 406C-1, 406C-2 are configured to control the pressure of the refrigerant circulating through each evaporator 408A-1, 408A-2, 408B-1, 408B-2, 408C-1, 408C-2.

[0031] The transport refrigeration system 20 includes a controller 490 configured to control the TRU 110 (including a controller configured to control the vapor-compression refrigeration circuit 400) (see also below). Figure 3 Controller 490 may be referred to as a master controller 490 or a master application controller (MAC) 490. Furthermore, each evaporator 408A-1, 408A-2, 408B-1, 408B-2, 408C-1, 408C-2 is provided with a corresponding local controller 480A-1, 480A-2, 480B-1, 480B-2, 480C-1, 480C-2. The local controller may be referred to as a remote device or a remote input / output controller (RIOC). The RIOC 480A-1 associated with the first main evaporator 408A-1 and the RIOC 480A-2 associated with the first auxiliary evaporator 408A-2 together form a first pair of RIOCs 480A-1, 480A-2, the RIOC 480B-1 associated with the second main evaporator 408B-1 and the RIOC 480B-2 associated with the second auxiliary evaporator 408B-2 together form a second pair of RIOCs 480B-1, 480B-2, and the RIOC 480C-1 associated with the third main evaporator 408C-1 and the RIOC 480C-2 associated with the third auxiliary evaporator 408C-2 together form a third pair of RIOCs 480C-1, 480C-2.

[0032] As referenced below Figure 3 As further described in detail, the MAC 490 is electrically coupled to, and thus communicatively coupled to, each of the RIOCs 480A-1, 480A-2, 480B-1, 480B-2, 480C-1, 480C-2. Each RIOC 480A-1, 480A-2, 480B-1, 480B-2, 480C-1, 480C-2 may be configured to monitor one or more parameters associated with the associated evaporator 408A-1, 408A-2, 408B-1, 408B-2, 408C-1, 408C-2 and provide the or each parameter to the MAC 490. The MAC 490 may control the vapor-compression system 400 based at least in part on the or each parameter received from the RIOC.

[0033] Figure 3 is shown suitable for reference with the above Figure 2A schematic diagram of an example electronic system 200 for use with the TRU 110 is shown, where like reference numbers indicate similar or common features. The electronic system 200 includes a common controller area network (CAN) bus 470 and a plurality of separate dedicated channels 462, 464, and 466. A MAC 490 is electrically coupled to each of the RIOCs 480A-1, 480A-2, 480B-1, 480B-2, 480C-1, and 480C-2 via the CAN bus 470. Furthermore, the MAC 490 is electrically coupled to a first pair of RIOCs 480A-1 and 480A-2 via a first dedicated channel 462; to a second pair of RIOCs 480B-1 and 480B-2 via a second dedicated channel 464; and to a third pair of RIOCs 480C-1 and 480C-2 via a third dedicated channel 466. In this example, each dedicated channel 462, 464, 466 can also serve as a power connection between the MAC 490 and the RIOCs 480A-1, 480A-2, 480B-1, 480B-2, 480C-1, 480C-2. For example, each dedicated channel 462, 464, 466 can serve as a 24 VDC bus power connection between the MAC 490 and the RIOCs 480A-1, 480A-2, 480B-1, 480B-2, 480C-1, 480C-2.

[0034] Each RIOC consists of two input ports and one input-output port. Figure 3 The first input port of each RIOC is labeled "VSYS", and Figure 3 In the example, the second input port of each RIOC is labeled "DI4". Figure 3 In FIG, the input-output port of each RIOC is marked as "CNIO". It will be understood that, except Figure 3 Each RIOC may include other ports in addition to the ports shown and described herein. For example, each RIOC may have 32 ports or 48 ports (e.g., if a 32-pin connector or a 48-pin connector (as appropriate) is used for the respective RIOC).

[0035] Each RIOC 480A-1, 480A-2, 480B-1, 480B-2, 480C-1, 480C-2 is coupled to the CAN bus 470 via its input-output port CNIO. Each of the first pair of RIOCs 480A-1, 480A-2 is coupled to the first dedicated channel 462 via its first input port VSYS. Similarly, each of the second pair of RIOCs 480B-1, 480B-2 is coupled to the second dedicated channel 464 via its first input port VSYS, and each of the third pair of RIOCs 480C-1, 480C-2 is coupled to the third dedicated channel 466 via its first input port VSYS.

