US20190120530A1 - Transport refrigeration unit with battery boost - Google Patents
Transport refrigeration unit with battery boost Download PDFInfo
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- US20190120530A1 US20190120530A1 US16/091,812 US201716091812A US2019120530A1 US 20190120530 A1 US20190120530 A1 US 20190120530A1 US 201716091812 A US201716091812 A US 201716091812A US 2019120530 A1 US2019120530 A1 US 2019120530A1
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- Prior art keywords
- compressor
- refrigeration unit
- set forth
- transport refrigeration
- electric
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B27/00—Machines, plants or systems, using particular sources of energy
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B31/00—Compressor arrangements
- F25B31/02—Compressor arrangements of motor-compressor units
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
- F25D11/003—Transport containers
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to transport refrigeration units and, more particularly, to all-electric transport refrigeration units.
- a transport refrigeration unit includes a compressor constructed and arranged to compress a refrigerant; an electric compressor motor configured to drive the compressor; a generator configured to provide electric power to the compressor motor during standard set point conditions; and an energy storage device configured to supplement the electric power to the compressor motor during temperature pulldown conditions.
- the transport refrigeration unit includes at least one heat exchanger operatively coupled to the compressor; at least one fan configured to provide air flow over the at least one heat exchanger; and at least one electric fan motor configured to drive the at least one fan, and wherein the generator is configured to provide electric power to the at least one fan motor during standard set point conditions.
- the transport refrigeration unit includes at least one heat exchanger operatively coupled to the compressor; at least one fan configured to provide air flow over the at least one heat exchanger; and at least one electric fan motor configured to drive the at least one fan, and wherein the energy storage device is configured to provide electric power to the at least one fan motor during standard set point conditions.
- the energy storage device is configured to supplement the electric power to the at least one fan motor during temperature pulldown conditions.
- the at least one heat exchanger includes an evaporator heat exchanger
- the at least one fan includes an evaporator fan
- the at least one electric fan motor includes an evaporator fan motor
- the at least one heat exchanger includes a condenser heat exchanger
- the at least one fan includes a condenser fan
- the at least one electric fan motor includes a condenser fan motor
- the refrigerant is a natural refrigerant.
- the refrigerant is a natural refrigerant.
- the energy storage device is a battery.
- the battery has a voltage potential with a range of about 48V to 250V.
- a method of operating a transport refrigeration unit includes utilizing one of an electric generator and an energy storage device to provide electric power generally during steady state conditions; and providing supplemental power from the other of the electric generator and the energy storage device during a temperature pull down state.
- the energy storage device is a battery.
- the supplemental power is provided to a compressor motor.
- the compressor motor is an alternating current motor and the supplemental power is delivered through an inverter.
- the method includes charging the energy storage device by the electric generator during part load operating conditions.
- the method includes driving the electric generator by a combustion engine.
- an evaporator fan motor and a condenser fan motor of the transport refrigeration unit are direct current motors.
- the electric generator provides the power to a compressor motor, an evaporator fan motor and a condenser fan motor during steady state conditions.
- the energy storage device provides the power to a compressor motor, an evaporator fan motor and a condenser fan motor during steady state conditions.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tractor trailer system having a transport refrigeration unit as one, non-limiting, embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a schematic of the transport refrigeration unit
- FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic of the transport refrigeration unit illustrating power loads
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method of operating the transport refrigeration unit.
- the tractor trailer system 20 may include a tractor or truck 22 , a trailer 24 and a transport refrigeration unit 26 .
- the tractor 22 may include an operator's compartment or cab 28 and a combustion engine 42 which is part of the powertrain or drive system of the tractor 22 .
- the trailer 24 may be coupled to the tractor 22 and is thus pulled or propelled to desired destinations.
- the trailer may include a top wall 30 , a bottom wall 32 opposed to and space from the top wall 30 , two side walls 34 space from and opposed to one-another, and opposing front and rear walls 36 , 38 with the front wall 36 being closest to the tractor 22 .
- the trailer 24 may further include doors (not shown) at the rear wall 38 , or any other wall.
