Abstract:
A refrigeration system for a transport refrigeration unit and a method of operating the refrigeration system for cooling a temperature controlled cargo space are disclosed. The refrigeration system includes a primary refrigerant circuit including a refrigerant compression device, a motor for driving the compression device; a variable speed drive for varying the speed of operation of the compression device; and a controller operatively associated with the variable speed drive and the compression device. The controller controls the cooling capacity of the refrigeration system by selectively controlling the speed of said compression device in a first continuous run mode of operation and by selectively powering on and powering off said compression device in a first cycling mode of operation.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for monitoring power supply of refrigeration units including cargo sensors (358) located within a container (307), a power connector (346) configured to receive power, the power connector operably connected to the refrigeration unit, a power supply sensor connected to the power connector configured to detect a lack of power supplied through the power connector and a controller in communication with the cargo sensors and the power supply sensor, the controller configured to store predetermined information related to power requirements including a maximum time period of a powered-off state, receive data from the cargo sensors, receive data from the power supply sensor, and, when the data from the cargo sensors indicates the presence of cargo within the container and data from the power supply sensor indicates a lack of power for a duration that exceeds the maximum time period, the controller is configured to provide an indicator.
Abstract:
A method of monitoring and controlling temperature of a cargo in a refrigerated transportation cargo container includes measuring a temperature of a plurality of portions of the cargo located in the cargo container via a plurality of temperature sensors directed at the portions of the cargo. One or more of the measured cargo temperatures are compared to a preselected threshold. Operation of a refrigeration unit disposed at the cargo container in operable communication with the plurality of temperature sensors is changed based on a result of the comparison. A transportation cargo container refrigeration system includes a plurality of cargo temperature sensors configured to determine a temperature of at least portions of a cargo. A refrigeration unit and controller are connected to the refrigeration unit and the cargo temperature sensors to control operation of the refrigeration unit based on data received from the cargo temperature sensors.
Abstract:
A transportation cargo refrigeration system includes a refrigeration unit to provide a flow of supply air for a refrigerated cargo container. A refrigeration system outlet allows the flow of supply air into the cargo container. A mixing chamber is located between the refrigeration unit and the refrigeration system outlet for mixing of the flow of supply air thereby reducing supply air temperature fluctuation at the refrigeration system outlet. A method of operating a refrigeration system for a refrigerated cargo container includes flowing supply air through a refrigeration unit thereby reducing a temperature of the supply air. The supply air is directed into a mixing chamber and mixed in the mixing chamber until a selected supply air temperature is achieved. The supply air is directed through a refrigeration system outlet and into an interior of a cargo container.
Abstract:
A method for reducing air leakage from a refrigerated container includes positioning at least one inflatable device about a rear end of the refrigerated container; coupling the at least one inflatable device to one end of an elongated duct located within an interior space of the refrigerated container; coupling a second end of the elongated duct to an outlet port of the evaporator fan; circulating, via the evaporator fan, air through the interior space; and extracting the circulated air through the elongated duct and into the at least one inflatable device.
Abstract:
A refrigerated container includes a box-like structure having a floor, a pair of opposed side walls, a rear wall, and a roof panel defining an interior volume having an open forward end; and a refrigeration unit disposed in the forward end of the box-like structure and integrated into the box-like structure.
Abstract:
A transport refrigeration unit (26) includes a compressor (58) constructed and arranged to compress a refrigerant and a compressor motor (60) configured to drive the compressor (58). A condenser heat exchanger (64) of the unit is operatively coupled to the compressor (58), a condenser fan (66) is configured to provide air flow over the condenser heat exchanger (64), and a condenser fan motor (90) drives the condenser fan (66). An evaporator heat exchanger (76) of the unit is operatively coupled to the compressor (58), an evaporator fan (78) is configured to provide air flow over the evaporator heat exchanger (76), and an evaporator fan motor (98) drives the evaporator fan (78). A combustion engine (56) of the unit drives a generator (54) configured to provide electric power to the compressor motor (60). An energy storage device (52) of the unit is configured to provide electric power to the condenser and evaporator fan motors (90, 98).
Abstract:
A wireless sensor device for use in a refrigerated container includes a flexible sensor body including at least one sensing element to sense at least one parameter of the refrigerated container, a battery to provide power to the at least one of sensing elements, and a battery housing coupled to an end of the flexible sensor body.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for checking proper airflow within a container (307) having a refrigeration unit (320) are provided. The system includes one or more sensors (358) located within the container configured to measure at least one airflow characteristic, and a controller (360) in communication with the one or more sensors. The controller is configured to store predetermined information related to airflow within the container, wherein the predetermined information includes minimum airflow criteria related to the at least one airflow characteristic, receive data from the one or more sensors, compare the received data with the predetermined information, and provide an indicator when the comparison indicates that the received data does not meet or exceed the minimum airflow criteria.
Abstract:
A transport refrigeration unit that may be applied to a tractor trailer system includes a compressor constructed and arranged to compress a natural refrigerant, a condenser heat exchanger operatively coupled to the compressor, and an evaporator heat exchanger operatively coupled to the compressor. A power supply of the unit is electrically coupled to an electric compressor motor that drives the compressor, an electric condenser fan motor that drives a condenser fan and an electric evaporator fan motor that drives an evaporator fan.