Trailer Axle Generator Decoupling During ABS Braking Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transport refrigeration systems face challenges during anti-lock brake system (ABS) activation, where sudden changes in torque or rotational velocity can damage electric generation devices due to excessive torque loading or high wheel axle speeds, leading to potential damage or wear.
Innovation Solution
An energy management system with an energy controller that modifies the operation of the electric generation device by decoupling it from the energy storage device when the operating frequency drops below a certain limit, typically 25 Hz or experiences negative speed variations, and recouples after a predetermined time, such as 60 seconds, to prevent damage and ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the electric generation device operates during ABS activation, then energy harvesting continues, but the device suffers damage from excessive torque loading or high wheel axle speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The energy controller monitors operating frequency and proactively decouples the electric generation device from the energy storage device when the frequency drops below a threshold (e.g., 25 Hz) or experiences negative speed variations, preventing damage before it occurs during ABS activation
Solution Approach 2:
The energy controller acts as an intermediary between the electric generation device and energy storage device, managing the coupling and decoupling operations to protect the generation device from harmful conditions while maintaining energy harvesting during normal operation
2Reliability
If the electric generation device is decoupled during ABS events, then device damage is prevented, but energy harvesting is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of operating frequency and automatic recoupling after a predetermined time period (e.g., 60 seconds), creating a rhythmic pattern of protection and energy harvesting that minimizes overall energy loss while ensuring device safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state parameter from coupled to decoupled based on frequency threshold detection, and later recouples after a time delay, using parameter transitions to balance protection needs with energy harvesting efficiency
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
This solution effectively prevents damage to the electric generation device and connected components by managing the electric generation device's operation during ABS events, ensuring continuous and safe power supply to the refrigeration system while maintaining efficient energy harvesting and storage.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generation device operably connected to a wheel axle of the trailer system, the electric generation device configured to rotate at an operating frequency, and to generate electrical power from the rotational energy of the wheel axle
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for operating a transport refrigeration system including: a trailer system including a vehicle connected to a transport container; an electric generation device operably connected to a wheel axle of the trailer system, the electric generation device configured to rotate at an operating frequency, and to generate electrical power from the rotational energy of the wheel axle for charging an energy storage device when the electric generation device is activated; an energy management system for providing power to the transportation refrigeration unit of the trailer system, the energy management system including an energy controller in communication with at least one of the electric generation device and the energy storage device, wherein the energy controller is configured to modify the operation of the electric generation device when the operating frequency of the electric generation device is equal to or less than an energy controller operating limit.