- the walls 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 , 38 together define the boundaries of a cargo compartment 40 . It is contemplated and understood that the cargo compartment may also be divided into two or more smaller compartments for different temperature cargo requirements.
- the trailer 24 is generally constructed to store a cargo (not shown) in the compartment 40 .
- the transport refrigeration unit 26 is generally integrated into the trailer 24 and may be mounted to the front wall 36 .
- the cargo is maintained at a desired temperature by cooling of the compartment 40 via the transport refrigeration unit 26 that circulates air into and through the cargo compartment 40 of the trailer 24 .
- the transport refrigeration unit 26 may be applied to any transport container and not necessarily those used in tractor trailer systems.
- the transport container may be a part of the trailer 24 and constructed to be removed from a framework and wheels (not shown) of the trailer 24 for alternative shipping means (e.g., marine, rail, flight, and others).
- the transport refrigeration unit 26 may be an all-electric transport refrigeration unit 26 , and may include a compressor 58 , an electric compressor motor 60 , a condenser heat exchanger 64 that may be air cooled, a condenser fan assembly 66 , a receiver 68 , a filter dryer 70 , a heat exchanger 72 , a thermostatic expansion valve 74 , an evaporator heat exchanger 76 , an evaporator fan assembly 78 , a suction modulation valve 80 , and a controller 82 that may include a computer-based processor (e.g., microprocessor).
- a computer-based processor e.g., microprocessor
- Operation of the transport refrigeration unit 26 may best be understood by starting at the compressor 58 , where the suction gas (i.e., natural refrigerant) enters the compressor at a suction port 84 and is compressed to a higher temperature and pressure.
- the refrigerant gas is emitted from the compressor 58 at an outlet port 85 and may then flow into tube(s) 86 of the condenser heat exchanger 64 .
- the air flow across the condenser heat exchanger 64 may be facilitated by one or more fans 88 of the condenser fan assembly 66 .
- the condenser fans 88 may be driven by respective condenser fan motors 90 of the fan assembly 66 that may be electric.
- the gas within the tubes 86 condenses to a high pressure and high temperature liquid and flows to the receiver 68 that provides storage for excess liquid refrigerant during low temperature operation.
- the liquid refrigerant may pass through a subcooler heat exchanger 92 of the condenser heat exchanger 64 , through the filter-dryer 70 that keeps the refrigerant clean and dry, then to the heat exchanger 72 that increases the refrigerant subcooling, and finally to the thermostatic expansion valve 74 .
- the evaporator fan assembly 78 includes one or more evaporator fans 96 that may be driven by respective fan motors 98 that may be electric.
- the air flow across the evaporator heat exchanger 76 is facilitated by the evaporator fans 96 .
- the refrigerant, in vapor form may then flow through the suction modulation valve 80 , and back to the compressor 58 .
- a thermostatic expansion valve bulb sensor 100 may be located proximate to an outlet of the evaporator tube 94 .
- the bulb sensor 100 is intended to control the thermostatic expansion valve 74 , thereby controlling refrigerant superheat at an outlet of the evaporator tube 94 .
- a bypass valve may facilitate the flash gas of the refrigerant to bypass the evaporator heat exchanger 76 . This will allow the evaporator coil to be filled with liquid and completely ‘wetted’ to improve heat transfer efficiency. With CO2 refrigerant, this bypass flash gas may be re-introduced into a mid-stage of a two-stage compressor.
- the compressor 58 and the compressor motor 60 may be linked via an interconnecting drive shaft 102 .
- the compressor 58 , the compressor motor 60 and the drive shaft 102 may all be sealed within a common housing 104 .
- the compressor motor 60 may be positioned outside of the compressor housing 104 , and therefore the interconnecting drive shaft 102 may pass through a shaft seal located in the compressor housing.
- the compressor 58 may be a single compressor.
- the single compressor may be a two-stage compressor, a scroll-type compressor or other compressors adapted to compress natural refrigerants.
- the natural refrigerant may be CO2, propane, ammonia, or any other natural refrigerant that may include a global-warming potential (GWP) of about one (1).
