EP4077002A1 - Power takeoff-driven refrigeration - Google Patents
Power takeoff-driven refrigerationInfo
- Publication number
- EP4077002A1 EP4077002A1 EP20902441.3A EP20902441A EP4077002A1 EP 4077002 A1 EP4077002 A1 EP 4077002A1 EP 20902441 A EP20902441 A EP 20902441A EP 4077002 A1 EP4077002 A1 EP 4077002A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- power
- pto
- controller
- semi
- generator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
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- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 4
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- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical compound [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/32—Cooling devices
- B60H1/3204—Cooling devices using compression
- B60H1/3232—Cooling devices using compression particularly adapted for load transporting vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/00421—Driving arrangements for parts of a vehicle air-conditioning
- B60H1/00428—Driving arrangements for parts of a vehicle air-conditioning electric
-
- 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
- F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25B49/005—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices of safety devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/32—Cooling devices
- B60H1/3204—Cooling devices using compression
- B60H1/3222—Cooling devices using compression characterised by the compressor driving arrangements, e.g. clutches, transmissions or multiple drives
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
- B60P3/20—Refrigerated goods vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
- B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
- B60R16/03—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems or for
-
- 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
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/08—Exceeding a certain temperature value in a refrigeration component or cycle
-
- 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
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/26—Problems to be solved characterised by the startup of the refrigeration cycle
-
- 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
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25D29/003—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for movable devices
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to semi-trailer refrigeration. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to power takeoff-driven refrigeration to control temperature on a semi -trailer.
- Conventional semi-trailer refrigeration units suffer from numerous drawbacks.
- conventional semi -trailer refrigeration units are powered by a dedicated diesel engine, necessitating engine maintenance (e.g., coolant monitoring, cleaning, fuel/air filter changing, oil changing, etc.) for an additional diesel engine that is independent of the diesel engine of the semi -truck.
- Diesel engine maintenance and breakdowns result in semi-trailer refrigeration unit downtime, which increases costs for freight companies.
- conventional semi-trailer refrigeration units cause substantial diesel fuel consumption, adding costs and resulting in significant emissions in addition to the emissions already caused by semi-trucks.
- conventional semi-trailer refrigeration units require monitoring of additional diesel fuel reservoirs (e.g., the reservoir of the refrigeration unit as well as the reservoir of the semi-truck).
- semi-trailer refrigeration units When operated independently of a semi-truck (e.g., when operated while not in transit and/or when disconnected from the semi-truck), semi-trailer refrigeration units must still be carefully monitored and/or refueled to preserve freight disposed therein.
- the excessive maintenance, monitoring, and care required to operate conventional semi-trailer refrigeration units make them prone to user errors that may cause additional breakdowns and/or reduce the lifespan of the units, thereby further increasing costs for freight companies.
- one or more implementations can include a generator that is configured to be mechanically connected to a power takeoff (PTO) and a converter that is configured to receive AC power from the generator and is operable to convert the AC power to DC power.
- the generator is connected to a charge controller that is connected to an energy storage element (e.g., one or more batteries).
- the energy storage element is, in some implementations, connected to a controller configured to receive DC power provided by the converter (e.g., through the energy storage element) and provide AC power to a motor.
- the motor may be mechanically connectable to a refrigeration system.
- the energy storage element is further configured to receive power from a second charge controller that receives power via a 220V AC power input.
- the energy storage element may receive power from one or more solar panels coupled to a solar charge controller.
- Figure 1 illustrates a conceptual representation of semi -truck-mounted components of a system for power takeoff (PTO) driven refrigeration
- Figure 2 illustrates a conceptual representation of a semi-trailer and refrigeration unit of a system for PTO-driven refrigeration
- Figure 3 illustrates a conceptual representation of semi-trailer-mounted components of a system for PTO-driven refrigeration
- Figure 4 illustrates a conceptual representation of semi-trailer-mounted components of a system for PTO-driven refrigeration
- Figure 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a PTO air shift assembly in a disengaged configuration
- Figure 6 illustrates a schematic representation of a PTO air shift assembly in an engaged configuration
- Figure 7 illustrates a schematic representation of a PTO air shift assembly modified to be locked into an engaged configuration
- Figure 8 illustrates a schematic representation of a computing system
- Figure 9 illustrates a flowchart of temperature regulation of a system for PTO-driven refrigeration.
