Mobile Charging System for Autonomous Climate-Controlled Storage Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-contained climate-controlled storage units face challenges in maintaining autonomous operation due to battery discharge during transport, leading to potential cargo loss and compliance issues with regulatory specifications, as modifications to these units are often prohibited once certified.
Innovation Solution
A mobile charging system that extends the runtime of self-contained climate-controlled storage units using various charge sources such as shore power, solar panels, alternators, and on-board generators, allowing for charging during transport and storage, thereby reducing downtime and preventing cargo loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the self-contained climate controlled storage unit uses battery power for autonomous operation, then the unit can maintain climate control without external power during transport, but the battery can fully discharge and the autonomous operation duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by connecting to external power sources (shore power, vehicle alternators, generators) before the battery is fully discharged. This advance charging extends the autonomous operation duration without requiring larger batteries, as the unit is recharged during transport and storage periods when external power is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary charging system that includes a controller and connection interface between the climate controlled unit and external power sources. This intermediary system manages the charging process, allowing the unit to accept power from various external sources (shore power outlets, vehicle alternators, generators) and store it in the battery, thereby extending operational duration.
2Reliability
If the unit is delayed from reaching its destination, then the battery may fully discharge and cargo may fall out of compliance, but modifying the unit to extend battery capacity is difficult or impossible due to certification regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary charging apparatus that connects between external power sources and the unit's battery system. This intermediary includes a controller that manages charging operations, allowing the unit to maintain compliance during delays without modifying the certified climate controlled unit itself. The intermediary charging system can be added as an accessory without altering the core certified components.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is designed to be universal, accepting multiple types of external power sources (shore power, vehicle alternators, generators) and adapting to different charging scenarios. This multi-functionality allows the same system to extend operational duration and maintain compliance without requiring unit-specific modifications, preserving certification while adding capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the unit sits in a warehouse for charging, then the battery can be recharged, but the out of service duration increases and unit utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous useful action by allowing charging to occur during transport and storage periods that would otherwise be non-productive. Instead of requiring the unit to sit stationary in a warehouse, the unit can be charged while being transported on vehicles with alternators or at locations with shore power, converting previously idle time into productive charging time and maintaining higher utilization rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is designed to be dynamic, adapting to different operational scenarios. The unit can charge during transport when connected to vehicle alternators, charge at destination when connected to shore power, or operate autonomously when battery charge is sufficient. This dynamic charging approach eliminates the need for static warehouse charging periods and optimizes unit availability.
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 mobile charging system effectively extends the autonomous operation of self-contained climate-controlled storage units, ensuring continuous climate control and compliance with regulations, reducing cargo loss and increasing unit utilization and revenue.
Implementation Method 1
one or more solar panels, an alternator (e.g., an alternator driven by a transport refrigeration unit (TRU), an alternator driven by a tractor engine, etc.), an on-board generator, etc.
Implementation Method 2
The mobile charging system includes a battery bank, a plurality of charge modules and a system controller. The battery bank is configured to charge the electrically powered self-contained climate controlled storage unit.
Implementation Method 3
one or more solar panels, an alternator (e.g., an alternator driven by a transport refrigeration unit (TRU), an alternator driven by a tractor engine, etc.), an on-board generator, etc.
Implementation Method 4
one or more solar panels, an alternator (e.g., an alternator driven by a transport refrigeration unit (TRU), an alternator driven by a tractor engine, etc.), an on-board generator, etc.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A method and system for extending autonomous operation of a self-contained climate controlled storage unit is provided. The embodiments of the method and system described herein can extend the run time of a battery source of a self-contained climate controlled storage unit prior to, during, or after transport. In some embodiments, a mobile charging system is provided to extend the run time of the battery source of the self-contained climate controlled storage unit.