- GWP global-warming potential
- the transport refrigeration unit 26 further includes a multiple energy source 50 configured to selectively power the compressor motor 60 , the condenser fan motors 90 , the evaporator fan motors 98 , the controller 82 , and other components 99 (see FIG. 3 ), which may include various solenoids and/or sensors.
- the power may be transferred over various buses and/or electrical conductors 106 .
- the multiple energy source 50 may include an energy storage device 52 , and a generator 54 mechanically driven by a combustion engine 56 that may be part of, and dedicated to, the transport refrigeration unit 26 .
- the energy storage device 52 may be at least one battery or battery bank. In one embodiment, the energy storage device 52 may be secured to the underside of the bottom wall 32 of the trailer 24 (see FIG. 1 ). It is further contemplated and understood that other examples of the energy storage device 52 may include fuel cells, and other devices capable of storing and outputting electric power.
- power management relative to the multiple energy source 50 and controlled power distribution relative to the various power loads may be configured/arranged to minimize the size of the combustion engine 56 and minimize fossil fuel consumption while still providing enough electric power to meet temperature pulldown demands of the operating transport refrigeration unit 26 .
- the controller 82 through a series of data and command signals over various pathways 110 may, for example, control the electric motors 60 , 90 , 98 as dictated by the cooling needs of the refrigeration unit 26 .
- the controller 82 may further control the electric power output of the generator 54 and the batteries 52 in order to meet the varying load demands of transport refrigeration unit 26 .
- the generator 54 and the battery or battery bank 52 may be electrically arranged in series.
- the electric power may be generally distributed through the bus 106 , and may be direct current (DC).
- a converter (not shown) may be arranged at the outlet of the generator 54 .
- the fan motors 90 , 98 may be DC motors, and the compressor motor 60 may be an alternating current (AC) motor with an inverter (not shown) at the power input to the motor 60 .
- the generator 54 may have a maximum power output of about 15 kW
- the battery bank 52 may output electric power at about 10 kW
- the steady state compressor motor 60 load may be about 10 kW
- the evaporator fan motor 98 and condenser fan motor 90 load may be about 2 kW.
- various power conditioning devices may be configured throughout the transport refrigeration unit 26 depending upon the current type and voltage demands of any particular component.
- the generator 54 may be configured or downsized to provide substantially all of the electric power demands of the transport refrigeration unit 26 including the motors 60 , 90 , 98 during standard set point conditions (i.e., steady state conditions). However, when the transport refrigeration unit 26 is operating in a temperature pulldown state, the batteries 52 are available as a ‘battery boost’ to increase or supplement the DC power through the bus 106 thereby satisfying the temporary increase in power demand of, for example, the compressor motor 60 . In this embodiment, the voltage potential of the batteries 52 may be about 5 kW to 7 kW.
- the batteries 52 may be configured to provide substantially all of the electric power demands of the transport refrigeration unit 26 including the motors 60 , 90 , 98 during standard set point conditions (i.e., steady state conditions). However, when the transport refrigeration unit 26 is operating in a temperature pulldown state, the generator 54 is available as a ‘battery boost’ to increase or supplement the DC power through the bus 106 thereby satisfying the temporary increase or surge in power demand of, for example, the compressor motor 60 . In this embodiment, the voltage potential of the batteries 52 may be about 15 kW.
- the transport refrigeration unit 26 may further include a battery charger 108 that may be powered by the generator 54 during part-load operating conditions of the transport refrigeration unit 26 (i.e., partial compressor load conditions), and controlled by the controller 82 .
- the battery charger 108 may be controlled by the controller 82 and is configured to charge the batteries 52 when needed and during ideal operating conditions. By charging the batteries 52 during reduced compressor load conditions, the size and weight of the generator 54 and driving engine 56 may be minimized.
- a method of operating the transport refrigeration unit 26 may include a first block 200 of driving the electric generator 54 by the combustion engine 56 .
- the transport refrigeration unit 26 may utilize one of the electric generator 54 and the energy storage device 52 to provide power to the compressor motor 60 , the evaporator fan motor 98 , and the condenser fan motor 90 during steady state conditions.
