Methods and systems for coordinated zone operation of a multi-zone transport refrigeration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-zone transport refrigeration systems (MTRS) face inefficiencies in coordinating heat exchanger units across different temperature zones, leading to increased startup frequency of prime movers and reduced cooling capacity for frozen zones.
Innovation Solution
The MTRS coordinates the operation of heat exchanger units across multiple zones by determining environmental condition differences and adjusting their modes to maximize off-time and cooling capacity, allowing for simultaneous operation of fresh and frozen temperature zones to optimize fuel efficiency and ensure the frozen zone reaches its set point temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat exchanger units in multiple fresh temperature zones operate independently, then each zone can maintain its desired set point temperature, but the number of prime mover startups increases and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple fresh temperature zones by coordinating their heat exchanger units to operate simultaneously, allowing them to share the prime mover startup events and reduce overall fuel consumption while maintaining temperature control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation modes of heat exchanger units based on real-time temperature conditions and coordination requirements, optimizing the balance between maintaining set point temperatures and reducing prime mover startups
2Device complexity
If heat exchanger units operate independently without coordination, then zone control is simpler, but the cooling capacity available for frozen temperature zones is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically allocates cooling capacity by coordinating heat exchanger unit operations across fresh and frozen zones, ensuring maximum cooling capacity is available for frozen temperature zones when needed while maintaining fresh zone temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors in multiple zones to continuously adjust the operation of heat exchanger units, ensuring that cooling capacity is prioritized for frozen zones while maintaining fresh zone temperature requirements
3Use of energy by moving object
If heat exchanger units are switched off frequently to save energy, then fuel efficiency improves, but the ability to respond to temperature changes and maintain set point temperatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the operation schedules of multiple heat exchanger units through coordination, the system reduces the frequency of individual unit startups while maintaining overall temperature control capability, improving fuel efficiency without sacrificing response speed
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinated control system performs preliminary actions by anticipating temperature changes and pre-positioning heat exchanger units in appropriate modes, allowing for faster response to temperature changes while minimizing unnecessary startups
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 number of prime mover startups, minimizes throttling valve pre-positioning, and increases the cooling capacity available for frozen zones, enhancing fuel efficiency and ensuring the frozen zone reaches its desired temperature.
Implementation Method 1
two or more heat exchanger units of the MTRS are configured to coordinate with each other
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for coordinated zone operation of the MTRS are provided. The method includes a MTRS controller determining whether a first zone environmental condition difference between a first zone measured environmental condition and a first zone desired set point environmental condition is greater than a first threshold. The method also includes the MTRS controller coordinating operation of the first environmental condition unit and the second environmental condition unit when the first zone environmental condition difference is determined to be greater than the first threshold.