Patent attributes
A trailer refrigeration system incorporates a trailer refrigeration unit that is powered by multiple sources including a generator coupled to the truck, photovoltaic cells and a battery pack. The trailer refrigeration unit may be a conventional refrigerator having a compressor, an evaporator and a compressible refrigerant. The refrigeration unit may be powered by one or more electric motors, such as an axial flux or transverse flux motor that has high efficiency, high torque at low revolutions per minute (RPM). The refrigeration unit is powered at least in part by the generator when the truck is running below a threshold power level and may be powered by the battery pack and/or photovoltaic cells when the truck engine is not running or running above a threshold power level. A power management system including the battery management system is used to control the flow of power to the refrigeration unit and to and from the battery pack.
