Patents Assigned to Thermo King LLC
  • Patent number: 11781497
    Abstract: A transport power system is provided. The transport power system includes a prime mover separate from another prime mover used for operating a vehicle, an absolute pressure sensor configured to sense an absolute pressure, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an altitude of the transport power system based on a first absolute pressure sensed during a start-up sequence of the transport power system prior to running of the prime mover, adjust a power output upper limit for the prime mover based on the determined altitude, and control an operation of the prime mover of the transport power system not to exceed the adjusted power output upper limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Thermo King LLC
    Inventors: James Goodsell, Adam B Carey
  • Patent number: 11780298
    Abstract: There is disclosed an environmental control system for heating at least one enclosed space. The system comprises a heat-pump circuit that includes a compressor, a heat-output stage, an expansion device and an evaporator arranged in series along a flow path for a refrigerant. The heat-output stage comprises a primary heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger that are both configured to transfer heat from the refrigerant to one or more external mediums in thermal communication with the at least one enclosed space. The primary heat exchanger and the secondary heat exchanger are connected in series along the flow path, such that the secondary heat exchanger will transfer excess heat energy remaining within the refrigerant after passing through the primary heat exchanger to the one or more external mediums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Martin Galansky, Diego Cearra, Michal Kolda, Pavel Houdek
  • Patent number: 11738623
    Abstract: A method of remotely managing a transport climate control system (TCCS) includes a remote management device receiving performance data from the TCCS. The performance data based on one or more detected operating parameters of the climate control circuit. The method also including the remote management device providing the performance data to one or more user devices. A remote management system includes a remote management device configured to receive performance data for a climate control circuit from a climate controller of a TCCS and to provide the performance data to one or more user devices. A TCCS includes a controller configured to: generate performance data based on the one or more detected operating parameters of a climate control circuit, and transmit the performance data to a remote monitoring device. The climate controller also configured to receive an operating instruction from the remote monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: David J. Renken, Tony Spetz, Matthew Srnec, Mark D. Leasure
  • Patent number: 11712943
    Abstract: A climate control system for use in a transport vehicle is disclosed. The climate control system includes a variable speed electric load, a controller configured to determine a load of the variable speed electric load, and a battery pack voltage configurator circuit. The battery pack voltage configurator circuit includes a first battery bank providing a first voltage and a first current, a second battery bank providing a second voltage and a second current, and a plurality of switches. The controller is configured to control the plurality of switches based on the determined load of the variable speed electric load. The battery pack voltage configurator circuit is configured to provide an output voltage and an output current to drive the variable speed electric load. The output voltage and the output current vary in magnitude based on the control of the plurality of switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Marcelo Andrade Dias, Ryan Wayne Schumacher
  • Patent number: 11708038
    Abstract: Methods and systems for efficient power management of a finite power storage unit that provides a finite amount of power to a vehicle accessory are provided. The method includes receiving an input parameter. The input parameter includes one of a desired runtime for the vehicle accessory and a desired condition setting for the vehicle accessory. The method also includes receiving an environment data. Also, the method includes a processor determining an output parameter based on the input parameter and the environment data. The output parameter includes one of an acceptable condition setting for the vehicle accessory and a predicted runtime for the vehicle accessory. Further, the method includes providing the output parameter to a display for displaying the output parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Russell L. Sanders, Mark D. Leasure, Srinivasa Rao Koppineedi, Michael James Vanous
  • Patent number: 11703341
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a transport climate control system of a vehicle are provided. The method includes obtaining a state of charge of an energy storage device capable of providing power to the transport climate control system; determining an energy level including the state of charge, receiving a planned route for the vehicle, and receiving route status data associated with the planned route for the vehicle. The route status data includes traffic data, weather data, and/or geographic data identifying areas where the transport climate control system is to be solely powered by the energy storage device. The method further includes determining whether the energy level is sufficient to complete the planned route for the vehicle based on the planned route and the route data, and when the energy level is not sufficient to complete the planned route for the vehicle, providing a notification to a user via a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Thermo King LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Srnec, Wallace Hubbard, Michael James Vanous, Mark D. Leasure, Paul J. Kroes, Philip Lavrich
  • Patent number: 11692495
    Abstract: A generator set for a transport climate control unit is provided that is operable at a first frequency and a second frequency. The generator set includes a generator, a prime mover configured to operate at a first non-zero speed and a second non-zero speed that is less than the first non-zero speed, and a genset controller configured to control operation of the generator set. When operating at the first non-zero speed, the genset controller is configured to monitor a prime mover load parameter to determine whether the prime mover is approaching or has exceeded an overload or stall situation. The genset controller is configured to reduce the speed of the prime mover from the first non-zero speed to the second non-zero speed to prevent the overload or stall situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: John G Simpson, Randy S. Burnham, Kyle J. Gleason
