阅读说明：本技术 具有辅助冷却的运输气候控制系统 (Transport climate control system with supplemental cooling ) 是由 S·A·沃特世 M·加兰斯基 M·科尔达 P·霍迪克 B·A·威尔克 于 2020-10-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种气候受控运输单元的运输气候控制系统包括主传热电路和冷却器传热电路。主传热电路包括压缩机、冷凝器、主膨胀阀、主蒸发器、冷却器膨胀阀和冷却器蒸发器。主蒸发器和冷却器蒸发器彼此平行地设置在冷凝器的下游。工作流体和第二过程流体流经主蒸发器。工作流体和第三过程流体流经冷却器蒸发器。冷却器传热电路包括冷却器蒸发器,并且第三过程流体构造成提供辅助冷却。操作气候受控运输单元的运输气候控制系统的方法包括以HVACR和冷却器模式操作、以HVACR模式操作以及以冷却器模式操作。(A transport climate control system for a climate controlled transport unit includes a primary heat transfer circuit and a chiller heat transfer circuit. The primary heat transfer circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, a primary expansion valve, a primary evaporator, a cooler expansion valve, and a cooler evaporator. The main evaporator and the cooler evaporator are disposed in parallel with each other downstream of the condenser. The working fluid and the second process fluid flow through the primary evaporator. The working fluid and the third process fluid flow through the chiller evaporator. The chiller heat transfer circuit includes a chiller evaporator, and the third process fluid is configured to provide supplemental cooling. A method of operating a transport climate control system of a climate controlled transport unit includes operating in HVACR and chiller mode, operating in HVACR mode, and operating in chiller mode.)

1. A transport climate control system for a climate controlled transport unit comprising a climate controlled space, characterized in that the transport climate control system comprises:

a primary heat transfer circuit, the primary heat transfer circuit comprising:

a compressor to compress a working fluid,

a condenser downstream of the compressor to cool a working fluid compressed by the compressor with a first process fluid,

a main expansion valve and a cooler Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) located in parallel downstream of the condenser to expand the working fluid cooled by the condenser,

a main evaporator and a cooler evaporator located in parallel with each other downstream of the condenser to heat the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve and the cooler EEV, wherein the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve is configured to flow through the main evaporator and cool a second process fluid in the main evaporator, the main expansion valve or an electronic pressure regulator valve located downstream of the main evaporator is configured to regulate a climate control capacity of the main evaporator, wherein the working fluid expanded by the cooler EEV is configured to flow through the cooler evaporator and cool a third process fluid in the cooler evaporator, the cooler EEV controlling the flow of the working fluid to the cooler evaporator; and

a cooler heat transfer circuit, the cooler heat transfer circuit comprising:

a cooler evaporator, the third process fluid configured to flow through the cooler heat transfer circuit and provide auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system, wherein

The second process fluid is configured to cool the climate controlled space.

2. The transportation climate control system of claim 1, wherein the third process fluid is configured to cool one or more of a battery of the climate controlled transportation unit and a battery of a tractor attached to the climate controlled transportation unit.

3. The transport climate control system of claim 2, wherein the third process fluid is a liquid.

4. The transport climate control system of claim 1, wherein the compressor is a variable speed compressor.

5. The transport climate control system of claim 4, wherein the primary expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve, the primary heat transfer circuit comprising:

the electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor, the electronic pressure regulator configured to control a pressure of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator.

6. The transport climate control system of claim 5, wherein the electronic pressure regulator valve is configured to control a pressure of the working fluid discharged from the primary evaporator based on an outlet temperature of the third process fluid from the chiller evaporator.

7. The transport climate control system of claim 1, wherein the main expander is an electronic expansion valve that controls a flow of the working fluid to the main evaporator.

8. A method of operating a transport climate control system of a climate controlled transport unit, characterized in that the transport climate control system comprises a main heat transfer circuit and a cooler heat transfer circuit, the main heat transfer circuit comprising a compressor, a condenser, a main evaporator and a cooler evaporator arranged in parallel downstream of the condenser, and a main expansion valve and a cooler electronic expansion valve downstream of the condenser

(EEV), the method comprising:

determining a climate control requirement of the primary heat transfer circuit and a climate control requirement of the chiller heat transfer circuit;

operating in an HVACR and chiller mode when the primary heat transfer circuit has climate control needs and the chiller heat transfer circuit has climate control needs, wherein operating in the HVACR and chiller mode comprises directing a working fluid in parallel flow through the primary evaporator and the chiller evaporator, wherein the primary evaporator cools a first process fluid configured to cool a climate controlled space in the climate controlled transport unit, the primary expansion valve or an electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the primary evaporator regulates a climate capacity configured to regulate the primary evaporator, wherein the chiller evaporator cools a second process fluid that provides auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system, the chiller EEV controls flow of the working fluid into and through the chiller evaporator;

operating in an HVACR mode when only the primary heat transfer circuit has climate control needs, wherein operating in the HVACR mode includes directing the working fluid through the primary evaporator and preventing flow of the working fluid to the chiller evaporator; and

operating in a chiller mode when only the chiller heat transfer circuit has climate control requirements, wherein operating in chiller mode comprises directing the working fluid through the chiller evaporator and preventing flow of the working fluid through the primary evaporator.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein: directing the working fluid through the chiller evaporator in a chiller mode includes positioning the chiller EEV in an open position based on climate control requirements of the chiller heat transfer circuit.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein: directing a working fluid in parallel flow through the primary evaporator and the chiller evaporator in the HVACR and chiller mode comprises:

directing a first portion of the working fluid from the condenser through a first stream comprising parallel flows of the main expansion valve and the main evaporator, an

Directing a second portion of the working fluid from the condenser through a second stream comprising the cooler EEV and the cooler evaporator.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein:

the main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve, and

directing the working fluid in parallel flow through the primary evaporator and the chiller evaporator in the HVACR and chiller mode comprises:

directing a first flow of a portion of the working fluid from the condenser through a parallel flow including the thermostatic expansion valve, the main evaporator, and the electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor, an

Controlling a position of the electronic pressure regulator valve based on an outlet temperature of the second process fluid from the chiller evaporator and a superheat of the working fluid from the chiller evaporator discharge.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein:

the compressor is a variable speed compressor, and

operating in the HVACR and chiller mode includes controlling a speed of the variable speed compressor based on an outlet temperature of the second process fluid from the chiller expander.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein: operating in HVACR and chiller modes includes increasing the speed of the variable speed compressor to avoid positioning the electronic pressure regulator valve at or above a preset limit.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein:

the main expansion valve is a main Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV), an

Directing the working fluid in parallel flow through the primary evaporator and the chiller evaporator in the HVACR and chiller mode comprises:

locating a main EEV based on climate control requirements of the main evaporator, an

The chiller EEV is positioned based on climate control requirements of the chiller heat transfer circuit.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to transport climate control systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to capacity control of a transport climate control system including multiple evaporators.

Background

Transport climate control systems are commonly used to control environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a transport unit (e.g., a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, etc.), a truck, a box car, or other similar transport unit). Climate controlled transport units are commonly used for transporting perishable items such as agricultural products, frozen food products and meat products. Climate controlled transport units are also used to transport passengers between locations.

A transport climate control system includes climate control circuitry attached to a transport unit to control one or more environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, etc.) of a particular space (e.g., cargo space, passenger space) (often referred to as an "interior space"). The CCU may include, but is not limited to, a climate control circuit having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a fan and/or blower to control heat exchange between air within the interior space of the climate controlled transport unit and ambient air outside.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments described herein are generally directed to capacity control of a transport climate control system including a plurality of evaporators.

The transport unit may have a climate controlled space for the goods or passengers that provides climate control (e.g., heating, cooling, etc.) through the transport climate control system. The transport unit or tractor towing the transport unit may also include electrical components (e.g., batteries, inverters, etc.). Electrical components may generate heat during operation, causing the electrical components to fail to operate effectively or to be damaged. For example, battery charging systems and/or power supply electronics may generate a large amount of heat during use. In addition, for example, batteries in transportation units can generate a large amount of heat when charged and discharged, and/or static converters can generate a large amount of heat when converting power. The heat can severely affect the cell efficiency and/or damage the cell. The transport unit or the tractor towing the transport unit may comprise an operator's cab for the operator of the transport unit or tractor. Climate control of the operating space may be required.

