Transport Refrigeration Compressor Power Allocation Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transport refrigeration systems (TRS) face inefficiencies and potential damage due to fixed power allocation to compressors, leading to overloading of electric drive motors and engines, which reduces lifespan and increases emissions.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic power allocation system that monitors current draw from generator-powered components and adjusts the maximum allowable power to the compressor based on real-time data, preventing overloading and optimizing power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed predefined power limit is allocated to the compressor, then the electric drive motor is protected from overloading, but the power efficiency of the electric drive motor cannot be maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation that continuously adjusts the power limit allocated to the compressor based on real-time current draw measurements from generator-powered components. This replaces the static predefined power limit with a dynamic calculation that adapts to actual system conditions, allowing the electric drive motor to operate at optimal efficiency while maintaining protection against overloading.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by monitoring the current draw from generator-powered components and using this information to calculate and adjust the maximum allowable power for the compressor. This closed-loop control ensures that the power allocation reflects actual system demands and generator capacity, optimizing both efficiency and reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor is allocated maximum available power dynamically, then power efficiency is maximized, but the risk of overloading the electric drive motor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors current draw from generator-powered components and uses this feedback to calculate the maximum allowable power for the compressor in real-time. This ensures that the electric drive motor is never allocated more power than the generator can safely provide, preventing overloading while maximizing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The power allocation is dynamically adjusted based on actual generator output and system conditions rather than using a fixed limit. This dynamic approach allows the system to safely utilize the full capacity of the electric drive motor when available, while automatically reducing allocation when the generator cannot support higher power demands.
3Power
If the engine operates at high power output, then the compressor receives sufficient power, but emissions limits may be exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine power allocation to the compressor based on actual system needs and generator capacity rather than operating at constant high power. This allows the engine to operate at lower, cleaner power levels when full compressor power is not required, reducing emissions while still providing sufficient power when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the engine by dynamically adjusting power allocation based on real-time conditions. This allows the engine to operate across a range of power levels optimized for both performance and emissions, rather than being constrained to high-power operation that would guarantee sufficient compressor power but ensure emissions limit exceedance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for dynamic power allocation in a transport refrigeration system (TRS) is provided. The method includes a TRS power source operating in an operational state. The method also includes monitoring an amount of current being drawn from one or more generator powered components of the TRS. Also, the method includes calculating, via a TRS controller of the TRS, a maximum available horsepower amount based on the amount of current being drawn from the one or more generator powered components. Further, the method includes controlling, via the TRS controller, an amount of horsepower directed to a compressor of the TRS based on the maximum available horsepower amount.