Abstract: Methods and systems for coordinating operation of two or more transport refrigeration systems (TRSs) are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes a controller determining whether the first transport unit is stationary. The method also includes the controller identifying whether the first transport unit is in close proximity of a second transport unit when the controller determines that the transport unit is stationary. Also, the method includes the controller determining an executive control strategy for controlling the first TRS in coordination with a second TRS when the controller identifies that the first transport unit is in close proximity of the second transport unit. Further, the method includes the controller operating the first TRS based on the executive control strategy.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system (TRS) and method of operating a TRS having a sorption subsystem are disclosed. The TRS includes a refrigeration subsystem and a sorption subsystem. The refrigeration subsystem includes a refrigerant, a compressor, a refrigerant condenser, a refrigerant expansion device, and a refrigerant evaporator in fluid communication such that the refrigerant can flow therethrough. The sorption subsystem includes a heat transfer fluid, a heat source, a boiler, a sorption condenser, a sorption expansion valve, a sorption evaporator, and a pump in fluid communication such that the heat transfer fluid can flow therethrough. The sorption evaporator is in thermal communication with the refrigeration subsystem.

Abstract: Methods and systems for coordinating operation of two or more transport refrigeration systems (TRSs) are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes a controller determining whether the first transport unit is stationary. The method also includes the controller identifying whether the first transport unit is in close proximity of a second transport unit when the controller determines that the transport unit is stationary. Also, the method includes the controller determining an executive control strategy for controlling the first TRS in coordination with a second TRS when the controller identifies that the first transport unit is in close proximity of the second transport unit. Further, the method includes the controller operating the first TRS based on the executive control strategy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically adjust control parameters of a TRS according to local, regional and/or federal regulations on emissions, noise and/or other requirements applicable to a particular location and/or time, are provided. When the TRS is operating within a predefined geographic region at a specific time, control parameters or an operation mode of the TRS can be automatically adjusted so that emission and/or noise from the TRS can be compliant with the regulations applicable to that predefined geographic region.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a fluid consumption rate from a fluid tank is described. The fluid tank includes a fuel for an internal combustion engine and the internal combustion engine provides power to a powered system. The method includes determining instantaneous fluid consumption; determining an operating condition of the powered system, the powered system providing a load on the internal combustion engine; determining the load on the internal combustion engine and a state of the internal combustion engine; and calculating the fluid consumption rate based on the instantaneous fuel consumption, the load on the internal combustion engine, and the state of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system (TRS) and method of operating a TRS having a sorption subsystem are disclosed. The TRS includes a refrigeration subsystem and a sorption subsystem. The refrigeration subsystem includes a refrigerant, a compressor, a refrigerant condenser, a refrigerant expansion device, and a refrigerant evaporator in fluid communication such that the refrigerant can flow therethrough. The sorption subsystem includes a heat transfer fluid, a heat source, a boiler, a sorption condenser, a sorption expansion valve, a sorption evaporator, and a pump in fluid communication such that the heat transfer fluid can flow therethrough. The sorption evaporator is in thermal communication with the refrigeration subsystem.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system (TRS) and method of subcooling a heat transfer fluid in a heat transfer circuit of a TRS are disclosed. The TRS includes a heat transfer circuit. The heat transfer circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The compressor, the condenser, the expansion device, and the evaporator are in fluid communication such that a heat transfer fluid can flow therethrough. The heat transfer circuit is configured to be in thermal communication with a pressure-regulating device of a system separate from the heat transfer circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a fluid consumption rate from a fluid tank is described. The fluid tank includes a fuel for an internal combustion engine and the internal combustion engine provides power to a powered system. The method includes determining instantaneous fluid consumption; determining an operating condition of the powered system, the powered system providing a load on the internal combustion engine; determining the load on the internal combustion engine and a state of the internal combustion engine; and calculating the fluid consumption rate based on the instantaneous fuel consumption, the load on the internal combustion engine, and the state of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A bracket for securing a plurality of support members for a shipping crate assembly is also disclosed. The bracket forms a corner of the shipping crate assembly. The bracket includes first and second non-identical plates. The first and second non-identical plates are joined along a connection line. The first and second non-identical plates extend perpendicularly from each other. A foot is secured to the first and second non-identical plates, the foot being secured along the connection line.

Abstract: A bracket for securing a plurality of support members for a shipping crate assembly is also disclosed. The bracket forms a corner of the shipping crate assembly. The bracket includes first and second non-identical plates. The first and second non-identical plates are joined along a connection line. The first and second non-identical plates extend perpendicularly from each other. A foot is secured to the first and second non-identical plates, the foot being secured along the connection line.

