Integrated Battery Climate Control Unit for Engine-Free Transport Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transport climate control systems rely on engines for power, which can lead to weight, emissions, and particulate matter issues, and lack a reliable power source for continuous operation when external power is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a rechargeable electrical power source, such as a battery pack, within the climate control unit ensures continuous operation by providing electrical power independently of external sources, reducing reliance on engines and minimizing emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an engine is used to power the climate control system, then continuous operation is possible, but weight increases and emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical engine system with an electrical power system. The climate control unit uses an electric compressor and electrical components instead of a mechanically-driven system, eliminating the need for a separate engine while reducing weight and emissions. The electric motor-driven compressor and other electrical components substitute the mechanical power transmission system.
2Reliability
If an engine is used to power the climate control system, then continuous operation is possible, but emissions and particulate matter are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the combustion engine with an electrical power system, eliminating exhaust emissions and particulate matter generation. The electric compressor and electrical components operate without combustion, thus producing no harmful emissions while maintaining continuous operation capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If external power is required for operation, then power consumption is efficient, but operation stops when external power is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rechargeable battery system that changes the power availability parameter from conditional (external power only) to independent (internal power storage). The battery can be charged from external sources when available and provides power when external sources are unavailable, ensuring continuous operation while maintaining efficient power usage through electrical rather than mechanical systems.
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 enables stable climate control in transport units even without external power, ensuring climate-conditioned spaces are maintained during transit and reducing weight and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable electrical power source (e.g., a battery) is located in the first compartment of the outer housing. The rechargeable electrical power source is configured to supply electrical power that operates the climate control circuit
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A transport climate control unit (CCU) includes an internal space, an outer housing containing the internal space, a climate control circuit, and a rechargeable electrical power source. The climate control circuit is located in the internal space. The internal space includes a first compartment defined by the outer housing. The rechargeable electrical power source is located in the first compartment of the outer housing. The rechargeable electrical power source is configured to supply electrical power that operates the climate control circuit to climate condition a climate controlled space. A transport climate control system includes a transport climate control unit attached to a transport unit.