Method and apparatus for controlling refrigeration system of vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: detecting a failure of the refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising a freezer configured to control a temperature of a freezer compartment of the refrigeration system; a current consumption diagram of the refrigerating system is received, and the current consumption diagram maps the magnitude of current to the target temperature of the freezing chamber; determining, based on the detected fault of the refrigeration system, an amount of operating current in the fault using a current consumption map for controlling operation of a refrigerator of the refrigeration system during the fault; and transmitting, to a power supply device of the refrigerator, the amount of the in-failure operation current, and an operation instruction configured to switch the power supply device from a normal operation mode to an in-failure operation mode in which the power supply device limits power used in a heat exchanger of the refrigerator compared to the normal operation mode.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0054469, filed on April 24, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle when a refrigeration system of the vehicle fails. BACKGROUND

[0004] A purpose-built vehicle (PBV) is a vehicle designed for a specific purpose. In other words, unlike a general passenger vehicle, the PBV is designed and manufactured to meet a specific purpose or requirement, and can be a vehicle manufactured based on a special function or purpose. The PBV can be a modular vehicle configured to operate by electronic motorization. A refrigerated vehicle can be a special vehicle for transporting temperature-sensitive goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and / or biochemical or chemical products. The refrigerated vehicle is equipped with a cooling system that can precisely control the internal temperature to ensure that the goods remain in an appropriate state before reaching the destination. Recently, such a refrigerated vehicle for environmental protection purposes has been developed based on the PBV, and related solutions and services are provided.

[0005] The matter described in this Background section is merely for the purposes of enhancing the understanding of the background of the application, and should not be considered as admitting that it corresponds to prior art known to those skilled in the art. SUMMARY

[0006] The following summary is a simplified summary of certain features. The summary is neither an extensive overview of the application nor intended to identify key or critical elements.

[0007] A system, apparatus, and method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle are described. A method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle can include the steps of: detecting a failure of the refrigeration system, the refrigeration system including a freezer configured to control a temperature of a freezer compartment of the refrigeration system; receiving a current consumption map of the refrigeration system, the current consumption map mapping an amount of current to a target temperature of the freezer compartment; determining, based on the detected failure of the refrigeration system, an in-failure operating current amount for controlling operation of the freezer of the refrigeration system during the failure using the current consumption map; and transmitting, to a power supply device of the freezer: the in-failure operating current amount, and an operation instruction configured to cause the power supply device to switch from a normal operation mode to an in-failure operation mode in which the power supply device limits power used in a heat exchanger of the freezer compared to the normal operation mode.

[0008] An apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle can include one or more processors; and one or more memory devices including at least one instruction configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to: detect a fault of the refrigeration system, the refrigeration system including a freezer configured to control a temperature of a freezer compartment of the refrigeration system; receive a current consumption map of the refrigeration system, the current consumption map mapping an amount of current to a target temperature of the freezer compartment; determine, based on the detected fault of the refrigeration system, an in-fault operating current amount for controlling the freezer of the refrigeration system during the fault using the current consumption map; and send, to a power supply device of the freezer, the in-fault operating current amount and an operating instruction configured to cause the power supply device to switch an operating mode of the refrigeration system from a normal operating mode to an in-fault operating mode in which the power supply device limits a power used in a heat exchanger of the freezer compared to the normal operating mode.

[0009] These, and other, features and advantages will be described in more detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present application will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The application is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the drawing, in which like references indicate similar, or like, elements in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0014] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0015] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0016] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a computing device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described can be modified in various different ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the application. Therefore, the drawings and description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Identical reference numerals designate identical elements throughout the specification and the drawings.

[0019] Throughout the specification and claims, the terms "comprise", "have", "contain" and "include" and their variants shall be understood to imply containing the stated element but not excluding any other element. It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0020] The terms "component", "unit", and "module" herein should be understood to refer to a unit capable of processing at least one function or operation described in the specification, and can be implemented by hardware or circuitry, software, or a combination of hardware or circuitry and software. In addition, at least some components or functions for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to the embodiments described below can be implemented as programs or software, and the programs or software can be stored in a computer-readable medium.

[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 The apparatus 10 for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to one embodiment can execute program codes loaded in one or more memory devices via one or more processors. For example, the apparatus 10 for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle can be implemented as a computing device 50 as described herein with reference to Figure 7 The one or more processors can correspond to the processor 510 of the computing device 50. The one or more memory devices can correspond to the memory 520 of the computing device 50. If the refrigeration system installed in the vehicle malfunctions (is determined to malfunction / fails), the program codes can be executed by the one or more processors to control a freezer that adjusts a freezing chamber temperature. The term "module" herein is used to logically distinguish different functions performed by the program codes.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the apparatus 10 for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle can execute program codes including a refrigeration system failure detection module 110, a current consumption map providing module 120, a failure period failure-in-operation current amount calculation module 130, and an operation mode control module 140.

