Parallel Hydraulic Pump System for Transport Refrigeration Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for powering transport refrigeration units in trucks and semi-trailers are inefficient, relying on small diesel engines or hydraulic systems that require additional components and energy sources, lacking a cost-effective and efficient method to generate power when the vehicle is stationary or moving.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing two hydraulic pumps, one engine-driven and one road-wheel-driven, connected in parallel to a hydraulic motor, which generates mechanical power to drive a generator producing electrical power for an electric motor-based refrigeration unit, with adjustable pressure compensators to optimize power distribution between the pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a small diesel engine is used to power the refrigeration unit, then the refrigeration unit can operate independently, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the refrigeration load from the vehicle's main engine power system and creates a separate power generation system using the road wheel. This allows the refrigeration unit to operate independently when needed while eliminating the need for a dedicated small diesel engine, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining independent operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The road wheel serves multiple functions: it is part of the vehicle's propulsion system and simultaneously functions as a power source for the refrigeration unit through the hydraulic pump-generator system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated engines, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable operation.
2Reliability
If a dedicated diesel engine is installed in the refrigeration unit, then continuous cooling is ensured, but the vehicle's weight and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own motion (road wheel rotation) to generate power for the refrigeration unit through the hydraulic pump and generator. This self-service approach eliminates the need for a separate diesel engine, reducing vehicle weight while ensuring continuous cooling operation during vehicle movement.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the refrigeration unit is powered during vehicle movement, then energy efficiency improves, but the hydraulic system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the hydraulic power generation system with the existing vehicle hydraulic circuit by tapping into the road wheel's rotational energy. This integration approach allows the system to utilize vehicle motion for power generation while sharing common hydraulic infrastructure, thereby improving energy efficiency without proportionally increasing hydraulic system complexity.
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 system provides a reliable and efficient means to power refrigeration units using kinetic energy from the vehicle, reducing the need for additional engines and enhancing power generation efficiency during both stationary and moving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Two hydraulic pumps produce fluid power from mechanical power by pumping hydraulic fluid. A first one of the hydraulic pumps is adapted for obtaining mechanical power from the engine of the vehicle, and the second one of the hydraulic pumps is adapted for obtaining mechanical power from one or more of the road-wheels of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 2
Hydraulic fluid pumped by the two hydraulic pumps is provided to the hydraulic circuit in parallel through a fluid power input of the hydraulic circuit, and wherein the hydraulic motor is adapted for producing mechanical power from fluid flowing through the fluid power input, through the hydraulic motor, and back out of the hydraulic circuit
Implementation Method 3
The system may also include a generator for producing electrical power obtained from the mechanical power generated by the hydraulic motor.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for generating electrical power from a wheeled engine-driven vehicle. At least two hydraulic pumps are provided for pumping hydraulic fluid though respective hydraulic fluid outputs of the hydraulic pumps. A first one of the hydraulic pumps is driven by the engine of the vehicle and a second one of the hydraulic pumps is driven by one or more of the road-wheels of the vehicle. Hydraulic fluid pumped by the first and second hydraulic pumps is input in parallel to a hydraulic motor.