[0036] The second input port DI4 of the RIOC 480A-1, 480B-1, 480C-1 associated with the primary evaporator 408A-1, 408B-1, 408C-1 of each pair of evaporators is also coupled to the dedicated channel 462, 464, 466 to which its first input port is coupled. The second input port DI4 of the RIOC 480A-2, 480B-2, 480C-2 associated with the secondary evaporator 408A-2, 408B-2, 408C-2 of each pair of evaporators is connected to ground.

[0037] Figure 4 is shown for initializing a refrigeration system (e.g., referenced above Figures 1 to 3 Flowchart of an example method 300 for a transport refrigeration system 20 as described above. The method 300 may be executed by a controller of the refrigeration system (e.g., Figure 1 4 and 5. The controller 490 of the transport refrigeration system 20 described above is executed.

[0038] The method 300 includes, at block 310, the controller executing an initialization routine. At block 310, execution of the initialization routine may begin in response to an installer or user providing input to a human machine interface (HMI) or providing input via an application program interface (API) (e.g., an electronic system including the controller (e.g., as described above with reference to FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 200 described above) or an HMI or API of a refrigeration system including a controller (eg, controller 490 described above).

[0039] Based on the criteria described below, method 300 further includes, at block 320, the controller executing a run program. At block 310, execution of the initialization program includes, at block 330, the controller performing an initialization process. At block 310, execution of the initialization program may further include, at blocks 340, 340', and 340", the controller performing at least one additional initialization process.

[0040] Figure 5 It is shown in detail by Figure 4 The initialization process may begin with a controller (e.g., the controller shown above) Figure 2 and Figure 3 MAC 490 described above) to connect to the CAN bus (e.g., Figure 3 A disable command is issued to any component of the CAN bus 470 described below to ensure that communications on the CAN bus are silent before performing the substantive actions of the initialization process described below.

[0041] The initialization process includes: at sub-block 331, on a dedicated channel (e.g., Figure 3 The prompt signal may be provided on the first dedicated channel 462 as described above. The prompt signal may be, for example, a digital output signal (e.g., a DC voltage corresponding to a HIGH digital state). The initialization process further includes, at sub-block 332, monitoring the CAN bus for one or more response signals after the prompt signal has been provided on the dedicated channel, and then, at sub-block 333, determining whether at least one response signal from a remote device has been detected on the CAN bus. Detection of a response signal from a remote device on the CAN bus indicates that the remote device (e.g., the one described above with reference to FIG. 1 ) has been detected. Figure 3 The RIOC 480A-1, 480A-2) described above is already at the first input of the remote device (e.g., Figure 3 The controller receives an alert signal via a dedicated channel at a first input VSYS described above and responds thereto by providing a response signal on the CAN bus. As a result, detection of the response signal on the CAN bus indicates that the wiring between the remote device and the controller is functioning properly. The response signal may include (e.g., encode or represent) a unique identifier associated with the remote device that provided the response signal on the CAN bus. Failure to detect a response signal on the CAN bus after the alert signal has been provided on the dedicated channel indicates that the wiring between the remote device and the controller is not functioning properly. The response signal may be included at a second input of the remote device (e.g., referenced above). Figure 3 An indication of the presence or absence of a signal received at the second input DI4) described.

[0042] If, at sub-block 333, it is determined that no response signal from the remote device is detected on the CAN bus after providing the prompt signal on the dedicated channel, method 300 generates an alarm at block 334 and terminates execution of the initialization routine. The alarm may be provided on an HMI or API for the electronics or refrigeration system. The generation and provision of the alarm may prompt the installer or user to investigate the status of the wiring between the remote device and the controller and take any remedial action deemed appropriate. The installer or user may then restart the initialization routine by providing input to the HMI or API as described above.