[0024] The refrigeration system failure detection module 110 can detect a failure of the refrigeration system (e.g., while the vehicle is in operation). The refrigeration system applied to a commercial vehicle can be equipped with a temperature sensor for a target operation (e.g., a target temperature operation). For example, in the refrigeration system, the temperature sensor can be installed in a freezer compartment, outside the refrigeration system, or in the freezer compartment and outside the refrigeration system. The freezer compartment temperature sensor can measure a current temperature of the freezer compartment, and the temperature sensor installed outside the refrigeration system and operated can measure an outside temperature of the vehicle. The refrigeration system failure detection module 110 can detect a failure of the freezer compartment temperature sensor or detect a failure of the freezer compartment temperature sensor from / based on the freezer compartment temperature sensor or other temperature sensors (e.g., while the vehicle is in operation).

[0025] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system failure detection module 110 can determine that the refrigeration system has failed based on a failure signal received from the freezer compartment temperature sensor. Here, the failure signal can include one or more predefined failure signals that the freezer compartment temperature sensor can output to another element (e.g., the apparatus 10 for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle). The one or more predefined failure signals can indicate that one or more corresponding situations have occurred / are occurring. For example, the one or more failure signals can include various types of failure signals, such as a temperature deviation signal indicating that an actual temperature is outside a preset range, a sensor error signal indicating that the temperature sensor itself has failed or is failing, a communication error signal indicating that temperature data is not being normally transmitted, a mechanical damage signal indicating that a physical impact or damage has occurred, etc.

[0026] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system failure detection module 110 can detect a failure of the refrigeration system by directly tracking a temperature (e.g., a temperature change) in the freezer compartment. That is, the refrigeration system failure detection module 110 can receive a temperature value from the freezer compartment temperature sensor and track a temperature and / or a temperature change in the freezer compartment. If the temperature change is determined to be an abnormal change and / or the temperature is determined to be an abnormal temperature, the refrigeration system failure detection module 110 can determine that the refrigeration system has failed / had failed. The abnormal temperature and / or temperature change can indicate that the temperature of the freezer compartment exceeds and / or exceeds a preset range and / or indicates a change pattern that is unrelated to normal operation (e.g., failure-free operation) of the refrigeration system.

[0027] The current consumption map providing module 120 can provide a predefined current consumption map pertaining to / associated with the refrigeration system. The current consumption map can include an amount of current (e.g., expected current consumption) required / expected to achieve the target internal temperature of the freezer compartment. The amount of current can be determined considering various parameters / factors associated with the operation of the refrigerated vehicle and / or the condition in which the refrigerated vehicle is operated.

[0028] In some embodiments, in the current consumption map, the amount of current associated / corresponding to the target internal temperature of the freezer compartment (required to be achieved) can be defined / determined / calculated based on at least one of the external temperature of the refrigeration system, the internal temperature of the freezer compartment, the target internal temperature of the freezer compartment, and the type of goods loaded into the freezer compartment. The type of goods can be considered as various properties of the goods including thermal capacity, volume, etc. can differ depending on the type of goods (e.g., ice cream, frozen fish, frozen processed food, etc.). In some embodiments, the current consumption map can include an amount of current defined based on a temperature difference between the external air (e.g., outside of the refrigeration system and / or the freezer compartment) and the internal air (e.g., inside of the freezer compartment) which can be calculated using the external temperature of the refrigeration system and the internal temperature of the freezer compartment. The term amount of current used in this specification can refer to an amount of current per hour (i.e., in units of ampere per hour (A / h)). In some embodiments, the current consumption map can be implemented in a data structure. For example, the current consumption map can be a data structure in a form of a three-dimensional (3D) array and can be defined based on a first axis (e.g., X-axis) representing a difference between the internal temperature of the freezer compartment and the external temperature of the refrigeration system, a second axis (e.g., Y-axis) representing the target internal temperature of the freezer compartment, and a third axis (e.g., Z-axis) representing the type of goods loaded in the freezer compartment.

[0029] The current consumption map can be loaded / stored in a memory device for access (e.g., by the device 10). The current consumption map can be stored in a separate memory device separately from program codes configured to implement at least some of the refrigeration system fault detection module 110, the current consumption map providing module 120, the fault-in-operation current consumption calculation module 130, and / or the operation mode control module 140, or together in the same memory device.

