TRU Axle Generator Power Control for High-Altitude Breakdown Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems in vehicles face dielectric breakdown issues due to varying air dielectric strength at different altitudes, leading to generator damage, particularly when using generators coupled to wheel axles.
Innovation Solution
A power system that includes an energy storage unit, an axle generator, and a pressure sensor to adjust power supply based on State of Charge (SoC), altitude, and power output, switching between multiple power modes to optimize power distribution to a Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) and prevent dielectric breakdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the generator operates at a specified voltage level to ensure optimal operation, then the generator can function efficiently, but dielectric breakdown occurs at higher altitudes due to reduced air dielectric strength
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the generator's voltage output based on altitude conditions. At higher altitudes where air dielectric strength is reduced, the controller lowers the operating voltage to prevent dielectric breakdown, while maintaining optimal voltage at lower altitudes for efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter (voltage level) of the generator based on environmental conditions (altitude). By detecting altitude and adjusting the voltage parameter accordingly, the system prevents dielectric breakdown at high altitudes while maintaining efficient operation at lower altitudes.
2Productivity
If the generator is designed for optimal operation at sea level voltage, then efficiency is maximized, but the system becomes incompatible with high altitude operations
Solution Approach 1:
The generator system transitions from a static fixed-voltage design to a dynamic adjustable-voltage system. The controller modifies the voltage output in real-time based on altitude detection, enabling the generator to adapt to different operational environments while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator system gains multi-functionality by operating effectively across different altitude ranges. Through voltage adjustment based on altitude, a single generator design can serve both sea level and high altitude applications, eliminating the need for altitude-specific generator variants.
3Device complexity
If a single power source is used to supply power to the TRU, then the system is simple, but the system cannot account for varying power requirements at different altitudes and SoC levels
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system dynamically switches between single-power-source and dual-power-source modes based on operational conditions. At high altitudes or when SoC is low, it uses only the axle generator or energy storage unit respectively, while at favorable conditions it combines both, optimizing power distribution without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring altitude and SoC levels to automatically adjust power distribution strategy. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt power supply configuration based on real-time conditions, balancing simplicity with adaptability.
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
The system effectively manages power distribution to prevent generator damage by adjusting power sources based on altitude and SoC, ensuring reliable operation of the TRU across varying altitudes, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured to sense ambient pressure
Implementation Method 2
an axle generator electrically connected to the energy storage unit to supply power to the energy storage unit and the TRU
Implementation Method 3
a dielectric strength of air is a crucial parameter to ensure optimal operation of the generator... at different altitudes, the dielectric strength of the air varies which further increases the possibility of dielectric breakdown within the generator
Data Source
AI summary
A power system for a vehicle having a TRU is disclosed. The power system includes an energy storage unit adapted to supply power to the TRU, and includes an axle generator electrically connected to the energy storage unit to supply power to the energy storage unit and the TRU. The power system includes a pressure sensor to sense ambient pressure, and includes a power supply system. The power supply system is configured to determine a SoC of the energy storage unit, and is configured to determine an altitude of the power system based on the ambient pressure. The power supply system is configured to determine a power output of the axle generator, and configured to adjust a power supplied by the energy storage unit and the axle generator to the TRU based on the determined SoC, the determined altitude, and the determined power output.