Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the release of heat by a temperature control unit are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a heat release condition of the temperature control unit. This method also includes determining, via a controller, whether to release the heat generated by the temperature control unit to an ambient environment outside of the internal space based on the heat release condition. Also, this method includes operating a HVAC circuit of the temperature control unit in a heat release mode when the controller determines that the heat generated by the temperature control unit is to be released to the ambient environment outside the internal space. Further, this method includes operating the HVAC circuit of the temperature control in a heat storage mode when the controller determines that the heat generated by the HVAC unit is not to be released to the ambient environment outside the internal space.

Abstract: Examples of an electrically powered transport refrigeration unit (TRU) are disclosed. The TRU may include a refrigeration circuit that includes an electrically powered compressor, an evaporator equipped with an electrically powered blower, and a gas cooler equipped with an electrically powered blower. The TRU may also include a control circuit and a power regulator unit. The power regulator unit may be configured to supply variable DC and/or AC outputs to power components of the refrigeration circuit, and the control circuit may be configured to regulate the variable DC and AC outputs of the power regulator unit so as to control the operation of the TRU. The electrically powered TRU may be configured to use R774 as refrigerant.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the release of heat by a temperature control unit are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a heat release condition of the temperature control unit. This method also includes determining, via a controller, whether to release the heat generated by the temperature control unit to an ambient environment outside of the internal space based on the heat release condition. Also, this method includes operating a HVAC circuit of the temperature control unit in a heat release mode when the controller determines that the heat generated by the temperature control unit is to be released to the ambient environment outside the internal space. Further, this method includes operating the HVAC circuit of the temperature control in a heat storage mode when the controller determines that the heat generated by the HVAC unit is not to be released to the ambient environment outside the internal space.

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: Embodiments of an electrically powered transport refrigeration unit (TRU) are disclosed. The TRU may include a refrigeration circuit that includes an electrically powered compressor, an evaporator equipped with an electrically powered blower, and a gas cooler equipped with an electrically powered blower. The TRU may also include a control circuit and a power regulator unit. The power regulator unit may be configured to supply variable DC and/or AC outputs to power components of the refrigeration circuit, and the control circuit may be configured to regulate the variable DC and AC outputs of the power regulator unit so as to control the operation of the TRU. The electrically powered TRU may be configured to use R774 as refrigerant.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system (TRS), a refrigerated transport unit, and a method of charging a thermal accumulator in a TRS are disclosed. The TRS includes a thermal accumulator including a phase change material (PCM) configured in a first state, to absorb thermal energy from the interior space of the transport unit during transformation to a second state. A heat exchanger, a portion of which is disposed within the thermal accumulator, is in thermal communication with the PCM. The TRS also includes an expansion device and a transport refrigeration unit (TRU). A heat transfer fluid circuit connects the TRU and the heat exchanger, and is configured to direct a heat transfer fluid from the TRU to the heat exchanger via the expansion device for charging the PCM.

Abstract: Examples of an electrically powered transport refrigeration unit (TRU) are disclosed. In one example, the TRU may include a refrigeration circuit that includes an electrically powered compressor, an evaporator equipped with an electrically powered blower, and a gas cooler equipped with an electrically powered blower. The TRU may also include a control circuit and a power regulator unit. The power regulator unit may be configured to supply variable DC and/or AC outputs to power components of the refrigeration circuit, and the control circuit may be configured to regulate the variable DC and AC outputs of the power regulator unit so as to control the operation of the TRU. The electrically powered TRU may be configured to use R774 as refrigerant.

Abstract: An apparatus for a thermally insulated container is disclosed. The apparatus includes one or more heat accumulators. Each of the thermal accumulators includes a plurality of longitudinal heat accumulation modules. Each of the longitudinal modules includes a casing forming a cavity therein. The cavity is configured to receive a phase change material. A first wall of the casing includes a substantially flat surface and a second wall includes a heat transfer enhanced surface portion. The longitudinal modules include a heat exchanger having at least a portion disposed within the cavity that is configured to supply a heat transfer fluid. The plurality of longitudinal heat accumulation modules are securely connected to each other and are in thermal communication with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for the storage, transport and distribution of refrigerated or frozen goods, in particular for thermally insulated containers of refrigerated vehicles, cold rooms and the like, including one or more thermal storage devices, each including a housing defining a cavity for holding a phase change material. The cavity contains a heat exchanger that may be supplied with a heat exchange fluid. The housing includes a substantially flat wall portion and a heat transfer enhanced wall portion. The apparatus includes ventilator in communication with the thermal storage device.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system (TRS), a refrigerated transport unit, and a method of charging a thermal accumulator in a TRS are disclosed. The TRS includes a thermal accumulator including a phase change material (PCM) configured in a first state, to absorb thermal energy from the interior space of the transport unit during transformation to a second state. A heat exchanger, a portion of which is disposed within the thermal accumulator, is in thermal communication with the PCM. The TRS also includes an expansion device and a transport refrigeration unit (TRU). A heat transfer fluid circuit connects the TRU and the heat exchanger, and is configured to direct a heat transfer fluid from the TRU to the heat exchanger via the expansion device for charging the PCM.