[0030] The current consumption map can be configured / generated via theoretical techniques and / or experimental techniques / data. For the current consumption map configured via theoretical techniques, the amount of heat loss and the amount of cooling of the refrigerator can be calculated / determined based on an analysis of the refrigeration system of the vehicle, and the net cooling amount can be derived from the difference between the amount of heat loss and the amount of cooling. Based on the calculated net power to reduce a unit temperature per unit time, the amount of power required to achieve the target temperature can be calculated to determine the expected current consumption of the current consumption map. For the current consumption map configured via experimental techniques, experimental temperature difference conditions outside the vehicle and in the refrigeration chamber in a test facility can be produced / applied, and the time and power required to achieve the target temperature can be measured by operating the refrigerator to determine the expected current consumption of the current consumption map. The current consumption map can be configured to have different expected current consumption values according to the type of goods loaded into the refrigeration chamber. For example, frozen fish has a high density, while ice cream has a high air content and a relatively low density, so different expected current consumption values reflect the unique characteristics of the goods. For another example, semi-dry products have a relatively low water content, which can also affect the current required to adjust the temperature of the refrigeration chamber containing such products. Therefore, more detailed expected current consumption values can be set by considering the unique characteristics of the goods.

[0031] If a failure of the refrigeration system is detected, the in-failure operating current amount calculation module 130 can calculate an operating current amount during the failure (i.e., an in-failure operating current amount) based on the current consumption derived from the current consumption map to control the operation of the refrigerator during the failure. The in-failure operating current amount calculation module 130 can search the current consumption map by using at least one of the temperature difference between the outside and the inside of the refrigerator, the target inside temperature of the refrigeration chamber, and the type of goods loaded in the refrigeration chamber when the refrigerated vehicle is operated, thereby acquiring the current amount (or expected current consumption) corresponding to the situation (e.g., outside / inside temperature difference, type of goods, etc.). For example, if the current consumption map is implemented as a data structure in the form of a 3D array, the in-failure operating current amount calculation module 130 can acquire the current amount (or expected current consumption) corresponding to the situation in which the refrigerated vehicle is operated by searching the current consumption map including a first axis (e.g., X-axis), a second axis (e.g., Y-axis), and a third axis (e.g., Z-axis). The in-failure operating current amount calculation module 130 can apply a correction factor for considering / based on the amount of goods loaded in the refrigeration chamber to the current consumption and calculate the current consumption to which the correction factor is applied as the in-failure operating current amount.

[0032] In some embodiments, the correction factor can be calculated according to Equation 1 below:

[0033] Equation 1:

[0034] Correction factor = weight of refrigerated goods volume / base weight used when creating the current consumption map

[0035] That is, considering the weight of the volume of refrigerated cargo loaded in the freezer compartment, the final amount of current required per hour can be calculated by multiplying the amount of current per unit weight of the freezer operation by a correction factor.

[0036] The operation mode control module 140 can transmit the amount of current for operation in a fault calculated by the amount of current for operation in a fault calculation module 130 and an operation instruction for controlling the operation of the freezer to a power supply device of the freezer. The freezer can include the power supply device and a heat exchanger. The power supply device can supply necessary power to various components, such as a compressor of the freezer / inside the freezer. Accordingly, the compressor can start a refrigeration cycle by compressing a refrigerant, and the refrigerant can be converted from a gas state to a high-pressure high-temperature state. The compressed refrigerant can move to the heat exchanger, and the refrigerant can exchange heat with the surrounding air in the heat exchanger to discharge heat, and can be condensed into a liquid state. Continuous cooling can be achieved with repetition of the power supply and heat exchange processes. While transmitting the operation instruction for operating the freezer to the power supply device, the operation mode control module 140 can also transmit the amount of current for operation in a fault to the power supply device (for example, as data in a predetermined format).

[0037] The power supply device can supply power according to the operation instruction received from the operation mode control module 140. The power supply device can read the data received from the operation mode control module 140 and access the value of the amount of current for operation in a fault calculated by the amount of current for operation in a fault calculation module 130. The power supply device can limit the power used by the heat exchanger according to the value of the amount of current for operation in a fault.

[0038] The operation mode control module 140 can switch the operation mode of the refrigeration system from the normal operation mode to the operation mode in a fault. The operation mode in a fault can be an operation mode in which the power supply device of the freezer operates with limited / reduced power used in the heat exchanger.