The disclosed embodiments are capable of providing climate control for a climate controlled space and auxiliary cooling for electrical components and/or auxiliary space(s). The disclosed embodiments may selectively provide climate control for a climate controlled space, auxiliary cooling, and both the climate controlled space and the auxiliary cooling. The disclosed embodiments provide adjustable capacity control between multiple evaporators by controlling, for example, the evaporator working fluid and/or the evaporator working fluid pressure across a refrigeration circuit having multiple evaporators.

In one embodiment, a transport climate control system for a climate controlled transport unit includes a climate controlled space. A transport climate control system includes a primary heat transfer circuit and a chiller heat transfer circuit. The primary heat transfer circuit includes a compressor for compressing a working fluid, a condenser, a primary expansion valve, a primary evaporator, a chiller Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV), and a chiller evaporator. The compressor is configured to compress a working fluid, and the condenser is configured to cool the compressed working fluid with a first process fluid.

The main expansion valve and the cooler EEV are located in parallel downstream of the condenser and are configured to expand the working fluid cooled by the condenser. The main evaporator and the chiller evaporator are located in parallel with each other downstream of the condenser. The working fluid expanded by the primary expansion valve flows to and through the primary evaporator and is configured to cool a second process fluid in the primary evaporator. The second process fluid is configured to cool the climate controlled space. The working fluid expanded by the chiller expansion valve flows into and through the chiller evaporator and cools the third process fluid in the chiller evaporator.

The chiller heat transfer circuit includes a chiller evaporator. The third process fluid is configured to flow through the cooler heat transfer circuit and provide supplemental cooling within the transport climate control system.

In one embodiment, the main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve and the heat transfer circuit includes an electronic pressure regulator downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor.

In one embodiment, the main expansion valve is an Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) that is adjustable to control the flow of working fluid through the main EEV.

In one embodiment, a method of operating a climate controlled transport climate control system includes determining a climate control demand of a primary heat transfer circuit and determining a climate control demand of a chiller heat transfer circuit. The climate control system includes a primary heat transfer circuit and a chiller heat transfer circuit. The primary heat transfer circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, a primary evaporator and a cooler evaporator disposed in parallel with each other downstream of the condenser, and a primary expansion valve and a cooler Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) downstream of the condenser. The chiller heat transfer circuit includes a chiller evaporator.

When the primary and chiller heat transfer circuits have climate control requirements, respectively, the method includes operating in a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) and chiller modes. Operating in HVACR and chiller modes includes directing a working fluid in parallel flow through a primary evaporator and a chiller evaporator. The primary evaporator cools the process fluid to cool the climate controlled space. The chiller evaporator cools the various process fluids to provide supplemental cooling within the transport climate control system.

The method includes operating in an HVACR mode when only the primary heat transfer circuit has climate control requirements. Operating in HVACR mode includes directing the working fluid through the primary evaporator and the chiller EEV and preventing the flow of the working fluid to the chiller evaporator.

The method includes operating in a chiller mode when only the chiller heat transfer circuit has climate control requirements. Operating in the chiller mode includes directing the working fluid through the chiller evaporator and preventing the flow of the working fluid to the primary evaporator.

Drawings

The description and other features, aspects, and advantages of both the heat transfer circuit and the method of operating the heat transfer circuit will be better understood with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1A is a side view of an embodiment of a climate controlled truck.

FIG. 1B is a partial side view of an embodiment of a climate controlled straight truck.

FIG. 1C is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a climate controlled transport unit and a tractor.

Fig. 1D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a climate controlled transport unit.

FIG. 1E is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a climate controlled vehicle carrying passengers.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a climate control circuit of a transport climate control system.

FIG. 3 is a block flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of operating a transport climate control system of a climate controlled transport unit.

Like reference numerals refer to like features.

Detailed Description

Embodiments described herein are generally directed to capacity control of a transport climate control system including a plurality of evaporators.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the claimed subject matter, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. The following detailed description and drawings are, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Different types of goods/merchandise may need to be stored in specific environmental conditions when stored in a shipping unit. For example, perishable goods may need to be stored within a particular temperature range to prevent spoilage, while liquid goods may need to be maintained at a temperature above its freezing point. Also, goods with electronic components may need to be kept in low humidity environmental conditions to avoid damaging their electronic components. Passengers traveling in a transportation unit may need to remain in a climate controlled space with specific environmental conditions to ensure their comfort while traveling. For example, a climate controlled space containing passengers should be at a temperature that is generally comfortable for the passengers. The transport climate control system can blow conditioned air into the climate controlled space of the transport unit to maintain the air within the climate controlled space at a desired environmental condition.

The transport unit or a tractor towing the transport unit may have electronic components that are sensitive to temperature and/or generate a lot of heat when operating. For example, the transport unit may include a battery that generates a large amount of heat when discharged and/or charged. The transport unit or the tractor towing the transport unit may have an operator space for an operator for operating the transport unit and/or the tractor.

Embodiments described herein are generally directed to capacity control of a transport climate control system including a plurality of evaporators. In some embodiments, a climate control circuit is provided that includes a primary heat transfer circuit and a cooler heat transfer circuit. The primary heat transfer circuit includes a primary evaporator and a chiller evaporator arranged in parallel with one another. The primary heat transfer circuit may be configured to provide climate control to a climate controlled space where a transportation unit, such as a commodity or a passenger, may be stored. The chiller heat transfer circuit includes a chiller evaporator and may be configured to provide auxiliary climate control that may be provided independently of the primary heat transfer circuit to provide climate control for the electrical component(s) (e.g., battery) or an operator space separate from the climate controlled space. For example, the climate control circuit may advantageously allocate cooling capacity (capacity) to the climate controlled space and the auxiliary climate control, directing its capacity only to the primary heat transfer circuit, or to the auxiliary climate control by controlling the pressure in the evaporators and/or by the flow of each evaporator working fluid.

Fig. 1A illustrates one embodiment of a climate controlled truck 100, the climate controlled truck 100 including a climate controlled space 105 for carrying cargo and a transport climate control system 110 for providing climate control within the climate controlled space 105. The transport climate control system 110 includes a Climate Control Unit (CCU)115 that is mounted on a roof 120 of the truck 100. The transport climate control system 110 may include, among other components, climate control circuitry (see fig. 2) connected to, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator(s), and an expansion device to provide climate control within the climate controlled space 105.

The climate controlled truck 100 may include a second climate controlled space 107. The second climate-controlled space 107 may be an operator compartment (e.g., a cabin, etc.) of the climate-controlled truck 100. For example, the second climate-controlled space 107 houses an operator while operating (e.g., driving, etc.) the climate-controlled truck 100. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system 110 can be configured to also provide climate control to the second climate controlled space 107.

The climate controlled truck 100 may include a battery 109, with the battery 109 being a power source for operating the climate controlled truck 100 and/or for transporting the climate control system 110. In one embodiment, the climate controlled truck 100 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. Climate controlled truck 100 may be a hybrid vehicle using a combination of battery power and engine power, or may be an electric vehicle that does not include an engine. The transport climate control system 110 may be a hybrid system using a combination of battery power and engine power, or an electrical system that does not include or rely on engine power (not shown) from the climate controlled truck 100. Battery 109 in fig. 1A is located outside CCU 115. However, it should be understood that in one embodiment, battery 109 may be located in CCU 115 and configured to provide power for operating transport climate control system 110. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system 110 may be configured to provide climate control to the battery 109.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are not limited to climate controlled trucks, but may be applied to any type of transportation unit (e.g., trucks, containers (e.g., containers on flatbeds, intermodal containers, sea containers, etc.), boxcars, semi-tractors, buses, or other similar transportation units, etc.).

The transport climate control system 110 also includes a programmable climate controller 125 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 110 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the truck 100, ambient humidity outside the truck 100, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU 115 to the climate controlled space 105, return air temperature of return air returned from the climate controlled space 105 to the CCU 115, humidity within the climate controlled space 105, temperature of the battery 109, temperature of the second climate controlled space 107, etc.) and communicate parameter data to the climate controller 125. The climate controller 125 is configured to control operation of the transport climate control system 110 including components of the climate control circuit. The climate controller 125 may comprise a single integrated control unit 126 or may comprise a distributed network of climate controller elements 126, 127. The number of distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the particular application of the principles described herein.

FIG. 1B illustrates one embodiment of a climate controlled straight truck 130 that includes a climate controlled space 131 for carrying cargo and a transport climate control system 132. The transport climate control system 132 includes a CCU 133, which CCU 133 is mounted to a front wall 134 of the climate-controlled space 131. The CCU 133 may include, among other components, climate control circuitry (see fig. 2) connected to, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion device to provide climate control within the climate controlled space 131.

