Portable AC-DC Converter With Triggered Power Switchover for Reefer Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the cold chain transportation industry, the high power consumption of on-board refrigeration units in electrical vehicles poses challenges, such as battery depletion and reduced driving distance, due to the constraints of high-voltage DC battery capacity improvement.
Innovation Solution
A portable AC-DC power converter and an on-board power supply management device are provided, which include an AC-DC conversion unit, AC power plugs, connectors with a DC output interface and conductor for short circuiting, and an on-board control unit to disconnect the on-board electrical equipment from the on-board power source when the DC output interface is engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the high-voltage DC battery capacity is increased to meet the power consumption of the on-board refrigeration unit, then the power supply capability is improved, but the vehicle weight increases and safety constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power sources: the high-voltage DC battery for driving power and external AC power sources for refrigeration power. This segmentation allows the refrigeration unit to operate independently on external power without drawing from the vehicle battery, thereby maintaining power supply capability while avoiding increased vehicle weight and safety issues.
2Power
If the high-voltage DC battery capacity is increased to supply power to the on-board refrigeration unit, then the power supply capability is improved, but the driving distance is reduced due to battery depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The power consumption of the refrigeration unit is segmented from the vehicle battery power supply. By enabling the refrigeration unit to draw power from external AC sources through the portable AC-DC power converter, the battery is preserved for driving purposes, thereby maintaining both power supply capability and driving distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable AC-DC power converter acts as an intermediary device that enables external AC power sources to supply the refrigeration unit. This intermediary allows power transfer without involving the vehicle battery, thus preventing battery depletion and preserving driving distance while meeting refrigeration power demands.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a portable AC-DC power converter is introduced to reduce battery power supply, then the power management flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable AC-DC power converter is designed with universal functionality to work with various external AC power sources and different refrigeration units. The standardized connector design with integrated short-circuit triggering mechanism provides multi-functional power management capabilities while maintaining relatively simple system architecture, thereby achieving power management flexibility without excessive complexity.
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
The solution effectively reduces the power supply from the battery to the on-board refrigeration unit, minimizing battery depletion and extending the driving distance of electrical vehicles, while also providing flexibility in design and reducing equipment costs.
Implementation Method 1
the conductor is configured to short circuit contacts arranged on the vehicle side to generate a trigger signal to disconnect the on-board electrical equipment from the on-board power source
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a portable AC-DC power converter for an on-board refrigeration unit and an on-board power supply management device suitable for use in conjunction with the aforementioned portable AC-DC power converter. A portable AC-DC power converter for on-board electrical equipment according to one aspect of the present application comprises: an AC-DC conversion unit; one or more AC power plugs connected to an input terminal of the AC-DC conversion unit; and one or more connectors connected to an output terminal of the AC-DC conversion unit, wherein the connector comprises a DC output interface and a conductor, where the conductor is configured to short circuit contacts arranged on the refrigeration unit on the vehicle side when the DC output interface is engaged with a DC input interface of an on-board connector to generate a trigger signal to disconnect the on-board electrical equipment from an on-board power source.