[0039] According to the present embodiment, normal refrigeration system operation can refer to operation of the freezer based on the temperature of the freezer compartment achieved via feedback control. If a refrigeration system failure is detected (e.g., while the vehicle is in operation), the power supply to the freezer can be switched to operate the freezer based on a constant current flow control of the power supply. The current flow to operate in the failure can be determined taking into account the internal temperature of the freezer compartment prior to the failure being detected, the external temperature of the refrigeration system, and / or the type of goods loaded in the freezer compartment. The level at which the power is to be limited can be determined in accordance with the current flow to operate in the failure. Thus, even in situations where it is not possible / difficult to measure the temperature of the freezer compartment and / or difficult to operate the freezer based on feedback control of the freezer compartment temperature (e.g., while the vehicle is in operation), the freezer can be operated in a limited state for a period of time (e.g., even taking into account / calculating the characteristics of the refrigerated goods loaded in the freezer compartment). Thus, not only can the refrigerated goods be prevented from thawing or being damaged by over-freezing, but also the vehicle can be temporarily operated for a given time and / or to the destination without the need for emergency turns and / or stops, thereby minimizing the economic and time loss that can occur when the refrigeration system fails (e.g., while the vehicle is in operation).

[0040] In some embodiments, if a failure of the refrigeration system is detected (e.g., while the vehicle is in operation), or if the freezer is operated in the operate-in-failure mode, a notification indicating that the refrigeration system is operating during the failure can be output (e.g., displayed on) by one or more interfaces (e.g., a plurality of interfaces, e.g., the cluster of gauges, the central dashboard, and / or the display device installed in the vehicle and / or in communication with the vehicle (e.g., a mobile device of a user of the vehicle).

[0041] In some embodiments, if a predetermined time limit elapses since the operating mode of the refrigeration system is switched to the operate-in-failure mode, the operating mode control module 140 can terminate the operate-in-failure mode. For example, the operating mode control module 140 can (e.g., automatically) initialize the setting of the power supply device (e.g., which has been operating with limited power according to the operate-in-failure mode) by setting the limit time to a time longer than the predetermined arrival time of the vehicle to the destination or to the maintenance center (e.g., at this point, it can be assumed that the refrigeration system can be subjected to maintenance and the concern for damage to the refrigerated goods is expected to be resolved). After the set limit time elapses (e.g., at this point, the concern for damage to the refrigerated goods is expected to be resolved), the power limitation of the power supply device of the freezer can be automatically released. A notification regarding the termination of the operate-in-failure mode can be output by one or more interfaces (e.g., a plurality of interfaces installed in the vehicle, such as the cluster of gauges, the central dashboard, and the display device in the vehicle, and / or a plurality of interfaces in communication with the vehicle, such as a mobile device of a user of the vehicle).

[0042] In some embodiments, based on the fault being resolved, the operation mode control module 140 can switch the operation mode of the refrigeration system from the fault-in-operation mode to the normal operation mode. The notification indicating the switching from the fault-in-operation mode to the normal operation mode can be output by one or more devices (e.g., a plurality of interfaces installed in the vehicle, such as an instrument cluster, a central dashboard, and an in-vehicle display device).

[0043] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2 The method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to one embodiment can include detecting a fault of the refrigeration system (e.g., while the vehicle is in operation, such as in transit, loaded with cargo, etc.) (S201), receiving a current consumption map regarding the refrigeration system based on the detection of the fault of the refrigeration system (S202), calculating / determining a fault-in-operation current amount to control operation of a chiller during the fault based on a current consumption derived / determined from the current consumption map / based on the current consumption map (S203), transmitting the fault-in-operation current amount together with an operation instruction of the chiller to a power supply device of the chiller so that the power supply device limits power used in a heat exchanger (S204), and switching the operation mode of the refrigeration system from a normal operation mode to a fault-in-operation mode (S205).

[0045] More detailed information regarding the method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle can be referred to the embodiments described in the present specification, and thus redundant descriptions will be omitted here.

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a current consumption map for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle.

[0047] The current consumption map MAP1 can be implemented as a 3D array type data structure (e.g., received, accessed, and / or stored by a device for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle). The current consumption map MAP1 can include current amounts associated with (e.g., corresponding to, defined based on) first axis (e.g., X-axis) data representing a difference between an internal temperature of a freezer room and an external temperature of a refrigeration system (and / or the freezer room), second axis (e.g., Y-axis) data representing a target internal temperature of the freezer room, and third axis (e.g., Z-axis) data representing a type of goods loaded into the freezer room. For example, if a temperature difference between internal air and external air is 4 degrees, the target internal temperature of the freezer room is -25℃, and the type of goods loaded into the freezer room is frozen processed food, according to a corresponding entry in the current consumption map MAP1, an expected current consumption of a freezer corresponding to such a situation can be obtained as 17 amperes per hour. As another example, if the temperature difference between internal air and external air is 4 degrees, the target internal temperature of the freezer room is -30℃, and the type of goods loaded into the freezer room is frozen processed food, according to a corresponding entry of the current consumption map MAP1, an expected current consumption of the freezer corresponding to such a situation can be obtained as 30 amperes per hour. That is, as the target internal temperature decreases, the expected current consumption can increase.

