Multi-Source Power Architecture for Transport Refrigeration Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional transportation refrigeration units face challenges in efficiency, sound reduction, and environmental impact, with a need for improved reliability, cost-effectiveness, and weight reduction.
Innovation Solution
A power system architecture that includes a generator power converter, a grid power converter, an energy storage device, and a power management system, configured to provide AC power to a transportation refrigeration unit based on determined AC power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional combustion engine drives the compressor directly, then the refrigeration unit can operate reliably, but the system produces high noise and environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical direct-drive system with an electrical system. The combustion engine drives a generator that produces electricity, which then powers an electric compressor motor. This substitution eliminates the direct mechanical connection between engine and compressor, reducing noise transmission and allowing for better environmental control while maintaining operational reliability through electrical control systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an engine-driven generator powers the compressor, then efficiency can be improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional power system where the same electrical architecture can serve multiple purposes: the combustion engine can drive the generator for refrigeration, the generator can also charge energy storage devices, and the system can operate in multiple modes (engine-only, hybrid, or energy storage-only). This universal electrical platform improves energy efficiency while managing complexity through standardized components and control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical power management system as an intermediary between the mechanical engine and the electrical compressor load. This intermediary includes converters, controllers, and energy storage devices that mediate the power flow, optimizing efficiency while containing complexity within the control and management layer rather than the mechanical components.
3Reliability
If multiple power sources and energy storage devices are integrated, then reliability and efficiency improve, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power system where the configuration of power sources and energy storage devices can be adjusted based on operational needs. The system can operate with different combinations of engine power, generator output, and energy storage discharge/charge states. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve high reliability when needed while reducing the effective weight penalty by not requiring all components to be at maximum capacity simultaneously.
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 enhances the efficiency and reliability of transportation refrigeration units by optimizing power usage, reducing noise and environmental impact, and improving cost-effectiveness and weight reduction.
Implementation Method 1
an AC generator operably coupled to an axle or wheel hub
Implementation Method 2
a generator power converter configured to receive a generator three phase AC power from an alternating current (AC) generator and provide a generator DC power
Implementation Method 3
an energy storage device, the energy storage device operable to provide a DC power
Data Source
AI summary
A power system architecture configured to power a transport refrigeration system (20) based on a determined an AC power requirement. The system (20) includes a generator power converter (164) configured to receive the generator three phase AC power (163) from an AC generator (162), and provide a generator DC power (165). The system (20) also includes a grid power converter (184) configured to receive the grid three phase AC power from a grid power source (182), and provide a grid DC power (185), an energy storage device (152), the energy storage device (152) operable to provide a DC power (157) and connected to a variable DC bus, and a power management system (190) operably connected to direct power (195) the TRU (26) based on at least the AC power requirement.