Direct-Drive Parallel Powertrain for Transport Climate Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems for transport climate control systems face inefficiencies due to belt-drive losses and electrical to mechanical power conversion, particularly when operating at low loads or varying power demands.
Innovation Solution
A direct drive parallel power system that integrates a prime mover and an electric motor to provide power directly to loads via a drive shaft, allowing for separate or combined operation of both components to meet varying power demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a belt-drive system is used to connect the prime mover to the load, then the system can provide mechanical power transmission, but power efficiency losses occur due to belt friction and slip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the belt-drive intermediary component from the power transmission system, directly connecting the prime mover to the load through a rigid drive shaft. This extraction of the problematic belt-drive subsystem eliminates friction and slip losses while simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the flexible belt-drive mechanical system with a rigid direct-drive mechanical connection. This substitution eliminates the inefficiencies associated with belt friction and slip while maintaining mechanical power transmission functionality.
2Loss of energy
If electrical to mechanical power conversion is used, then the system can provide flexible power control, but power efficiency losses occur during conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electrical-to-mechanical power conversion stage from the prime mover power transmission path. By directly coupling the prime mover to the load, it eliminates conversion losses while preserving control flexibility through electronic control of the prime mover and separate electrical systems.
3Power
If a large internal combustion engine is used to meet maximum power requirements, then sufficient power is available, but fuel efficiency decreases at low loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery function into multiple independent sources: a small prime mover for base mechanical power and electrical systems (battery/motor) for supplemental power. This segmentation allows the small prime mover to operate efficiently at low loads while electrical systems provide peak power capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional power system where the small prime mover provides mechanical power, and the electrical system serves multiple functions including power supplementation, energy storage, and potential regenerative braking. This universal system handles both low-load efficiency and high-power demand scenarios.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a small internal combustion engine is used, then fuel efficiency at low loads improves, but maximum power output is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a small prime mover with an electrical power system into a hybrid power architecture. The small engine handles efficient low-load operation while the electrical system supplements during high-power demands, achieving both fuel efficiency and sufficient maximum power output.
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 reduces power efficiency losses, increases fuel efficiency by allowing the prime mover to operate at higher efficiency points, and meets emissions standards by using a small internal combustion engine and supplemental power sources.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is configured to generate mechanical power for powering the direct driven load via the drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
The battery source is electrically connected to the generator of the motor-generator
Implementation Method 3
The battery source is configured to supply electrical power to the motor of the motor-generator and configured to supply electrical power to an electrically driven load of the transport climate control system
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A direct drive parallel power system for powering a transport climate control system is provided. The direct drive parallel power system comprises a powertrain, a battery source and a power system controller. The powertrain includes a prime mover, a motor-generator, and a drive shaft. The prime mover is configured to generate mechanical power for powering a direct driven load of the transport climate control system via the drive shaft. A motor of the motor-generator is configured to generate mechanical power for powering the direct driven load via the drive shaft. The battery source is electrically connected to a generator of the motor-generator and is configured to supply electrical power to the motor of the motor-generator and configured to supply electrical power to an electrically driven load of the transport climate control system. The power system controller monitors and controls operation of the prime mover, the motor-generator, and the battery source.