[0048] As another example, if the temperature difference between internal air and external air is -20 degrees, the target internal temperature of the freezer room is -25℃, and the type of goods loaded into the freezer room is frozen processed food, according to a corresponding entry of the current consumption map MAP1, an expected current consumption of the freezer corresponding to such a situation can be obtained as 8 amperes per hour. As another example, if the type of goods loaded into the freezer room is frozen fish, in the same first axis (e.g., X-axis) data and second axis (e.g., Y-axis) data, the expected current consumption can be set to a different value (e.g., with different third axis (e.g., Z-axis) data) than when the type of goods is frozen processed food.

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a device for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0050] Reference Figure 4 The device for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to one embodiment can correspond to the refrigeration controller in the diagram. As Figure 4on the left, during normal operation, the refrigeration controller can adjust and / or turn on / off the freezer based on the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the freezer room. That is, the refrigeration controller can send an instruction to the power supply device of the freezer room to turn on / off the freezer operation based on the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of the freezer room. The power supply device can supply power to the heat exchanger according to the instruction received from the refrigeration controller and freeze the freezer room. The freezer room thermometer (corresponding to the freezer room temperature sensor) can be installed in the freezer room to measure the internal temperature of the freezer room (e.g., the temperature of the storage space of the frozen product in the freezer room) and provide the measured temperature to the refrigeration controller.

[0051] If a failure occurs in the freezer while the freezer is operating normally (e.g., during the normal operation mode), the operation mode of the freezer can be switched to the failure mode, as shown on the right. Figure 4 In this case, the freezer room thermometer can not be able to measure the internal temperature of the freezer room, and / or can not be able to provide the measured temperature and / or an accurately measured temperature to the refrigeration controller. In this case, the refrigeration controller can perform power limit control of the freezer using a current map, which can include information corresponding to the internal and external temperature difference, the target temperature, and the amount of current required to achieve the target temperature at a given internal and external temperature difference. That is, the refrigeration controller can send an instruction about the power limit value to the power supply device while sending an instruction to turn on the freezer operation to the power supply device of the freezer. The power supply device can operate while providing limited power to the heat exchanger according to the instruction received from the refrigeration controller. Accordingly, without feedback about the temperature of the freezer room, the freezer room can be operated based on a constant amount of current, so that not only can the refrigerated goods be prevented from being damaged (e.g., thawed or over-frozen), but also the vehicle can be temporarily operated without emergency turns and / or stops or re-orientation for a given time or to a destination. Therefore, economic and time loss that can occur when the refrigeration system fails while the vehicle is operating can be minimized.

[0052] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0053] Referring to Figure 5 , the method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to an embodiment includes detecting a failure of the refrigeration system (S501), deriving a failure-safe operation parameter (S502), and performing a failure-safe operation (S503).

[0054] In operation S501, if the temperature sensor inside the freezer compartment fails during operation of the freezer compartment, or if the alarm communication from the temperature sensor fails, for example, the internal temperature of the freezer compartment cannot be provided, it can be difficult to check the temperature inside the freezer compartment. Therefore, the control target element to be controlled can be lost, and thus it can be difficult to control the current of the freezer based on the temperature. In order to maintain the temperature of the freezer compartment, it can be determined to enter a failsafe operation. Then, the method can proceed to operation S502 to derive the amount of current required for the failsafe operation.

[0055] In operation S502, the final detected temperature of the freezer compartment (e.g., -20°C) and the externally detected temperature before the failure (e.g., 10°C) can be received, and the temperature difference between the internal air and the external air (e.g., -20°C - 10°C = -30°C) can be determined / calculated. The target temperature of the freezer compartment (e.g., -18°C) can be set, and / or the refrigerated cargo category (e.g., fish) can be set. The temperature difference, the target temperature, and / or the refrigerated cargo category can be compared / input into a predefined current consumption map (e.g., first (X), second (Y), and / or third (Z) axes, respectively). The corresponding amount of power required for the operation (e.g., a standard amount, e.g., 5 A / h per 500 kg of refrigerated cargo) can be derived. The refrigerated volume can be used for a correction factor to derive the final amount of power required for the operation. For example, if the expected current consumption (based on the current consumption map) is 5 A / h per 500 kg, considering that the freezer compartment volume is 1000 kg (1000 kg / 500 kg of the standard amount in the current consumption map), by applying a correction factor of 2, it can be determined that the amount of current required to operate the freezer is 10 A / h. In operation S503, an indication of the amount of current for performing the failsafe operation can be transmitted.