- Figure 10 illustrates a flowchart of battery regulation of a system for PTO-driven refrigeration.
- Coupled may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.
- Disclosed embodiments are directed to systems and methods for PTO-driven refrigeration.
- Some embodiments include a generator that is configured to be mechanically connected to a power takeoff (PTO) and a converter that is configured to receive AC power from the generator and is operable to convert the AC power to DC power.
- the generator is connected to a charge controller that is connected to an energy storage element (e.g., one or more batteries).
- the energy storage element is, in some implementations, connected to a controller configured to receive DC power provided by the converter (e.g., through the energy storage element) and provide AC power to a motor.
- the motor may be mechanically connectable to a refrigeration system.
- the energy storage element is further configured to receive power from a second charge controller that receives power via a 220V AC power input.
- the energy storage element is configured to receive power from a solar panel coupled to the semi-trailer.
- disclosed embodiments may address many of the problems associated with semi-trailer refrigeration systems. For instance, disclosed embodiments eliminate the need to use an independent diesel engine to power semi trailer refrigeration units, thereby avoiding the maintenance, breakdowns, downtime, fuel level monitoring and refilling, and/or emissions associated with using a dedicated diesel engine (e.g., in addition to a diesel engine of a semi-truck). Disclosed embodiments may also avoid problems that typically arise from users failing to exercise due care in maintaining, monitoring, and/or using diesel-powered refrigeration units.
- At least some disclosed embodiments provide for semi trailer refrigeration units that may operate independently of a semi-truck by connecting the refrigeration unit to a 220V power input (e.g., when the unit resides in a warehouse).
- the semi-trailer refrigeration unit may operate independently by connecting the refrigeration unit to a solar panel coupled to the semi-trailer.
- the disclosed embodiments may allow freight companies to avoid considerable costs associated with maintaining and operating diesel-driven semi-trailer refrigeration units.
- Figure 1 illustrates a conceptual representation of semi -truck-mounted components of a system for power takeoff (PTO) driven refrigeration 100.
- the system for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 includes a generator 102 that is mechanically connected to a PTO 104.
- the PTO 104 may be in mechanical communication with the transmission of a semi -truck 106, such that a drive shaft of the PTO 104 is actuated by running the engine of the semi-truck 106.
- the drive shaft of the PTO 104 may be in constant mechanical communication with a PTO driver gear of the transmission of the semi-truck 106 such that the PTO is constantly engaged and rotating whenever the truck runs (e.g., by omitting a shift mechanism).
- the generator 102 may be driven by the PTO 104 to generate AC power. It should briefly be noted that the generator 102 may be implemented as an electronic motor that is reversibly operable to receive rotational force to generate AC power or receive AC power to generate rotational force. In some embodiments, the generator 102 is implemented as a three- phase, water-cooled, permanent magnet motor operated as a generator for generating three- phase AC power (e.g., to maintain a high peak voltage). However, other motors/generators may be used. For instance, the generator 102 may be embodied as a brushless DC motor (BLDC motor) operated as a generator.
- BLDC motor brushless DC motor
- the generator 102 provides AC power to a converter 108 (e.g., Rectifier/Controller), which converts the AC power into DC power.
- the converter 108 is implemented as a rectifier or another controller/circuit/ system suitable for converting AC power into DC power (e.g., motor- generator, rotary converter).
- the rectifier/controller 108 may provide DC power to other components of the PTO-driven refrigeration system 100.
- the converter 108 may provide DC power to a refrigeration unit 110 comprising the semi-trailer mounted components of the system for PTO-driven refrigeration 100.
- FIG 2-4 illustrate a conceptual representation of semi-trailer-mounted components of the system for PTO-driven refrigeration 100.