Abstract: A method for charging a phase change material (PCM) of a thermal accumulator provided in a refrigerated transport unit is provided. The refrigerated transport unit includes a prime mover to move the refrigerated transport unit, a transport refrigeration system (TRS) that includes a heat transfer fluid circuit. The heat transfer fluid circuit has a compressor, a heat exchanger, an expansion device and a PCM heat exchanger. The method requires monitoring for, via a controller, a braking signal from a braking sensor of the refrigerated transport unit. Also, the method includes directing energy generated by the prime mover for moving the refrigerated transport unit to the TRS when the controller receives a braking signal from the braking sensor. Further, the method includes the TRS charging the PCM of the thermal accumulator via the heat transfer fluid circuit when the energy generated by the prime mover is directed to the TRS.

Abstract: A thermal accumulator, a thermal accumulator module, and a method for controlling refrigeration in a transport refrigeration system (TRS) are described. The thermal accumulator module includes a plurality of thermal accumulators. Each of the plurality of thermal accumulators includes a fluid tight housing configured for attachment in an internal space of a refrigerated transport unit. The housing is configured to withstand a load applied when installing the thermal accumulator module in the internal space. An aluminum compatible phase change material is contained within the housing in a first state and configured to absorb thermal energy from the internal space of the refrigerated transport unit during transformation to a second state. One or more faces of the housing include a heat transfer enhancer.

Abstract: A multi-temperature transport refrigeration system (TRS) for a refrigerated transport unit having an interior space divided into a plurality of zones is disclosed. The multi-temperature TRS includes a thermal accumulator in a first of the plurality of zones. The thermal accumulator includes a phase change material in a first state to absorb thermal energy from the first of the plurality of zones of the interior space during transformation to a second state. The first of the plurality of zones is maintained at a first temperature and a second of the plurality of zones is maintained at a second temperature.

Abstract: A tractor and trailer combination including a tractor having a tractor frame, a supply unit, a trailer coupling, a skid plate, and a first connector coupled to the tractor frame and coupled to the supply unit to receive at least one of high voltage electrical power and coolant from the supply unit. The combination also includes a trailer having a trailer frame, a tractor coupling rotatably connecting the trailer to the tractor, and a second connector coupled to the trailer and configured to provide the at least one of high voltage electrical power and coolant to the trailer. The combination further includes a conduit having a first end coupled to the first connector, a second end coupled to the second connector. The conduit flexes and is supported between the first and second ends by the skid plate throughout rotation of the trailer relative to the tractor.

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 tractor and trailer combination including a tractor having a tractor frame, a supply unit, a trailer coupling, a skid plate, and a first connector coupled to the tractor frame and coupled to the supply unit to receive at least one of high voltage electrical power and coolant from the supply unit. The combination also includes a trailer having a trailer frame, a tractor coupling rotatably connecting the trailer to the tractor, and a second connector coupled to the trailer and configured to provide the at least one of high voltage electrical power and coolant to the trailer. The combination further includes a conduit having a first end coupled to the first connector, a second end coupled to the second connector. The conduit flexes and is supported between the first and second ends by the skid plate throughout rotation of the trailer relative to the tractor.

Abstract: A transcritical vapor compression system includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a first heat exchanger for cooling the refrigerant, an expansion device for decreasing the pressure of the refrigerant, a second heat exchanger for absorbing heat into the refrigerant, and a controller programmed to calculate a first energy difference across the second heat exchanger and a second energy difference across the compressor, to calculate an energy ratio by dividing the first energy difference by the second energy difference, to compare the energy ratio to a previously calculated energy ratio, and to adjust operating parameters of the system based on the comparison of the energy ratio with respect to the previously calculated energy ratio.