The climate controlled direct truck 130 may include a second climate controlled space 138. The second climate-controlled space 138 may be an operator's compartment (e.g., a cabin, etc.) of the climate-controlled straight truck 130. For example, the second climate-controlled space 138 may house an operator of the climate-controlled straight truck 130 while operating (e.g., driving, etc.) the climate-controlled straight truck 130. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system 132 may be configured to provide climate control to the second climate controlled space 138.

The climate controlled straight truck 130 may include a battery 139, the battery 139 being a power source for operating the climate controlled straight truck 130 and/or for transporting the climate control system 132. In one embodiment, the climate controlled straight truck 130 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. The climate controlled direct truck 130 may be a hybrid vehicle using a combination of battery power and engine power, or may be an electric vehicle that does not include an engine. The transport climate control system 132 may be a hybrid system using a combination of battery power and engine power, or an electrical system that does not include or rely on engine (not shown) power from the climate controlled direct truck 130. Battery 139 in fig. 1B is located outside CCU 133. However, it should be understood that in one embodiment, battery 139 may be located in CCU 133 and configured to power transport climate control system 132. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system 132 may be configured to provide climate control to the battery 139.

The transport climate control system 132 further includes a programmable climate controller 135 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 132 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the truck 130, ambient humidity outside the truck 130, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU 133 to the climate controlled space 131, return air temperature of return air returned from the climate controlled space 131 to the CCU 133, humidity within the climate controlled space 131, temperature of the battery 139, temperature of the second climate controlled space 138, etc.) and communicate parameter data to the climate controller 135. The climate controller 135 is configured to control operation of a transport climate control system 132 that includes components of climate control circuitry. The climate controller 135 may comprise a single integrated control unit 136 or may comprise a distributed network of climate controller elements 136, 137. The number of distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the particular application of the principles described herein.

FIG. 1C illustrates one embodiment of a climate controlled transport unit 140 attached to a tractor 142. The climate controlled transport unit 140 includes a transport climate control system 145 for the transport unit 150. The tractor 142 is attached to the transport unit 150 and is configured to pull the transport unit 150. The transport unit 150 shown in fig. 1C is a trailer.

The transport climate control system 145 includes a CCU 152 that provides environmental control (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a climate controlled space 154 of the transport unit 150. The CCU 152 is disposed on the front wall 157 of the transport unit 150. In other embodiments, it will be understood that CCU 152 may be disposed on, for example, a roof or another wall of transport unit 150. The CCU 152 includes a climate control circuit (see fig. 2) that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion device to provide conditioned air in a climate controlled space 154.

The tractor 142 may include a second climate controlled space 144. The second climate-controlled space 144 may be an operator compartment (e.g., cabin, etc.) of the tractor 142. For example, the second climate-controlled space 144 may house an operator of the tractor 142 while operating (e.g., driving, etc.) the tractor 142. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system 145 can be configured to provide climate control to the second climate controlled space 144.

Tractor 142 may include a battery 139, with battery 139 being the power source for operating tractor 142 and/or for transporting climate control system 145. In one embodiment, the tractor 142 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. The tractor 142 may be a hybrid vehicle using a combination of battery power and engine power, or may be an electric vehicle that does not include an engine.

The climate controlled transport unit 140 may include a battery 153, the battery 153 being a power source for transporting the climate control system 145. The transport climate control system 145 may be a hybrid system using a combination of battery power and engine power, or an electrical system that does not include or rely on engine (not shown) power from the climate controlled transport unit 140 or tractor 142. The battery 153 in fig. 1C is located within the CCU 152. However, it should be understood that in one embodiment, the battery 153 may be located external to the CCU 152. In such embodiments, the battery 153 may be attached to the bottom side of the climate controlled transport unit 150, for example. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system 145 may be configured to provide climate control to the battery 146 and/or the battery 153.

The transport climate control system 145 further includes a programmable climate controller 156 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 145 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the transport unit 150, ambient humidity outside the transport unit 150, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU 152 to the climate controlled space 154, return air temperature of return air returned from the climate controlled space 154 to the CCU 152, humidity within the climate controlled space 154, temperature of the battery 146, temperature of the battery 153, temperature of the second climate controlled space 144, etc.) and communicate parameter data to the climate controller 156. The climate controller 156 is configured to control operation of the transport climate control system 145 including components of the climate control circuit. The climate controller 156 may comprise a single integrated control unit 158 or may comprise a distributed network of climate controller elements 158, 159. The number of distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the particular application of the principles described herein.

Fig. 1D shows another embodiment of a climate controlled transport unit 160. The climate controlled transport unit 160 includes a multi-zone transport climate control system (MTCS)162 for a transport unit 164, which transport unit 164 may be towed, for example, by a tractor (e.g., tractor 142 in fig. 1C). It will be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are not limited to tractor and trailer units, but may be applied to any type of transportation unit (e.g., trucks, containers (e.g., containers on flatbeds, intermodal containers, sea containers, etc.), boxcars, semi-tractors, buses, or other similar transportation units, etc.).

The MTCS162 includes a CCU 166 and a plurality of remote units 168 that provide environmental control (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a climate controlled space 170 of the transport unit 164. The climate-controlled space 170 may be divided into a plurality of zones 172. The term "zone" refers to a portion of a zone of the climate-controlled space 170 separated by a wall 174. The CCU 166 may act as a host unit and provide climate control within a first zone 172a of a climate controlled space 170. The remote unit 168a may provide climate control in a second zone 172b of the climate controlled space 170. The remote unit 168b may provide climate control within a third region 172c of the climate controlled space 170. Thus, the MTCS162 can be used to separately and independently control environmental condition(s) within each of the plurality of zones 172 of the climate-controlled space 170.

The CCU 166 is disposed on a front wall 167 of the transport unit 160. In other embodiments, it will be understood that the CCU 166 may be disposed on, for example, the roof or another wall of the transport unit 160. The CCU 166 includes a climate control circuit (see fig. 2) connected to, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion device to provide conditioned air in a climate controlled space 170. Remote unit 168a is disposed on ceiling 179 within second zone 172b and remote unit 168b is disposed on ceiling 179 within third zone 172 c. Each remote unit 168a, 168b includes an evaporator (not shown) that is connected to the remaining climate control circuitry disposed in the CCU 166.

The climate controlled transport unit 160 may include a battery 165, the battery 165 being the power source for the MTCS 162. In one embodiment, the CCU 166 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. The MTCS162 may be a hybrid system using a combination of battery power and engine power, or an electrical system that does not include or rely on engine (not shown) power for the climate controlled transport unit 162 or the tractor. Battery 165 in fig. 1D is part of MTCS 162. However, it should be understood that in one embodiment, battery 165 may be located external to MTCS 162. In such embodiments, the battery 165 may be attached to the bottom side of the climate controlled transport unit 160, for example. In one embodiment, the MTCS162 may be configured to provide climate control to the battery 162, a second climate-controlled space in a tractor towing the climate-controlled unit 160 (e.g., the second climate-controlled space 144), and/or a battery of the tractor (e.g., the battery 146), among others.

The MTCS162 also includes a programmable climate controller 180 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the MTCS162 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the transport unit 164, ambient humidity outside the transport unit 164, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU 166 and remote unit 168 to each zone 172, return air temperature of return air returned from each zone 172 to the CCU 166 or remote unit 168a or 168b, respectively, humidity within each zone 118, temperature of the battery 146, temperature of the tractor battery, temperature of a second climate controlled space within the tractor, etc.) and communicate parameter data to the climate controller 180. The climate controller 180 is configured to control the operation of the MTCS162 including the components of the climate control circuit. The climate controller 180 may comprise a single integrated control unit 181 or may comprise a distributed network of climate controller elements 181, 182. The number of distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the particular application of the principles described herein.

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of a vehicle 185 including a transport climate control system 187, according to one embodiment. Vehicle 185 is a bus that can carry passenger(s) (not shown) to one or more destinations. In other embodiments, the vehicle 185 may be a school bus, a railway vehicle, a subway, or other commercial vehicle carrying passengers. The vehicle 185 includes a supported climate controlled space (e.g., passenger compartment) 189 that can house a plurality of passengers. The vehicle 185 includes a door 190 located on one side of the vehicle 185. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1E, first door 190 is located near the front end of vehicle 185 and second door 190 is located toward the rear end of vehicle 185. Each door 190 is movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively allow access to the climate-controlled space 189. Transport climate control system 187 includes CCU 192 attached to roof 194 of vehicle 185.

The CCU 170 includes climate control circuitry (see fig. 2) connected to, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion device to provide conditioned air in a climate controlled space 189.