- the rectifier/controller 108 described with reference to Figure 1 may provide DC power to a charge controller 112, (e.g., a DC regulator) via a wire 114 (shown in Figure 1 extending toward the semi-trailer).
- a charge controller 112 e.g., a DC regulator
- the rectifier/controller 108 provides DC power to an energy storage element, such as a bank of batteries 116 ( Figure 2), through the charge controller 112.
- an energy storage element such as a bank of batteries 116 ( Figure 2)
- the energy storage element 116 may be implemented as one or more lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, flow batteries, capacitors (e.g., supercapacitors, lithium-ion capacitors), and/or even superconducting magnetics.
- lead-acid batteries nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, flow batteries, capacitors (e.g., supercapacitors, lithium-ion capacitors), and/or even superconducting magnetics.
- the rectifier/controller 108 may provide DC power to the energy storage element 116 (e.g., battery bank) via a charge controller 112 (e.g., DC regulator). Being charged by the rectifier/controller 108 and DC regulator 112, the battery bank 116 may then provide DC power to a controller 118 via battery wires 119 (Fig. 4).
- the controller 118 is configured to invert the received DC power into AC power and provide the AC power to a motor 120.
- the controller 118 may be implemented as any suitable circuit/system for inverting DC power into AC power (e.g., power inverter, motor-generator, rotary converter).
- the generator 102 may be implemented as an electronic motor that is reversibly operable to receive rotational force to generate AC power or receive AC power to generate rotational force.
- the motor 120 and the generator 102 may be identical motors operated in reverse fashion with respect to one another. Specifically, the motor 120 receives AC power from the energy storage element 116 (via the controller 118) and generates rotational force to control a compressor 122, whereas the generator 102 receives rotational force from the PTO 104 and generates AC power.
- the motor 120 may be mechanically connected to a refrigeration element/ system 121 (e.g., a mechanical-compression refrigeration system).
- the motor 120 is mechanically connected to a compressor 122 of a refrigeration system such that the motor 120 drives the compressor 122 (e.g., A/C Compressor).
- a compressor 122 e.g., A/C Compressor
- any type of compressor 122 is within the scope of this disclosure, such as, but not limited to, reciprocating compressors, open drive compressors, scroll compressors, rotary-screw compressors, centrifugal compressors, dual-piston, etc.
- the generator 102 mechanically connected to the rotating PTO 104 generates AC power, which is converted by the converter 108 into DC power and provided to the energy storage element 116 (e.g., to the battery bank via the DC regulator or charge controller 112).
- the energy storage element 116 then provides stored DC power to the controller 118 that inverts the DC power into AC power.
- the AC power is sent via controller wires 124 to drive the motor 120 that drives the compressor 122 of the refrigeration unit 110.
- the compressor 122 may operate within a mechanical-compression refrigeration system/unit to regulate the temperature (e.g., maintain a desired low temperature) within a semi-trailer 126 (or other cavity) to which the refrigeration system/unit 110 is mounted.
- At least some disclosed embodiments provide a system for PTO-driven refrigeration wherein the refrigeration system on the semi-trailer 126 is powered by the PTO 104 of the semi-truck 106, thereby eliminating the need to power the refrigeration system with an independent diesel engine and eliminating all maintenance, breakdown, monitoring, and/or emissions and fuel consumption problems associated with the use of an independent diesel engine to power the semi-trailer refrigeration unit 110.
- the battery bank 116 (or other energy storage element(s)) is further configured to receive power from a separate charge controller (e.g., separate from the DC regulator).
- a separate charge controller e.g., separate from the DC regulator.
- the refrigeration systems of the present disclosure may be versatilely connectable to different charge sources to be driven thereby, in addition to being chargeable/drivable by the PTO 104.
- the functionality of being chargeable/drivable by different power sources allows the presently disclosed refrigeration systems to be operated when disconnected from a semi-truck or other vehicle (such as when temporarily stored in a warehouse), without requiring diesel fuel monitoring or refilling for the refrigeration systems.
- the battery bank 116 (as appreciated from comparing Figs.
- the location of the battery bank 116 may vary without departing herefrom) may be configured to receive power from a solar panel 128 coupled to the semi-trailer 126.
