A power system for a transport refrigeration unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport refrigeration units (TRUs) are inefficient in managing power consumption and fuel usage, lacking predictive control over engine operation based on vehicle routes and battery power levels, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A power system for TRUs that includes a battery unit, generator, and engine, controlled by a system that predicts power level changes based on vehicle routes, optimizing engine operation to charge the battery in low emission zones and using grid charging at destinations, ensuring efficient power distribution between the battery and generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine operates continuously to charge the battery unit, then the battery power level is maintained, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary action by predicting the battery power level at the destination based on the vehicle route before making engine operation decisions. This allows the engine to be operated only when necessary to charge the battery before entering low emission zones or when power levels are predicted to be insufficient, rather than operating continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts engine operation based on real-time conditions including vehicle route, low emission zone locations, and predicted battery power levels. The engine operational state changes from static continuous operation to dynamic on-demand operation, optimizing fuel consumption while maintaining reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the engine is operated to charge the battery before entering low emission zones, then emission compliance is achieved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system identifies low emission zones along the vehicle route in advance and predicts the battery power level at the zone boundary. The engine is operated only if the predicted power level indicates insufficient charge, performing preliminary charging action before entering the restricted zone. This eliminates unnecessary engine operation in emission zones while maintaining compliance.
3Power
If the generator supplies power directly to the refrigeration system, then immediate power demand is met, but battery charge depletes faster
Solution Approach 1:
The battery unit serves as an intermediary energy storage device between the generator and the refrigeration system. The generator charges the battery, and the battery powers the refrigeration system, decoupling the direct connection. This allows the engine to operate at optimal points for charging while the battery provides steady power to the refrigeration load, improving overall system efficiency and reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces fuel consumption and transportation costs by optimizing engine operation and power distribution, ensuring the battery has sufficient charge to power the refrigeration system without unnecessary generator use.
Implementation Method 1
a battery unit configured to supply electrical power to a refrigeration system of the transport refrigeration unit
Implementation Method 2
a generator configured to charge the battery unit; an engine configured to drive the generator
Data Source
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AI summary
A power system for a transport refrigeration unit (200) of a vehicle, and a method of powering a transport refrigeration unit (200) of a vehicle are described. The power system for a transport refrigeration unit (200) of a vehicle comprises: a battery unit (280) configured to supply electrical power to a refrigeration system of the transport refrigeration unit (200); a generator (240) configured to charge the battery unit (280); an engine (250) configured to drive the generator (240); and a control system (220). The control system (220) is configured to: receive or determine a vehicle route from a current location of the vehicle to a destination of the vehicle; predict how a power level of the battery unit (280) will change on the vehicle route; and control an operational state of the engine (250) based on the vehicle route and the predicted power level. In this way, fuel may be preserved, by operating the engine only when required, and hence the cost of transporting refrigerated goods may be reduced.