Hybrid power conversion system for a refrigerated transport vehicle and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerated transport vehicles rely on diesel engines for TRU systems, which are subject to operational restrictions and high fuel consumption, necessitating alternative power sources to efficiently maintain desired temperatures during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid power conversion system incorporating a battery, supplemental power sources such as solar panels, regenerative braking systems, wheel hub generators, and generators coupled to the tractor's engine, along with a power converter to provide efficient DC to AC power for refrigeration components, allowing reduced reliance on the refrigeration system engine and minimizing fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diesel engine is used to power the TRU system, then the refrigeration components can be powered reliably, but fuel consumption increases and operational restrictions are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources (battery, solar panels, regenerative braking systems, wheel hub generators, and tractor engine generator) into a hybrid power conversion system. This merging allows the TRU to access diverse energy sources, reducing reliance on diesel fuel while maintaining reliable power supply for refrigeration components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid power conversion system is designed to accept and convert multiple types of energy inputs (solar electrical energy, regenerative braking electrical energy, wheel hub generator electrical energy, and tractor engine mechanical energy) into usable AC power for the TRU. This multi-functionality allows a single power system to serve various power needs under different operating conditions.
2Reliability
If a diesel engine is used to power the TRU system, then the refrigeration components can be powered reliably, but operational restrictions are imposed by regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources (battery, solar panels, regenerative braking systems, wheel hub generators, and tractor engine generator) into a hybrid power conversion system. This merging allows the TRU to access diverse energy sources, reducing reliance on diesel fuel while maintaining reliable power supply for refrigeration components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different power sources based on availability and operational needs. The controller manages power flow from various sources (solar, regenerative braking, wheel hub generators, battery, or tractor engine) to the TRU, adapting to changing conditions and regulatory environments to maintain operational flexibility.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple power sources are integrated into the hybrid system, then fuel consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central power converter and controller as intermediary components that manage power flow between multiple diverse power sources and the TRU. These intermediaries standardize the integration of different energy sources (solar, regenerative braking, wheel hub generators, battery) by converting their outputs to compatible electrical formats, thereby reducing the overall system complexity despite the multiple power sources.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the refrigeration system engine is eliminated in certain operations, then fuel consumption is minimized, but power availability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different power sources based on availability and operational needs. The controller manages power flow from various sources (solar, regenerative braking, wheel hub generators, battery, or tractor engine) to the TRU, adapting to changing conditions and regulatory environments to maintain operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid power conversion system ensures continuous power availability by maintaining multiple active power sources that can supplement each other. The battery provides baseline power, while solar panels, regenerative braking systems, and wheel hub generators can recharge the battery or directly supplement power to the TRU, ensuring uninterrupted refrigeration operation without requiring the dedicated refrigeration engine.
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 hybrid power conversion system reduces fuel consumption by leveraging multiple power sources, enabling efficient temperature control in refrigerated transport vehicles while adhering to regulatory restrictions, potentially eliminating the need for a refrigeration system engine in certain operations.
Implementation Method 1
a battery (62) storing electrical power to be provided to at least one of the plurality of refrigeration components
Implementation Method 2
a power converter (64) converting the total available DC power to a total AC power
Implementation Method 3
the at least one supplemental power source comprises a solar panel
Implementation Method 4
the at least one supplemental power source comprises at least one of a regenerative braking system and a wheel hub generator system
Implementation Method 5
the at least one supplemental power source comprises a fuel cell pack
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid power conversion system (60) for an air conditioned transport vehicle (24) including a plurality of refrigeration components (52, 54, 56) for heating and/or cooling a refrigerated volume (40). Also included is a battery (62) storing electrical power to be provided to at least one of the plurality of refrigeration components (52, 54, 56). Further included is at least one supplemental power source (68, 70, 72, 76) providing electrical power to the battery (62) to provide a total available DC power for the refrigeration components (52, 54, 56). Yet further included is a power converter (64) converting the total available DC power to a total AC power, the total AC power provided to at least one of the plurality of refrigeration components (52, 54, 56).