Electrical architecture for powering multiple transport refrigeration units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transport refrigeration systems in refrigerated vehicles and trailers require continuous power for the compressor and other components, leading to high fuel usage and inefficiency in maintaining a controlled temperature environment for perishable goods during transit.
Innovation Solution
A multi-unit transport refrigeration system incorporating an energy storage device and a power conversion system with DC/DC converters and DC/AC inverters to store and convert electricity for powering multiple refrigeration units, optimizing energy distribution and reducing fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple refrigeration units are powered by separate prime movers, then each unit can operate independently, but fuel consumption increases and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple refrigeration units onto a single vehicle platform that shares a common prime mover, energy storage system, and control architecture. This consolidation allows multiple refrigeration units to operate independently while sharing power and control resources, reducing overall fuel consumption and improving system efficiency compared to separate standalone units.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle platform is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a transportation vehicle and a power generation platform. The single prime mover can power not only the vehicle propulsion but also multiple refrigeration units simultaneously, allowing the system to adapt to different operational scenarios and reducing the need for dedicated power sources for each refrigeration unit.
2Power
If conventional electrical systems power multiple refrigeration units, then power can be distributed to all units, but voltage mismatches and electrical inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs power conversion systems with DC/DC converters and AC/DC rectifiers that can dynamically adjust voltage and current parameters to match the specific requirements of each refrigeration unit. This parameter adaptation enables efficient power distribution from a common source to multiple units with different power demands, eliminating voltage mismatches and reducing electrical inefficiencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the power source and multiple refrigeration units, managing power distribution, converting electrical parameters, and coordinating operation. This intermediary layer enables optimized power flow management, ensuring each unit receives appropriate power while minimizing losses in the distribution 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
The system effectively converts and distributes stored electricity to multiple refrigeration units, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing fuel usage by powering the refrigeration units using stored electrical energy, thereby maintaining a controlled temperature environment for perishable goods during transit.
Implementation Method 1
a first DC/DC converter configured to increase a voltage of the electricity received from the energy storage device from a first voltage to a second voltage
Implementation Method 2
a first DC/AC inverter configured to convert the electricity received from the first DC/DC converter from DC to AC
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-unit transport refrigeration system including: a first transportation refrigeration unit configured to refrigerate a first transport container; a second transportation refrigeration unit configured to refrigerate a second transport container; and an energy management system including: an energy storage device configured to store electricity to power the first second transportation refrigeration unit; and a power conversion system electrically connecting the energy storage device to the first transportation refrigeration unit and the second transportation refrigeration unit, the power conversion system including: a first DC/DC converter configured to increase a voltage of the electricity received from the energy storage device from a first voltage to a second voltage; and a first DC/AC inverter configured to convert the electricity received from the first DC/DC converter from DC to AC and then convey the electricity to at least one of the first transportation refrigeration unit or the second transportation refrigeration unit.