Hybrid Fuel Cell Power Management for Transport Refrigeration Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport refrigeration units face challenges in providing clean and efficient power, particularly when the load conditions change rapidly or exceed the capacity of conventional energy sources.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a transport refrigeration system that incorporates a fuel cell as a primary power source, supplemented by one or more additional power sources such as energy storage devices or electric generation devices. A power management module is used to detect conditions requiring supplemental power and activate the appropriate sources to ensure continuous and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a fuel cell is used as the primary power source for the transport refrigeration unit, then clean and efficient power is provided, but the fuel cell may be overwhelmed during rapid ramp conditions, low load conditions, or max load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fuel cell with supplemental power sources (battery packs, capacitors, or secondary fuel cells) to create a hybrid power system. This merging allows the system to maintain clean power provision while ensuring reliable operation during rapid ramp conditions, low load conditions, and max load conditions by distributing the power demand across multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management module dynamically adjusts the operation of the fuel cell and supplemental power sources based on real-time load conditions. During rapid ramp conditions, the supplemental power sources provide immediate assistance; during low load conditions, the fuel cell operates at optimal efficiency; during max load conditions, both sources work together. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable power supply while maintaining clean energy provision.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the fuel cell operates during all conditions including rapid ramp and max load conditions, then continuous power is provided, but the fuel cell lifespan may be reduced due to operational stress
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental power sources act as a cushion for the fuel cell during stressful operating conditions. During rapid ramp conditions and max load conditions, the battery packs or capacitors absorb the sudden power demands, preventing the fuel cell from experiencing harmful stress. This beforehand cushioning protects the fuel cell while still providing continuous power to the refrigeration unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management module serves as an intermediary between the load requirements and the fuel cell operation. It intelligently determines when the fuel cell should operate and when supplemental power sources should intervene, mediating the stress on the fuel cell while ensuring continuous power provision. This intermediary control extends fuel cell lifespan by preventing operation under excessively stressful conditions.
3Reliability
If conventional power sources are used, then sufficient power is available during all load conditions, but the power is not clean and energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid power system changes the operational parameters of the fuel cell based on load conditions. During low load conditions, the fuel cell operates at optimal efficiency points. During rapid ramp and max load conditions, the system parameter changes by engaging supplemental power sources, maintaining overall system efficiency while providing clean power. This parameter optimization ensures both reliability and energy efficiency.
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
This solution enables the transport refrigeration system to maintain optimal performance by providing additional power during low load, max load, or rapid ramp conditions, thereby extending the lifespan of the fuel cell and improving overall energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell configured to provide electricity to the transport refrigeration unit
Data Source
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.