  • Patent number: 11695275
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein to prioritize delivery of power to electrical components associated with a vehicle and an electrically powered accessory. A power distribution unit may assess real-time power needs for the electrical storage system associated with the vehicle and electrical storage device of the electrically powered accessory and direct incoming power to the electrical storage system associated with the vehicle and the electrical storage device of the electrically powered accessory based on a prioritization of various factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Michael James Vanous, Mark D. Leasure, Nicholas Allan Cregan, Matt Srnec, Alessandro Silvestri
  • Patent number: 11674726
    Abstract: A method of controlling a transport climate control system includes detecting for leaking of working fluid from a climate control circuit. The method also includes isolating a high-pressure side of the climate control circuit when leaking of the working fluid is detected. A method of controlling a transport climate control circuit includes detecting for overcharge and/or an undercharge of the climate control circuit. A transport climate control system includes a climate control circuit and a climate controller that is configured to detect for working fluid leaking from the climate control circuit. The climate controller configured to isolate a high-pressure side of the climate control circuit when leaking of the working fluid is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: David J. Renken, Tony Spetz
  • Patent number: 11673449
    Abstract: A method for controlling a power system that powers a load is provided. The power system includes a prime mover, an electrical machine coupled to the prime mover, a battery source, an inverter coupled to the battery source, and a power system controller configured to control operation of the power system. The method includes monitoring a power demand on the power system from the load. The method also includes comparing the monitored power demand with a load threshold value. Also, the method includes determining that the monitored power demand is less than the load threshold value. Further, the method includes upon determining that the monitored power demand is less than the load threshold value: inactivating the prime mover, and instructing the battery source with the inverter to supply power to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Erich A. Lucht, Ross T. Nelson, John G. Simpson
  • Patent number: 11654740
    Abstract: A controller for a transport climate control system is provided. The controller includes a main processor, a co-processor and a verification memory. The main processor is configured to control operation of a compressor of the transport climate control system. The co-processor is separate from the main processor. The verification memory is connected in electronic communication with only the co-processor and is not in electronic communication with the main processor. The co-processor is configured to receive verification data from an independent sensor and wherein the independent sensor is not in communication with the main processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Adam Howard Raybin, Shawn Alan Schemmel, Oscar Sanz de Acedo Pollan, Niall Lynch
  • Patent number: 11647767
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating an active controlled atmosphere (CA) system to regulate the atmosphere in a cargo storage space. The controlled atmosphere system comprises: a plurality of gas exchange modules, each being operable to vary the level of a respective component gas in the cargo storage space, and/or at least one gas exchange module operable in a plurality of different modes to vary the level of a respective component gas in the cargo storage space; and a control module configured to control operation of each gas exchange module according to a plurality of different predetermined atmospheric control logics. Each atmospheric control logic defines operational gas exchange modules and/or operational modes for use over respective operational ranges of atmospheric conditions, and each atmospheric control logic is configured to cause operation of a different combination of gas exchange modules and/or modes over a comparable operational range, independently of any setpoints for gas component levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Petra Stavova, Jiri Zita, Martin Vojik, Michal Kolda
  • Patent number: 11648503
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an activated carbon scrubber apparatus 300 and a method of its operation for carbon dioxide (CO2) removal from a controlled environment. The scrubber apparatus is configured to switch between: an adsorption configuration in which it is configured to provide CO2-rich gas from the controlled environment to a sorbent bed 302 comprising activated carbon for CO2 adsorption, and to return the treated gas to the controlled environment; and a regeneration configuration in which it is configured to provide a regenerating gas from outside of the controlled environment to the sorbent bed to desorb CO2 and regenerate the activated carbon, and to discharge CO2-rich gas outside of the controlled environment. The method comprises alternately operating the scrubber apparatus in the adsorption configuration and the regeneration configuration over a plurality of cycles, wherein the scrubber apparatus is operated at a cycle frequency of between 4 and 30 cycles per hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Petra Stavova, Martin Vojik, Miguel Angel Ferrer Blas, Tomas Kohoutek, Michal Kolda
  • Patent number: 11648821
    Abstract: A method of minimizing C-Rate fluctuations with an electrically powered accessory (EPA) is disclosed. The EPA is configured to be used with at least one of a vehicle, a trailer, and a transport container that has a first controller. The EPA has a second controller. The method includes determining, by the first controller, a first C-Rate of a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS). Also, the method includes comparing the first C-Rate to a first predetermined threshold. The method also includes when the first C-Rate exceeds the first predetermined threshold, the first controller sending a first request to the second controller to adjust a load of the EPA. The method further includes the second controller determining a first operational mode of the EPA based on the first request. Also the method includes when the first operational mode of the EPA allows a load change, the second controller adjusting the load of the EPA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Vanous, Carolyn Lewelling, Christos Alkiviadis Polyzois
