EV Energy Allocation Control for Propulsion and Refrigeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles with transport refrigeration units require a separate energy source from the primary power source, increasing cost and maintenance burden, and there is a need for efficient energy management between propulsion and refrigeration systems in electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An energy control system that allocates energy between a propulsion system and a transport refrigeration unit based on user selection and available energy, allowing for integrated energy management and user control over energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate energy source is used to power the transport refrigeration unit in conventional vehicles, then the refrigeration unit can operate independently, but the vehicle cost and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power source for the transport refrigeration unit with the vehicle's primary power source. The control system allocates energy from the single power source to both the propulsion system and the refrigeration unit, eliminating the need for a separate power source while enabling independent refrigeration operation through intelligent energy management
2Device complexity
If the same energy storage device powers both the propulsion system and the transport refrigeration unit in electric vehicles, then the cost and maintenance are reduced, but the energy allocation between the two systems becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts energy allocation between the propulsion system and transport refrigeration unit based on real-time vehicle operation conditions, user preferences, and available energy. The system can adaptively modify power distribution during operation, allowing users to prioritize either propulsion or refrigeration needs while automatically managing the single energy storage device
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the operation state of both the propulsion system and refrigeration unit, along with the available energy in the storage device. This feedback mechanism enables the system to make informed decisions about energy allocation, adjusting power distribution to optimize performance based on current conditions and user preferences
Data Source
AI summary
An energy control system for use with an electric vehicle having an energy storage device that powers both the propulsion system of the vehicle and a transport refrigeration unit that is configured to condition a cargo space of the vehicle; the energy control system is configured to receive a user selection relating to energy to be allocated to the propulsion system and/or the transport refrigeration unit; and the energy control system is configured to provide control for an energy allocation of the available energy in the energy storage device between the propulsion system and the transport refrigeration unit based on the user selection and the available energy in the energy storage device.