- the solar panel 128 may be non-flexible and may be UV epoxy coated to achieve greater efficiency, although any solar panels may be used. Accordingly, the battery bank 116 may be charged to provide DC power to the controller 118 to drive the motor 120 and the A/C compressor 122 via the solar panels 128 even when the semi-truck 106 is disconnected from the semi-trailer 126.
- the battery bank 116 may further be configured to receive power from a 220V AC power input 130 (or other AC charge controller).
- the 220V AC power input 130 bypasses the DC regulator 112 when a 220V power source is connected to the 220V power input 130.
- the battery bank 116 may be charged via the 220V power input 130 to provide DC power to the controller 118 to drive the motor 120 and the A/C compressor 122 even when the semi-truck 106 is disconnected from the semi-trailer 126 and/or when the rectifier/controller 108 (or other converter described with reference to Figure 1) is disconnected from the battery bank 116.
- Figures 1-4 have shown certain components of the presently disclosed systems for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 as mounted on either the semi-truck 106 or the semi-trailer 126.
- the DC regulator 112 (or other charge controller) may be mounted on a semi -truck 105 (or other vehicle) proximate to the rectifier/controller 108 (or other converter), or, alternatively, the rectifier/controller 108 may be mounted on the semi trailer 126 proximate to the DC regulator 112 and the battery bank 116 (or other energy storage element).
- the battery bank 116 may be mounted on the semi-trailer 126 below the refrigeration unit 110 (Fig. 2), mounted within the refrigeration unit 110 (Fig. 3), or mounted in other locations on the semi-trailer 126.
- Figures 1-4 show conceptual representations of the components of the presently disclosed systems for PTO-driven refrigeration 100, and, therefore, any depicted positioning/placement of components on the semi-trailer 126 or semi truck 106 are illustrative only and non-limiting.
- Figure 1 shows a rectifier/controller 108 mounted underneath the semi-truck 106 proximate to the generator 102, it will be recognized that the rectifier/controller 108 may be mounted on the catwalk of the semi-truck 106, within the cab thereof, or even on the semi-trailer 126 as mentioned above.
- the presently disclosed systems for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 may include components not explicitly shown in Figures 1-4.
- the system for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 may include or be in communication with one or more computing systems and/or sensors to facilitate the operation and/or monitoring of the system and/or components thereof.
- the system for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 may include one or more cooling systems for cooling the generator 102 and/or the motor 120, such a semi-truck-mounted radiator and fan system in fluid communication with the generator 102 and a semi-trailer-mounted radiator and fan system in fluid communication with the motor 120 that drives the A/C compressor 122.
- the battery bank 116 and/or charge controller 112 is omitted from the system such that the recti bomb/contr oiler 108 converts the AC power received from the generator 102 into DC power and is directly coupled to the controller 118 that receives the DC power and inverts it into AC power to provide to the A/C compressor 122.
- the rectifier/controller 108 may be directly coupled to the generator 102.
- the drive shaft of the PTO 104 may be in constant mechanical communication with a PTO driver gear of the transmission to which the PTO 104 is attached/affixed (e.g., the transmission of a semi-truck).
- a PTO driver gear of the transmission to which the PTO 104 is attached/affixed e.g., the transmission of a semi-truck.
- the PTO 104 may be constantly engaged by using an electric disconnect (e.g., a solenoid) and a wet clutch (or other suitable clutch system).
- the solenoid may be internal to the wet clutch.
- the PTO 104 can be engaged/disengaged electronically via user input or when a set of parameters has been met (e.g., insufficient power remaining in batteries, insufficient sun for solar, etc.).
- the solenoid engages the wet clutch to generate power from the PTO to the generator 102.
- the PTO 104 is not utilized to mechanically drive a hydraulic pump (e.g., in a conventional wet kit for use with tanker trucks) but rather to drive the generator 102 to generate AC power for conversion into DC power to provide to the charge controller 112 with electricity to charge the battery bank 116.
- the PTO 104 may be constantly engaged without risking damage to the components driven thereby, according to the present embodiments.
