Systems and methods for management of eTRU
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Solution Overview
Problem
The simultaneous startup of multiple electrically powered Transport Refrigeration Units (eTRUs) can lead to significant voltage drops or 'brown-out' events, potentially causing electrical system faults and disrupting continuous operation, as existing technologies do not effectively manage these start events as networked systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where eTRUs communicate via wireless networks, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or peer-to-peer communication, to determine priority for startup and manage power demand, allowing units to stagger their start events and monitor each other's states to prevent simultaneous load events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple eTRUs are allowed to start simultaneously, then each unit can independently perform its refrigeration function, but significant voltage drops and brown-out events occur causing electrical system faults
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having eTRUs communicate their startup requirements and priorities before actual startup occurs. The communication system allows eTRUs to exchange startup intent information, and the system determines a startup sequence in advance, preventing simultaneous startups that cause voltage drops.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication system acts as an intermediary between multiple eTRUs to coordinate their startup events. This intermediary enables information exchange about startup status and priorities, allowing the system to manage power demand and prevent brown-out events through coordinated control.
2Device complexity
If eTRUs operate as independent units, then device complexity is minimized, but the system cannot manage power demand to prevent simultaneous load events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent eTRU systems into a networked system where units communicate with each other. By combining individual eTRUs into a coordinated network, the system maintains the simplicity of individual units while adding collective intelligence to manage power demand and prevent simultaneous startups.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system provides multi-functionality by enabling eTRUs to not only perform their primary refrigeration function but also to exchange information about startup status, determine priorities, and coordinate power demand management across the entire fleet of units.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods for power demand management are described herein. One or more embodiments comprise peer to peer short range wireless communications. One or more embodiments comprise BLE advertising channel features. Other embodiments are also described herein.