Fuel Cell DC Power Architecture for Transport Refrigeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional transport refrigeration units require significant electrical conversions to operate with direct current (DC) power sources due to their high voltage AC components, which are not ideally suited for DC power, leading to inefficiencies and increased hardware requirements.
Innovation Solution
A transport refrigeration system powered by a low voltage DC power source, including a fuel cell and supplemental power sources such as energy storage devices and electric generation devices, with a power management module to manage and convert DC power for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If AC power sources (engine-driven alternators or shore power) are used to power refrigeration units, then sufficient electrical power can be provided, but the system requires additional mechanical components, increases complexity, and may not be available during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical AC power generation system (engine-driven alternator) with an electrical power source (fuel cell that directly generates DC electricity). This eliminates the need for mechanical conversion components and reduces system complexity while maintaining sufficient power output for refrigeration units.
2Device complexity
If DC power sources are used to eliminate conversion requirements, then system complexity is reduced, but traditional DC sources (batteries, capacitors) have limited energy storage duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of power source type from chemical storage (batteries/capacitors with limited duration) to electrochemical generation (fuel cell that produces electricity continuously as long as fuel is supplied). This parameter change enables extended power supply duration while maintaining DC output and low system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If engine-driven alternators are used during transit, then power can be generated without external sources, but the engines increase system weight and require additional maintenance infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy mechanical engine-alternator system with a lightweight fuel cell system that generates electricity electrochemically. This substitution dramatically reduces system weight while maintaining the capability for independent power generation during transit, and eliminates the need for complex engine maintenance infrastructure.
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
Enables efficient and direct use of DC power in transport refrigeration systems, reducing the need for electrical conversions and enhancing sustainability by utilizing DC power sources effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy into electrical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A transport refrigeration system (200) includes a transport refrigeration unit (22) configured to provide conditioned air to a refrigerated cargo space (119) of a container (106); a low voltage DC power source including a fuel cell (400) configured to provide electricity to the transport refrigeration unit (22); a power converter configured to condition DC power from the low voltage DC power source prior to supply to a transport refrigeration unit load; and a power management module (310) configured to manage power provided to the transport refrigeration unit (22).