- supplemental power may be provided by the other of the electric generator 54 and the energy storage device 52 during a temperature pull down state which may typically require more power than steady state conditions.
- the energy storage device 52 may be recharged by the generator 54 during part load operating conditions of the transport refrigeration unit 26 .
- Benefits of the present disclosure when compared to more traditional transport refrigeration units include lower fuel consumption, and a refrigeration unit that may emit less noise and may be lighter in weight. Yet further, the present disclosure includes an energy storage device that is conveniently and efficiently recharged to meet the power demands of the refrigeration unit while meeting combustion engine power and emission requirements that may be enforced by regulatory/government agencies.
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to transport refrigeration units and, more particularly, to all-electric transport refrigeration units.
- Traditional refrigerated cargo trucks or refrigerated tractor trailers, such as those utilized to transport cargo via sea, rail, or road, is a truck, trailer or cargo container, generally defining a cargo compartment, and modified to include a refrigeration system located at one end of the truck, trailer, or cargo container. Refrigeration systems typically include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator serially connected by refrigerant lines in a closed refrigerant circuit in accord with known refrigerant vapor compression cycles. A power unit, such as a combustion engine, drives the compressor of the refrigeration unit, and may be diesel powered, natural gas powered, or other type of engine. In many tractor trailer transport refrigeration systems, the compressor is driven by the engine shaft either through a belt drive or by a mechanical shaft-to-shaft link. In other systems, the engine of the refrigeration unit drives a generator that generates electrical power, which in-turn drives the compressor.
- With current environmental trends, improvements in transport refrigeration units are desirable particularly toward aspects of environmental impact. With environmentally friendly refrigeration units, improvements in reliability, cost, and weight reduction are also desirable.
- A transport refrigeration unit according to one, non-limiting, embodiment of the present disclosure includes a compressor constructed and arranged to compress a refrigerant; an electric compressor motor configured to drive the compressor; a generator configured to provide electric power to the compressor motor during standard set point conditions; and an energy storage device configured to supplement the electric power to the compressor motor during temperature pulldown conditions.
- Additionally to the foregoing embodiment, the transport refrigeration unit includes at least one heat exchanger operatively coupled to the compressor; at least one fan configured to provide air flow over the at least one heat exchanger; and at least one electric fan motor configured to drive the at least one fan, and wherein the generator is configured to provide electric power to the at least one fan motor during standard set point conditions.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the transport refrigeration unit includes at least one heat exchanger operatively coupled to the compressor; at least one fan configured to provide air flow over the at least one heat exchanger; and at least one electric fan motor configured to drive the at least one fan, and wherein the energy storage device is configured to provide electric power to the at least one fan motor during standard set point conditions.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the energy storage device is configured to supplement the electric power to the at least one fan motor during temperature pulldown conditions.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the at least one heat exchanger includes an evaporator heat exchanger, the at least one fan includes an evaporator fan, and the at least one electric fan motor includes an evaporator fan motor.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the at least one heat exchanger includes a condenser heat exchanger, the at least one fan includes a condenser fan, and the at least one electric fan motor includes a condenser fan motor.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the refrigerant is a natural refrigerant.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the refrigerant is a natural refrigerant.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the energy storage device is a battery.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the battery has a voltage potential with a range of about 48V to 250V.
- A method of operating a transport refrigeration unit according to another, non-limiting, embodiment includes utilizing one of an electric generator and an energy storage device to provide electric power generally during steady state conditions; and providing supplemental power from the other of the electric generator and the energy storage device during a temperature pull down state.
- Additionally to the foregoing embodiment, the energy storage device is a battery.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the supplemental power is provided to a compressor motor.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the compressor motor is an alternating current motor and the supplemental power is delivered through an inverter.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the electric generator has a maximum power output that is less than a system power load during the temperature pull down state.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the method includes charging the energy storage device by the electric generator during part load operating conditions.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the method includes driving the electric generator by a combustion engine.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, an evaporator fan motor and a condenser fan motor of the transport refrigeration unit are direct current motors.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the electric generator provides the power to a compressor motor, an evaporator fan motor and a condenser fan motor during steady state conditions.