The vehicle 185 may include a battery 198, the battery 198 being a power source for operating the vehicle 185 and/or for transporting the climate control system 187. In one embodiment, the vehicle 185 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. The vehicle 185 may be a hybrid vehicle that uses a combination of battery power and engine power, or may be an electric vehicle that does not include an engine. Transport climate control system 187 can be a hybrid system using a combination of battery power and engine power, or an electrical system that does not include or rely on engine power (not shown) of vehicle 185. The battery 198 in fig. 1E is located outside of the CCU 192. However, it should be understood that in one embodiment, battery 198 may be located in CCU 192 and configured to provide power to transport climate control system 187. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system 187 may be configured to provide climate control to the battery 198.

The transport climate control system 187 also includes a programmable climate controller 195 and one or more sensors (not shown) configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 187 (e.g., ambient temperature outside the vehicle 185, temperature of a space within the climate controlled space 189, ambient humidity outside the vehicle 185, ambient humidity within the climate controlled space 189, temperature of the battery 198, etc.) and communicate parameter data to the climate controller 195. The climate controller 195 is configured to control operation of a transport climate control system 187 that includes components of climate control circuitry. The climate controller 195 may comprise a single integrated control unit 196 or may comprise a distributed network of climate controller elements 196, 197. The number of distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the particular application of the principles described herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a climate control circuit 200. In one embodiment, the climate control circuit 200 is used to control environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) in a climate controlled space of a transport unit. For example, the climate control circuit 200 can be used in a transport climate control system (e.g., transport climate control system 110, transport climate control system 132, transport climate control system 145, multi-zone transport climate control system 162, transport climate control system 187, etc.).

The climate control circuit 200 includes a primary heat transfer circuit 202 and a cooler heat transfer circuit 204. The primary heat transfer circuit 202 includes a compressor 210, a condenser 220, a primary expansion valve 230, a primary evaporator 240, a chiller Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV)250, a chiller evaporator 260, and a programmable climate controller 290. The primary heat transfer circuit 202 in embodiments may also include an optional solenoid valve 270 and/or an optional Electronic Pressure Regulator (EPR) valve 280. In one embodiment, the primary heat transfer circuit 202 may be modified to include additional components, such as, for example, an economizer heat exchanger, one or more additional valves, sensor(s) (e.g., flow sensor, temperature sensor), a reservoir tank, a dry filter, and the like.

The components of the primary heat transfer loop 202 are fluidly connected. For clarity, dotted lines are provided in fig. 2 to indicate fluid flow through the various components (e.g., condenser 220, primary evaporator 240, cooler evaporator 260) and it should be understood that no particular path is specified within each component. Dashed lines are provided to illustrate optional components. Dot-dash lines are provided in the figures to illustrate electronic communication between the various components. For example, when the climate controller 290 is configured to control the compressor 210, the dotted line extends from the climate controller 290 to the compressor 210.

In one embodiment, climate controller 290 includes a memory (not shown) and a processor (not shown) for storing information. In one embodiment, the climate controller 290 is a climate controller of a transport climate control system (e.g., climate controller 125, climate controller 135, climate controller 156, climate controller 195, etc.). The climate controller 290 is shown in fig. 1 as a single integrated control unit. However, it should be understood that in one embodiment, the climate controller 290 may be a single integrated control unit or a distributed network of climate controller elements (e.g., a distributed network of climate controller elements 126, 127, a distributed network of climate controller elements 136, 137, a distributed network of climate controller elements 158, 159, a distributed network of climate controller elements 196, 197, etc.).

A working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant mixture, etc.) flows through the primary heat transfer circuit 202. The compressor 210 includes a suction port 212 and a discharge port 214. Working fluid in a low pressure gaseous state or mostly gaseous state is drawn into a suction port 212 of the compressor 210. The working fluid is compressed as it flows through the compressor 210. The compressed working fluid is discharged from the discharge port 214 of the compressor 210 and flows to the condenser 220. In one embodiment, the compressor 210 may be a single speed compressor. In one embodiment, the compressor 210 may be a multi-speed compressor. In such an embodiment, the compressor 210 may be, for example, an engine-driven, multi-speed compressor.

First process fluid PF separate from working fluid₁Flows through the condenser 220. The condenser 220 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and the first process fluid PF₁Each flowing through condenser 220 in a heat transfer relationship without physical mixing. The first process fluid PF flows through the condenser 220 as the working fluid₁Absorbing heat from the working fluid and cooling the working fluid. In one embodiment, a first process fluid PF₁Which may be air, water, and/or glycol, etc., suitable for absorbing and transferring heat from the working fluid and the climate control circuit 200. For example, a first process fluid PF₁May be ambient air circulated from the outside atmosphere (e.g., from outside the climate controlled transport unit), water to be heated to hot water, or any suitable fluid for transferring heat from the climate control circuit 200. In one embodiment, a first process fluid PF₁Is ambient air from the outside atmosphere or an intermediate fluid that transfers heat from the outside atmosphere to the ambient air. The working fluid is cooled by the condenser 220 and becomes liquid or mostly liquid as it passes through the condenser 220.

From the condenser 220, the working fluid flows to the main expansion valve 230 and the cooler EEV 250. The main expansion valve 230 and the cooler EEV 250 are located in parallel with each other downstream of the condenser 220. The primary expansion valve 230 is downstream of the condenser 220 and upstream of the primary evaporator 240. The working fluid is supplied to the main evaporator 240 through the main expansion valve 230. The cooler EEV 250 is downstream of the condenser 220 and upstream of the cooler evaporator 260. The working fluid is supplied to the cooler evaporator 260 through the cooler EEV 250.

As shown in fig. 2, the main evaporator 240 and the cooler evaporator 260 are located in parallel with each other downstream of the condenser 220. When the climate control circuit 200 utilizes both the main evaporator 240 and the chiller evaporator 260, the working fluid passing through the condenser 220 is divided into a plurality of parallel flows WF₁、WF₂. The operation of the climate control circuit 200 is described in more detail below. From condenser 220 exhaust first working fluid stream ("first working fluid stream" WF)₁) Travels through the primary expansion valve 230 and the primary evaporator 240. A second working fluid stream ("second working fluid stream" WF) discharged from condenser 220₂) Travels through the cooler EEV 250 and the cooler evaporator 260.

In one embodiment, the primary heat transfer circuit 202 may include one or more additional evaporators (not shown) for cooling the climate controlled space (e.g., evaporator(s) of remote unit 168(s), etc.). In such embodiments, the additional evaporator(s) may be in parallel with the main evaporator 240 and the chiller evaporator. The additional evaporator(s) may include expansion valve(s), pressure regulating valve(s), and/or flow control valve(s) similar to the main evaporator 240.

The main expansion valve 230 and the cooler EEV 250 each allow the working fluid to expand as it flows through the respective valve. This expansion results in a significant reduction in the working fluid temperature. The lower temperature gas/liquid working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve 230 and the cooler EEV 250 then flows to the main evaporator 240 and the cooler evaporator 260.

First working fluid flow WF₁Is expanded by the main expansion valve 230 and flows from the main expansion valve 230 to the main evaporator 240. The lower temperature gas/liquid working fluid flows from the main expansion valve 230 to and through the main evaporator 240. Second process fluid PF₂Also flows through the primary evaporator 240 separately from the working fluid. The primary evaporator 240 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and the secondary process fluid PF₂Each flowing through the primary evaporator 250, can be in a heat transfer relationship without physical mixing. PF with working fluid and a second process fluid₂Working fluid from the second process fluid PF flowing through the primary evaporator 250₂Absorbing heat and cooling the second process fluid PF₂. Second process fluid PF₂Leaving the primary evaporator 250 at a lower temperature than entering the primary evaporator 250. As the working fluid exits the primary evaporator 250, it is gaseous or mostly gaseous. In FIG. 2, a working fluid and a second process fluid PF₂Flow in countercurrentOver the primary evaporator 250. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the working fluid and the second process fluid PF₂May flow in parallel flow through the primary evaporator 250.

Second process fluid PF₂Configured to cool a climate controlled space (e.g., climate controlled space 105, climate controlled space 131, climate controlled space 154, climate controlled space 170, climate controlled space 189). Second process fluid PF₂May be configured to directly or indirectly cool a climate controlled space. In one embodiment, the second process fluid PF₂Is air and a cooled second process fluid PF₂Is ventilated into the climate controlled space. In one embodiment, the second process fluid PF₂Is an intermediate fluid (e.g., water/glycol mixture, heat transfer fluid, etc.), and the transport climate control system utilizes a cooled second process fluid PF₂To cool air ventilated to a climate controlled space or to cool a second process fluid PF₂Circulated through the climate controlled space to provide cooling within the climate controlled space.