- Figure 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a PTO air (or other fluid) shift assembly 132 in a disengaged configuration
- Figure 6 illustrates the air shift assembly 132 in an engaged configuration
- the air shift assembly 132 includes a shifter shaft 134 connected to a shifter fork 136.
- the shifter fork 136 is sized to fit around a sliding gear (not shown) of the PTO 104 such that the sliding gear of the PTO 104 will translate along with the shifter fork 136 between a disengaged position (as represented in Figure 5) and an engaged position (as represented in Figure 6, wherein the sliding gear becomes mechanically driven by a driver gear of a transmission).
- the air shift assembly 132 includes a return spring 138 and an air valve 140 connected to an air chamber 142.
- a switch e.g., located within the cab of a semi-truck triggers the opening of the air valve 140 to fill the air chamber 142, pushing the shifter shaft 134 (e.g., via a piston) against the return spring 138 (compressing the return spring) and translating the shifter fork 136 into the engaged position (as illustrated in Figure 6).
- the process may be reversed (e.g., in response to disengaging the switch) to open the air valve 140 to release the air from the air chamber 142 and allow the return spring 138 to push the shifter shaft 134 and shifter fork 136 into the disengaged position (illustrated in Figure
- a system for PTO-driven refrigeration may operate with a PTO that omits a shift mechanism for shifting between engaged and disengaged positions.
- PTOs may be specially or specifically manufactured without a shift mechanism and with gears positioned and sized such that the drive shaft of the PTO is in constant mechanical communication with the PTO driver gear of the transmission when the PTO is mounted to the transmission.
- an existing PTO shift mechanism may be modified to lock the shift mechanism into an engaged position.
- Figure 7 illustrates an example of a shift assembly 200 that has been modified to be locked into an engaged configuration.
- the shift assembly 200 omits the air valve 140 or intake channel, and the shift assembly 200 includes a lock 202 (e.g., block, pin, solid member, etc.) inserted and secured within the air chamber 142 keeping the shifter shaft 134 and the shifter fork 136 into the engaged configuration.
- the air shift assembly 200 also omits a return spring.
- a PTO shift assembly may utilize a solenoid switch, engaging and disengaging the generator from the PTO via an electric switch within the cab of the truck or using controllers or a computing system (described later herein) using predetermined parameters (e.g., temperature, battery status, solar status, etc.).
- the systems for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 disclosed herein provide DC power at various points, such as from the rectifier/controller 108 (or another converter) that converts AC power received from the generator 102 into DC power, or from the battery bank 116 (or other energy storage element).
- the presently disclosed systems for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 may provide power to one or more computing systems (e.g., electronic control modules (ECMs)) that are implemented as part of the systems for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 or are in communication with the same.
- the one or more computing systems may receive DC power from the converter 108 (e.g., rectifier/controller) directly or the battery bank 116.
- the computing system(s) may provide input, monitoring, communication, sensing, notification, and/or safety functionalities that may protect the system components and/or increase control by administrators (e.g., fleet commanders, freight companies).
- one or more computing systems are implemented into the rectifier/controller 108 that converts the AC power from the generator 102 into DC power and/or into the controller 118 that receives DC power from the battery bank 116.
- the one or more computing systems may be in communication with one another and/or with outside computing systems, devices, or components.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic representation of a computing system 300.
- the computing system 300 may take various forms, such as electronic control modules (ECMs) personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, handheld devices (e.g., mobile phones, PDAs, pagers), microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, multi-processor systems, network PCs, distributed computing systems, datacenters, message centers, routers, switches, and even devices that conventionally have not been considered a computing system, such as wearables (e.g., glasses, head-mounted displays).
- ECMs electronice control modules
- the computing system 300 may also be a distributed system that includes one or more connected computing components/devices that are in communication. Accordingly, the computing system 300 may be embodied in any form and is not limited to any particular embodiment explicitly shown herein.
- the computing system 300 includes various components.
- Figure 8 shows that computing system 300 includes at least one hardware processing unit 302 (a “processor”), input/output (I/O) interfaces 304, and storage 306.
