Power Distribution Unit for Prioritized Transport Climate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport climate control systems face inefficiencies in power distribution and management, particularly when prioritizing power delivery to accessory electrical components and vehicle batteries, which can impact the integrity and efficiency of climate control operations.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution unit (PDU) that detects incoming power, assesses power needs, determines priorities, and apportions power between vehicle electrical storage and climate control units, ensuring efficient and prioritized power delivery to maintain load integrity and climate control functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power is distributed to both vehicle battery and accessory electrical components simultaneously, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but power distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution unit dynamically adjusts power allocation between vehicle battery and accessory electrical components based on real-time power needs and priorities. The system transitions from static power distribution to dynamic control, optimizing efficiency while managing complexity through adaptive algorithms that respond to changing operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the power distribution unit continuously monitors power consumption, battery status, and accessory requirements. This feedback loop enables the controller to adjust power allocation in real-time, resolving the contradiction by using information feedback to simplify complex multi-component power management into coordinated responses.
2Reliability
If power is prioritized to climate control unit over vehicle battery, then cargo integrity is improved, but vehicle battery charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution unit performs preliminary assessment of power needs and priorities before actual power allocation. By evaluating climate control requirements, battery charge status, and cargo integrity needs in advance, the system prepares optimal power distribution strategies that balance cargo protection with acceptable charging timelines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes power distribution parameters including voltage allocation, current priority levels, and power sharing ratios. By adjusting these parameters based on real-time conditions, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining cargo integrity through climate control and managing vehicle battery charging time requirements.
3Productivity
If power is apportioned dynamically based on power needs assessment, then power delivery optimization is improved, but system control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into distinct functional modules: power detection unit, power metering unit, priority determination unit, and power allocation unit. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks independently, optimizing power delivery while reducing overall system control complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution unit acts as an intermediary controller between the power source and multiple electrical components. This intermediary role simplifies complex multi-component coordination by centralizing control logic in a single management unit that mediates power allocation decisions based on assessed needs and priorities.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are described herein to prioritize delivery of power to electrical components associated with a vehicle and an electrically powered accessory. A power distribution unit may assess real-time power needs for the electrical storage system associated with the vehicle and electrical storage device of the electrically powered accessory and direct incoming power to the electrical storage system associated with the vehicle and the electrical storage device of the electrically powered accessory based on a prioritization of various factors.