[0043] Conversely, if it is determined at sub-block 333 that a response signal has been detected on the CAN bus after providing the alert signal on the dedicated channel, the method 300 determines whether multiple response signals from the corresponding multiple remote devices have been detected on the CAN bus at sub-block 335. For example, if response signals including different unique identifiers are detected on the CAN bus, the method determines at sub-block 335 that multiple response signals from the corresponding multiple remote devices have been detected on the CAN bus. Otherwise, the method may determine at sub-block 335 that multiple response signals from the corresponding multiple remote devices have not been detected on the CAN bus.

[0044] If it is determined at sub-block 335 that multiple response signals from corresponding multiple remote devices have not been detected on the CAN bus (i.e., only one response signal from only one remote device is received on the CAN bus), then at sub-block 336, a network address (e.g., a source address) is assigned to the remote device that provided the response signal on the CAN bus. At sub-block 336, the network address may be assigned based on (e.g., using) the SAE J1939 protocol. Sub-block 336 may optionally include generating a status message. The status message may be provided on an HMI or API of the electronic system or refrigeration system. Figure 3 In the context of the described electronic system 200 , the generation and provision of the status message may inform an installer or user that the climate control zone 24A has been configured as a single evaporator zone.

[0045] If it is determined at sub-block 335 that multiple response signals from corresponding multiple remote devices have been detected on the CAN bus, the method 300 distinguishes between the multiple remote devices at sub-block 337. The distinction at sub-block 337 can be based on the differences between the respective response signals detected on the CAN bus. Figure 3In the context of the described electronic system 200, distinguishing between the plurality of remote devices / RIOCs 480A-1, 480A-2 at sub-block 337 may include analyzing a component of a response signal corresponding to a signal received at the second input DI4 of each remote RIOC 480A-1, 480A-2 to determine which of the RIOCs 480A-1, 480A-2 is associated with the first primary evaporator 408A-1 and which of the RIOCs 480A-1, 480A-2 is associated with the first secondary evaporator 408A-2. Specifically, the RIOC 480A-1 associated with the first primary evaporator 408A-1 may be identified as the remote device from which the response signal has a component corresponding to its second input DI4 coupled to the first dedicated channel 462, and the RIOC 480A-2 associated with the first secondary evaporator 408A-2 may be identified as the remote device from which the response signal has a component corresponding to its second input DI4 coupled to ground. In this manner, RIOCs associated with primary and secondary evaporators configured for heat exchange with the first climate-controlled zone 24 A may be distinguished and identified. Metadata corresponding to the identity of each remote device may be stored in a memory (eg, non-volatile memory) of the controller.

[0046] After the differentiation has been made at sub-block 337, the method moves to assigning a network address (e.g., source address) to each of the plurality of remote devices providing a response signal on the CAN bus at sub-block 338. At sub-block 338, the network address may be assigned based on (e.g., using) the SAE J1939 protocol. Sub-block 338 may optionally include generating a status message. The status message may be provided on an HMI or API of the electronic system or refrigeration system. Figure 3 In the context of the described electronic system 200 , the generation and provision of the status message may inform an installer or user that the climate control zone 24A has been configured as a multi-evaporator zone and optionally provide an indication of how many evaporators are included in the multi-evaporator zone.

[0047] Figure 6 It is shown in detail by Figure 4 The first additional initialization process is represented by block 340 in FIG.

[0048] The first additional initialization process includes: at sub-block 341, on an additional dedicated channel (e.g., Figure 3 The additional prompt signal can generally be the same as the second dedicated channel 464 described above. Figure 5The additional prompt signal may be similar to the prompt signal described in sub-block 331 of . The additional prompt signal may be, for example, a digital output signal (e.g., a DC voltage corresponding to a HIGH digital state). The first additional initialization process further includes, at sub-block 342, monitoring the CAN bus for one or more additional response signals after the additional prompt signal has been provided on the dedicated channel, and at sub-block 343, determining whether at least one additional response signal from an additional remote device has been detected on the CAN bus. Detection of an additional response signal from a remote device on the CAN bus indicates that the additional remote device (e.g., the one described above with reference to ). Figure 3 RIOC 480B-1, 480B-2) described above has been added to the first input of the remote device (e.g., Figure 3 The controller receives an additional prompt signal via an additional dedicated channel at the first input VSYS described above and responds to it by providing an additional response signal on the CAN bus. As a result, the detection of the additional response signal on the CAN bus indicates that the wiring between the additional remote device and the controller is operating normally. Figure 5 Similar to the response signal described above, the additional response signal may include (e.g., encode or represent) a unique identifier associated with the additional remote device that provided the additional response signal on the CAN bus. Failure to detect the additional response signal on the CAN bus after the additional prompt signal has been provided on the additional dedicated channel indicates that the wiring between the additional remote device and the controller is not functioning properly. The additional response signal may be included on a second input of the additional remote device (e.g., referenced above). Figure 3 An indication of the presence or absence of a signal received at the second input DI4) described.

