Container refrigeration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Container refrigeration systems are inefficient due to the continuous high-speed operation of diesel generators, even when the refrigeration load is low, leading to excessive energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A container refrigeration system that includes a generator engine, power generator, converter, inverter, and engine controller, which adjusts the speed of the generator engine based on refrigeration load information to optimize power generation and reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the diesel generator operates at high speed continuously, then power supply stability is ensured, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the engine speed based on actual power demand. The engine controller receives power demand information from the refrigeration apparatus controller and adjusts the engine speed accordingly, transitioning from static high-speed operation to dynamic speed matching, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining power stability and reducing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where the refrigeration apparatus controller sends power demand information to the engine controller, which then adjusts the engine speed. This closed-loop feedback ensures the engine operates at the appropriate speed to meet actual demand while maintaining power supply stability, eliminating wasteful energy consumption from excessive speed operation
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine speed is reduced to save energy, then fuel consumption decreases, but power generation capability becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The engine speed is dynamically adjusted based on actual power demand rather than operating at a fixed high speed. When refrigeration load decreases, the engine speed is reduced proportionally, matching power generation capability with actual needs, thus preventing fuel waste while ensuring sufficient power generation when required
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameter (engine speed) based on varying conditions. The engine controller adjusts speed parameter in response to power demand information, optimizing the balance between fuel consumption and power generation capability under different operating conditions
3Power
If the engine operates at high speed, then power generation meets high load demands, but unnecessary power is generated when load is low
Solution Approach 1:
The engine speed and power output are dynamically adjusted to match the refrigeration load. The engine controller receives real-time power demand information and adjusts engine operation accordingly, ensuring high power output when needed while avoiding unnecessary power generation and fuel waste during low load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism ensures the engine operates at the precise power level required. The refrigeration apparatus controller communicates power demand to the engine controller, which adjusts engine speed to generate exactly the needed power, eliminating the mismatch between power generation and actual demand that causes fuel waste
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 prevents wasteful fuel consumption by matching power generation with the refrigeration load, enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a power generator (22) for generating power by being driven by the generator engine (21)
Implementation Method 2
a converter (23) for converting alternating current power generated by the power generator (22) to direct current power
Implementation Method 3
an inverter (24) for converting the direct current power of the converter (23) to the alternating current power, and feeding the alternating current power to the refrigeration apparatus (11)
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration apparatus controller calculates a refrigeration load of a refrigeration apparatus, and a load signal (S) containing load information indicating a magnitude of the refrigeration load is output from a communication device to an engine controller. The engine controller controls a speed of rotation of a generator engine based on the load signal (S).