Second working fluid flow WF₂Is expanded by the cooler EEV 250 and flows from the cooler EEV 250 into and through the cooler evaporator 260. Third process fluid PF₃Also flows through the cooler evaporator 260 separately from the working fluid. The chiller evaporator 260 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and the third process fluid PF₃Each flowing through the chiller evaporator 260 without physical mixing to be in heat transfer relationship. PF as working fluid and third process fluid₃Working fluid from the third process fluid PF flowing through the cooler evaporator 260₃Absorbing heat and cooling the third process fluid PF₃. Third process fluid PF₃Leaving the chiller evaporator 260 at a lower temperature than entering the chiller evaporator 260. The working fluid is gaseous or mostly gaseous as it exits the chiller evaporator 260. In FIG. 2, a working fluid and a third process fluid PF₃Flows through the chiller evaporator 260 in a counter-current manner. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the working fluid and the third process fluid PF₃May flow in parallel flow through the chiller evaporator 260.

The working fluid exiting the main evaporator 240 flows from the main evaporator 240 to the suction inlet 212 of the compressor 210. The working fluid exiting the chiller evaporator 260 flows from the chiller evaporator 260 to the suction inlet 212 of the compressor 210. First working fluid flow WF₁And a second working fluid flow WF₂Converging upstream of compressor 210. The working fluid flowing from the main evaporator 240 mixes with the working fluid flowing from the chiller evaporator 260 and flows into the suction port 212 of the compressor 210.

In one embodiment, the main expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve, and the main heat transfer circuit 202 includes a solenoid valve 270 and an EPR valve 280. In one embodiment, the compressor 210 may also be a variable speed compressor. The TX valve is configured to regulate the flow f of working fluid into the primary evaporator 240₁So that the superheat of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator 240 is kept constant or approximately constant. The solenoid valve 270 may be closed to stop the flow of working fluid through the primary TX valve 230 and the primary evaporator 240. The EPR valve 280 is configured to regulate the pressure of the working fluid passing through the EPR valve 280. The EPR valve 280 is configured to allow only a working fluid having at least a specific pressure to pass therethrough. The operation of the variable speed compressor 210, the solenoid valve 270, and the EPR valve 280 in an embodiment of the climate control circuit 200 is discussed in more detail below.

In one embodiment, the main expansion valve 230 is a main Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV). In such an embodiment, the climate control circuit 200 includes a main EEV 230 and a cooler EEV 250. In such embodiments, the climate control circuit 200 may not include the optional solenoid valve 270 and/or the optional EPR valve 280. The operation of the main EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250 in an embodiment of the climate control circuit 200 is discussed in more detail below.

The chiller heat transfer circuit 204 includes a chiller evaporator 260. In one embodiment, the third process fluid PF₃Configured to provide supplemental cooling within a transport climate control system. In one embodiment, supplemental cooling is used to cool the PF with a second process fluid₂Different components of the conditioned climate controlled space and/or the climate controlled space.In one embodiment, the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 is configured to provide climate control (e.g., cooling, heating, etc.) to the electronic components 206 in the transport unit or to a tractor towing the transport unit. In one embodiment, the PF is driven by a third process fluid₃The auxiliary cooling provided is used to cool at least the electronic components 206. In one embodiment, the third process fluid PF3 cools an intermediate fluid (e.g., air, water, a water/glycol mixture, a heat transfer fluid, etc.) that flows along and cools the electronic components 206.

In one embodiment, electronic component 206 is a battery (e.g., battery 109, battery 139, battery 146, battery 153, battery 165, battery 198, etc.). In one embodiment, the battery may be in the form of a single unit. However, it should be understood that the batteries in the embodiments may be in the form of a plurality of battery packs. In one embodiment, the third process fluid PF₃Flow through the battery and/or along the heat sink of the battery. In one embodiment, electronic component 206 is a component of an electronic charging system that charges at least one battery (e.g., battery 109, battery 139, battery 146, battery 153, battery 165, battery 198, etc.) in the transport unit and/or a tractor towing the transport unit. In one embodiment, the electronic component 206 is a power supply component (e.g., a static converter, etc.) in a transport unit.

In one embodiment, the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 may be modified to include additional components, such as, for example, additional heat exchangers, one or more additional valves, sensor(s) (e.g., flow sensor, temperature sensor), a liquid storage tank, and the like. The components of the chiller heat transfer loop 204 are fluidly connected.

In one embodiment, the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 may include a heater heat exchanger (not shown) positioned in parallel with the chiller evaporator 260. When it is desired that the heater heat exchanger be configured to heat the electronic components 206, the third process fluid PF is heated using a fourth process fluid (not shown)₃. The chiller heat exchanger circuit 204 is configured to have a third process fluid PF when cooling the electronic components 206₃Bypassing the heater heatAnd an exchanger. In heat pump mode, heat from the electronics assembly 206 may be transferred to a fourth process fluid (not shown), and the fourth process fluid may be used to heat the second process fluid PF₂And/or a climate controlled space.

In one embodiment, the transport climate control system operates based on the climate control requirements of the primary heat transfer circuit 202 and the climate control requirements of the cooler heat transfer circuit 204. Transport climate control systems have multiple modes. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system operates the climate control circuit 200 in one of the modes based on the climate control requirements of the primary heat transfer circuit 202 and the cooler heat transfer circuit 204. In such embodiments, the climate controller 290 may configure and/or operate the components of the primary heat transfer circuit 202 such that the climate control circuit 200 operates according to an appropriate mode.

In one embodiment, the climate control requirement is based on one or more parameters of the transport unit or a tractor towing the transport unit. In one embodiment, the climate control demand may be based on, for example, but not limited to, working fluid, second process fluid PF₂A third process fluid PF₃One or more parameters in the climate controlled space and/or the electronic components 206. In one embodiment, the climate control circuit 200 may include, for example, but not limited to, a temperature T for sensing the electronic component 206₁Temperature sensor 292A for sensing the third process fluid PF₃Outlet temperature T₂Cooler outlet sensor 292B for detecting a suction temperature T of the working fluid entering the compressor 210₃A suction temperature sensor 292C for detecting a suction port pressure P of the working fluid introduced into the compressor 210₁Suction pressure sensor 292D for sensing the second process fluid PF₂Outlet temperature T of₄An evaporator outlet temperature sensor 292E for detecting the outlet pressure P of the working fluid from the cooler evaporator 260₂And/or for detecting the outlet temperature T of the working fluid from the chiller evaporator 260₅The cooler(s) suction one or more of the temperature sensors 292G. In one embodiment, climate controller 290 may be advantageousThe climate control circuit 300 is operated with one or more of the sensors 292A, 292B, 292C, 292D, 292E, 292F, 292G. The connections (e.g., dashed lines) between the climate controller 290 and the sensors 292A, 292B, 292C, 292D, 292E, 292F, 292G are omitted in fig. 2 for clarity.

In one embodiment, the climate control requirement of the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 occurs when the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 is to climate control one or more components thereof. In one embodiment, the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 has climate control requirements when the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 is to provide cooling to the electronic component 206. In one embodiment, the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 has cooling requirements for the electronic components. For example, when the temperature T of the electronic component 206₁Above a predetermined limit, a cooling demand may occur. In one embodiment, the electronic component 206 is based on the efficiency of the electronic component 206 or protects the electronic component 206 from thermal damage.

In one embodiment, the climate control requirement of the primary heat transfer circuit 204 is a climate control requirement for a climate controlled space. In one embodiment, a climate control need occurs when the primary heat transfer circuit 204 is to provide climate control to a climate controlled space. In one embodiment, the climate control demand may be a cooling demand for the climate controlled space. For example, a demand for cooling a climate controlled space may occur when the temperature of the climate controlled space differs from a set point temperature by more than a predetermined amount.

HVACR and chiller mode:

in one embodiment, when both the primary heat transfer circuit 202 and the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 have respective climate control needs, the transport climate control system can be configured to operate the climate control circuit 200 in HVACR and cooler mode. In HVACR and chiller mode, the primary evaporator 240 cools the second process fluid PF₂And the chiller evaporator 260 cools the third process fluid PF₃。

In one embodiment, the primary expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve, the compressor 210 is a variable speed compressor, and the primary heat transfer circuit 202 includes a solenoid valve 270 and an EPR valve 280. In the HVACR and chiller modes, the chiller EEV 250, solenoid valve 270 and EPR valve 280 are at least partially open.

An Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) has an adjustable opening such that the EEV may be adjusted to set a flow rate through the EEV. The "position" of the EEV valve refers to the degree to which the EEV valve is open or closed. For example, the climate controller 290 may be configured to position the cooler EEV 250 to control the flow f of the working fluid from the cooler EEV 250 to the cooler evaporator 260₁。

In one embodiment, the speed of the variable speed compressor 210 is based on the current temperature of the climate controlled space and a temperature set point T₁The temperature difference therebetween. In one embodiment, the controller 290 of the transport climate control system controls the variable speed compressor 210 to have a speed based on the temperature difference and based on the third process fluid PF from the cooler evaporator 260₃Outlet temperature T of₂Positioning the cooler EEV 250 to have a flow f₁. Generally, the flow rate f of the working fluid through the chiller evaporator 260 is increased₁Increased PF from the third process fluid₃Absorbs heat and reduces the third process fluid PF from the chiller evaporator 260₃Outlet temperature T of₂. In the HVACR and chiller mode, the chiller EEV 250 is positioned such that the third process fluid PF₃Outlet temperature T of₂At or below a predetermined set point.

In one embodiment, the predetermined set point may be less than 80 ° F. In one embodiment, the predetermined set point may be equal to or about 70 ° F or less than 70 ° F. In one embodiment, the predetermined set point may be equal to or about 65 ° F or less than 65 ° F. In one embodiment, the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 may be configured to provide sufficient climate control to the one or more batteries to remain within a temperature range of equal to or about 60-70 ° F.

In one embodiment, the positioning of the EEVs 250 may also be based on the superheat of the working fluid discharged from the cooler evaporator 260. "superheat" is the difference between the current temperature of the gas and the temperature at which the gas begins to condense. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system and/or the climate controller 290 may adjust the position of the EEV 250 based on the superheat of the working fluid discharged from the cooler evaporator 260.

In one embodiment, the EPR valve 280 has a pressure setting that defines the pressure of the working fluid downstream of the EPR valve 280. The EPR valve 280 is configured to regulate the amount of working fluid passing therethrough to control the pressure downstream of the EPR valve 280 to achieve a desired pressure setting. The EPR 280 is adjustable and its pressure setting can be altered. For example, the climate controller 290 may be configured to adjust the position of the EPR valve 280 such that the pressure of the downstream working fluid is increased or decreased to achieve a desired pressure setting.

An increase in the pressure setting of the EPR valve 280 causes the main evaporator 240 to operate at a higher pressure. This results in a large amount of working fluid flowing into the cooler EEV 250 and the cooler evaporator 260. For example, closing of the EPR valve 280 causes a greater percentage of the working fluid from the condenser 220 to flow into the second working fluid stream WF₂. Closing the EPR valve 280 reduces the operating pressure in the cooler evaporator 260, reduces the saturation temperature of the working fluid in the cooler evaporator 260, and results in a third process fluid PF from the cooler evaporator 260₃Outlet temperature T of₂And lower. In one embodiment, closing of the EPR valve 280 transfers climate control capacity from the main evaporator 240 to the cooler evaporator 260 (e.g., reduces the cooling capacity of the main heat transfer circuit while increasing the cooling capacity of the cooler evaporator 260). The EPR valve 280 can divert climate control capacity without significantly increasing the superheat of the working fluid entering the compressor 210. The EPR valve 280 may be used to divert climate control capacity while also preventing overheating of the working fluid entering the compressor 210 beyond a desired amount. In one embodiment, the PF requires a cooler third process fluid even when the primary heat transfer circuit 202 is providing large climate control (e.g., the primary evaporator 240 is providing larger climate control)₃And/or the compressor 210 is operating at a low speed, the EPR valve 280 also advantageously controls the saturation temperature of the working fluid at the cooler evaporator 260 to meet the climate control requirements of the cooler heat transfer circuit 204.

Can be closed by partial closingThe EPR valve 280 increases the pressure setting of the EPR valve 280. In the HVACR and chiller mode, when the EPR valve 280 reaches or approaches the preset limit, the speed of the variable speed compressor 210 is increased and the regulation of the EPR valve 280 is decreased. In one embodiment, the preset regulation limit is the limit of the amount that the EPR valve 280 can be closed in HVACR and chiller modes. In one embodiment, the EPR valve 280 is decreased after the speed of the variable speed compressor 210 is increased. In one embodiment, the PF is performed after the speed of the variable speed compressor 210 is increased, and if the second process fluid is₂Outlet temperature T of₄At or below the predetermined set point, the EPR valve 280 is reset (e.g., fully open, set to its original pressure setting, etc.). In one embodiment, the compressor 210 may be a single speed compressor and the EPR valve 280 may be used to vary the climate control capacity of the primary evaporator 240.

In one embodiment, the main expansion valve 230 is a main Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV). In one embodiment, the climate control circuit 200 includes a main EEV 230 and a cooler EEV 250. In HVACR and chiller mode, the primary EEV 230 controls the first working fluid flow WF₁To the main evaporator 240, and the cooler EEV 230 controls the second working fluid flow WF₂The flow of the working fluid to the chiller evaporator 260. The two EEVs 230, 250 are located parallel with respect to each other downstream of the condenser 220.

An Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) is adjustable to set a flow rate of the working fluid through the EEV. For example, the climate controller 290 may be configured to operate/adjust the main EEV 230 to vary the flow f of working fluid to and through the main evaporator 240₂And operating/adjusting the chiller EEV 250 to vary the flow rate f of the working fluid to and through the chiller evaporator 260₁。

In one embodiment, the electronic components 206 generate a large amount of heat quickly. For example, the electronic component 206 in an embodiment may be a battery that rapidly generates a large amount of heat when charging and discharging the electronic component(s) and/or the power supply component(s). In addition, the electronic components 206 of embodiments may have significant temperature sensitivity when in use.

The main EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250 may each be adjusted to be fully closed, fully open, and have multiple positions (i.e., steps) between fully open and fully closed. In one embodiment, the main EEV 230 in HVACR and chiller mode is at least partially closed. The closing of the primary EEV 230 redirects the working fluid to the cooler evaporator 260 and increases the flow of the working fluid through the cooler evaporator 260. This transfers climate control capacity from the main evaporator 240 to the chiller evaporator 260. The closing of the main EEV 230 deprives the main evaporator 240 of working fluid.

The main EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250 are independently adjustable. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system and/or controller 290 may be configured to attempt adjustment of the main EEV 230 and adjustment of the cooler EEV 250 together. In one embodiment, the main EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250 may be configured to be modulated such that capacity transfer occurs smoothly between the main evaporator 240 and the cooler evaporator 260.

In one embodiment, the main EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250 may be configured such that modulation of the EEV 230 and the cooler EEV 250 is tied together such that a capacity transfer between the main evaporator 240 and the cooler evaporator 260 occurs faster depending on the current capacity profile between the main evaporator 240 and the cooler evaporator 260. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system and/or controller 290 may control the modulation of control of the EEVs 230 and the cooler EEVs 250 to limit capacity transfer. This may advantageously help prevent flow variations that negatively impact the operation of the condenser 220, for example.

In one embodiment, the climate control circuit 200 is configured to partially allow for a rapid transfer of climate control capacity between the primary evaporator 240 and the chiller evaporator 260. In one embodiment, this may be beneficial for electrical components that rapidly generate large amounts of heat and/or require rapid cooling. In one embodiment, this is beneficial when the slave battery(s) require high energy and/or during high power charging of the battery(s).

HVACR mode:

in one embodiment, the climate control circuit 200 can operate in an HVACR mode when the primary heat transfer circuit 202 has climate control requirements and the cooler heat transfer circuit 204 does not have climate control requirements. In HVACR mode, the primary evaporator 240 pumps a second process fluid PF₂Providing cooling while the chiller evaporator 260 is on the third process fluid PF₃No cooling is provided.

In HVACR mode, flow through the chiller evaporator 260 is prevented. In one embodiment, the cooler EEV 250 is closed. The closed cooler EEV 250 prevents the working fluid from passing through the cooler EEV 250 and the cooler evaporator 260. In one embodiment, the second working fluid flow WF₂A solenoid valve 255 may be included upstream of the evaporator cooler 260. Solenoid valve 255 is closed and working fluid is prevented from flowing to and through the chiller evaporator 260.

In one embodiment, the primary expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve, the compressor 210 is a variable speed compressor, and the primary heat transfer circuit 202 includes a solenoid valve 270 and an EPR valve 280, as described above. In one embodiment, the EPR valve 280 and solenoid valve 270 are at least partially opened in HVACR mode.