- In the alternative or additionally thereto, in the foregoing embodiment, the energy storage device provides the power to a compressor motor, an evaporator fan motor and a condenser fan motor during steady state conditions.
- The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and drawings are intended to be exemplary in nature and non-limiting.
- Various features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the disclosed non-limiting embodiments. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tractor trailer system having a transport refrigeration unit as one, non-limiting, embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic of the transport refrigeration unit; -
FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic of the transport refrigeration unit illustrating power loads; and -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method of operating the transport refrigeration unit. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , atractor trailer system 20 of the present disclosure is illustrated. Thetractor trailer system 20 may include a tractor ortruck 22, atrailer 24 and atransport refrigeration unit 26. Thetractor 22 may include an operator's compartment orcab 28 and acombustion engine 42 which is part of the powertrain or drive system of thetractor 22. Thetrailer 24 may be coupled to thetractor 22 and is thus pulled or propelled to desired destinations. The trailer may include atop wall 30, abottom wall 32 opposed to and space from thetop wall 30, twoside walls 34 space from and opposed to one-another, and opposing front andrear walls front wall 36 being closest to thetractor 22. Thetrailer 24 may further include doors (not shown) at therear wall 38, or any other wall. Thewalls cargo compartment 40. It is contemplated and understood that the cargo compartment may also be divided into two or more smaller compartments for different temperature cargo requirements. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thetrailer 24 is generally constructed to store a cargo (not shown) in thecompartment 40. Thetransport refrigeration unit 26 is generally integrated into thetrailer 24 and may be mounted to thefront wall 36. The cargo is maintained at a desired temperature by cooling of thecompartment 40 via thetransport refrigeration unit 26 that circulates air into and through thecargo compartment 40 of thetrailer 24. It is further contemplated and understood that thetransport refrigeration unit 26 may be applied to any transport container and not necessarily those used in tractor trailer systems. Furthermore, the transport container may be a part of thetrailer 24 and constructed to be removed from a framework and wheels (not shown) of thetrailer 24 for alternative shipping means (e.g., marine, rail, flight, and others). - The
transport refrigeration unit 26 may be an all-electrictransport refrigeration unit 26, and may include acompressor 58, anelectric compressor motor 60, acondenser heat exchanger 64 that may be air cooled, acondenser fan assembly 66, areceiver 68, afilter dryer 70, aheat exchanger 72, athermostatic expansion valve 74, anevaporator heat exchanger 76, anevaporator fan assembly 78, asuction modulation valve 80, and acontroller 82 that may include a computer-based processor (e.g., microprocessor). Operation of thetransport refrigeration unit 26 may best be understood by starting at thecompressor 58, where the suction gas (i.e., natural refrigerant) enters the compressor at asuction port 84 and is compressed to a higher temperature and pressure. The refrigerant gas is emitted from thecompressor 58 at anoutlet port 85 and may then flow into tube(s) 86 of thecondenser heat exchanger 64. - Air flowing across a plurality of condenser coil fins (not shown) and the
tubes 86, cools the gas to its saturation temperature. The air flow across thecondenser heat exchanger 64 may be facilitated by one ormore fans 88 of thecondenser fan assembly 66. Thecondenser fans 88 may be driven by respectivecondenser fan motors 90 of thefan assembly 66 that may be electric. - By removing latent heat, the gas within the
tubes 86 condenses to a high pressure and high temperature liquid and flows to thereceiver 68 that provides storage for excess liquid refrigerant during low temperature operation. From thereceiver 68, the liquid refrigerant may pass through asubcooler heat exchanger 92 of thecondenser heat exchanger 64, through the filter-dryer 70 that keeps the refrigerant clean and dry, then to theheat exchanger 72 that increases the refrigerant subcooling, and finally to thethermostatic expansion valve 74. - As the liquid refrigerant passes through the orifices of the
