Transport Climate Control Power Switching for Engine-Off Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transport climate control systems face challenges in maintaining power supply when the vehicle's prime mover is off or unable to provide sufficient power due to reduced alternator capacity, emission regulations, and space constraints in the vehicle power bay, necessitating a separate compressor solution.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle electrical system with a primary and secondary battery configuration, a switch, and a controller to manage power distribution from the alternator or secondary battery to a transport climate control unit, allowing operation even when the prime mover is off, and adjusting power modes to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a separate compressor is coupled to the prime mover in the vehicle power bay, then high cooling power load can be provided, but space constraints prevent this solution due to emission regulations and reduced alternator capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power supply function into two separate battery units: a first battery connected to the alternator for normal operation, and a second battery as an auxiliary power source. This segmentation allows the climate control system to maintain cooling capacity without requiring additional space in the vehicle power bay, as the segmented battery configuration utilizes existing space more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The second battery is designed to serve multiple functions: it can provide auxiliary power to the climate control system when the first battery is insufficient, and it can also supply power to other vehicle loads. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain high cooling power load capability without dedicating exclusive space for a compressor in the vehicle power bay.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the prime mover is shut down to reduce emissions, then emission levels decrease, but the alternator cannot provide full capacity to power the climate control system
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of the second battery when the prime mover is running and the alternator has sufficient capacity. This preliminary action ensures that when the prime mover is shut down for emission reduction, the second battery is already charged and ready to provide the necessary power to the climate control system, maintaining cooling function without compromising emission reduction goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The second battery acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the alternator and the climate control system. When the prime mover is shut down, the second battery mediates the power supply, decoupling the climate control system's power needs from the prime mover's operational status and allowing emission reduction without sacrificing cooling capacity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the alternator is operated at reduced capacity during vehicle slowdown, then fuel consumption decreases, but the climate control system receives insufficient power
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between the first battery and the second battery based on real-time power availability from the alternator. When the vehicle is moving at full speed and the alternator provides sufficient power, the first battery supplies the climate control system. When the vehicle slows down and alternator capacity is reduced, the system dynamically transitions to using the second battery, allowing fuel consumption to decrease while maintaining adequate power supply to the climate control system.
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
Ensures continuous climate control by switching to auxiliary power sources and optimizing power consumption, preventing the need for a compressor in the vehicle power bay and enhancing space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
an alternator configured to be driven by the prime mover when the prime mover is active
Implementation Method 2
a primary battery electrically connected to the alternator for charging; a secondary battery electrically connected to the alternator for charging
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a climate controlled vehicle 11 comprising: a prime mover 21; a transport climate control unit 14; a vehicle power network 204 comprising: an alternator 205 configured to be driven by the prime mover when the prime mover is active, a primary battery 210 electrically connected to the alternator for charging; a secondary battery 211 electrically connected to the alternator for charging; power supply terminals 207 connecting the vehicle power network to the transport climate control unit; a switch 206 having a closed configuration in which the primary battery and the second battery are electrically coupled to the alternator for charging and an open configuration in which the secondary battery and the power supply terminals are isolated from the primary battery to prevent power supply from the primary battery to the transport climate control unit. The transport climate control unit is connected to the power supply terminals of the vehicle power network to receive power from the alternator when the prime mover is active and the switch is closed, and to receive power from the secondary battery when the prime mover is inactive and the switch is open. A controller 260 is configured to determine whether to maintain operation of the transport climate control unit or to deactivate the transport climate control unit, based on a power setting for the transport climate control unit.