[0056] In operation S503, if the amount of current required to operate the freezer can be input to the power supply device, the power supply device can operate in a constant on mode, but the performance of the freezer can be limited by limiting the power supply current. Therefore, the heat exchanger can also perform an operation with a limited heat exchange capacity, thereby completing the entry into the failsafe operation. If the failsafe limit time elapses, a warning message can be output to the driver, and the failsafe operation can be terminated. In addition, or alternatively, the failsafe operation can be terminated based on a user termination of the operation and / or the temperature sensor being restored.

[0057] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0058] Reference Figure 6In the apparatus for controlling the refrigeration system, if a fault of the refrigeration system is detected while the vehicle is operating and / or if the chiller is operating in a fault in operation mode, a notification indicating that the refrigeration system is operating / in operation during the fault can be output via one or more interfaces in the vehicle (e.g., displayed as a plurality of interfaces, such as the cluster 20, the central dashboard 30, etc.). Of course, although Figure 6 not shown in the FIGS., the notification can be output by other display devices within the vehicle and / or display devices associated with the driver of the vehicle (e.g., a wireless connected device such as a smartphone in communication with the vehicle), without being limited to the cluster 20 and the central dashboard 30. Thus, the driver can immediately recognize the chiller fault and take appropriate action while driving the vehicle.

[0059] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a computing device according to one embodiment.

[0060] Referring to Figure 7 the method and apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to embodiments can be implemented using a computing device 50.

[0061] The computing device 50 can include at least one of a processor 510, a memory 530, a user interface input device 540, a user interface output device 550, and a storage device 560, which communicate via a bus 520. The computing device 50 can further include a network interface 570 electrically connected to a network 40. The network interface 570 can transmit a signal to or receive a signal from other entities through the network 40.

[0062] The processor 510 can be implemented as various types of, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU), an application processor (AP), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), and a quantum processing unit (QPU), and can be a semiconductor device that executes instructions stored in the memory 530 or the storage device 560. The processor 510 can be configured to implement the functions and methods described above with regard to the Figures 1 to 6 apparatus for controlling the refrigeration system of the vehicle.

[0063] The memory 530 and the storage device 560 can include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, the memory can include read-only memory (ROM) 531 and random access memory (RAM) 532. In some embodiments, the memory 530 can be located inside or outside the processor 510, and the memory 530 can be connected to the processor 510 through various known units.

[0064] In some embodiments, at least some components or functions of the method and apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to the embodiments can be implemented as programs or software running on the computing device 50, and the programs or software can be stored in a computer readable medium. Specifically, the computer readable medium according to an embodiment can record programs for performing operations included in the method and apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to an embodiment on a computer including the processor 510 that executes programs or instructions stored in the memory 530 or the storage 560.

[0065] In some embodiments, at least some components or functions of the method and apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle according to the embodiments can be implemented using hardware or circuitry of the computing device 50, or can be implemented using separate hardware or circuitry that can be electrically connected to the computing device 50.

[0066] The present invention attempts to provide a method and apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle that can minimize damage to refrigerated goods loaded in a refrigeration chamber by operating a freezer that controls a temperature of the refrigeration chamber in a limited state when a failure of the refrigeration system of the vehicle occurs while the vehicle is running.

[0067] According to an embodiment, a method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle that controls a freezer that controls a temperature of a refrigeration chamber when a refrigeration system installed in the vehicle fails, includes: detecting a failure of the refrigeration system while the vehicle is running; receiving a predefined current consumption map of the refrigeration system; calculating an in-failure operating current amount for controlling operation of the freezer during the failure based on a current consumption derived from the current consumption map when the failure of the refrigeration system is detected; and transmitting the in-failure operating current amount and an operation instruction of the freezer to a power supply device of the freezer to switch an operation mode of the refrigeration system from a normal operation mode to an in-failure operation mode so that the power supply device limits power used in a heat exchanger.

[0068] In some embodiments, the current consumption map can be generated by defining an amount of current required to achieve a target internal temperature of the refrigeration chamber based on at least one of an external temperature of the refrigeration system, an internal temperature of the refrigeration chamber, a target internal temperature of the refrigeration chamber, and a type of goods loaded in the refrigeration chamber.

