Accessory Power Distribution for Transport Climate Control Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of electrical infrastructure for large vehicles and trailers is costly, and existing electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) can be expensive, with no single standard power source, leading to challenges in managing multiple power inputs and prioritizing power flows in hybrid systems with multiple loads and rechargeable energy storage systems.
Innovation Solution
An accessory power distribution unit that manages power inputs, prioritizes, and controls power flows by connecting power inputs to a power bus and distributing electrical power to electrically powered accessories and vehicle systems, using switches, converters, and a controller to optimize power usage across various power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electrical infrastructure is installed for large vehicles and trailers, then power supply capability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution unit is designed to accept multiple types of power inputs (external power source, vehicle battery, auxiliary battery) and distribute power to multiple outputs (climate control system, vehicle electrical system), making it a multi-functional device that can operate in various configurations without requiring separate infrastructure for each power source
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution unit acts as an intermediary device between multiple power sources and multiple electrical loads. It manages power flow from diverse inputs (external grid, vehicle battery, auxiliary battery) to diverse outputs (climate control, vehicle systems), eliminating the need for direct complex wiring between each power source and each load
2Power
If multiple power sources are used in hybrid systems, then power availability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources (external power source, vehicle battery, auxiliary battery) and multiple electrical systems (climate control system, vehicle electrical system) into a single integrated power distribution unit. The controller manages all power flows from all sources to all loads through one centralized device, reducing overall system complexity despite having multiple power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The controller in the power distribution unit monitors the state of charge of batteries, availability of external power sources, and power demands of connected systems. It uses this feedback information to dynamically manage power distribution, prioritizing climate control power needs while charging batteries and managing vehicle electrical systems, thereby simplifying the control of complex hybrid power systems
3Reliability
If power is prioritized to electrically powered accessories, then operational reliability is improved, but power distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution unit automatically manages its own power distribution without requiring external intervention. The controller continuously monitors system conditions and autonomously prioritizes power allocation to climate control systems when external power is available, while simultaneously charging batteries and supplying vehicle electrical systems, ensuring operational reliability through self-managed power prioritization
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution unit (PDU) for use with an electrically powered accessory is disclosed. The PDU includes at least one power input configured to receive electrical power from an electrical supply equipment and/or a second power source. The PDU also includes an accessory power interface configured to provide power to the electrically powered accessory. The PDU further includes a vehicle power interface configured to provide power to a vehicle electrical system of the vehicle. Also the PDU includes at least one switch configured to selectively connect the at least one power input to a power bus, and selectively connect the power bus to at least one of the accessory power interface and the vehicle power interface. The PDU also includes a controller configured to control the at least one switch to provide power to the electrically powered accessory and/or the vehicle electrical storage device of the vehicle electrical system.