Demand-Side Power Management for Transport Climate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems for electrically powered accessories in vehicles and transport containers face inefficiencies due to peak demand charges and limited power supply, leading to potential security and interoperability issues when managing power distribution among multiple accessories at a single site.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a demand-side power management system that allows accessories to communicate and coordinate their power demands using peer-to-peer communication, determining when to request power based on the presence and operation modes of other accessories, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing peak demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple accessories demand power simultaneously from a single power distribution site, then power availability to each accessory is reduced, but peak demand charges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having accessories declare their power needs in advance and establishing a communication network before peak demand occurs. The controller receives power demand information from multiple accessories and coordinates power distribution proactively, preventing simultaneous high-demand scenarios that would incur peak charges.
2Productivity
If a centralized power management system is implemented to coordinate power distribution, then power distribution efficiency is improved, but system complexity and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that manages power distribution coordination. The controller receives power demand information from accessories via wireless communication and controls power delivery based on aggregated demand, reducing the need for complex peer-to-peer negotiations while maintaining efficient power distribution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accessories operate independently without coordination, then system interoperability is simplified, but power distribution performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal wireless communication protocols that allow different accessory types to interoperate through a common interface. The controller can manage diverse accessories (climate control units, refrigeration systems, etc.) using the same communication and control mechanisms, maintaining versatility while enabling coordinated power distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of power demand management is provided. The method includes an electrically powered climate control unit (CCU) detecting one or more additional electrically powered CCUs in a vicinity of the electrically powered CCU and the CCU establishing a communication link with the one or more additional electrically powered CCUs. The method includes generating and transmitting a pending power request to demand power from the power source to the CCU. The CCU monitors for one or more additional pending power requests from the one or more additional CCUs and monitors its position within a power request queue for obtaining power from the power source amongst the CCU and the one or more additional CCUs. Also, the method includes the electrically powered CCU demanding power from the power source when its position within the power request queue is high enough to demand power from the power source.