[0069] In some embodiments, the current consumption map can be defined based on an X-axis representing a difference between the internal temperature of the refrigeration chamber and the external temperature of the refrigeration system, a Y-axis representing the target internal temperature of the refrigeration chamber, and a Z-axis representing the type of goods loaded in the refrigeration chamber.

[0070] In some embodiments, the calculating of the fault-in-operation current amount can include: applying a correction factor considering a volume of goods loaded in the freezer compartment to the current consumption, and calculating the current consumption to which the correction factor is applied as the fault-in-operation current amount.

[0071] In some embodiments, the detecting of the failure of the refrigeration system can include: determining that the refrigeration system fails when a failure signal is received from the freezer compartment temperature sensor.

[0072] In some embodiments, the detecting of the failure of the refrigeration system can include: tracking a temperature change in the freezer compartment, and determining that the refrigeration system fails when it is analyzed that the change is an abnormal change.

[0073] In some embodiments, the method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle can further include: outputting a notification indicating that the refrigeration system is operating in a fault-in-operation mode through a plurality of interfaces installed in the vehicle.

[0074] In some embodiments, the method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle can further include: terminating the fault-in-operation mode when a predetermined limit time has elapsed since the operation mode of the refrigeration system is switched to the fault-in-operation mode.

[0075] In some embodiments, the method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle can further include: outputting a notification about termination of the fault-in-operation mode through a plurality of interfaces installed in the vehicle.

[0076] In some embodiments, the method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle can further include: switching the operation mode of the refrigeration system from the fault-in-operation mode to a normal operation mode when the failure is resolved.

[0077] According to another embodiment, an apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle controls a freezer that controls a temperature of a freezer compartment when a refrigeration system installed in the vehicle fails, the apparatus executing program codes loaded in one or more memory devices by one or more processors, wherein the program codes are executed so as to: detect a failure of the refrigeration system while the vehicle is operating; receive a predefined current consumption map of the refrigeration system; calculate a fault-in-operation current amount for controlling the freezer to operate during the failure based on a current consumption derived from the current consumption map when the failure of the refrigeration system is detected; and transmit the fault-in-operation current amount and an operation instruction of the freezer to a power supply device of the freezer to switch an operation mode of the refrigeration system from a normal operation mode to a fault-in-operation mode so that the power supply device limits power used in a heat exchanger.

[0078] In some embodiments, the current consumption map can be defined based on at least one of an outside temperature of the refrigeration system, an inside temperature of the freezer compartment, a target inside temperature of the freezer compartment, and a type of goods loaded in the freezer compartment.

[0079] In some embodiments, the current consumption map can be defined based on an X-axis representing a difference between the inside temperature of the freezer compartment and the outside temperature of the refrigeration system, a Y-axis representing the target inside temperature of the freezer compartment, and a Z-axis representing the type of goods loaded in the freezer compartment.

[0080] In some embodiments, the calculation of the current amount to run in the fault can include applying a correction factor considering a volume of goods loaded in the freezer compartment to the current consumption and calculating the current consumption to which the correction factor is applied as the current amount to run in the fault.

[0081] In some embodiments, detecting a fault of the refrigeration system can include determining that the refrigeration system has a fault when a fault signal is received from the freezer compartment temperature sensor.

[0082] In some embodiments, detecting a fault of the refrigeration system can include tracking a temperature change in the freezer compartment and determining that the refrigeration system has a fault when it is analyzed that the change is an abnormal change.

[0083] In some embodiments, the program code can be executed to output a notification indicating that the refrigeration system is running in the fault period through a plurality of interfaces installed in the vehicle.

[0084] In some embodiments, when a predetermined limit time has elapsed since the operation mode of the refrigeration system is switched to the fault running mode, the program code can be executed to terminate the fault running mode.

[0085] In some embodiments, the program code can be executed to output a notification about termination of the fault running mode through a plurality of interfaces installed in the vehicle.

[0086] In some embodiments, when the fault is resolved, the program code can be executed to switch the operation mode of the refrigeration system from the fault running mode to the normal operation mode.

[0087] In the refrigeration system of at least some vehicles, if the refrigeration system fails while the vehicle is running, the condition of the refrigerated goods cannot be guaranteed, so the vehicle can have to be urgently transferred to a nearby refrigerated warehouse, or an alternative refrigerated vehicle can need to be urgently prepared, thereby causing a huge economic and time loss to a company providing logistics or goods services or a vehicle driver. In addition, even during the emergency transfer, the refrigeration system cannot be operated at a constant temperature, so the refrigerated goods can be melted or excessively frozen and damaged.

