Reefer power control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Container vessels face challenges in managing power demands and emissions, particularly in emission control areas, due to varying energy requirements and the difficulty in efficiently utilizing onboard power sources.
Innovation Solution
A power controller that determines whether to cool reefer containers below their set temperature based on available energy, utilizing surplus energy for thermal storage to reduce generator load and emissions, and optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the generator operates continuously to meet power demands, then power supply reliability is improved, but fuel consumption and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of reefer containers when excess energy is available, storing thermal energy in the cargo and container structure. This advance action reduces the need for continuous generator operation, as the stored thermal energy maintains temperature requirements during periods when the generator can be reduced or shut down.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the cooling setpoint temperature of reefer containers based on available energy from the generator. When excess energy is available, the setpoint is lowered to increase cooling load and store thermal energy. When energy is limited, the setpoint is raised to reduce cooling demand, allowing the generator to operate at optimal levels or be shut down temporarily.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the generator load is reduced to decrease emissions, then emissions are improved, but power supply reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of reefer containers when excess energy is available, storing thermal energy in the cargo and container structure. This advance action reduces the need for continuous generator operation, as the stored thermal energy maintains temperature requirements during periods when the generator can be reduced or shut down.
Solution Approach 2:
The reefer containers effectively serve themselves by maintaining temperature requirements through stored thermal energy from previous cooling periods. This self-service capability allows the generator to be reduced or shut down without compromising cargo temperature control, thereby reducing emissions while maintaining reliability.
3Loss of energy
If reefer containers are cooled below set temperature to store thermal energy, then energy storage capacity is improved, but cargo temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the cooling setpoint temperature of reefer containers based on available energy from the generator. When excess energy is available, the setpoint is lowered to increase cooling load and store thermal energy. When energy is limited, the setpoint is raised to reduce cooling demand, allowing the generator to operate at optimal levels or be shut down temporarily.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors generator load, energy availability, and reefer container temperatures. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts cooling setpoints and generator operation to balance thermal energy storage with cargo temperature requirements, ensuring that temperature precision is maintained while maximizing energy storage capacity.
4Power
If the generator operates at high load to meet peak power demands, then power supply capability is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of reefer containers when excess energy is available, storing thermal energy in the cargo and container structure. This advance action reduces the need for continuous generator operation, as the stored thermal energy maintains temperature requirements during periods when the generator can be reduced or shut down.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic cooling cycles for reefer containers rather than continuous operation. By cooling intensively when energy is available and then allowing the containers to maintain temperature through stored thermal energy, the generator can operate at optimal loads intermittently rather than continuously at high load, improving fuel efficiency while maintaining power supply capability.
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
Reduces fuel consumption and emissions by efficiently managing power demands and storing excess energy as thermal energy in reefer containers, maintaining cargo temperature control while optimizing generator load within a target range.
Implementation Method 1
determine, based on the amount of energy available to the container vessel, whether to cool the at least one reefer container below the set temperature
Implementation Method 2
cool the at least one reefer container below the set temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a power controller for controlling power to be supplied to at least one reefer container on a container vessel. The power controller is configured to obtain a set temperature for at least one reefer container to be transported by the container vessel. The power controller is also configured to obtain data that indicates an amount of energy available to the container vessel and determine, based on the amount of energy available to the container vessel, whether to cool the at least one reefer container below the set temperature.