Abstract: A method and system for dynamic power allocation in a transport refrigeration system (TRS) is provided. The method includes a TRS power source operating in an operational state. The method also includes monitoring an amount of current being drawn from one or more generator powered components of the TRS. Also, the method includes calculating, via a TRS controller of the TRS, a maximum available horsepower amount based on the amount of current being drawn from the one or more generator powered components. Further, the method includes controlling, via the TRS controller, an amount of horsepower directed to a compressor of the TRS based on the maximum available horsepower amount.

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: An inverter-converter system includes a DC source, a DC to DC boost converter, a DC link capacitor, an inverter circuit, a variable speed electric machine, and a controller. The DC to DC boost converter receives an input DC voltage from the DC source. The inverter circuit converts the variable boosted voltage to an AC voltage to drive the variable speed electric machine. The controller senses a plurality of parameters from the variable speed electric machine, and controls the DC to DC boost converter to boost up the input DC voltage to a variable output voltage based on the plurality of parameters and/or the voltage (or load) needed by the variable speed electric machine. The design of the inverter-converter system can achieve an electrical efficiency and cost savings for the overall system.

Abstract: A gasket in a transport refrigeration system (TRS) and method of preventing corrosion in a compressor using a gasket. The gasket includes a body, where the body includes a fluid pass portion, and a flange that extends from the body. The body and the flange include a second layer between an outside first layer and a third layer. The second layer is a metal and the metal is a non-uniform thickness that extends across the flange and the body to deflect compression load distribution.

Abstract: A method of temperature control in a cryogenic temperature control apparatus. The method includes operating the cryogenic temperature control apparatus in a first mode, and delivering a first flow rate of cryogen from a storage tank to an evaporator coil in the first mode. The cryogenic temperature control apparatus is operated in a second mode after operating the cryogenic temperature control apparatus in the first mode for a predetermined time duration. A second flow rate of cryogen that is lower than the first flow rate is delivered to the evaporator coil in the second mode.

Abstract: A vehicle including a vehicle body, an air conditioning unit, and a fairing. The vehicle body includes a roof having a front portion and a rear portion. The air conditioning unit is disposed within the vehicle body and includes a condenser configured to receive air from outside the vehicle body through an opening in the rear portion of the roof. The fairing is disposed over the rear portion of the roof and the opening thereby defining an interior volume between the fairing and the rear portion of the roof. The fairing includes a leading portion oriented toward the front portion of the roof. The leading portion has an air inlet such that when the vehicle moves in a forward direction air from outside the vehicle body enters the interior volume through the air inlet, passes through the opening, and passes through the condenser.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration unit (TRU) battery charging system includes a programmable transport refrigeration system (TRS) Controller, a TRU battery and a programmable battery charger (BC) programmed to transfer electrical current to the TRU battery via a predetermined current path through the programmable TRS Controller in response to a value of offset current drawn from the TRU battery by the programmable TRS Controller and subsequently communicated to the programmable BC by the programmable TRS Controller. The programmable TRU battery charger allows for a dynamic load characterization of the programmable IRS Controller and accessory loads based on programmable TRU battery charger internal shunt current measurements and programmable TRS Controller internal shunt current measurements to allow the programmable TRU battery charger to function properly with all intended modes of operation.

Abstract: A generator set for a transport refrigeration unit that is operable at a first frequency and a second frequency. The generator set includes a generator and a prime mover. The generator set is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) that is coupled to a controller. The ECU is configured to monitor the engine operation condition to obtain an engine operation condition value; whereas the controller is configured to receive the engine operation condition value and compare the value with an engine operation condition threshold. When the engine operation condition value, for example, exceeds the engine operation condition threshold, the controller instructs the ECU to operate the engine at a first speed; and when the engine operation condition value, for example, is below the engine operation condition threshold, the controller instructs the ECU to operate the engine at a second speed that is slower than the first speed.