expansion valve 74, some of the liquid vaporizes into a gas (i.e., flash gas). Return air from the refrigerated space (i.e., cargo compartment 40) flows over the heat transfer surface of theevaporator heat exchanger 76. As the refrigerant flows through a plurality oftubes 94 of theevaporator heat exchanger 76, the remaining liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the return air, and in so doing, is vaporized. - The
evaporator fan assembly 78 includes one or moreevaporator fans 96 that may be driven byrespective fan motors 98 that may be electric. The air flow across theevaporator heat exchanger 76 is facilitated by theevaporator fans 96. From theevaporator heat exchanger 76, the refrigerant, in vapor form, may then flow through thesuction modulation valve 80, and back to thecompressor 58. A thermostatic expansionvalve bulb sensor 100 may be located proximate to an outlet of theevaporator tube 94. Thebulb sensor 100 is intended to control thethermostatic expansion valve 74, thereby controlling refrigerant superheat at an outlet of theevaporator tube 94. It is further contemplated and understood that the above generally describes a single stage vapor compression system that may be used for natural refrigerants such as propane and ammonia. Other refrigerant systems may also be applied that use carbon dioxide (CO2) refrigerant, and that may be a two-stage vapor compression system. - A bypass valve (not shown) may facilitate the flash gas of the refrigerant to bypass the
evaporator heat exchanger 76. This will allow the evaporator coil to be filled with liquid and completely ‘wetted’ to improve heat transfer efficiency. With CO2 refrigerant, this bypass flash gas may be re-introduced into a mid-stage of a two-stage compressor. - The
compressor 58 and thecompressor motor 60 may be linked via an interconnectingdrive shaft 102. Thecompressor 58, thecompressor motor 60 and thedrive shaft 102 may all be sealed within acommon housing 104. In some embodiments, thecompressor motor 60 may be positioned outside of thecompressor housing 104, and therefore the interconnectingdrive shaft 102 may pass through a shaft seal located in the compressor housing. Thecompressor 58 may be a single compressor. The single compressor may be a two-stage compressor, a scroll-type compressor or other compressors adapted to compress natural refrigerants. The natural refrigerant may be CO2, propane, ammonia, or any other natural refrigerant that may include a global-warming potential (GWP) of about one (1). - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thetransport refrigeration unit 26 further includes amultiple energy source 50 configured to selectively power thecompressor motor 60, thecondenser fan motors 90, theevaporator fan motors 98, thecontroller 82, and other components 99 (seeFIG. 3 ), which may include various solenoids and/or sensors. The power may be transferred over various buses and/orelectrical conductors 106. Themultiple energy source 50 may include anenergy storage device 52, and agenerator 54 mechanically driven by acombustion engine 56 that may be part of, and dedicated to, thetransport refrigeration unit 26. Theenergy storage device 52 may be at least one battery or battery bank. In one embodiment, theenergy storage device 52 may be secured to the underside of thebottom wall 32 of the trailer 24 (seeFIG. 1 ). It is further contemplated and understood that other examples of theenergy storage device 52 may include fuel cells, and other devices capable of storing and outputting electric power. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , power management relative to themultiple energy source 50 and controlled power distribution relative to the various power loads may be configured/arranged to minimize the size of thecombustion engine 56 and minimize fossil fuel consumption while still providing enough electric power to meet temperature pulldown demands of the operatingtransport refrigeration unit 26. Thecontroller 82 through a series of data and command signals overvarious pathways 110 may, for example, control theelectric motors refrigeration unit 26. Thecontroller 82 may further control the electric power output of thegenerator 54 and thebatteries 52 in order to meet the varying load demands oftransport refrigeration unit 26. - In one example, the
generator 54 and the battery orbattery bank 52 may be electrically arranged in series. The electric power may be generally distributed through thebus 106, and may be direct current (DC). A converter (not shown) may be arranged at the outlet of thegenerator 54. Thefan motors compressor motor 60 may be an alternating current (AC) motor with an inverter (not shown) at the power input to themotor 60. In one example, thegenerator 54 may have a maximum power output of about 15 kW, thebattery bank 52 may output electric power at about 10 kW, the steadystate compressor motor 60 load may be about 10 kW, and theevaporator fan motor 98 andcondenser fan motor 90 load may be about 2 kW. It is further contemplated and understood that various power conditioning devices may be configured throughout thetransport refrigeration unit 26 depending upon the current type and voltage demands of any particular component. - In one embodiment, the