- processor hardware processing unit
- I/O input/output
- the storage 306 may be physical system memory, which may be volatile, non-volatile, or some combination of the two.
- the term “memory” may also be used herein to refer to non volatile mass storage such as physical storage media. If the computing system 300 is distributed, the processing, memory, and/or storage capability may be distributed as well.
- the term “executable module,” “executable component,” or even “component” can refer to software objects, routines, or methods that may be executed on the computing system 300.
- the different components, modules, engines, and services described herein may be implemented as objects or processors that execute on the computing system 300 (e.g., as separate threads).
- Computer storage media are hardware storage devices, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, solid state drives (SSDs) that are based on RAM, Flash memory, phase-change memory (PCM), or other types of memory, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions, data, or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.
- RAM random access memory
- ROM read-only memory
- EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
- CD-ROM Compact Disk Read Only Memory
- SSDs solid state drives
- PCM phase-change memory
- the disclosed embodiments may comprise or utilize a special-purpose or general- purpose computer including computer hardware, such as, for example, one or more processors (such as the hardware processing unit 302, which may include one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs) or other processing units) and system memory (such as storage 306). Such components may also be combined into a single unit (e.g., microcontroller).
- Embodiments also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Such computer- readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system.
- Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions in the form of data are physical computer storage media.
- Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media.
- the current embodiments can comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media: computer storage media and transmission media.
- a “network,” like the network 308 shown in Figure 8, is defined as one or more data links and/or data switches that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems, modules, and/or other electronic devices.
- a network either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired and wireless
- the computing system 300 will include one or more communication channels that are used to communicate with the network 308.
- Transmissions media include a network that can be used to carry data or desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or in the form of data structures. Further, these computer-executable instructions can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
- program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be transferred automatically from transmission media to computer storage media (or vice versa).
- program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a network interface card or “NIC”) and then eventually transferred to computer system RAM and/or to less volatile computer storage media at a computer system.
- NIC network interface card
- Computer-executable (or computer-interpretable) instructions comprise, for example, instructions that cause a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or special- purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions.
- the computer- executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.
- a computing system 300 includes, as part of the I/O interfaces 304, a user interface for use in communicating information to/from a user.
- the user interface may include output mechanisms as well as input mechanisms.
- output mechanisms might include, for instance, speakers, displays, tactile output, projections, holograms, and so forth.
- Examples of input mechanisms might include, for instance, microphones, touchscreens, controllers, projections, holograms, cameras, keyboards, stylus, mouse, or other pointer input, sensors of any type, and so forth.
- the computing system 300 may perform certain functions in response to detecting certain user input.
- the computing system 300 may also be connected (via a wired or wireless connection) to external sensors 310 (e.g., a temperature sensor associated with the generator, motor, or refrigeration unit, or internal temperature of the trailer, an RPM sensor, a pressure sensor, battery sensors, or other sensors).
- external sensors 310 may regulate the temperature of the semi-trailer 126.
- the external sensors 310 may communicate with the computing system 300, when the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, to start the motor 120 and the compressor 122.
- the external sensors 310 may communicate with the computing system 300 to determine the state of charge of the battery bank 116. For example, if the battery bank has a low state of charge, the external sensors 310 may communicate with the computing system 300.
- the computing system 300 may then communicate with the systems for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 to retrieve power from the PTO 104, 220V power input, or the solar panel 128.
- the external sensors may include sensor systems known in the art rather than solely individual sensor apparatuses.
- the computing system 300 may also include communication channels allowing the computing system 300 to be in wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, satellite, infrared, etc.) or wired communication with any number or combination of sensors 310, networks 308, and/or other remote systems/devices 312.
- Remote systems/devices 312 may be configured to perform any of the processing described with regard to computing system 300.
- a remote system may include an administrative system that receives sensor readings from the sensors 310.
- embodiments may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations.
- the embodiments may also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems that are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a network each perform tasks (e.g., cloud computing, cloud services and the like).
- program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
- Cloud computing environments may be distributed, although this is not required. When distributed, cloud computing environments may be distributed internationally within an organization and/or have components possessed across multiple organizations.