[0049] If it is determined at sub-block 343 that no additional response signal from an additional remote device has been detected on the CAN bus after providing the additional prompt signal on the additional dedicated channel, the method 300 terminates execution of the initialization procedure at block 349 and optionally generates a status message. The status message may be provided on the HMI or API of the electronic system or refrigeration system. Figure 3 In the context of the described electronic system 200, the generation and provision of a status message can inform the installer or user that no additional devices were configured as part of the initialization of the refrigeration system, and therefore that the refrigeration system has been configured as a single climate control zone refrigeration system. The installer or user can then accept this configuration of the refrigeration system or, after investigating the wiring between the controller and the additional devices, restart the initialization process by providing input to the HMI or API as described above. For example, if the installer or user knows that the refrigeration system should be configured as a multi-climate control zone refrigeration system, then terminating the initialization process at sub-block 349 indicates a wiring fault between the controller and the additional remote device.

[0050] Conversely, if it is determined at sub-block 343 that additional response signals have been detected on the CAN bus after providing additional alert signals on additional dedicated channels, the method 300 determines whether multiple additional response signals from the corresponding multiple additional remote devices have been detected on the CAN bus at sub-block 345. For example, if additional response signals including different unique identifiers are detected on the CAN bus, the initialization process includes determining that multiple additional response signals from the corresponding multiple additional remote devices have been detected on the CAN bus at sub-block 345. Otherwise, the initialization process may determine at sub-block 345 that multiple additional response signals from the corresponding multiple additional remote devices have not been detected on the CAN bus.

[0051] If it is determined at sub-block 345 that multiple additional response signals from corresponding multiple additional remote devices have not been detected on the CAN bus (i.e., only one additional response signal from only one additional remote device is received on the CAN bus), then the method 300 assigns a network address (e.g., a source address) to the additional remote device that provided the additional response signal on the CAN bus at sub-block 346. At sub-block 346, the network address may be assigned based on (e.g., using) the SAE J1939 protocol. Sub-block 346 may optionally include generating a status message. The status message may be provided on an HMI or API of the electronic system or refrigeration system. Figure 3 In the context of the described electronic system 200 , the generation and provision of the status message may inform an installer or user that the second climate control zone 24B has been configured as a single evaporator zone.

[0052] If it is determined at sub-block 345 that a plurality of additional response signals from corresponding plurality of additional remote devices have been detected on the CAN bus, the method 300 distinguishes between the plurality of additional remote devices at sub-block 347. The distinction at sub-block 347 may be based on differences between the respective additional response signals detected on the CAN bus. Figure 3In the context of the described electronic system 200, distinguishing between the plurality of additional remote devices / RIOCs 480B-1, 480B-2 at sub-block 347 may include analyzing components of the additional response signal corresponding to the signal received at the second input DI4 of each remote RIOC 480B-1, 480B-2 to determine which of the RIOCs 480B-1, 480B-2 is associated with the second primary evaporator 408B-1 (e.g., the primary additional evaporator) and which of the RIOCs 480B-1, 480B-2 is associated with the second auxiliary evaporator 408B-2 (e.g., the auxiliary additional evaporator). Specifically, the RIOC 480B-1 associated with the second primary evaporator 408B-1 can be identified as an additional remote device from which the additional response signal has a component corresponding to its second input DI4 coupled to the second dedicated channel 464, and the RIOC 480B-2 associated with the second auxiliary evaporator 408B-2 can be identified as an additional remote device from which the additional response signal has a component corresponding to its second input DI4 coupled to ground. In this manner, the RIOCs associated with the primary and auxiliary evaporators configured for heat exchange with the second climate-controlled zone 24B (e.g., the additional climate-controlled zone) can be distinguished and identified. Metadata corresponding to the identity of each additional remote device can be stored in a memory (e.g., non-volatile memory) of the controller.

