Transport Refrigeration Power Control for Route-Based Battery Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport refrigeration unit (TRU) systems are inefficient in terms of fuel usage and cost, as they often require continuous engine operation to charge batteries and power refrigeration systems, especially in low emission or noise zones, and lack predictive control to optimize energy usage based on vehicle routes.
Innovation Solution
A power system for TRUs that includes a battery unit, a generator, and an engine with a control system that predicts power level changes along a vehicle route, allowing the engine to be switched on or off and adjusted in speed to optimize charging and power distribution between the battery and generator, reducing fuel consumption and costs by using mains electric grid charging when feasible and minimizing engine operation in restricted zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine operates continuously to charge the battery unit and power the refrigeration system, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system predicts the power level changes along the vehicle route in advance and schedules engine operation beforehand. The engine is activated only when and where needed to charge the battery, rather than running continuously. This predictive scheduling allows the system to prepare sufficient battery charge before entering restricted zones while avoiding unnecessary engine operation in other areas, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable power supply and fuel consumption.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the engine is operated to charge the battery unit before entering low emission or noise zones, then compliance with emission and noise regulations is improved, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system identifies restricted zones ahead of time and accelerates battery charging operations before entering these zones. The engine runs at optimized power levels only for the necessary duration to ensure sufficient battery charge for the restricted zone passage. This approach skips unnecessary extended engine operation and rushes through the charging process efficiently, achieving compliance while minimizing fuel consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the control system uses predictive control based on vehicle route and predicted power level, then the fuel consumption is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the actual battery charge level and compares it with the predicted power level along the route. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust engine operation in real-time based on actual conditions rather than relying solely on predictions. The feedback loop ensures fuel efficiency is maintained while the added complexity is justified by the significant reduction in unnecessary engine operation and fuel consumption.
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 solution reduces fuel consumption and operational costs by optimizing engine operation based on predicted power needs and vehicle route, ensuring efficient energy use and compliance with emission and noise regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a battery unit configured to supply electrical power to a refrigeration system
Implementation Method 2
a generator configured to charge the battery unit; an engine configured to drive the generator
Data Source
AI summary
A power system for a transport refrigeration unit (200) of a vehicle, and a method of powering a transport refrigeration unit (200) of a vehicle. The power system for a transport refrigeration unit (200) of a vehicle includes: a battery unit (280) configured to supply electrical power to a refrigeration system of the transport refrigeration unit (200); a generator (240) configured to charge the battery unit (280); an engine (250) configured to drive the generator (240); and a control system (220). The control system (220) is configured to: receive or determine a vehicle route from a current location of the vehicle to a destination of the vehicle; predict how a power level of the battery unit (280) will change on the vehicle route; and control an operational state of the engine (250) based on the vehicle route and the predicted power level.