TRS Engine Load Control for Shutdown-Free Temperature Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport refrigeration systems face challenges in maximizing temperature control while preventing engine shutdown due to load demands exceeding the engine's horsepower output capability, particularly in electronically controlled engines.
Innovation Solution
A Real-Time Engine Load Control system that utilizes an Engine Control Unit (ECU) to provide real-time engine performance data to a TRS Controller, which computes load control parameters to adjust the engine load, ensuring it operates within its maximum horsepower capacity, thereby preventing abrupt shutdowns and optimizing temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the TRS load demand is increased to maximize temperature control capability, then the temperature control performance is improved, but the engine may shut down due to exceeding horsepower output capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors real-time engine load information from the ECU and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust TRS load demand. The TRS controller receives engine percent load, torque, and fuel rate data, and automatically regulates TRS power consumption to stay within engine capabilities, preventing shutdown while maximizing temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the TRS load demand based on real-time engine operating conditions. Rather than using fixed conservative limits, the control system adapts the maximum allowable TRS power consumption to match the engine's current horsepower output capability, allowing optimal performance across varying operating conditions.
2Duration of action of moving object
If real-time engine load control is implemented to prevent engine shutdown, then engine protection and operational time are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TRS controller acts as an intermediary between the ECU and TRS components. It receives real-time engine load data from the ECU via communication interfaces (CAN bus, LIN bus, or direct connection) and translates this information into appropriate load control commands for TRS components, simplifying the overall control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the engine's own ECU as the source of truth for engine load information. By leveraging existing engine management infrastructure and communication protocols, the TRS controller can obtain accurate real-time engine state data without requiring additional sensors or complex monitoring systems.
3Reliability
If conservative engine load limits are used to prevent shutdown, then engine protection is improved, but temperature control performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameter from fixed conservative load limits to dynamic load limits based on real-time engine operating parameters. The TRS controller adjusts the maximum allowable TRS power consumption as a function of engine percent load, torque, and fuel rate, allowing the system to operate closer to engine capabilities without risking shutdown.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for real-time engine load control (RTLC) for electronically controlled engines in a transport refrigeration system (TRS) are provided. In particular, a RTLC system is provided to control an electronically controlled engine for the TRS in order to maximize temperature control of the TRS, while preventing engine shut down due to a TRS load demand that exceeds the engine's horsepower output capability. The RTLC system includes an engine control unit (ECU) connected to a TRS controller. TRS controller includes an ECU data processing component, a load control component, an ETV control component, a TRS load demand component and a temperature control and TRS protection component.