Vehicle Accessory Power Management via Predicted Runtime

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle accessories powered by finite power storage units, such as auxiliary power units (APUs), face challenges in managing power efficiently to maintain desired conditions over extended periods, particularly in HVACR systems, leading to potential disruptions or unsafe conditions during occupant rest periods.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that includes a processor-controlled finite power storage unit and vehicle accessory system, which receives input parameters for desired runtime or condition settings, determines an output parameter based on environment data, and provides feedback to users through a display, allowing for efficient power management and condition maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the finite power storage unit size is increased to extend runtime, then the runtime of vehicle accessories is improved, but the weight, volume, and cost of the power storage unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveruntime of vehicle accessoryVSAvoidweight of power storage unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of the vehicle accessory (such as HVACR compressor speed, fan speed, temperature setpoints) based on real-time monitoring of the power storage unit's state of charge and predicted runtime. This allows the system to optimize performance within the constraints of available power, extending effective runtime without requiring a larger battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system modifies operational parameters of the vehicle accessory to match the available power capacity. For example, it adjusts temperature thresholds, cycling frequencies, and component power levels to ensure the accessory can operate for the desired duration on the existing finite power storage unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If the finite power storage unit size is increased to extend runtime, then the runtime of vehicle accessories is improved, but the volume of the power storage unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveruntime of vehicle accessoryVSAvoidvolume of power storage unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of the vehicle accessory (such as HVACR compressor speed, fan speed, temperature setpoints) based on real-time monitoring of the power storage unit's state of charge and predicted runtime. This allows the system to optimize performance within the constraints of available power, extending effective runtime without requiring a larger battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system modifies operational parameters of the vehicle accessory to match the available power capacity. For example, it adjusts temperature thresholds, cycling frequencies, and component power levels to ensure the accessory can operate for the desired duration on the existing finite power storage unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If the finite power storage unit size is increased to extend runtime, then the runtime of vehicle accessories is improved, but the cost of the power storage unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveruntime of vehicle accessoryVSAvoidcost of power storage unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of the vehicle accessory (such as HVACR compressor speed, fan speed, temperature setpoints) based on real-time monitoring of the power storage unit's state of charge and predicted runtime. This allows the system to optimize performance within the constraints of available power, extending effective runtime without requiring a larger battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system modifies operational parameters of the vehicle accessory to match the available power capacity. For example, it adjusts temperature thresholds, cycling frequencies, and component power levels to ensure the accessory can operate for the desired duration on the existing finite power storage unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the vehicle accessory operates at high power consumption to maintain desired conditions, then the condition maintenance quality is improved, but the runtime on finite power storage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondition maintenance qualityVSAvoidruntime on finite power storage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of the vehicle accessory (such as HVACR compressor speed, fan speed, temperature setpoints) based on real-time monitoring of the power storage unit's state of charge and predicted runtime. This allows the system to optimize performance within the constraints of available power, extending effective runtime without requiring a larger battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system modifies operational parameters of the vehicle accessory to match the available power capacity. For example, it adjusts temperature thresholds, cycling frequencies, and component power levels to ensure the accessory can operate for the desired duration on the existing finite power storage unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

5Duration of action of moving object

If the vehicle accessory operates at low power consumption to extend runtime, then the runtime on finite power storage is improved, but the condition maintenance quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveruntime on finite power storageVSAvoidcondition maintenance quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of the vehicle accessory (such as HVACR compressor speed, fan speed, temperature setpoints) based on real-time monitoring of the power storage unit's state of charge and predicted runtime. This allows the system to optimize performance within the constraints of available power, extending effective runtime without requiring a larger battery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system modifies operational parameters of the vehicle accessory to match the available power capacity. For example, it adjusts temperature thresholds, cycling frequencies, and component power levels to ensure the accessory can operate for the desired duration on the existing finite power storage unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11708038B2Operation of vehicle accessories based on predicted runtime of a primary system
Publication Date: 2023.07.25 THERMO KING CORP
  • US11708038B2 patent drawing
  • US11708038B2 patent drawing
  • US11708038B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for efficient power management of a finite power storage unit that provides a finite amount of power to a vehicle accessory are provided. The method includes receiving an input parameter. The input parameter includes one of a desired runtime for the vehicle accessory and a desired condition setting for the vehicle accessory. The method also includes receiving an environment data. Also, the method includes a processor determining an output parameter based on the input parameter and the environment data. The output parameter includes one of an acceptable condition setting for the vehicle accessory and a predicted runtime for the vehicle accessory. Further, the method includes providing the output parameter to a display for displaying the output parameter.