Abstract: A bulkhead for a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) is provided. The bulkhead is configured to create optimal air flow on both a front side (e.g. the side where the condenser unit is located) and a rear side (e.g. the side where the evaporator unit is located) of the bulkhead, provide structural support for various components of the TRU, and provide a thermal barrier between the front side and the rear side. Also, the bulkhead is configured to include an access door and a service opening that allows a user to access TRU components located on the rear side of the bulkhead via the front side of the bulkhead. Further, the rear side of the bulkhead is configured to provide a removal support shelf that can be used as a resting surface or a sliding surface for removing components located on the rear side of the bulkhead out of the TRU from the front side of the TRU via the service opening by removing the access door.

Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to providing power to a transport refrigeration system (TRS) using an undersized main power source in combination with a secondary power source. The systems and methods allow the undersized main power source to be used with a TRS that requires a power more than a maximum threshold power of the undersized main power source to operate at a full cooling capacity. The secondary power supplements the undersized main power to allow the TRS to operate at the full cooling capacity. Optionally, a tertiary power source can supplement the undersized main power source, or the undersized main and secondary power sources to run the TRS.

Abstract: In-service diagnostic testing of containers with a climate control system used in intermodal freight transport includes automatically testing the functioning of the climate control system at a possibly pre-scheduled time which may depend on the period of time since the latest pre-trip inspection. According to the invention in-service diagnostic testing is performed with cargo in the container during transportation from origin to destination at a suitable time before expected arrival to the destination so that the approval resulting from the in-service diagnostic testing is fresh and up-to-date. Results of the in-service diagnostic testing are transmitted wirelessly to a receiver at a central facility where managing and allocating a large number of containers to individual transport tasks is performed, and containers which have not passed the in-service diagnostic testing can be taken out of service for maintenance and repair.

Abstract: A method of defrosting a transcritical vapor compression system having a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a first heat exchanger for cooling the refrigerant during a cooling mode, an expansion valve for decreasing the pressure of the refrigerant, and a second heat exchanger for cooling a space during the cooling mode. The method includes attaining a superheated refrigerant condition in a defrost mode of the transcritical vapor compression system and defrosting the second heat exchanger in the defrost mode by directing the superheated refrigerant to the second heat exchanger without bypassing the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) battery charger in a transport refrigeration system (TRS) is provided. The method includes receiving battery topology data indicating a battery topology of a TRU battery equipped in the TRS. The method also includes determining specific parameters for configuring a battery charging algorithm based on the battery topology data. Also, the method includes the TRU battery charger configuring the battery charging algorithm based on the specific parameters.

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: Methods and systems for predictive emission maintenance of an engine. In one embodiment, a method for predictive emission maintenance of an engine is provided. The method can include a controller obtaining operational status information of the engine upon startup of a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) or a TRU generator set (GenSet). The method also includes the controller predicting engine emission maintenance based on the operational status information. Also, the method includes the controller providing an advanced notification warning based on whether the controller predicts engine emission maintenance.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing unauthorized modification to engine control software or an engine control system of, for example, a refrigerated transport application is provided. Particularly, the embodiments described herein prevent unauthorized parties from inadvertently or intentionally making changes to the engine control software used for controlling the engine or the engine control system that could, for example, potentially bypass emission strategies implemented in the refrigerated transport application. Accordingly, emission strategies such as, for example, EPA Tier IV not-to-exceed (“NTE”) regulations can be maintained.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a current draw in a transport refrigeration system (TRS) including an electronically controlled engine having an engine control unit (ECU) are disclosed. The method includes disabling the ECU in response to the electronically controlled engine entering an operating mode in which the electronically controlled engine is not running. The TRS controller determines an ambient temperature based on a temperature outside an internal space of the refrigerated transport unit. The TRS controller initializes an ECU off timer when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to an ambient temperature threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a transport heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system having a fresh air intake is disclosed. The fresh airflow intake system includes a fresh air damper configured to regulate a flow of fresh air into the transport HVAC system, an evaporator fan having at least a high-speed mode and a low speed mode, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine whether a fresh air condition is met and increase a fresh airflow in response to determining the fresh air condition is met. The controller is further configured to increase an evaporator fan speed when the fresh airflow is increased.