Power regulation system for a mobile environment-controlled unit and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile environment-controlled units, such as refrigeration trailers, face inefficiencies in power management and control, particularly in converting and distributing electrical power from internal combustion engine-driven alternators to AC and DC loads, lacking flexible control over environmental parameters and alternator output.
Innovation Solution
A controller and control method are implemented to monitor and control environmental and electrical parameters, regulating the AC alternator's rotor field current to manage power distribution flexibly across AC and DC loads, enhancing control over the refrigeration unit's operation and alternator output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a power electronics module is used to convert battery DC power to AC output power, then AC components can be powered, but the system complexity and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power conversion function from a separate power electronics module and integrates it directly into the alternator assembly. The alternator now directly provides both AC and DC output terminals, eliminating the need for external rectifiers and power electronics modules, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to power AC components.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternator is designed to perform multiple functions: generating AC power directly, providing DC power through integrated rectification, and supplying both power types simultaneously to different loads. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate conversion modules and reduces overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rectifier is used to convert alternator AC power to DC for battery charging, then DC components can be powered, but energy loss and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rectifier function with the alternator assembly by integrating rectification circuits directly into the alternator housing. This allows the alternator to simultaneously provide both AC and DC outputs from a single generator unit, reducing the number of separate conversion stages and minimizing energy loss while maintaining versatility for both AC and DC components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate AC and DC power systems are used, then all component types can be powered, but control flexibility and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator assembly is designed as a universal power source that can simultaneously supply AC power to AC components and DC power to DC components through integrated rectification circuits. A single controller manages both power outputs, providing centralized control and improved flexibility while maintaining the ability to power all component types in the refrigeration unit.
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 solution provides more flexible and efficient control over the refrigeration unit's operation, stabilizing AC output and optimizing energy use by dynamically adjusting alternator output based on monitored parameters, thereby improving the overall performance and efficiency of the environmental-control system.
Implementation Method 1
The AC alternator is powered by an internal combustion engine and supplies electrical power for the environmental-control system
Implementation Method 2
regulating the AC alternator's rotor field current to manage power distribution flexibly across AC and DC loads
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile environment-controlled unit comprising a chassis, a compartment supported by the chassis, and an environmental-control system in environmental communication with the compartment. The environmental-control system is configured to control an environmental parameter of the compartment. The environmental-control system includes an AC Alternator and a controller. The AC alternator is powered by an internal combustion engine and supplies electrical power for the environmental-control system. The controller is configured to monitor the environmental parameter of the compartment, monitor one or more electrical parameters of the AC alternator, control the environmental-control system based on the monitored environmental parameter, and control the AC alternator based on the monitored parameters of the alternator.