Transport Refrigeration Unit Layout for Low-Noise Compact Drive Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sub-engine configuration transport refrigeration apparatuses face issues with noise emission, increased unit size, and higher probability of belt failure due to the parallel arrangement of components, which complicates the drive train and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus rearranges components such that the condenser is at one end, with the condenser fan, alternator, refrigerant compressor, electric motor, and dedicated engine oriented in the longitudinal direction, allowing for ventilation without side openings, reducing noise, and simplifying the drive train by direct coupling and reducing the number of belts needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If components are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the unit, then the drive train can be simplified, but the dimension in the width direction becomes large and noise is directly emitted from front and back openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a parallel arrangement in the width direction to a longitudinal arrangement along the length direction of the vehicle. This dimensional change allows the condenser to be positioned at the rear with ventilation openings only at the front, while components are stacked or arranged along the longitudinal axis, reducing the width dimension and directing noise away from vehicle-side openings.
2Reliability
If components are arranged in parallel in the width direction, then the drive train requires multiple belts, but the unit width dimension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive train components into a more compact configuration where the sub-engine, electric motor, refrigerant compressor, alternator, and condenser fan are arranged to share common drive paths. This consolidation reduces the number of separate belts from four to fewer belts, improving reliability while the longitudinal arrangement reduces the width dimension.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the condenser is positioned at the rear with longitudinal ventilation, then noise is reduced and unit width is decreased, but the configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement where the condenser is positioned at the rear with ventilation openings only at the front, creating an asymmetric flow path for air intake and exhaust. This asymmetric configuration reduces noise by directing exhaust away from vehicle-side openings while the longitudinal stacking of components creates an asymmetric layout that optimizes space utilization.
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 configuration significantly reduces noise emission, decreases unit size, enhances condensation performance, lowers the power requirement for the condenser fan, and increases the reliability of the drive train by reducing the number of belts and integrating components for improved rigidity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser fan, a condenser, a receiver, an accumulator, and an oil separator and the like
Implementation Method 2
a sub-engine, an electric motor, a refrigerant compressor, and an alternator and the like are installed parallel to the width direction of the unit
Implementation Method 3
the condenser is arranged at one end side of the frame in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A sub-engine configuration transport refrigeration apparatus is provided that allows a reduction in noise, a reduction in unit size, and simplifies and reduces the cost of the drive train. In the transport refrigeration apparatus (1), in which the frame is installed at one side of a refrigerated vehicle along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the condenser (23) is arranged at one end side of the frame (2) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the condenser fan (13), the alternator (9), the refrigerant compressor (7), the electric motor (5), and the dedicated engine (3) are disposed at the back side of the condenser (23) in such a way that their respective rotation axes are oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the ventilation direction with respect to the condenser (23) is set to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.