In the HVACR mode, the working fluid discharged from the condenser 220 flows to the main evaporator 240 through the solenoid valve 270 and the TX valve 230 and to the suction port 212 of the variable speed compressor 210 through the main evaporator and the EPR valve 280. In HVACR mode, the speed of the variable speed compressor 210 is based on the climate control requirements for the climate controlled space. In one embodiment, the speed of the variable speed compressor 210 is based on the temperature of the climate controlled space and/or the second process fluid PF₂Outlet temperature T of₄。

In one embodiment, the main expansion valve 230 is a main Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV), as described above. In HVACR mode, the position of the main EEV 230 may be adjusted based on the climate control needs of the climate controlled space. In one embodiment, the speed of the compressor 210 is controlled based on a climate control demand of the climate control demands in the HVACR mode. In one embodiment, the flow rate f of the working fluid through the main EEV 230₂Based on the temperature of the climate controlled space and/orTwo process fluid PF₂Outlet temperature T of₄. In one embodiment, the controller 290 may be configured to control and/or adjust the position of the main EEV 230 such that the superheat of the working fluid entering the compressor 210 does not exceed a desired amount.

Cooler mode:

in one embodiment, the heat transfer circuit 202 may operate in the chiller mode when the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 has climate control requirements and the primary heat transfer circuit 202 does not have climate control requirements. In chiller mode, the chiller evaporator 240 pumps the second process fluid PF₃Providing cooling while the primary evaporator 240 is applying the third process fluid PF₂No cooling is provided.

In one embodiment, the primary expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve, the compressor 210 is a variable speed compressor, and the primary heat transfer circuit 202 includes a solenoid valve 270 and an EPR valve 280, as described above. In one embodiment, in the chiller mode, the solenoid valve 270 is closed and the chiller EEV 250 is at least partially open.

The closed solenoid valve 270 prevents the working fluid from flowing through the main evaporator 240. In the chiller mode, working fluid discharged from the condenser 220 flows through the chiller EEV 250 to and through the chiller evaporator 260. In the chiller mode, the speed of the variable speed compressor 210 and the position of the chiller EEV 250 are based on the climate control requirements for the chiller heat transfer circuit 204. In one embodiment, the speed of the variable speed compressor 210 and the position of the cooler EEV 250 are based on the temperature T of the electronic assembly 206₁And/or a third process fluid PF₃Outlet temperature T of₂. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system and/or climate controller 290 in a chiller mode is configured to implement the third process fluid PF₃Desired outlet temperature T₂The lowest speed to operate the variable speed compressor 210.

In one embodiment, the main expansion valve 230 is a main Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV), as described above. In the chiller mode, the main EEV 230 is closed and working fluid is prevented from flowing into and through the main evaporator 240.

Fig. 3 is a block flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 300 of operating a transport climate control system (e.g., the transport climate control system 110, the transport climate control system 132, the transport climate control system 145, the MTCS162, the transport climate control system 187) of a climate controlled transport unit (e.g., the climate controlled truck 100, the climate controlled straight truck 130, the climate controlled transport unit 140, the climate controlled transport unit 160, the vehicle 185). The transport climate control system includes a climate control circuit (e.g., climate control circuit 200) including a primary heat transfer circuit (e.g., primary heat transfer circuit 202) and a cooler heat transfer circuit (e.g., cooler heat transfer circuit 204). The primary heat transfer circuit provides climate control for a climate controlled space (e.g., climate controlled space 105, climate controlled space 131, climate controlled space 154, climate controlled space 170, climate controlled space 189). In one embodiment, the cooler heat transfer circuit provides climate control to at least one or more electronic components of the climate controlled transport unit or a tractor towing the climate controlled transport unit (e.g., electronic component 206, battery 109, battery 139, battery 146, battery 153, battery 165, battery 198). The method starts at 310.

At 310, a controller of a transport climate control system (e.g., controller 290 shown in fig. 2) detects one or more climate control parameters of a climate controlled transport or an attached tractor (e.g., tractor 145). In one embodiment, the one or more parameters may include, for example and without limitation, a temperature of the climate controlled space, a temperature of the electronic component (e.g., temperature T)₁) A temperature of a second climate controlled space (e.g., second climate controlled space 107, second climate controlled space 138, second climate controlled space 144), a return temperature of a process fluid (e.g., second process fluid PF₂Temperature T of₆) And/or a return temperature of the second process fluid (e.g., the third process fluid PF)₃Temperature T of₇). Method 300 then proceeds to 320.

At 320, the controller determines the climate control needs of the primary heat transfer circuit and the chiller heat transfer circuit. In some embodiments, the climate control requirements of the primary and chiller heat transfer circuits may be determined based on the climate control parameters obtained at 310.

In one embodiment, the climate control requirement of the cooler heat transfer circuit may be a cooling requirement for the electronic component (e.g., a battery cooling requirement, etc.). In such embodiments, the cooler heat transfer circuit may have climate control requirements when the temperature of the electronic component exceeds a predetermined limit. In one embodiment, the predetermined limit may be, for example, a temperature at which the electronic component operates less efficiently or a temperature at which thermal damage to the electronic component is prevented.

In one embodiment, the climate control requirement of the primary heat transfer circuit may be a cooling requirement for the climate controlled space. In such an embodiment, a cooling demand on the climate controlled space may occur when the difference between the temperature of the climate controlled space and the set point temperature exceeds a predetermined amount. The method then proceeds to 330.

At 330, the controller determines whether both the primary heat transfer circuit and the chiller heat transfer circuit have climate control requirements. If the controller determines that both the primary heat transfer circuit and the chiller heat transfer circuit have climate control requirements, method 300 proceeds to 340. If the controller determines that neither the primary heat transfer circuit nor the chiller heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand, method 300 proceeds to 350.

At 340, the climate control system operates the climate control circuit in HVCR and chiller modes. Operating the climate control circuit 340 in the HVACR and chiller modes can include directing working fluid from a condenser (e.g., condenser 220) into parallel streams extending through a primary evaporator (e.g., primary evaporator 240) and a chiller evaporator (e.g., chiller evaporator 260) of a primary heat transfer circuit disposed in parallel with one another. The parallel flow may include a first flow (e.g., first working fluid flow WF) extending through a main expansion valve (e.g., main expansion valve 230) and a main evaporator₁) And a second stream extending through a cooler electronic expansion valve (e.g., an EEV) (e.g., an EEE 250 cooler) and a cooler evaporator.

Operating 340 in the HVACR and chiller mode may include operating the chiller EEV with the chiller EEV in an at least partially open position. In one embodiment, the open position of the cooler EEV may be based on climate control requirements of the cooler heat transfer circuit.

In one embodiment, operating the climate control circuit in HVACR and chiller modes can include controlling the speed of a variable speed compressor (e.g., compressor 210) and adjusting an Electronic Pressure Regulator (EPR) valve (e.g., EPR valve 280) in the primary heat transfer circuit. The EPR valve is positioned in the first flow and is configured to regulate a pressure (e.g., pressure P) of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator₃). In one embodiment, the variable speed compressor may be controlled based on climate control requirements of the primary heat transfer circuit and the chiller heat transfer circuit. In one embodiment, the EPR valve and cooler EEV may be modulated to vary the climate control provided by the main evaporator and the cooler evaporator. In one embodiment, the transport climate control system closes the EPR valve to transfer climate control capacity (e.g., cooling capacity) in the climate control circuit from the primary evaporator to the cooler evaporator. The climate control circuit is based on the outlet temperature of the process fluid from the cooler evaporator (e.g., the third process fluid PF₃Outlet temperature T of₂) And superheating of the working fluid discharged from the chiller evaporator to operate the EPR valve. Method 300 then returns to 320 or optionally 310.

At 350, the controller determines whether the primary heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand and the chiller heat transfer circuit does not have a climate control demand. If the controller determines that the primary heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand and the chiller heat transfer circuit does not have a climate control demand, method 300 proceeds to 360. Otherwise, method 300 proceeds to 370.

At 360, the climate control system operates the main climate control circuit in HVACR mode. Operating the climate control circuit 360 in HVACR mode can include directing the working fluid from the condenser through the main expander and the main evaporator, and preventing the working fluid from flowing through the chiller evaporator. In one embodiment, blocking the flow of the working fluid through the chiller evaporator includes positioning the EEV valve in a closed position. In one embodiment, blocking the flow of working fluid through the chiller evaporator may include closing a solenoid valve (e.g., solenoid valve 255) upstream of the evaporator chiller and downstream of the condenser.

