Refrigerated Vehicle Temperature Control via Engine Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerated delivery vehicles require constant engine idling to maintain temperature when stationary, leading to excessive fuel consumption, pollution, and cost inefficiencies, especially when parked for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A programmable module that monitors vehicle location, gearbox position, bonnet status, handbrake, and temperature to automatically switch the engine on and off, ensuring efficient cooling and battery charging without unnecessary idling, using GPS, temperature sensors, and safety checks to activate the system only when the vehicle is parked within a predetermined area and in a safe state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the engine is kept running to maintain refrigerated compartment temperature when stationary, then the temperature is maintained effectively, but fuel consumption increases and pollution is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of the refrigerated compartment before the engine is switched off, storing cold energy in the compartment's thermal mass. This allows the temperature to be maintained during stationary periods without continuous engine operation, resolving the contradiction between temperature maintenance and fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous engine operation, the system uses periodic engine cycling - running the engine only when temperature thresholds are exceeded or when the vehicle is in motion. This periodic action maintains temperature effectiveness while dramatically reducing fuel consumption during extended stationary periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is switched off to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel expenditure decreases, but the temperature in the van rises towards ambient temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools the refrigerated compartment to a lower temperature before engine shutdown, creating a thermal buffer that prevents temperature rise during stationary periods. This preliminary action ensures temperature stability without continuous engine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature and engine status, using feedback control to determine when to switch the engine on or off. When the vehicle is stationary and temperature approaches threshold levels, the system automatically restarts the engine, ensuring temperature maintenance while minimizing fuel consumption.
3Temperature
If constant vigilance is required to switch the engine on and off, then temperature control is maintained, but operational complexity increases and driver burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors temperature, determines optimal engine on/off timing, and executes engine control without driver intervention. The programmable module serves itself by making and implementing temperature control decisions, eliminating the need for constant driver vigilance while maintaining desired temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automated feedback control loops that continuously monitor temperature and engine status, comparing actual conditions against target parameters. This automated feedback mechanism replaces manual driver monitoring and control, maintaining temperature effectiveness while dramatically improving ease of operation.
4Temperature
If the engine is idled for extended periods to maintain temperature during stationary periods, then temperature stability is ensured, but pollution increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces continuous engine idling with periodic engine operation, running the engine only when necessary to maintain temperature or when the vehicle is in motion. This periodic action maintains temperature stability during brief stationary periods while eliminating pollution from extended idling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cooling actions before stationary periods begin, pre-charging the refrigerated compartment with cold energy. This allows the engine to be switched off during stationary periods, ensuring temperature stability without generating pollution from extended idling.
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 maintains the refrigerated compartment temperature effectively while minimizing engine idling, reducing fuel expenditure and pollution, and allowing the vehicle to be driverless for extended periods without content deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
the vehicle's location is determined by a GPS receiver
Implementation Method 2
the temperature of the fridge compartment must be above 4.99°C to permit the PSM to switch the vehicle's engine on
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for incorporation in to a refrigerated delivery vehicle, the system enabling efficient cooling of the refrigerated compartment of the vehicle avoiding unnecessary idling of the vehicle's engine.