Transport refrigeration system and method of operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transport refrigeration unit systems have limited cooling rate capacity due to nominal high and low speed settings, leading to lengthy wait times for loading perishable goods and inefficient fuel consumption, especially when operating at light load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A transport refrigeration unit system with a user interface that allows for a high capacity cooling mode, operating the engine at a speed greater than nominal high speed for rapid cooling and an efficiency operating mode at a speed less than nominal low speed for improved fuel economy, along with customizable cooling modes for temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the engine operates at nominal high speed, then the cooling rate capacity is sufficient to cool the refrigeration compartment, but the wait time before loading is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine speed based on operational mode. A high capacity cooling mode enables the engine to operate at speeds greater than nominal high speed, providing rapid cooling when needed while maintaining nominal speeds during transport, thereby reducing wait time before loading without sacrificing cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the engine by introducing variable speed control beyond fixed nominal speeds. The controller adjusts engine speed continuously, allowing operation above nominal high speed for rapid cooling applications and below nominal low speed for fuel efficiency, resolving the contradiction between cooling rate and time loss
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine operates at nominal low speed, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the cooling capacity is insufficient for rapid cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine speed based on cooling requirements. During rapid cooling operations, the engine operates at high or high capacity speeds to maximize cooling capacity. During maintenance of temperature control band, the engine operates at reduced speeds including below nominal low speed to minimize fuel consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between fuel efficiency and cooling capacity
3Productivity
If the engine operates at high speed for rapid cooling, then the cooling capacity is sufficient, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic high capacity cooling mode rather than continuous operation. The controller activates high capacity cooling mode only when rapid cooling is required (such as when the refrigeration compartment is being pulled down from ambient temperature), then transitions to more fuel-efficient operation modes when the temperature control band is maintained, thus achieving high cooling capacity when needed while minimizing overall fuel consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A transport refrigeration unit system (26) for cooling a trailer compartment (24) is provided. The transport refrigeration unit system (26) includes an engine for controlling a cooling rate capacity, the engine operable at a nominal high speed and a nominal low speed. Also included is a controller (50) in operative communication with the engine to control an engine speed of the engine. Further included is a user interface (52) in operative communication with the controller (50), the user interface (52) providing a high capacity cooling mode to a user, wherein initiation of the high capacity cooling mode includes the engine operating at a speed greater than the nominal high speed to result in a high capacity cooling rate.