COLD PLATE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM OPTIMIZED FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

• US 20080011007A1
• Filed: 09/28/2007
• Published: 01/17/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Johnson Truck Bodies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Co. LLC (Volkswagen AG)
• Inventors: Anderson, James, Larson, Gerald, Peterson, Larry
• Application Number:
  US11/863,646
• Publication Number:
  US 20080011007A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 62/323.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00428 electric
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/005 Regenerative cooling means, e.g. cold accumulators
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/3222 characterised by the compressor driving arrangements, e.g. clutches, transmissions or multiple drives B60H1/3208, B60H1/3226 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/3232 particularly adapted for load transporting vehicles B60H1/3226 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 3/20 Refrigerated goods vehicles air treatment of goods space B60H; air-conditioning means for freight cars, isothermic wagons B61D27/0027; superstructures for refrigerated goods vehicles B62D33/048
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 2400/0751 the compressors having different capacities
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 29/003 for movable devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/88 Optimized components or subsystems, e.g. lighting, actively controlled glasses

Abstract

A Cold Plate Refrigeration System Optimized for Energy Efficiency is provided utilizing two refrigerant compressors and a single set of cold plates; or two refrigerant compressors, a conventional evaporator to air heat exchanger, and a single set of cold plates; or a single refrigerant compressor, a conventional evaporator to air heat exchanger, and a single set of cold plates. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Claims

1. A vehicle for operation on the ground, comprising:

a chassis;

a body attached to said chassis;

an engine attached to said chassis;

an insulated truck body attached to said chassis;

a direct current electrical generator driven by said engine, said direct current electrically generator generating direct current electricity;

a power converter/inverter electrically engaged to said direct current electrical generator, said power converter/inverter converting said direct current electricity to alternating current electricity;

a shore power hookup;

a switching unit electrically engaged to said power converter/inverter and to said shore power hookup;

a first electrically powered refrigerant compressor;

a second electrically powered refrigerant compressor;

at least one refrigerant loop, said at least one refrigerant loop having at least one condenser, at least one expansion valve, and at least one evaporator; and

a set of cold plates within said insulated truck body, said cold plates incorporating one of said at least one evaporators.

2. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 1, wherein:

said shore power hookup is further directly electrically engaged to said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor;

said switching unit being electrically engaged to said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and being operable to selectively provide electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor or between said shore power hookup and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor;

said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor in fluid communication with said at least one refrigerant loop and operable to pressurize said at least one refrigerant loop, and

said at least one refrigerant loop providing refrigerant to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates.

3. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 2, wherein:

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and does not provide electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor.

4. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 2, wherein:

said direct current electricity generated by said direct current electrical generator being between about eight volts direct current and about sixteen volts direct current.

5. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 2, wherein:

said direct current electricity generated by said direct current electrical generator being between about 40 volts direct current and about 350 volts direct current

6. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 2, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 115 volts alternating current electricity.

7. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 2, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 230 volts alternating current split-phase electricity.

8. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 2, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 208 volts alternating current three-phase electricity.

9. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 2, wherein:

said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor are both of about one horsepower in capacity.

10. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 2, wherein:

said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor is at least two horsepower in capacity and said second electrically powered refrigerant is about one horsepower in capacity.

11. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 1, wherein:

said switching unit being electrically engaged to said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and to said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and being operable to selectively provide electrical communication between said power converter/inverter or said shore power hookup and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor or said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, or between said power converter/inverter or said shore power hookup and both of said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor;

said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor in fluid communication with said at least one refrigerant loop and operable to pressurize said at least one refrigerant loop, and

said at least one refrigerant loop providing refrigerant to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates.

12. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 11, wherein:

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor.

13. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 11, wherein:

said switching unit being in signal communication with said engine, and being capable of sensing a de-rate or idling condition of said engine;

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is not in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor.

14. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 11, wherein:

said direct current electricity generated by said direct current electrical generator being between about eight volts direct current and about sixteen volts direct current.

15. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 11, wherein:

said direct current electricity generated by said direct current electrical generator being between about 40 volts direct current and about 350 volts direct current

16. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 11, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 115 volts alternating current electricity.

17. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 11, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 230 volts alternating current split-phase electricity.

18. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 11, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 208 volts alternating current three-phase electricity.

19. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 11, wherein:

said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor are both of about one horsepower in capacity.

20. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 11, wherein:

said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor is at least two horsepower in capacity and said second electrically powered refrigerant is about one horsepower in capacity.

21. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 1, wherein:

said switching unit being electrically engaged to said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and to said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and being operable to selectively provide electrical communication between said power converter/inverter or said shore power hookup and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor or said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, or between said power converter/inverter or said shore power hookup and both of said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor;

said insulated truck body is further provided with an interior evaporator unit;

said at least one refrigerant loop further comprises a first refrigerant loop and a second refrigerant loop;

said first refrigerant loop being in fluid communication with said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor, said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor being operable to pressurize said first refrigerant loop, said first refrigerant loop providing refrigerant to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates; and

said second refrigerant loop being in fluid communication with said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor being operable to pressurize said second refrigerant loop, said second refrigerant loop providing refrigerant to said interior evaporator unit.

22. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 21, wherein:

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor.

23. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 21, wherein:

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor.

24. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 21, wherein:

said switching unit being in signal communication with said engine, and being capable of sensing a de-rate or idling condition of said engine;

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is not in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor.

25. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 21, wherein:

said direct current electricity generated by said direct current electrical generator being between about eight volts direct current and about sixteen volts direct current.

26. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 21, wherein:

said direct current electricity generated by said direct current electrical generator being between about 40 volts direct current and about 350 volts direct current

27. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 21, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 115 volts alternating current electricity.

28. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 21, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 230 volts alternating current split-phase electricity.

29. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 21, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 208 volts alternating current three-phase electricity.

30. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 21, wherein:

said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor are both of about one horsepower in capacity.

31. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 21, wherein:

said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor is at least two horsepower in capacity and said second electrically powered refrigerant is about one horsepower in capacity.

32. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 21, wherein:

said cold plates being provided with a frost sensor in signal communication with said switching unit;

said interior evaporator unit being provided with a frost sensor in signal communication with said switching unit;

said switching unit being operable to interpret a frost condition upon said cold plates and in response provide electrical communication between said power converter/inverter or said shore power hookup and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor only; and

said switching unit being operable to interpret a frost condition upon said interior evaporator unit and in response provide electrical communication between said power converter/inverter or said shore power hookup and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor only.

33. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 21, wherein:

said second refrigerant loop being further provided with a refrigerant control valve and selectively providing refrigerant to said interior evaporator unit or to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates, depending upon said refrigerant control valve, said refrigerant control valve being in signal communication with said switching unit and being controlled by said switching unit.

34. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 33, wherein:

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit.

35. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 33, wherein:

said switching unit being in signal communication with said engine, and being capable of sensing a de-rate or idling condition of said engine;

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is not in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit.

36. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 33, wherein:

said switching unit being in signal communication with said engine, and being capable of sensing a de-rate or idling condition of said engine;

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is not in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit.

37. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 33, wherein:

said direct current electricity generated by said direct current electrical generator being between about eight volts direct current and about sixteen volts direct current.

38. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 33, wherein:

said direct current electricity generated by said direct current electrical generator being between about 40 volts direct current and about 350 volts direct current

39. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 33, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 115 volts alternating current electricity.

40. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 33, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 230 volts alternating current split-phase electricity.

41. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 33, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 208 volts alternating current three-phase electricity.

42. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 33, wherein:

said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor are both of about one horsepower in capacity.

43. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 33, wherein:

said first electrically powered refrigerant compressor is at least two horsepower in capacity and said second electrically powered refrigerant is about one horsepower in capacity.

44. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 33, wherein:

said cold plates being provided with a frost sensor in signal communication with said switching unit;

said switching unit being operable to interpret a frost condition upon said cold plates and in response provide electrical communication between said power converter/inverter or said shore power hookup and said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor only, and control said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said second electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit.

45. A vehicle for operation on the ground, comprising:

a chassis;

a body attached to said chassis;

an engine attached to said chassis;

an insulated truck body attached to said chassis;

a direct current electrical generator driven by said engine, said direct current electrically generator generating direct current electricity;

a power converter/inverter electrically engaged to said direct current electrical generator, said power converter/inverter converting said direct current electricity to alternating current electricity;

a shore power hookup;

a switching unit electrically engaged to said power converter/inverter and to said shore power hookup;

an electrically powered refrigerant compressor electrically engaged to said switching unit;

a set of cold plates within said insulated truck body, said cold plates incorporating an evaporator;

an interior evaporator unit within said insulated truck body; and

a refrigerant loop, said refrigerant loop having a condenser, at least one expansion valve, and a refrigerant control valve, said refrigerant control valve in signal communication with said switching unit and controlled by said switching unit, and directing refrigerant to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates or to said interior evaporator unit depending upon said refrigerant control valve.

46. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 45, wherein:

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit.

47. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 45, wherein:

said switching unit being in signal communication with said engine, and being capable of sensing a de-rate or idling condition of said engine;

said refrigerant control valve being further capable of directing refrigerant to both of said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit;

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is not in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit only.

48. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 45, wherein:

said switching unit being in signal communication with said engine, and being capable of sensing a de-rate or idling condition of said engine;

said refrigerant control valve being further capable of directing refrigerant to both of said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit;

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is not in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit only.

49. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 45, wherein:

said switching unit being in signal communication with said engine, and being capable of sensing a de-rate or idling condition of said engine;

said refrigerant control valve being further capable of directing refrigerant to both of said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit;

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is not in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said power converter/inverter and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit only.

50. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 45, wherein:

said direct current electricity generated by said direct current electrical generator being between about eight volts direct current and about sixteen volts direct current.

51. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 45, wherein:

said direct current electricity generated by said direct current electrical generator being between about 40 volts direct current and about 350 volts direct current

52. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 45, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 115 volts alternating current electricity.

53. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 45, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 230 volts alternating current split-phase electricity.

54. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 45, wherein:

said alternating current electricity as converted by said power converter/inverter further being 208 volts alternating current three-phase electricity.

55. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 45, wherein:

said electrically powered refrigerant compressor is switchable between about one horsepower in capacity and about two horsepower in capacity.

56. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 45, wherein:

said cold plates being provided with a frost sensor in signal communication with said switching unit;

said switching unit being operable to interpret a frost condition upon said cold plates and in response provide electrical communication between said power converter/inverter or said shore power hookup and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and control said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit.

57. A vehicle for operation on the ground, comprising:

a chassis;

a body attached to said chassis;

an engine attached to said chassis;

an insulated truck body attached to said chassis;

a direct current electrical generator driven by said engine, said direct current electrically generator generating direct current electricity;

a power converter/inverter electrically engaged to said direct current electrical generator, said power converter/inverter converting said direct current electricity to alternating current electricity of approximately 115 volts at approximately 60 hertz;

a transformer electrically engaged to said power converter/inverter;

a 230 volts compatible shore power hookup;

a switching unit electrically engaged to said transformer and to said shore power hookup;

an electrically powered refrigerant compressor electrically engaged to said switching unit;

a set of cold plates within said insulated truck body, said cold plates incorporating an evaporator;

an interior evaporator unit within said insulated truck body; and

a refrigerant loop, said refrigerant loop having a condenser, at least one expansion valve, and a refrigerant control valve, said refrigerant control valve in signal communication with said switching unit and controlled by said switching unit, and directing refrigerant to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates or to said interior evaporator unit depending upon said refrigerant control valve.

58. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 57, wherein:

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said transformer and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit.

59. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 57, wherein:

said switching unit being in signal communication with said engine, and being capable of sensing a de-rate or idling condition of said engine;

said refrigerant control valve being further capable of directing refrigerant to both of said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit;

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is not in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said transformer and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said transformer and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit only.

60. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 57, wherein:

said switching unit being in signal communication with said engine, and being capable of sensing a de-rate or idling condition of said engine;

said refrigerant control valve being further capable of directing refrigerant to both of said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit;

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is not in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said transformer and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said transformer and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit only.

61. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 57, wherein:

said switching unit being in signal communication with said engine, and being capable of sensing a de-rate or idling condition of said engine;

said refrigerant control valve being further capable of directing refrigerant to both of said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit;

said switching unit being automatic, such that when said shore power hookup is engaged to a supply of electricity, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said shore power hookup and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is not in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said transformer and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said evaporator incorporated into said cold plates and to said interior evaporator unit, and such that when said shore power hookup is not engaged to a supply of electricity and said engine is in a de-rate or idling condition, said switching unit provides electrical communication between said transformer and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor and controls said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit only.

62. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 57, wherein:

said direct current electricity generated by said direct current electrical generator being between about eight volts direct current and about sixteen volts direct current.

63. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 57, wherein:

said direct current electricity generated by said direct current electrical generator being between about 40 volts direct current and about 350 volts direct current

64. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 57, wherein:

said transformer converting said 115 volts 60 hertz alternating current electricity from said power converter/inverter to 230 volts alternating current split-phase electricity.

65. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 57, wherein:

said transformer converting said 115 volts 60 hertz alternating current electricity from said power converter/inverter to 208 volts alternating current three-phase electricity.

66. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 57, wherein:

said electrically powered refrigerant compressor is about four horsepower in capacity.

67. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 57, wherein:

said transformer further converts said 115 volt 60 hertz electricity to 230 volts three-phase electricity.

68. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 57, wherein:

said transformer further converts said 115 volt 60 hertz electricity to 230 volts split-phase electricity.

69. The vehicle for operation on the ground of claim 57, wherein:

said cold plates being provided with a frost sensor in signal communication with said switching unit;

said switching unit being operable to interpret a frost condition upon said cold plates and in response provide electrical communication between said transformer or said shore power hookup and said electrically powered refrigerant compressor, and control said refrigerant control valve to direct refrigerant provided by said electrically powered refrigerant compressor to said interior evaporator unit.