Abstract: A control device having a graphical user interface for controlling the operation of a transport refrigeration unit is disclosed. The graphical user interface may include a menu structure having multiple levels of menu options, executable functions and data items that may be navigated and viewed by a user. Access to the various menus may be user-specific and controlled so that a subset of the information in the menu structure is available to normal users, and larger subsets of the information are available to advanced users having higher levels of authorization to the menus and information contained in the graphical user interface device. The graphical user interface may also include programmable soft keys that may take users directly to frequently viewed menu options, functions and data items without the necessity of navigating through the levels of the menu structure.

Abstract: A control device having a graphical user interface for controlling the operation of a transport refrigeration unit is disclosed. The graphical user interface may include a menu structure having multiple levels of menu options, executable functions and data items that may be navigated and viewed by a user. Access to the various menus may be user-specific and controlled so that a subset of the information in the menu structure is available to normal users, and larger subsets of the information are available to advanced users having higher levels of authorization to the menus and information contained in the graphical user interface device. The graphical user interface may also include programmable soft keys that may take users directly to frequently viewed menu options, functions and data items without the necessity of navigating through the levels of the menu structure.

Abstract: A control system for a refrigeration unit is disclosed. The control system may include a user interface, an interface bus, a power control module, a first module, and a second module. The interface bus may communicatively couple the user interface, the power control module, the first module, and the second module. The user interface may be capable of receiving and dispatching information. The power control module may be capable of distributing and monitoring power to the control system. The second module may have at least one connector with flexible input and output configuration capabilities. The first module may have a controller and at least one connector with flexible input and output configuration capabilities.

Abstract: A regenerative source of heat is provided for the oil used to lubricate a compressor within a heating, cooling or refrigeration system. The regenerative source absorbs heat from the oil when it is circulating through the compressor at a relatively high temperature. The regenerative source gives up heat to the oil following deactivation of the compressor. The source of heat includes a thermal phase change material that is preferably a hydrated salt capable of storing sufficient thermal energy to maintain the oil above any temperatures that would cause damage to the moving parts of the compressor.