Transport Refrigeration Control for Electric Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transport refrigeration systems in electric vehicles face challenges in balancing power distribution between the vehicle and the refrigeration system, leading to sudden temperature changes and reduced vehicle mileage when battery charge is low, potentially damaging goods and limiting travel duration.

Innovation Solution

A control method that dynamically adjusts the power-restricted state of the refrigeration system based on the battery charge ratio, limiting power supply to the compressor, condenser fan, and evaporator fan to maintain compartment temperature while extending vehicle travel duration by coordinating power distribution between the vehicle and refrigeration system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the transport refrigeration system shuts down when battery charge reaches minimum threshold, then vehicle travelling duration is prolonged, but compartment insulation temperature becomes uncontrolled causing rapid temperature rise that affects or damages goods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle travelling durationVSAvoidcompartment temperature control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating state of power consuming units based on real-time battery charge levels. When battery charge is sufficient, units operate normally; when charge drops below thresholds, the system transitions to power-restricted states, gradually reducing power consumption while maintaining temperature control until shutdown becomes necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters of power consuming units (compressor power, condenser fan power, evaporator fan power) based on battery charge state. By adjusting these parameters according to available battery charge, the system extends vehicle duration while preventing temperature失控 that would damage goods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the refrigeration system operates with full power, then compartment temperature is maintained reliably, but battery charge depletes rapidly limiting vehicle travel distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompartment temperature maintenanceVSAvoidvehicle travel duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts power consumption to battery charge state, transitioning from full-power operation to progressive power-restricted states as charge depletes. This dynamic adjustment maintains temperature reliability when possible while extending travel duration through intelligent power management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by operating power consuming units at reduced power levels in power-restricted states. Instead of full-power operation that would deplete battery quickly, the system uses just enough power to maintain acceptable temperature control, thereby extending vehicle travel duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Temperature

If multiple power consuming units operate simultaneously, then refrigeration effect is enhanced, but power consumption increases reducing battery availability for vehicle operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigeration effectVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments power consuming units into different operational groups that can be independently controlled. Based on battery charge state, the system selectively operates or restricts specific units (compressor, condenser fan, evaporator fan) to balance refrigeration effect with power consumption, preventing simultaneous full-power operation of all units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes power consumption parameters of individual units based on battery charge state. By adjusting the power level or operational status of each unit separately, the system maintains necessary refrigeration effect while reducing total power consumption to preserve battery charge for vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11597257B2Transportation refrigeration system, for transportation vehicle, control method thereof and electric transportation vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 CARRIER CORP

AI summary

A transport refrigeration system, a control method therefor and an electric transport vehicle are provided by the present disclosure. The control method for the transport refrigeration system includes: if a ratio of a current battery charge amount to a minimum battery charge amount is not less than a first preset value, controlling power consuming units in the transport refrigeration system to operate in a power-unrestricted state; and if the ratio of the current battery charge amount to the minimum battery charge amount is less than the first preset value, controlling the power consuming units in the transport refrigeration system to operate in a power-restricted state; wherein the power-restricted state is associated with the ratio of the current battery charge amount to the minimum battery charge amount.