Hybrid Reefer Power System with Regenerative Energy Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerated truck and trailer systems face inefficiencies and regulatory challenges due to continuous operation of diesel reefer units, necessitating flexible and efficient power solutions that reduce emissions and noise while optimizing fuel usage.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid reefer system incorporating an internal combustion engine and motor/generator connected via a reefer power system, including an export power inverter and energy storage devices, allowing for power sharing between vehicles and utilizing grid power for charging and supplementary power, thereby optimizing energy usage and reducing emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diesel reefer unit operates continuously to maintain temperature conditions, then the temperature control reliability is improved, but the emissions and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reefer unit is segmented into multiple independent power sources: a diesel engine for base load power, a motor/generator for regenerative braking and supplementary power, and an energy storage device (battery) for peak shaving and emission reduction. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the cooling load across different power sources, reducing diesel engine operating hours and emissions while maintaining temperature control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the diesel engine by introducing a motor/generator that can provide auxiliary power during high-demand periods. The engine operates at optimized load points rather than continuously at full capacity, reducing emissions per unit of power while maintaining overall system reliability through the hybrid power architecture.
2Reliability
If a diesel reefer unit operates continuously to maintain temperature conditions, then the temperature control reliability is improved, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the kinetic energy that would normally be lost during vehicle braking into useful electrical energy through the motor/generator acting as a regenerative brake. This recovered energy is stored in the energy storage device and used to power the reefer unit, transforming a waste energy stream into a beneficial power source that reduces fuel consumption while maintaining cooling reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid power system dynamically allocates power between the diesel engine, motor/generator, and energy storage device based on real-time cooling demands and vehicle operating conditions. The control system continuously adjusts the contribution of each power source, optimizing fuel consumption by using the motor/generator during vehicle motion and the engine during stationary periods, while ensuring temperature control reliability is maintained.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a hybrid power system with motor/generator and energy storage device is implemented, then the emissions are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor/generator is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it acts as a generator during regenerative braking to recharge the energy storage device, serves as a supplementary power source for the reefer unit during high-demand periods, and can function as a starter motor for the diesel engine. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving emission reduction goals.
4Use of energy by moving object
If power is shared between vehicles during certain operating conditions, then the fuel savings are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the power management functions of multiple vehicles by connecting their energy storage devices through a common electrical network. When vehicles are parked in proximity, their hybrid power systems can share electrical load, allowing one vehicle's excess power to support another vehicle's reefer unit. This merging of power resources achieves fuel savings by reducing overall diesel generator operation while managing system complexity through standardized electrical interfaces and centralized control algorithms.
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 system enhances energy efficiency, reduces emissions, and improves fuel savings by leveraging regenerative capacity and flexible power management, while maintaining temperature control and cargo quality.
Implementation Method 1
a motor/generator (36) selectively connectable with the engine (32)... The export power inverter (72) can also provide power from the motor/generator (36) to charge the one of the low voltage and high voltage battery (74L, 74H)
Implementation Method 2
an export power inverter (72) connected to the motor/generator (36) and an energy storage device (74L, 74H)... The export power inverter (72) can also provide power from the motor/generator (36) to charge the one of the low voltage and high voltage battery (74L, 74H)
Implementation Method 3
a hybrid power system (24) with an internal combustion engine (32) and a motor/generator (36) selectively connectable with the engine (32)
Data Source
AI summary
Hybrid power systems include an internal combustion engine and a motor/generator connectable with the engine. A reefer unit is configured to receive power from the motor/generator via a reefer power system that includes an export power inverter and an energy storage device.