Method and system for control of a hybrid power system for powering a transport climate control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
In transport climate control systems, prime movers experience rapid exhaust deposit formation and efficiency degradation due to low load demand, leading to increased maintenance needs when running continuously, as they generate excessive heat that forms deposits on components like injector tips and EGR coolers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power system with a prime mover and battery source, where the prime mover is shut off during low demand periods and the battery source supplies power, and charged during high demand periods to maintain peak efficiency and prevent deposit formation, using a controller to monitor and manage power demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the prime mover runs continuously to meet low demand power requirements, then power supply is maintained, but exhaust deposit formation increases and efficiency degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function (exhaust deposit formation) by shutting down the prime mover during low demand periods. The battery system is introduced as a separate power source to replace the prime mover during these periods, effectively removing the source of exhaust emissions and deposits while maintaining power supply through the battery-inverter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic operation of the prime mover, switching between on and off states based on power demand levels. During high demand periods, the prime mover operates; during low demand periods, it shuts down and the battery system takes over. This periodic action pattern reduces cumulative exhaust deposit formation while ensuring continuous power availability.
2Productivity
If the prime mover operates at low load demand, then power is supplied to the load, but maintenance frequency increases due to deposit formation
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system acts as an intermediary power source between the prime mover and the load. During low demand periods, the battery-inverter system mediates power supply, allowing the prime mover to remain shut down and avoiding the harmful effects of low-load operation. This intermediary system enables the prime mover to operate only when necessary at higher, more efficient load levels.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the prime mover is shut off during low demand, then exhaust deposit formation is reduced, but power supply capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two power systems - the prime mover-generator system and the battery-inverter system - into a hybrid power architecture. This combination allows the system to leverage the strengths of both: the prime mover provides high power capability when needed, while the battery system provides clean power during low demand periods, eliminating the need to choose between one or the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (which power source is active) based on power demand conditions. When demand is high, the prime mover parameter is set to active; when demand is low, the battery system parameter is set to active. This parameter switching enables the system to maintain adequate power supply capability while avoiding the harmful effects of continuous prime mover operation at low loads.
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 approach reduces the formation of exhaust deposits, enhances prime mover efficiency, and extends maintenance intervals by optimizing power usage between battery and prime mover based on demand, particularly in start-stop cooling modes where low EGT can cause detrimental effects.
Implementation Method 1
a battery source with an inverter can supply AC power to the load when the prime mover is inactivated
Implementation Method 2
an electrical machine (e.g., three phase AC generator) is used to power a transport climate control system
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A method for controlling a power system that powers a load is provided. The power system includes a prime mover, an electrical machine coupled to the prime mover, a battery source, an inverter coupled to the battery source, and a power system controller configured to control operation of the power system. The method includes monitoring a power demand on the power system from the load. The method also includes comparing the monitored power demand with a load threshold value. Also, the method includes determining that the monitored power demand is less than the load threshold value. Further, the method includes upon determining that the monitored power demand is less than the load threshold value: inactivating the prime mover, and instructing the battery source with the inverter to supply power to the load.