Trailer Refrigeration Power Architecture Without Diesel Generators

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigeration units for tractor-trailer trucks rely on separate diesel generators, increasing pollution, cost, and maintenance, and are limited by 'no-idle' regulations which restrict the use of idling engines for refrigeration.

Innovation Solution

A standalone refrigeration system powered by a combination of solar panels, high-capacity storage batteries, and an enhanced alternator, which leverages the propulsion vehicle's engine and solar energy to provide continuous refrigeration without a dedicated diesel generator, using a power control system that includes a voltage converter and transport load transformer to convert power for the refrigeration system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated diesel generator is used for refrigeration, then refrigeration reliability is improved, but pollution and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigeration reliabilityVSAvoidpollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the refrigeration power source from the dedicated diesel generator and relocates it to the tractor's existing electrical system. The refrigeration unit is powered through the tractor's battery and alternator, eliminating the need for a separate combustion engine solely for refrigeration purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the tractor's electrical system serve multiple functions: powering both the vehicle's native electrical loads and the refrigeration unit. The alternator and battery system that originally only powered truck electronics now also provides power for refrigeration, eliminating the need for a dedicated power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a dedicated diesel generator is used for refrigeration, then refrigeration reliability is improved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigeration reliabilityVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the refrigeration power source from the dedicated diesel generator and relocates it to the tractor's existing electrical system. The refrigeration unit is powered through the tractor's battery and alternator, eliminating the need for a separate combustion engine solely for refrigeration purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the tractor's electrical system serve multiple functions: powering both the vehicle's native electrical loads and the refrigeration unit. The alternator and battery system that originally only powered truck electronics now also provides power for refrigeration, eliminating the need for a dedicated power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the tractor engine is idled for refrigeration power, then refrigeration capability is maintained, but 'no-idle' regulations are violated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigeration capabilityVSAvoidregulation compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical solution of idling the tractor engine to power the refrigeration unit with an electrical system. The refrigeration unit draws power from the tractor's battery and alternator, allowing the tractor engine to shut down completely while maintaining refrigeration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Power

If a separate generator is used for refrigeration, then refrigeration power is sufficient, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigeration powerVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the refrigeration power system with the tractor's existing electrical system. Instead of having separate power sources for the vehicle and refrigeration unit, both systems share the same battery and alternator, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sufficient refrigeration power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution reduces pollution and operational costs by eliminating the need for a dedicated diesel generator, providing continuous refrigeration capabilities while adhering to 'no-idle' regulations and maintaining efficient refrigeration performance.

Implementation Method 1

a passive vehicle source including a bank of solar panels disposed on the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

A bank of batteries stores power from the sources for subsequent dispersal to the refrigeration unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

employs a voltage converter for augmenting the power from the passive sources for use with a native vehicle charging//starting system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

a transport load transformer for converting power from the power sources to 3 phase power for powering the refrigeration system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower transformation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11872867B2Tractor trailer refrigeration unit

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 NIVALIS ENERGY SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A reefer truck power unit employs a plurality of power sources including roof mounted solar panels, momentum generation, shore power and high capacity storage batteries. The refrigeration system is configured for refrigerating a payload area of the vehicle utilizing power from the power sources, and employs a voltage converter for augmenting the power from the propulsion vehicle source for use with a native vehicle charging//starting system, and a transport load transformer for converting power from the power sources to 3 phase power for powering the refrigeration system. A bank of batteries stores power from the sources for subsequent dispersal to the refrigeration unit.