[0053] After the differentiation at sub-block 347, at sub-block 348, the first additional initialization process assigns a network address (e.g., a source address) to each of the plurality of additional remote devices that provide additional response signals on the CAN bus. At sub-block 348, the network addresses may be assigned based on (e.g., using) the SAE J1939 protocol. Sub-block 348 may optionally include generating a status message. The status message may be provided on an HMI or API of the electronic system or refrigeration system. Figure 3 In the context of the described electronic system 200 , the generation and provision of the status message may inform an installer or user that the second climate control zone 24B has been configured as a multi-evaporator zone and optionally provide an indication of how many evaporators are included in the multi-evaporator zone.

[0054] The or each network address assigned at sub-blocks 336, 338, 346, and / or 348 during execution of the initialization process may be stored in non-volatile memory of the controller and / or remote device. The network address may not change until the initialization procedure is restarted by the installer or user.

[0055] The second additional initialization process represented by block 340' is generally similar to the first additional process procedure represented by block 340. That is, the second additional initialization process includes the same steps as those represented by block 340. Figure 6 The actions represented by sub-blocks 341, 342, 343, 345, 346, 347, 348 and 349 in FIG. 347 are substantially corresponding to the ... Figure 3 In addition, in the above reference Figure 3 In the context of the described electronic system 200, distinguishing between the plurality of additional remote devices / RIOCs 480B-1, 480B-2 during the second additional initialization process may include analyzing components of the additional response signal corresponding to the signal received at the second input DI4 of each remote RIOC 480C-1, 480C-2 to determine which of the RIOCs 480C-1, 480C-2 is associated with the third primary vaporizer 408C-1 (e.g., another primary additional vaporizer) and which of the RIOCs 480C-1, 480B-C is associated with the third auxiliary vaporizer 408C-2 (e.g., another auxiliary additional vaporizer).

[0056] Now return to Figure 4 , block 340" represents an nth additional initialization process. The nth additional initialization process is generally similar to the first additional process procedure represented by block 340 and the second additional process procedure represented by block 340'. In the context of a refrigeration system, the nth additional initialization process may be included within method 300 to accommodate initialization of a refrigeration system that includes more than three climate-controlled zones with associated remote devices / evaporators. The present disclosure contemplates that method 300 may include any suitable number of initialization processes, including any number of additional initialization processes (e.g., as many initialization processes as or potentially as many climate-controlled zones in the context of a refrigeration system).

[0057] If at least one network address has been assigned to the RIOC during the initialization procedure at block 310, method 300 proceeds to block 320 to execute the operational procedure 320. In some examples, method 300 may include waiting for a signal (e.g., from an HMI or API) indicating that the installer or user has approved the start of refrigeration system operation before proceeding to block 320 to execute the operational procedure 320. In the context of a refrigeration system, the operational procedure at block 320 may include a controller (e.g., MAC 490) controlling a vapor-compression system (e.g., vapor-compression system 400) based at least in part on one or more parameters received from a remote device (e.g., RIOC) to which a network address has been assigned during the initialization procedure at block 310. As an example, MAC 490 may receive one or more parameters from the RIOC via CAN bus 470 related to physical conditions within or near an evaporator associated with the RIOC. The physical conditions may include, for example, the temperature of the surrounding medium (e.g., the air within the associated climate control zone); the degree of frost on the evaporator; and / or thermal fluid properties of the refrigerant circulating through the evaporator. Otherwise, if a network address is not assigned during the initialization procedure at block 310 , method 300 may include generating an alert. The alert may be provided on an HMI or API for the electronics or refrigeration system. The generation and provision of the alert may prompt the installer or user to investigate the status of the wiring between the remote device and the controller and take any remedial action deemed appropriate. The installer or user may then restart the initialization procedure by providing input to the HMI or API as described above.

