Intelligent Charging Connector for Seamless Refrigeration Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transport refrigeration systems experience disruptions and power inefficiencies when transitioning between road mode and standby mode due to differences in voltage and phase between the motor and the power grid, leading to inrush currents and power interruptions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an intelligent charging connector and power conversion unit that detects and matches the electrical characteristics of the power grid, allowing for smooth transitions by gradually adjusting the power supply to the compressor, ensuring continuous operation and preventing disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional direct connection methods are used to transition between road mode and standby mode, then the system can switch between power sources, but large inrush currents and power interruptions occur due to voltage and phase differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intelligent charging connector as an intermediary device between the power grid and the compressor. This connector includes a power conversion unit that converts grid power to match the motor's electrical characteristics, and a controller that manages the transition process. The intermediary smoothly bridges the electrical characteristics mismatch between grid and motor, eliminating inrush currents and power interruptions during mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion unit dynamically changes electrical parameters (voltage, frequency, phase) to match between the power grid and the motor. During transition from standby to road mode, the converter adjusts these parameters to gradually align the grid power characteristics with the motor requirements, preventing sudden parameter changes that cause inrush currents and interruptions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the compressor motor is stopped before connecting to power grid, then voltage and phase mismatch is avoided, but the compressor operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent charging connector serves as a mediator that allows the compressor to remain running while managing the power transition. The power conversion unit handles the electrical characteristic matching, enabling the motor to stay operational throughout the transition from grid power to battery power without interruption or stopping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous compressor operation during mode transitions. The intelligent charging connector ensures uninterrupted power supply by managing the transition smoothly, keeping the compressor running continuously from standby mode (grid power) to road mode (battery power) without any stoppage or interruption in useful action.
3Speed
If direct connection to power grid is made, then power supply is established quickly, but electrical characteristic mismatch causes disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion unit performs dynamic parameter changes to match electrical characteristics during the transition. It adjusts voltage, frequency, and phase parameters to align between the power grid and the motor, enabling a fast yet stable connection that maintains power supply reliability while establishing quick transition to standby mode.
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
Enables uninterrupted operation of the transport refrigeration system by preventing large inrush currents and power interruptions during mode transitions, ensuring continuous and efficient power supply to the compressor.
Implementation Method 1
a power conversion unit configured convert an amplitude, a frequency and a phase of an electrical power signal provided by the energy storage device and/or power grid
Implementation Method 2
the intelligent charging connector is configured to detect and match the electrical characteristics of the power grid
Data Source
AI summary
A transportation refrigeration system including: a transportation refrigeration unit including a compressor, one or more valves, and a controller; an energy storage device configured to provide electrical power to the transportation refrigeration unit; and an intelligent charging connector in electrical communication with the energy storage device and/or the transportation refrigeration unit, the intelligent charging connector being connectable to a power grid and being configured to selectively control a provision of electrical power to the transportation refrigeration unit from the energy storage device and/or the power grid by transitioning the provision of electrical power to the transportation refrigeration unit from being supplied by the energy storage device or the power grid in response to the intelligent charging connector being connected to the power grid or in conjunction with the intelligent charging connector being disconnected from the power grid, respectively.