generator 54 may be configured or downsized to provide substantially all of the electric power demands of thetransport refrigeration unit 26 including themotors transport refrigeration unit 26 is operating in a temperature pulldown state, thebatteries 52 are available as a ‘battery boost’ to increase or supplement the DC power through thebus 106 thereby satisfying the temporary increase in power demand of, for example, thecompressor motor 60. In this embodiment, the voltage potential of thebatteries 52 may be about 5 kW to 7 kW. - In another embodiment, the
batteries 52 may be configured to provide substantially all of the electric power demands of thetransport refrigeration unit 26 including themotors transport refrigeration unit 26 is operating in a temperature pulldown state, thegenerator 54 is available as a ‘battery boost’ to increase or supplement the DC power through thebus 106 thereby satisfying the temporary increase or surge in power demand of, for example, thecompressor motor 60. In this embodiment, the voltage potential of thebatteries 52 may be about 15 kW. - The
transport refrigeration unit 26 may further include abattery charger 108 that may be powered by thegenerator 54 during part-load operating conditions of the transport refrigeration unit 26 (i.e., partial compressor load conditions), and controlled by thecontroller 82. Thebattery charger 108 may be controlled by thecontroller 82 and is configured to charge thebatteries 52 when needed and during ideal operating conditions. By charging thebatteries 52 during reduced compressor load conditions, the size and weight of thegenerator 54 and drivingengine 56 may be minimized. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , a method of operating thetransport refrigeration unit 26 may include afirst block 200 of driving theelectric generator 54 by thecombustion engine 56. Inblock 202, thetransport refrigeration unit 26 may utilize one of theelectric generator 54 and theenergy storage device 52 to provide power to thecompressor motor 60, theevaporator fan motor 98, and thecondenser fan motor 90 during steady state conditions. Perblock 204, supplemental power may be provided by the other of theelectric generator 54 and theenergy storage device 52 during a temperature pull down state which may typically require more power than steady state conditions. Inblock 206, theenergy storage device 52 may be recharged by thegenerator 54 during part load operating conditions of thetransport refrigeration unit 26. - Benefits of the present disclosure when compared to more traditional transport refrigeration units include lower fuel consumption, and a refrigeration unit that may emit less noise and may be lighter in weight. Yet further, the present disclosure includes an energy storage device that is conveniently and efficiently recharged to meet the power demands of the refrigeration unit while meeting combustion engine power and emission requirements that may be enforced by regulatory/government agencies.
- While the present disclosure is described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, various modifications may be applied to adapt the teachings of the present disclosure to particular situations, applications, and/or materials, without departing from the essential scope thereof. The present disclosure is thus not limited to the particular examples disclosed herein, but includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
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Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/091,812 US20190120530A1 (en) | 2016-04-05 | 2017-04-04 | Transport refrigeration unit with battery boost |
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US201662318602P | 2016-04-05 | 2016-04-05 | |
US16/091,812 US20190120530A1 (en) | 2016-04-05 | 2017-04-04 | Transport refrigeration unit with battery boost |
PCT/US2017/025911 WO2017176729A1 (en) | 2016-04-05 | 2017-04-04 | Transport refrigeration unit with battery boost |
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- 2017-04-04 EP EP17718254.0A patent/EP3440416A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2017-04-04 WO PCT/US2017/025911 patent/WO2017176729A1/en active Application Filing
- 2017-04-04 US US16/091,812 patent/US20190120530A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US20230117165A1 (en) * | 2017-06-06 | 2023-04-20 | Carrier Corporation | Transport refrigeration system |
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Also Published As
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WO2017176729A1 (en) | 2017-10-12 |
EP3440416A1 (en) | 2019-02-13 |
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