Hybrid Fuel Cell Refrigeration Power Management for Peak Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport refrigeration units face challenges in providing consistent power supply, particularly during low load, rapid ramp, and maximum load conditions, as conventional power sources like fuel cells may struggle to meet these demands efficiently.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fuel cell system supplemented by energy storage devices, thermal storage systems, and electric generation devices such as axle and hub generators to manage power distribution effectively, ensuring stable operation across varying load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fuel cell is used to power the transport refrigeration unit, then the system can operate autonomously without a prime mover, but the fuel cell may not provide sufficient power during low load, rapid ramp, or maximum load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fuel cell system with supplemental power sources (battery packs, capacitors, or secondary fuel cells) to create a hybrid power system. This merging allows the system to achieve both autonomous operation and sufficient power output during peak demand conditions, as the supplemental sources provide additional power when the primary fuel cell cannot meet the load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management module implements multi-functionality by enabling the refrigeration system to operate in multiple modes: primary fuel cell operation, supplemental power source operation, and hybrid operation. This universal approach allows the system to adapt to varying load conditions and maintain both autonomous operation capability and adequate power supply across all operating scenarios.
2Power
If a larger fuel cell is used to meet peak power demands, then sufficient power is available during all load conditions, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large fuel cell, the patent merges a smaller primary fuel cell with supplemental power sources. This combination provides the necessary peak power capability while keeping the primary fuel cell size and cost reduced, as the supplemental sources handle the peak demand portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management module implements dynamic control that automatically switches between power sources based on real-time load conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize the contribution of each power source, maintaining adequate power supply while managing complexity through intelligent control rather than hardware redundancy.
3Reliability
If supplemental power sources are always activated to ensure sufficient power, then power reliability is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power management module implements dynamic activation of supplemental power sources based on real-time monitoring of load conditions. The system activates supplemental sources only when the primary fuel cell cannot meet the power demand (during low load, rapid ramp, or maximum load conditions), rather than continuous operation. This dynamic approach maintains power reliability while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by using supplemental power sources only to the extent necessary to meet peak demand requirements. Rather than continuously operating all power sources, the system activates supplemental sources partially and temporarily only when needed, thereby maintaining reliability without excessive energy consumption.
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 integrated power management system ensures reliable power supply to transport refrigeration units by leveraging supplemental sources during peak or rapid power demands, allowing for smaller, less expensive fuel cells and maintaining consistent temperature control in refrigerated cargo spaces.
Implementation Method 1
electricity is provided from a fuel cell to a transport refrigeration unit
Implementation Method 2
The one or more supplemental power sources may include an energy storage device configured to store electricity and provide electricity to the transport refrigeration unit
Implementation Method 3
the transport refrigeration system includes a thermal storage device configured to provide cooling for refrigerated cargo space of the transport container using a phase change material
Implementation Method 4
The one or more supplemental power sources may include an electric generation device configured to generate electricity and provide the electricity to the transport refrigeration unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A transport refrigeration system including: a transport refrigeration unit configured to provide conditioned air to a refrigerated cargo space of a transport container; a fuel cell configured to provide electricity to the transport refrigeration unit; one or more supplemental power sources configured to provide supplemental electricity to the transport refrigeration unit; and a power management module configured to manage the electricity and the supplemental electricity provided to the transport refrigeration unit, wherein the power management module is configured to detect a condition of the transport refrigeration unit that requires supplemental electricity and provide the supplemental electricity to the transport refrigeration unit from the one or more supplemental power sources.