Transport Climate Control Load Adjustment for RESS C-Rate Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems (RESS) in vehicles and transport containers experience fluctuations in charge and discharge rates, which can lead to reduced system life and inefficient power usage, particularly due to variations in power demand from electrically powered accessories like transport climate control systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to adjust the operational mode of electrically powered accessories based on real-time charge and discharge rate thresholds, allowing the system to dynamically adjust power consumption by increasing or decreasing load on the RESS, thereby stabilizing charge and discharge rates and optimizing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the transport climate control system operates at full load to meet cooling/heating demands, then the climate control effectiveness is improved, but the C-Rate fluctuations in the RESS increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational mode of the transport climate control system based on real-time C-Rate monitoring. When C-Rate exceeds thresholds, the system transitions between different operational modes (e.g., high efficiency mode, low efficiency mode, shutdown mode) to balance climate control needs with RESS protection, thereby reducing C-Rate fluctuations while maintaining acceptable temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring C-Rate values and comparing them against predetermined thresholds. This feedback loop enables the controller to detect when C-Rate exceeds safe levels and automatically adjust the climate control system's operational mode accordingly, preventing excessive C-Rate fluctuations that would harm RESS reliability.
2Reliability
If the C-Rate thresholds are set low to protect the RESS, then the system reliability is improved, but the climate control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple predetermined C-Rate thresholds (first threshold and second threshold) that create a tiered response strategy. This dynamic threshold structure allows the system to maintain climate control capability at lower C-Rates while providing progressive protection as C-Rates increase, balancing reliability with operational capability through staged operational mode adjustments.
3Reliability
If the system continuously monitors and adjusts operational modes to minimize C-Rate fluctuations, then the RESS life is extended, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service control where the transport climate control system autonomously monitors its own C-Rate and automatically adjusts its operational mode without requiring external intervention. The controller integrated within the system performs real-time monitoring and decision-making, simplifying the overall control architecture while extending RESS life through automated C-Rate management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of minimizing C-Rate fluctuations with an electrically powered accessory (EPA) is disclosed. The EPA is configured to be used with at least one of a vehicle, a trailer, and a transport container that has a first controller. The EPA has a second controller. The method includes determining, by the first controller, a first C-Rate of a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS). Also, the method includes comparing the first C-Rate to a first predetermined threshold. The method also includes when the first C-Rate exceeds the first predetermined threshold, the first controller sending a first request to the second controller to adjust a load of the EPA. The method further includes the second controller determining a first operational mode of the EPA based on the first request. Also the method includes when the first operational mode of the EPA allows a load change, the second controller adjusting the load of the EPA.