[0088] According to an embodiment, when the refrigeration system of the vehicle fails while the vehicle is in operation, the amount of current or power applied to the freezer is limited, and the target refrigeration temperature is maintained for a certain period of time, thereby solving the above problem and minimizing economic loss.

[0089] While the application has been described with reference to embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: detecting a fault of the refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising a freezer configured to control a temperature of a freezer compartment of the refrigeration system; receiving a current consumption map of the refrigeration system, the current consumption map mapping current amounts to target temperatures of the freezer compartment; based on the detected fault of the refrigeration system, determining a fault- in-run current amount for controlling operation of the freezer of the refrigeration system during the fault using the current consumption map; and sending, to a power supply device of the freezer: the fault-in-run current amount, and an operation instruction configured to cause the power supply device to switch from a normal operation mode to a fault-in-run mode in which the power supply device limits power used in a heat exchanger of the freezer compared to the normal operation mode.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: the current consumption map further maps the current amounts to at least one of an outside temperature of the refrigeration system, an inside temperature of the freezer compartment, and a type of goods loaded in the freezer compartment.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein: the current consumption map comprises a first axis representing a difference between the inside temperature of the freezer compartment and the outside temperature of the refrigeration system, a second axis representing the target temperature of the freezer compartment, and a third axis representing the type of goods loaded in the freezer compartment, and wherein each current amount is mapped to a coordinate of the first axis, a coordinate of the second axis, and a coordinate of the third axis.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein: the step of determining the fault-in-run current amount comprises: applying a correction factor to the current amounts of the current consumption map based on a volume of goods loaded in the freezer compartment.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein: the step of detecting a fault of the refrigeration system comprises: receiving a fault signal from a freezer compartment temperature sensor.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein: the step of detecting a fault of the refrigeration system comprises: tracking temperature changes in the freezer compartment and determining that the temperature changes are abnormal changes.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: outputting, via one or more interfaces of the vehicle, a notification indicating that the refrigeration system is operating during the fault.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: terminating the fault-in-run mode based on a limit time elapsed since the power supply device switched from the normal operation mode to the fault-in-run mode.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of: outputting, via one or more interfaces of the vehicle, a notification about the termination of the fault-in-run mode.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: causing the power supply device to switch from the fault-in-run mode to the normal operation mode based on the fault being resolved. the apparatus comprising:

11. An apparatus for controlling a refrigeration system of a vehicle, wherein, one or more processors; and ​ one or more memory devices comprising at least one instruction configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to perform the following operations: detecting a failure of the refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising a freezer configured to control a temperature of a freezer compartment of the refrigeration system; receiving a current consumption map of the refrigeration system, the current consumption map mapping current amounts to target temperatures of the freezer compartment; determining, based on the detected failure of the refrigeration system, a failure-in-run current amount for controlling the freezer of the refrigeration system during the failure; and sending, to a power supply device of the freezer: the failure-in-run current amount, and run instructions configured to cause the power supply device to switch a run mode of the refrigeration system from a normal run mode to a failure-in-run mode in which the power supply device limits power used in a heat exchanger of the freezer compared to the normal run mode.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the current consumption map further maps the current amounts to at least one of an outside temperature of the refrigeration system, an inside temperature of the freezer compartment, and a type of goods loaded in the freezer compartment.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: the current consumption map comprises a first axis representing a difference between an inside temperature of the freezer compartment and an outside temperature of the refrigeration system, a second axis representing the target temperature of the freezer compartment, and a third axis representing a type of goods loaded in the freezer compartment, and wherein each current amount is mapped to a coordinate of the first axis, a coordinate of the second axis, and a coordinate of the third axis.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to determine the failure-in-run current amount by: applying a correction factor to the current amounts of the current consumption map based on a volume of goods loaded in the freezer compartment.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to detect the failure of the refrigeration system by receiving a failure signal from a freezer compartment temperature sensor.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to detect the failure of the refrigeration system by tracking a temperature change in the freezer compartment and determining that the temperature change is an abnormal change.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, output, via one or more interfaces installed in the vehicle, a notification indicating that the refrigeration system is running during the failure.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: The at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to terminate the faulted mode of operation based on an elapsed time since a switch from a normal mode of operation of the refrigeration system to the faulted mode of operation.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein: The at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to: output, via one or more interfaces installed in the vehicle, a notification regarding termination of the faulted mode of operation.

20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: The at least one instruction is configured to, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus to switch the power equipment from the faulted mode of operation to the normal mode of operation based on the fault being resolved.

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