Transport Refrigeration Power Combining for Full Cooling Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport refrigeration systems face challenges in providing sufficient power for full cooling capacity due to strict governmental regulations on engine emissions, where engines meeting these regulations are often too large to fit, and those under 25 HP have limited power requirements.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing an undersized main power source in combination with a secondary power source to supply power to the transport refrigeration system at full cooling capacity, where neither source alone can provide sufficient power, with the secondary power source supplementing the main power source to achieve the required threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an engine meeting emission regulations is selected, then emissions compliance is improved, but power output is insufficient for full cooling capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine emissionsVSAvoidpower output

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a compliant main power source (25 HP or less meeting emission regulations) with a secondary power source to merge their outputs. This allows the system to achieve sufficient total power for full cooling capacity while the main power source maintains emissions compliance. The power sources are merged through a power combining mechanism that aggregates their individual outputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power provision function is segmented into multiple independent power sources rather than relying on a single oversized engine. The main power source handles base loading and emissions-compliant operation, while the secondary power source supplements during high-demand periods. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its optimal range and regulatory constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If an undersized main power source is used, then emissions regulations are met and device size is reduced, but power sufficient for full cooling capacity cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower source sizeVSAvoidpower output

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the output of an undersized main power source with a secondary power source to achieve sufficient total power. The main power source operates at or below 25 HP to meet emission regulations and fit size constraints, while the secondary power source supplements the output during high-demand conditions to enable full cooling capacity operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the contribution of each power source based on demand conditions. The control system monitors power requirements and activates the secondary power source when additional power is needed, allowing the undersized main power source to operate efficiently during low-demand periods while still meeting peak power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single power source provides all power, then system complexity is reduced, but the power source must be oversized and fail to meet emission regulations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidemission regulations compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power provision function is segmented into a main power source that meets emission regulations (25 HP or less) and a secondary power source that supplements when needed. This segmentation allows the main power source to remain compliant with emission standards while the combined system delivers sufficient total power for full cooling capacity, avoiding the need for a single oversized non-compliant engine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges a compliant main power source with a secondary power source to achieve both regulatory compliance and sufficient power output. The main power source operates within emission limits, while the secondary power source is activated during high-demand periods to provide additional power, ensuring the combined system meets both environmental regulations and performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9987906B2Systems and methods for powering a transport refrigeration system

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 THERMO KING CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods are directed to providing power to a transport refrigeration system (TRS) using an undersized main power source in combination with a secondary power source. The systems and methods allow the undersized main power source to be used with a TRS that requires a power more than a maximum threshold power of the undersized main power source to operate at a full cooling capacity. The secondary power supplements the undersized main power to allow the TRS to operate at the full cooling capacity. Optionally, a tertiary power source can supplement the undersized main power source, or the undersized main and secondary power sources to run the TRS.