- cloud computing is defined as a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). The definition of “cloud computing” is not limited to any of the other numerous advantages that can be obtained from such a model when properly deployed.
- a cloud-computing model can be composed of various characteristics, such as on- demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, measured service, and so forth.
- a cloud-computing model may also come in the form of various service models such as, for example, Software as a Service (“SaaS”), Platform as a Service (“PaaS”), and Infrastructure as a Service (“IaaS”).
- SaaS Software as a Service
- PaaS Platform as a Service
- IaaS Infrastructure as a Service
- the cloud-computing model may also be deployed using different deployment models such as private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and so forth.
- the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components (e.g., the hardware processing unit 302).
- illustrative types of hardware logic components include Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-Specific or Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-Specific Standard Products (ASSPs), Sy stem-On- A-Chip Systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), Central Processing Units (CPUs), and other types of programmable hardware.
- FPGAs Field-Programmable Gate Arrays
- ASICs Application-Specific or Application-Specific Integrated Circuits
- ASSPs Application-Specific Standard Products
- SOCs Sy stem-On- A-Chip Systems
- CPLDs Complex Programmable Logic Devices
- CPUs Central Processing Units
- the computing system 300 includes computer-executable instructions (e.g., stored on storage 306) that enable the computing system 300 (e.g., by one or more processors 302 executing the computer-executable instructions) to selectively activate or deactivate any portion of the system for PTO-driven refrigeration 100, such as the generator 102, the motor 120, the compressor 122, etc.
- computer-executable instructions e.g., stored on storage 306 that enable the computing system 300 (e.g., by one or more processors 302 executing the computer-executable instructions) to selectively activate or deactivate any portion of the system for PTO-driven refrigeration 100, such as the generator 102, the motor 120, the compressor 122, etc.
- the computing system 300 selectively activates or deactivates one or more components of the system for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 in response to a triggering event, such as receiving user input (e.g., locally or from an administrative computing system) or detecting a sensor reading that meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold or is outside of a predefined acceptable range.
- a triggering event such as receiving user input (e.g., locally or from an administrative computing system) or detecting a sensor reading that meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold or is outside of a predefined acceptable range.
- the computing system 300 may receive triggering input (e.g., from an I/O interface 310 or a remote system/device 312) that causes the computing system 300 to selectively activate or deactivate one or more components of the system for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 (e.g., the motor 120, the generator 102, the A/C compressor 122).
- triggering input e.g., from an I/O interface 310 or a remote system/device 312
- the computing system 300 may selectively activate or deactivate one or more components of the system for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 (e.g., the motor 120, the generator 102, the A/C compressor 122).
- a computing system 300 may cause sensor values detected by the various sensors 310 in communication with the computing system 300 to be displayed on a user display or user interface (e.g., an I/O interface 304 and/or a display of a remote system/device 312).
- the computing system 300 may cause display of representations of sensor readings associated with detected state of charge, DC draw amperage, and/or amp hours associated with the battery bank, load amps of the motor, temperature of the motor, generator, and/or refrigerated semi-trailer (or other cavity), etc. Displaying combinations of sensor readings to a user/administrator may enable a user/administrator to ensure that the system for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 is operated with due care, so as to avoid damage to the system or other damages caused by improper operation thereof.
- the computing system 300 is configured to provide a notification on a user/administrator interface in response to detecting that a sensor reading of one or more sensors of the system for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 has met or exceeded a predetermined threshold value (e.g., an unacceptably high temperature of the motor 120, generator 102, and/or refrigerated area).
- a predetermined threshold value e.g., an unacceptably high temperature of the motor 120, generator 102, and/or refrigerated area.
- the notification can take on various forms, such as a visual notification on a screen, a sound, etc.
- a user or an administrator may define threshold values that may trigger the display of a notification (or even trigger selective deactivation of one or more system components). For instance, the administrator or user may define a maximum operational temperature for the generator 102 or motor 120, a minimum state of charge for the battery bank 116, a maximum draw from the battery bank 116, and/or a maximum starting load for the motor 120. In this way, freight company administrators and/or fleet commanders may ensure optimal operation of systems for PTO-driven refrigeration 100 to extend the economic life of such systems.