  • Patent number: 11634094
    Abstract: Electrically powered accessories connected to vehicle power systems are authenticated, and connections between the accessories and the vehicle power systems are based on permissions resulting from that authentication. accessories may supply authentication information associated with an authentication level, and form a permitted connection based on the authentication level. Vehicle power systems may obtain the authentication information, obtain the authentication level, and operate a power connection according to the authentication level. Authentication information can be obtained from the component or from a user of the component through, for example, a portable device. A system may include the electrically powered component and the vehicle power system. The system may further include a remote server to process the authentication information and determine the authentication level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Bryce Butler, Michael James Vanous, Matthew Srnec, Tracey Patterson
  • Patent number: 11623499
    Abstract: Technologies described herein pertain to delivering power to primary and accessory electrical components associated with a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, as well as to a power source of the vehicle itself. To operate one or more of accessory electrical components and deliver power to a vehicle battery, via a power distribution unit, the embodiments facilitate understanding of dynamic power available to the accessory electrical components as well as the vehicle battery, and distributing of the power in a prioritized manner to optimize the system for a most efficient power delivery process, with regards to power needs and power availability. Managing power supplied to a climate control unit that is used in a transport climate control system providing climate control to at least one of an internal space of a vehicle, may be performed by a controller that is electrically connected to at least the climate control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Srnec, Michael James Vanous, Ryan Wayne Schumacher, Carolyn Lewelling
  • Patent number: 11614091
    Abstract: A method of feedthrough and overcurrent protection of a sealed compressor used in a transport climate control system (“TCCS”) is provided. The TCCS includes a climate control circuit with a sealed compressor. The sealed compressor includes an outer housing and an electrical motor within the outer housing. The method includes operating the sealed compressor to compress a working fluid by supplying electrical power to the electric motor of the sealed compressor via a sealed electrical feedthrough in the outer housing of the sealed compressor. The method also includes detecting an operating parameter of the sealed electrical feedthrough, and determining whether the sealed electrical feedthrough is in a melting condition based on the detected operating parameter. Also, the method includes adjusting operation of the climate control circuit upon determining that the sealed electrical feedthrough is in the melting condition until the sealed electrical feedthrough is no longer in the melting condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Thermo King LLC
    Inventors: David J. Renken, Tony Spetz
  • Patent number: 11613159
    Abstract: A power module for a transport climate control system that supplies power to a plurality of components of the transport climate control system is provided. The power module includes a power module housing, a power terminal, and a power protection shroud. The power terminal extends through an external surface of the power module housing. The power protection shroud extends from the external surface of the power module housing. The power protection shroud includes a curved wall having a horseshoe shape that surrounds the power terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Thermo King LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Alan Schemmel, Diarmaid Thomas Bucke, Niall Lynch
  • Patent number: 11576391
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a controlled atmosphere (CA) system to regulate the atmosphere in a cargo storage space. The CA system comprises a gas exchange module operable to vary the level of a component gas in the cargo storage space, a control module to control operation of the gas exchange module, and at least one of an oxygen sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor, each being operable to measure a parameter indicative of a level of oxygen or carbon dioxide respectively in the cargo storage space. The method comprises: the control module determining a respiration parameter value indicative of the rate of change of oxygen level and/or the rate of change of carbon dioxide level in the cargo storage space due to respiration of goods in the cargo storage space; and the control module controlling operation of the gas exchange module based on the determined respiration parameter value to target an oxygen level setpoint and/or a carbon dioxide level setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: THERMO KING LLC
    Inventors: Petra Stavova, Jiri Zita, Martin Vojik, Michal Kolda
  • Patent number: 11571946
    Abstract: Methods of controlling transport climate control systems are provided to reduce the impact of their operation on the sleep of an occupant, who can be in a nearby sleeping space. Methods include obtaining occupant sleep status data, determining one or more operational parameters of the transport climate control system based on the occupant sleep status data, and operating the transport climate control system according to the one or more operational parameters to control when at least one of a motor, a compressor, a generator, or one or more fans are in operation during an occupant sleep state. The methods can be implemented by a controller of a transport climate control system or a control module for such a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Thermo King LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Srnec, Peter J. Loomis