Reefer Container Battery Pack Layout for Diesel-Free Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerated intermodal containers often rely on diesel-powered generators for power, which are inefficient, environmentally harmful, and require frequent maintenance, especially in scenarios where reliable power connections are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A lithium-ion battery energy system with a battery management system, inverter, cooling system, IoT gateway, and control panel, designed to provide 15 kW of power to refrigerated containers, offering a reliable and maintenance-free alternative to diesel generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diesel-powered generators are used to power refrigerated containers, then reliable power supply is achieved, but environmental harm increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical diesel generator system with an electrical battery energy storage system. The battery system includes lithium-ion or other rechargeable batteries connected to the refrigeration unit, eliminating the need for combustion engines and reducing harmful emissions while maintaining power supply reliability for refrigerated containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from chemical combustion (diesel) to electrochemical storage (batteries). This parameter change transforms the power generation mechanism, reducing carbon footprint and harmful emissions while providing sufficient power for refrigeration units during transport.
2Power
If diesel-powered generators are used to power refrigerated containers, then sufficient power is provided, but maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical generator system requiring oil changes, filter replacements, and engine maintenance with an electrical battery system that has significantly lower maintenance requirements. The battery system provides equivalent or sufficient power for refrigeration units without the complex mechanical components that require frequent service.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If battery energy systems are used to replace diesel generators, then environmental sustainability improves, but energy capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery energy system into modular units that can be distributed throughout the container or vehicle. This segmentation allows the total required energy capacity to be divided into manageable battery packs, making the system more practical and easier to integrate while maintaining sufficient power supply for the refrigeration unit.
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
The lithium-ion battery system reduces carbon footprint, improves turn times, and decreases maintenance needs by providing a reliable power source for refrigerated containers across various transportation modes without the need for diesel fuel, enhancing efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
A battery energy system for a refrigerated container includes a battery set and a converter.
Implementation Method 2
A battery energy system for a refrigerated container includes a battery set and a converter.
Data Source
AI summary
Battery energy systems having a housing and a battery management system for supplying power to a refrigerated container are disclosed. A battery management system includes a battery set, a battery management controller, an insulation monitoring device, a plurality of DC contactors, a DC/DC converter, a DC/DC controller, an inverter, an IoT gateway, a control panel, and a cooling system all interconnected. A battery energy system includes mounting brackets to mount the battery energy system to the nose or underside of a refrigerated container.