[0058] Figure 7 A machine-readable medium 600 having stored thereon a computer program 60 comprising instructions that, when provided to a transport refrigeration system 20 and / or a TRU 110 (e.g., as described above with reference to FIG. 1 ) according to the present disclosure is shown highly schematically. Figure 1-Figure 3 When the controller 490 of the transport refrigeration system 20 and / or TRU 110 described above is executed, the controller 490 executes the above reference Figure 4-Figure 6 The machine readable medium 600 may form part of the memory of the controller 490, and / or the computer program 60 may be transferred to the memory of the controller 490, so that the controller 490 can perform the above-referenced methods in conjunction with the HMI or API. Figure 4-Figure 6 The method 300 is described without using any other external computing resources (eg, any other processor or controller (eg, a separate computer)).

[0059] Previously considered systems and methods for initializing refrigeration systems involved manually identifying remote devices (e.g., remote IO controllers) and wiring between controllers (e.g., master application controllers). In the context of refrigeration systems, this may involve the installer or user walking (e.g., repeatedly) between one or more climate control zones and the zones where the controllers are located. The systems and methods of the present disclosure help simplify the installation of refrigeration systems by automatically identifying one or more remote evaporators, which is particularly beneficial during the installation of multi-temperature refrigeration systems. Consequently, the use of the systems and methods of the present disclosure can reduce the time spent installing / initializing / reinitializing a refrigeration system.

[0060] Unless mutually exclusive, features described in relation to any of the above aspects may be applied to any of the other aspects after necessary corrections. Furthermore, unless mutually exclusive, any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and / or combined with any other feature described herein. Furthermore, although the present disclosure is presented in the context of transport refrigeration systems and / or vapor compression circuits, it will be understood that the present disclosure has other possible applications in other technical fields.

Claims

1. A method comprising: An initialization procedure including an initialization process is executed by a controller of the refrigeration system, wherein the initialization process includes: Providing prompt signals on dedicated channels; monitoring the CAN bus for a response signal from at least one remote device; and If a response signal from at least one remote device is detected on the CAN bus, a network address is assigned to the remote device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The initialization process includes generating an alarm if the response signal from the at least one remote device on the CAN bus is not detected.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The at least one remote device is associated with an evaporator configured for heat exchange with the climate controlled zone.

4. The method according to claim 1, in, The initialization process includes: If response signals from a plurality of remote devices are detected on the CAN bus, distinguishing between the plurality of remote devices based on differences between the respective response signals; and Assign a network address to each remote device.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein Each remote device of the plurality of remote devices is associated with a respective evaporator configured for heat exchange with the same climate-controlled zone.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: Distinguishing between the plurality of remote devices includes identifying one of the plurality of remote devices as being associated with a primary evaporator of the climate-controlled zone.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein Executing the initialization procedure (310) includes: executing an additional initialization process after executing the initialization process, and wherein the additional initialization process includes: providing additional prompt signals on additional dedicated channels; and The CAN bus is monitored for additional response signals from at least one additional remote device.

8. The method according to claim 7, in, The additional initialization process includes: If an additional response signal from the at least one additional remote device is detected on the CAN bus, a network address is assigned to the additional remote device.

9. The method according to claim 8, in, The additional initialization process includes: If additional response signals from a plurality of additional remote devices are detected on the CAN bus, distinguishing between the plurality of additional remote devices based on differences between the respective additional response signals; and Assign a network address to each additional remote device.

10. The method according to claim 7, in, The additional initialization process includes: If no additional response signal from an additional remote device is detected on the CAN bus, execution of the initialization procedure is terminated.

11. The method according to claim 1, comprising: If at least one network address has been assigned during the initialization procedure, an operating procedure is executed by the controller of the refrigeration system, the operating procedure including controlling the refrigeration system using the at least one network address.

12. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to claim 1.

13. A computer readable medium having stored thereon the computer program according to claim 12.

14. A refrigeration system comprising a controller configured to perform the method according to claim 1.

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