Electrical transport refrigeration unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport refrigeration units (TRUs) face challenges in efficiently accommodating large rechargeable batteries, which require secure, protected, and accessible placement, while adhering to industry standards and optimizing space usage, particularly when the TRU's primary power source is battery-based.
Innovation Solution
A framework design that supports both the refrigeration system and battery modules, allowing for secure, accessible, and efficient packing of batteries within a TRU, with compartments and structural members that maximize space utilization and protect against environmental elements, while ensuring compliance with trailer standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are placed in racks under the trailer, then batteries are secure and protected, but space under the trailer is already used for other purposes and accessibility for serviceability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from placing batteries horizontally under the trailer to positioning them vertically within the TRU structure. This dimensional change allows batteries to be accommodated within the existing TRU footprint without encroaching on trailer under-space, while maintaining secure mounting through vertical support structures and protective enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the battery system directly into the TRU structure by incorporating battery compartments within the TRU framework. This merging of functions allows the TRU to simultaneously provide refrigeration and power storage capabilities, eliminating the need for separate battery racks under the trailer.
2Reliability
If batteries are placed in racks under the trailer, then batteries are secure and protected, but provisioning and fitting the system becomes more difficult requiring separate units and additional connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery system and TRU into a single integrated unit where battery compartments are built into the TRU structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate battery rack assemblies and reduces the number of connection points required during installation, simplifying both provisioning and fitting processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the TRU framework to serve multiple functions: structural support for refrigeration components, housing for battery modules, and mounting structure for electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies system integration compared to separate battery rack and TRU installations.
3Power
If batteries are positioned to maximize capacity, then power supply is improved, but space that could be used for payload is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TRU interior into distinct functional zones: refrigeration compartments, battery compartments, and payload areas. By carefully segmenting and optimizing each zone, the design achieves a balance where sufficient battery capacity is provided without unduly compromising payload space, as each segment is sized and positioned to minimize interference with the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical space within the TRU structure to accommodate battery modules, transitioning from horizontal placement that would compete with payload area to vertical arrangement that exploits unused vertical volume. This dimensional optimization allows maximum battery capacity while preserving horizontal payload space.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric refrigeration unit includes a framework for attaching to a mobile enclosure such as a vehicle or trailer that is served by the electrical refrigeration unit, a refrigeration system for cooling and/or heating the interior of the mobile enclosure, and one or more rechargeable battery modules for powering the refrigeration system, wherein the framework supports the refrigeration system and battery modules. The framework may define a first compartment in which the refrigeration system is located and a second compartment in which the battery modules are located, where the second compartment is arranged to be dry. The framework may provide a battery racking space the front face of which is open or configurable open allowing access to the battery modules.