- FIGs 9 and 10 illustrate example flow charts of a computing system 400 used for monitoring temperature and battery state of charge.
- the computing system starts. Then the computing system receives information from temperature sensors at step 404. After the information is received, at step 406, the temperature is analyzed to determine if it is above a predetermined threshold. If it is not above the threshold, then the system returns to step 404. If the temperature for the semi-trailer is above a predetermined threshold, then at step 408 the computing system starts the motor and compressor to cool the semi -trailer. The system may then return to step 404 while also proceeding to step 410. At step 410, the system checks whether the temperature of the generator, motor, or compressor is above a predetermined threshold.
- a notification may be sent to a user at any step in the flow. For example, if a component is stopped in 412, a notification may be sent to a user, allowing them to take appropriate measures to ensure that the cargo in the trailer is not spoiled as a result of increasing temperatures due to mechanical failures.
- the system starts.
- the computing system checks the state of charge of the battery bank at step 416. Once the state of charge is checked, at step 418, the system determines whether the battery bank state of charge is below the preset minimum state of charge. If it is not below the preset minimum, then the system returns to step 416. If it is below the preset minimum charge, then at step 420 the battery bank is charged by the PTO, 220V power input, and/or the solar panel 420.
- a system may include a PTO-driven generator that provides AC power to a converter that converts the received AC power into DC power and provides the DC power to an inverter that inverts the DC power back into AC power and provides the AC power to a motor that drives/operates a dump truck/trailer, aerial lift, pump, vacuum, plow, excavator, or other device.
- systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein.
- various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
- Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201962951505P | 2019-12-20 | 2019-12-20 | |
US17/086,692 US10995760B1 (en) | 2019-10-31 | 2020-11-02 | Computer-controlled power takeoff driven motorized pump system |
PCT/US2020/066449 WO2021127647A1 (en) | 2019-12-20 | 2020-12-21 | Power takeoff-driven refrigeration |
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EP4077002A1 true EP4077002A1 (en) | 2022-10-26 |
EP4077002A4 EP4077002A4 (en) | 2024-01-10 |
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CA (1) | CA3162325A1 (en) |
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EP4101695A1 (en) * | 2021-06-08 | 2022-12-14 | Carrier Corporation | Power management system for a transport refrigeration unit |
GB2617531A (en) * | 2021-09-03 | 2023-10-18 | Sunswap Ltd | Electrical transport refrigeration unit |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US8276396B2 (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2012-10-02 | Carrier Corporation | Oil cooled generator for trailer refrigeration unit |
US9389007B1 (en) * | 2013-01-09 | 2016-07-12 | New West Technologies, LLC | Transportation refrigeration system with integrated power generation and energy storage |
US9586458B2 (en) * | 2014-02-28 | 2017-03-07 | Enow, Inc. | Tractor trailer refrigeration unit |
US10300831B2 (en) * | 2016-06-01 | 2019-05-28 | Cummins Inc. | Hybrid reefer systems |
EP3634792A1 (en) * | 2017-06-07 | 2020-04-15 | Carrier Corporation | Hybrid power conversion system for a refrigerated transport vehicle and method |
US10240847B1 (en) * | 2018-01-03 | 2019-03-26 | Robert P Thomas, Jr. | Efficient electric trailer refrigeration system |
CN110228346B (en) * | 2018-03-06 | 2024-05-10 | 开利公司 | Interactive trip planning application for a transport refrigeration unit with energy storage |
US10428844B1 (en) * | 2018-06-08 | 2019-10-01 | Eugene Holt | Method and system for generating electrical power from a wheeled engine-driven vehicle for powering a transport refrigeration unit |
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2020
- 2020-12-21 CA CA3162325A patent/CA3162325A1/en active Pending
- 2020-12-21 WO PCT/US2020/066449 patent/WO2021127647A1/en unknown
- 2020-12-21 MX MX2022007561A patent/MX2022007561A/en unknown
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