Solar Freezer Truck Power Switching for Low-Emission Refrigeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional freezer trucks rely on diesel engine vapor compression refrigeration systems, leading to high greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution, as the engine must remain on to support the freezer system during transportation.
Innovation Solution
An energy management method for a solar freezer truck, which includes a photo-voltaic (PV) module, a battery, a freezer compressor, an engine generator, and an external power adapter connected by an energy management unit. This system optimizes power paths to the freezer compressor based on the output power of the PV module, utilizing solar power, battery storage, and external power sources to minimize engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional diesel engine vapor compression refrigeration systems are used, then refrigeration capability is maintained, but greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful diesel engine from the refrigeration system and replaces it with a solar-powered electric compressor system. The PV modules convert solar energy to electricity, which powers the freezer compressor directly or through battery storage, eliminating the need for diesel combustion and thus removing the source of greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution while maintaining refrigeration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical diesel engine-driven refrigeration system with an electric system powered by photovoltaic modules. The PV modules generate electricity that drives the freezer compressor through power management circuits and battery storage, substituting the mechanical combustion-based system with an electro-mechanical system that has zero emissions and reduced noise.
2Temperature
If the diesel engine remains on to support the freezer system during transportation, then refrigeration is maintained, but fuel consumption and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using PV modules to charge battery storage systems during daytime when solar energy is available. The stored electrical energy in the batteries is then used to power the freezer compressor during nighttime or periods of insufficient sunlight, eliminating the need for continuous diesel engine operation while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar freezer truck system is self-sufficient by generating its own electricity through PV modules mounted on the truck body. The system manages its own energy production, storage, and consumption through intelligent power management that switches between PV direct power, battery power, and external power sources, eliminating dependence on diesel fuel during transportation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PV modules and battery storage systems are added to the freezer truck, then solar power utilization increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional power management system that can operate in multiple modes: direct PV to compressor operation, PV charging batteries for later use, battery-only operation during nighttime, and external power adapter charging. The power management unit intelligently switches between these modes based on available energy sources and system needs, providing universal adaptability while managing complexity through centralized control.
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 solution reduces greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution by maximizing the use of solar power and optimizing energy storage and distribution, while maintaining efficient refrigeration capabilities during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a photo-voltaic (PV) module
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed in the present application is an energy management method for solar freezer trucks, the solar freezer truck includes a photo-voltaic (PV) module, a first battery, a freezer compressor, an engine generator, and an external power adapter connected by an energy management unit, and the energy management method includes obtaining an output power of the PV module; and switching, by the energy management unit, power paths to the freezer compressor according to the output power of the PV module.