System for transport refrigeration control of multiple compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated vehicles with multiple compartments face high power demands during initialization and temperature regulation, leading to inefficiencies and potential cargo spoilage due to the need for separate and often overlapping cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A transport refrigeration system with dual refrigeration circuits and a controller that dynamically adjusts cooling capacity based on temperature thresholds, prioritizing one circuit over the other to reduce power consumption and maintain optimal engine temperatures, while ensuring cargo compartments meet their respective temperature setpoints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate refrigeration circuits are used for each transport compartment, then each compartment can be cooled independently to meet specific temperature requirements, but the power consumption increases significantly during initialization and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple refrigeration circuits into a single integrated refrigeration system with one compressor that can serve multiple evaporators through a common refrigerant distribution network. This merging approach allows the system to share the compressor and control components, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to independently control temperature in each transport compartment through electronic expansion valves and independent evaporators.
Solution Approach 2:
The single refrigeration system is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple transport compartments simultaneously. The system includes a common compressor that can cool multiple evaporators, each connected to different compartments, allowing one refrigeration system to perform the function of what would traditionally require separate refrigeration circuits for each compartment.
2Reliability
If the refrigeration system operates at full cooling capacity continuously, then cargo temperature requirements are met, but the engine temperature exceeds safe operating ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system implements dynamic capacity control where the cooling capacity is adjusted in real-time based on actual cargo temperature requirements and engine temperature conditions. The controller monitors engine temperature and cargo temperature continuously, dynamically modulating the refrigeration system output through electronic expansion valves and compressor control to maintain cargo temperature while preventing engine overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms where temperature sensors in the cargo compartments and engine provide continuous information to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and adjusts the refrigeration system operation accordingly, reducing cooling capacity when engine temperature rises while ensuring cargo temperature remains within acceptable ranges through proportional control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If cooling capacity is reduced to lower power consumption, then engine temperature is maintained, but cargo temperature may deviate from setpoint
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic capacity modulation to adjust cooling output in real-time based on actual cargo temperature measurements. Rather than operating at fixed capacity, the refrigeration system dynamically adjusts its output through electronic expansion valves and compressor control to match the exact cooling demand, maintaining cargo temperature accuracy while optimizing power consumption and engine temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration system changes operating parameters such as refrigerant flow rate, compressor speed, and expansion valve opening degree to optimize performance. By adjusting these parameters dynamically based on cargo temperature deviation and engine temperature conditions, the system maintains cargo temperature accuracy while reducing power consumption and preventing engine overheating.
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 energy consumption, minimizes the risk of cargo spoilage by optimizing cooling capacity distribution between compartments, and maintains engine temperatures within safe operating ranges, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the refrigeration system.
Implementation Method 1
first and second refrigeration circuits configured to cool first and second transport compartments, respectively
Implementation Method 2
reduce a cooling capacity of a selected one of the first and second refrigeration circuits based on the temperature exceeding a first threshold
Implementation Method 3
determine a difference between a respective current temperature and a respective setpoint temperature of each of the transport compartments
Data Source
AI summary
An example transport refrigeration system includes first and second refrigeration circuits configured to cool first and second transport compartments, respectively. An electric machine powers the first and second refrigeration circuits. A controller is configured to monitor a temperature of the electric machine, and reduce a cooling capacity of a selected one of the first and second refrigeration circuits based on the temperature exceeding a first threshold.