Bi-Directional TRU Battery Charging for Limited Power Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered transport refrigeration units (TRUs) face challenges due to battery depletion during transportation and limited charging options, as existing systems can only recharge through external power sources that may not be available everywhere.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional battery charging system that includes a bi-directional charger connected to a controller and battery, enabling power exchange between the TRU's battery and external electrical components like grids or other TRUs/vehicles, with converters for AC-DC and DC-AC conversions, and a battery management system for monitoring and user interface control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a battery-powered TRU is used to reduce emissions and environmental impact, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the battery may run low during transportation, affecting stored goods
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-directional charger enables the TRU battery to serve multiple functions: it can be charged from external sources (AC/DC conversion) and can also discharge to power external electrical components. This multi-functionality ensures the battery remains reliable throughout transportation by enabling both charging and discharging operations.
2Device complexity
If a unidirectional charging system is used, then the system structure is simpler, but the battery can only recharge through external power supply which may not be available at all places
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically switches between unidirectional and bi-directional modes based on availability of external power sources. When external AC power is available, the system operates in charging mode; when not available, it can operate in discharging mode to power external components, providing adaptability to different locations and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is segmented into multiple independent conversion modules: AC to DC converter, DC to AC converter, and DC to DC converter. Each converter handles specific power conversion tasks, allowing the system to selectively activate only the needed converters based on operational requirements, thus maintaining flexibility while managing complexity.
3Reliability
If a bi-directional charger with multiple converters is implemented, then charging versatility and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-directional charger integrates multiple conversion functions (AC to DC, DC to AC, DC to DC) into a single unified device. This multi-functional integration allows the charger to handle various power source configurations and operational modes, improving reliability while consolidating complexity into one versatile component rather than separate devices.
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 system provides a versatile and efficient charging solution for TRUs, allowing power receipt from various sources and resale of stored power back to the grid or other vehicles, ensuring continuous operation and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the bi-directional charger comprises an AC to DC (ADC) converter configured to convert AC electrical power received from the external electrical component into DC electrical power for the battery associated with the first TRU
Implementation Method 2
a DC to AC (DAC) converter configured to convert DC electrical power supplied by the battery associated with the first TRU into AC electrical power for the external electrical component
Implementation Method 3
the bi-directional charger comprises one or more AC to AC converters configured to convert AC electrical power having first electrical attributes received from the external electrical component into AC electrical power having second electrical attributes for the battery associated with the first TRU
Implementation Method 4
the bi-directional charger comprises one or more DC to DC converters configured to convert DC electrical power having first electrical attributes being received from the external electrical component into DC electrical power having second electrical attributes for the battery associated with the first TRU
Data Source
AI summary
A bi-directional battery charging system for a first transport refrigeration unit (TRU) is disclosed. The bi-directional battery charging system comprises a bi-directional charger operatively connected to a controller and a battery associated with the first TRU, wherein the bi-directional charger is configured to be electrically connected to an external electrical component selected from the group of an electrical grid, a battery associated with second TRUs, and a battery associated with vehicles.