Abstract: Embodiments to help improve an airflow using e.g., an airflow director, an aerodynamic tail, etc. for a transport unit are disclosed. Structures and methods herein are related to directing airflow to low pressure areas in relation to the transport unit which can improve energy efficiency, counter turbulent airflows, and/or reduce drag. Surface features, such as one or more openings, louvers, tunnels, baffles, air directors, deflectors, inverters, etc. are strategically arranged or positioned on the aerodynamic faring to help direct an airflow toward a transport refrigeration unit when the temperature controlled transport unit is in motion. An aerodynamic tail can direct an airflow to a relatively low pressure region at a rear end of the transport unit when the transport unit is in motion to reduce or eliminate the relatively low pressure region. The features may be stored within a storage structure attached to a rear door of the transport unit.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system (TRS) and method of subcooling a heat transfer fluid in a heat transfer circuit of a TRS are disclosed. The TRS includes a heat transfer circuit. The heat transfer circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The compressor, the condenser, the expansion device, and the evaporator are in fluid communication such that a heat transfer fluid can flow therethrough. The heat transfer circuit is configured to be in thermal communication with a pressure-regulating device of a system separate from the heat transfer circuit.

Abstract: A mechanical face seal and a method of using the mechanical face seal are described. The mechanical face seal includes a plurality of groove sets that are etched into a stationary seal and/or a rotating seal ring. Each of the plurality of groove sets includes feed grooves, collection grooves, distribution grooves, a collector, retention cavities and discharge grooves. The mechanical face seal can be used to reduce the friction that is generated from the stationary seal and the rotating seal ring during operation. Additionally, the groove sets work cooperatively to introduce, circulate and expel lubricant between the seal interface, thereby promoting cooling of the seal.

Abstract: A mechanical face seal and a method of using the mechanical face seal are described. The mechanical face seal includes a plurality of groove sets that are etched into a stationary seal and/or a rotating seal ring. Each of the plurality of groove sets includes feed grooves, collection grooves, distribution grooves, a collector, retention cavities and discharge grooves. The mechanical face seal can be used to reduce the friction that is generated from the stationary seal and the rotating seal ring during operation. Additionally, the groove sets work cooperatively to introduce, circulate and expel lubricant between the seal interface, thereby promoting cooling of the seal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically adjust control parameters of a TRS according to local, regional and/or federal regulations on emissions, noise and/or other requirements applicable to a particular location and/or time, are provided. When the TRS is operating within a predefined geographic region at a specific time, control parameters or an operation mode of the TRS can be automatically adjusted so that emission and/or noise from the TRS can be compliant with the regulations applicable to that predefined geographic region.

Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to controlling the amount of power supplied by an engine for a transport refrigeration system (TRS). An engine load is estimated and compared with a maximum allowable power supply from an engine. The engine load can be automatically adjusted according to results of the comparison. An automatic adjustment of the amount of power supplied by the engine is provided, to ensure that the engine is operating within a preset window of operation and compliant with emission legislation.

Abstract: An auxiliary subcooling circuit for a transport refrigeration system (TRS) is provided. The auxiliary subcooling circuit may be configured to be driven by a compressor that is separate from a main compressor of a main refrigeration system of the TRS. The auxiliary subcooling circuit can be configured to subcool refrigerant in the main refrigeration system. The auxiliary subcooling circuit and the main refrigeration system may be configured to be driven by a prime mover of the TRS. An engaging device is configured to allow the auxiliary subcooling circuit to engage or disengage the prime mover. Methods to control the TRS are also provided.

Abstract: An after treatment device includes a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. The after treatment device also includes a core positioned substantially within the housing. The core is configured to treat a fluid. The after treatment device further includes a heat exchanger positioned substantially within the housing and about at least a portion of the core. The heat exchanger includes a first passage substantially surrounding the at least a portion of the core and configured to direct untreated fluid from the inlet toward the core, and a second passage substantially surrounding the at least a portion of the core and configured to direct treated fluid from the core toward the outlet.

Abstract: An electrical storage element control system for a vehicle. The control system includes electrical storage elements electrically coupled to each other in parallel, switch devices, and a controller. Each of the electrical storage elements defines a total storage capacity and having a state of charge cooperatively defining a total stored charge, and is adapted to be in electrical communication with an electrical load and a power source. The switch devices are electrically coupled to the electrical storage elements such that each switch device is associated with a corresponding electrical storage element and is operable between connected and disconnected states.

Abstract: An after treatment device includes a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. The after treatment device also includes a core positioned substantially within the housing. The core is configured to treat a fluid. The after treatment device further includes a heat exchanger positioned substantially within the housing and about at least a portion of the core. The heat exchanger includes a first passage substantially surrounding the at least a portion of the core and configured to direct untreated fluid from the inlet toward the core, and a second passage substantially surrounding the at least a portion of the core and configured to direct treated fluid from the core toward the outlet.