Electrical architecture for powering multiple transport refrigeration units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transport refrigeration systems for perishable goods require continuous power for the compressor and fans, leading to high fuel consumption and inefficiency, especially in electrically driven systems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-unit transport refrigeration system with an energy management system that includes an energy storage device and a power conversion system, utilizing DC/DC converters and DC/AC inverters to efficiently distribute electricity from an energy storage device to multiple refrigeration units, converting DC to AC and splitting power to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple refrigeration units are powered by separate prime movers, then each unit can operate independently, but fuel consumption increases and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple refrigeration units into a single integrated system sharing one prime mover and one electrical system. Multiple compressors and fans are electrically powered through a common inverter system, consolidating what were previously separate mechanical drive trains into a unified power distribution architecture, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining operational independence through electrical control
2Loss of energy
If a single prime mover powers multiple refrigeration units mechanically, then fuel efficiency improves, but the system cannot independently control each unit and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrical system with inverters and controllers as intermediaries between the single prime mover and multiple refrigeration units. This electrical mediation layer allows the mechanically coupled units to be independently controlled through electronic signals, enabling individual unit shutdowns or adjustments without affecting the mechanical drive train or overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling and control mechanisms with an electrical control system. Instead of mechanical linkages that physically connect and control each refrigeration unit, the system uses electrical power distribution and electronic controllers to manage multiple units independently while they share a common mechanical prime mover, thereby maintaining reliability through electrical isolation
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrically driven refrigeration systems use direct AC power, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency decreases and operational flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs power conversion systems including DC/DC converters and AC/DC rectifiers that dynamically adjust electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and frequency. This allows the system to optimize power delivery to each refrigeration unit based on its specific operational requirements, improving energy efficiency by matching power supply characteristics to actual load demands rather than using fixed AC power
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 reduces fuel consumption by efficiently powering multiple refrigeration units using stored electricity, converting DC to AC, and optimizing energy distribution, thereby enhancing the energy management and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first DC/DC converter configured to increase a voltage of the electricity received from the energy storage device from a first voltage to a second voltage
Implementation Method 2
a first DC/AC inverter configured to convert the electricity received from the first DC/DC converter from DC to AC and then convey the electricity to at least one of the first transportation refrigeration unit or the second transportation refrigeration unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-unit transport refrigeration system (100) includes: a first transportation refrigeration unit (22a) configured to refrigerate a first transport container (106a); a second transportation refrigeration unit (22b) configured to refrigerate a second transport container (106b); and an energy management system (300). The energy management system (300) includes: an energy storage device (350) configured to store electricity to power the first transportation refrigeration unit (22a) and the second transportation refrigeration unit (22b); and a power conversion system (370) electrically connecting the energy storage device (350) to the first transportation refrigeration unit (22a) and the second transportation refrigeration unit (22b). The power conversion system (370) includes: a first DC/DC converter (372) configured to increase a voltage of the electricity received from the energy storage device (350) from a first voltage to a second voltage; and a first DC/AC inverter (374) configured to convert the electricity received from the first DC/DC converter (372) from DC to AC and then convey the electricity to at least one of the first transportation refrigeration unit (22a) or the second transportation refrigeration unit (22b).