In one embodiment, operating the climate control circuit 360 in HVACR mode can include controlling the speed of a variable speed compressor in the primary heat transfer circuit based on the climate control needs of the primary heat transfer circuit. In one embodiment, the outlet temperature of the process fluid from the primary evaporator (e.g., the second process fluid PF) may be based on the temperature of the climate controlled space₂Outlet temperature T of₄) And/or the return temperature of the process fluid to the primary evaporator (e.g., the second process fluid PF₂Return temperature T of₆) The speed of the variable speed compressor is adjusted. Method 300 then returns to 320 or optionally 310.

At 370, the controller determines whether the chiller heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand and the primary heat transfer circuit does not have a climate control demand. If the controller determines that the chiller heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand and the primary heat transfer circuit does not have a climate control demand, method 300 proceeds to 380. Otherwise, method 300 returns to 320 or optionally 310. In one embodiment, the method returns from 370 to 310 when neither the primary heat transfer circuit nor the chiller heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand.

At 380, the climate control system operates the main climate control circuit in the chiller mode only. Operating the climate control circuit 380 in the chiller mode may include directing the working fluid from the condenser through the chiller EEV and the chiller evaporator, and preventing the working fluid from flowing through the primary evaporator.

At 380, directing the working fluid from the condenser through the cooler EEV may include positioning the cooler EEV in an open position that allows the working fluid to pass through the cooler EEV to the cooler evaporator. In one embodiment, the open position of the cooler EEV may be based on climate control requirements of the cooler heat transfer circuit. In one embodiment, the open position of the cooler EEV may be based on the temperature of the electronic component (e.g., the temperature T of the electrical component 206)₁) The return temperature of the second process fluid to the chiller evaporator (e.g., the third process fluid PF₃Return temperature T of₇) And/or the outlet temperature of the process fluid from the cooler evaporator (e.g., the third process fluid PF₃Outlet temperature T of₂) One or more of the above.

In one embodiment, blocking the flow of working fluid through the primary evaporator at 380 may include positioning a solenoid valve (e.g., solenoid valve 270) in a closed position. The solenoid valve may be disposed downstream of the condenser and upstream of the primary evaporator. The closed solenoid valve may prevent the working fluid discharged from the condenser from flowing into and through the main evaporator.

In one embodiment, the main expansion valve in the heat transfer circuit is a main Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV). In one embodiment, blocking the flow of working fluid through the main evaporator at 380 includes positioning the main EEV in a closed position. Closing the main EEV prevents working fluid discharged from the condenser from flowing into and through the main evaporator.

It should be understood that in some embodiments, one or more of the determinations and actions in method 300 may be performed by a climate controller (e.g., climate controller 125, climate controller 135, climate controller 156, climate controller 195) of a transport climate control system in an embodiment. In one embodiment, the method 300 may include and/or be modified to include features of the climate control circuit 200 as shown in FIG. 2 and/or described above.

The method comprises the following steps:

any of aspects 1-7 may be combined with any of aspects 8-14.

Aspect 1a transport climate control system for a climate controlled transport unit including a climate controlled space, the transport climate control system comprising:

a primary heat transfer circuit, the primary heat transfer circuit comprising:

a compressor for compressing a working fluid,

a condenser downstream of the compressor to cool a working fluid compressed by the compressor with a first process fluid,

a main expansion valve and a cooler Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) located in parallel downstream of the condenser to expand the working fluid cooled by the condenser,

a main evaporator and a cooler evaporator located in parallel with each other downstream of the condenser to heat a working fluid expanded by a main expansion valve and a cooler EEV, wherein the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve is configured to flow through the main evaporator and cool a second process fluid in the main evaporator, the main expansion valve or an electronic pressure regulator valve located downstream of the main evaporator is configured to regulate a climate control capacity of the main evaporator, wherein the working fluid expanded by the cooler EEV is configured to flow through the cooler evaporator and cool a third process fluid in the cooler evaporator, the cooler EEV controlling a flow of the working fluid to the cooler evaporator; and

a cooler heat transfer circuit, the cooler heat transfer circuit comprising:

a cooler evaporator, the third process fluid configured to flow through a cooler heat transfer circuit and provide auxiliary cooling within a transport climate control system, wherein

The second process fluid is configured to cool a climate controlled space.

Aspect 2 the transport climate control system of aspect 1, wherein the third process fluid is configured to cool one or more of a battery of the climate controlled transport unit and a battery of a tractor attached to the climate controlled transport unit.

Aspect 3. the transport climate control system according to any of aspects 1 and 2, wherein the third process fluid is a liquid.

Aspect 4. the transport climate control system of any of aspects 1-3, wherein the compressor is a variable speed compressor.

Aspect 5 the transport climate control system of any of aspects 1-4, wherein the primary expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve, the primary heat transfer circuit comprising:

an electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor, the electronic pressure regulator configured to control a pressure of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator.

Aspect 6 the transport climate control system of aspect 5, wherein the electronic pressure regulator valve is configured to control the pressure of the working fluid discharged from the primary evaporator based on an outlet temperature of the third process fluid from the chiller evaporator.

Aspect 7 the transport climate control system of any of aspects 1-6, wherein the main expander is an electronic expansion valve that controls a flow of the working fluid to the main evaporator.

Aspect 8a method of operating a transport climate control system of a climate controlled transport unit, the transport climate control system comprising a primary heat transfer circuit and a cooler heat transfer circuit, the primary heat transfer circuit comprising a compressor, a condenser, a primary evaporator and a cooler evaporator disposed in parallel downstream of the condenser, and a primary expansion valve and a cooler Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV) downstream of the condenser, the method comprising:

determining a climate control requirement of the primary heat transfer circuit and a climate control requirement of the chiller heat transfer circuit;

operating in an HVACR and chiller mode when the primary heat transfer circuit has climate control needs and the chiller heat transfer circuit has climate control needs, wherein operating in the HVACR and chiller mode comprises directing a working fluid in parallel flow through a primary evaporator and a chiller evaporator, wherein the primary evaporator cools a first process fluid configured to cool a climate controlled space in a climate controlled transport unit, a primary expansion valve or an electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the primary evaporator regulates a climate capacity configured to regulate the primary evaporator, wherein the chiller evaporator cools a second process fluid providing auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system, a chiller EEV controls the flow of the working fluid into and through the chiller evaporator;

operating in an HVACR mode when only the primary heat transfer circuit has climate control needs, wherein operating in the HVACR mode includes directing a working fluid through the primary evaporator and preventing flow of the working fluid to the chiller evaporator; and

when only the chiller heat transfer circuit has climate control requirements, operating in a chiller mode, wherein operating in the chiller mode includes directing a working fluid through the chiller evaporator and preventing the flow of the working fluid through the primary evaporator.

Aspect 9: the method of aspect 8, wherein directing the working fluid through the chiller evaporator in the chiller mode includes positioning the chiller EEV in the open position based on climate control requirements of the chiller heat transfer circuit.

Aspect 10 the method of any of aspects 8 and 9, wherein directing the working fluid in parallel flow through the primary evaporator and the chiller evaporator in the HVACR and chiller mode comprises:

directing a first portion of the working fluid from the condenser through a first stream comprising parallel flows of the main expansion valve and the main evaporator, an

Directing a second portion of the working fluid from the condenser through a second stream comprising the cooler EEV and the cooler evaporator.

Aspect 11 the method of any one of aspects 8-10, wherein,

the main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve, and

directing a working fluid in parallel flow through a primary evaporator and a chiller evaporator in an HVACR and chiller mode comprises:

directing a first flow of a portion of the working fluid from the condenser through a parallel flow comprising a thermostatic expansion valve, a main evaporator, and an electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor, an

The position of the electronic pressure regulator valve is controlled based on an outlet temperature of the second process fluid from the chiller evaporator and a superheat of the working fluid from the chiller evaporator discharge.

Aspect 12 the method of any one of aspects 8-11, wherein,

the compressor is a variable speed compressor, and

operating in the HVACR and chiller modes includes controlling a speed of the variable speed compressor based on an outlet temperature of the second process fluid from the chiller expander.

Aspect 13 the method of aspect 12, wherein operating in the HVACR and chiller mode includes increasing the speed of the variable speed compressor to avoid positioning the electronic pressure regulator valve at or above a preset limit.

Aspect 14. the method of any one of aspects 8-13, wherein,

the main expansion valve is a main Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV), an

Directing a working fluid in parallel flow through a primary evaporator and a chiller evaporator in an HVACR and chiller mode comprises:

locating a main EEV based on climate control requirements of a main evaporator, an

The chiller EEV is positioned based on the climate control requirements of the chiller heat transfer circuit.

The embodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.