System for tracking and testing generator sets used in conjunction with temperature controlled containers

• US 9,539,879 B2
• Filed: 03/07/2016
• Issued: 01/10/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 12/07/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Thermo King Corporation (Trane Technologies plc)
• Original Assignee: Thermo King Corporation (Trane Technologies plc)
• Inventors: Crombie, Dermott C., Burnham, Randy, Stark, Michael, Eslinger, Arlo G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bradford, Jonathan
• Application Number:
  US15/062,707
• Publication Number:
  US 20160185183A1
• Time in Patent Office: 309 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00014 for load cargos on load transporting vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00264 Transportable devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00378 for tractor or load vehicle cabins
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00771 the input being a vehicle position or surrounding, e.g. GPS-based position or tunnel
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00978 Control systems or circuits characterised by failure of detection or safety means; Diagnostic methods
• 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: B65D 2590/0083 Computer or electronic system, e.g. GPS systems
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 11/003 Transport containers
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 29/00 Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 29/003 for movable devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 99/005 Testing of complete machines, e.g. washing-machines or mobile phones testing of machine parts G01M13/00; testing of electric apparatus or components G01R31/50
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/13 Receivers

Abstract

A generator set system for use with a refrigerated shipping container, the generator set system including a prime mover, a generator coupled to the prime mover, a generator set controller, and a generator set telematics unit. The generator set telematics unit determines a geographical location of the generator set, and the generator set controller performs pre-trip inspections on the generator set prior to the generator set leaving a pre-defined geographical area.

Claims

1. An automated method for diagnostic testing of a generator set used in association with a refrigerated container for transporting cargo, the generator set including a plurality of components, the method comprising:

determining whether the generator set has entered a geo-fenced area;

determining whether a pre-trip inspection is due to be performed on the generator set;

automatically performing a pre-trip inspection on the generator set if the generator set is located within the geo-fenced area and a pre-trip inspection is due to be performed;

determining whether the plurality of components is operating within acceptable limits; and

generating a satisfactory pre-trip inspection report based on the plurality of components when the plurality of components is determined to be operating within acceptable limits, such that the generator set is approved for further use.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein determining whether the generator set has entered the geo-fenced area comprises utilizing a generator set telematics unit associated with the generator set to receive and/or send signals via satellite to a remote server.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein determining whether the generator set has entered the geo-fenced area further comprises connecting the server to a user-accessible web site to permit an end user to view, in real time, the location of the generator set on the user-accessible web site.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the geo-fenced area is a geographically mapped area viewable on the user-accessible web site.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein determining whether a pre-trip inspection is due comprises determining whether a pre-trip inspection has been performed on the generator set since the generator set has last entered the geo-fenced area including determining a last entry date of the generator set into the geo-fenced area.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising displaying the last entry date on a user-accessible web site.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein automatically performing a pre-trip inspection comprises running a diagnostic test of at least one of an oil level switch, an oil pressure switch, a coolant temperature sensor, a coolant level, a speed solenoid relay, a preheat relay, a fuel hold relay, a fuel pull relay, and a fuel level corresponding to the generator set.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the pre-trip inspection is performed entirely by a generator set controller associated with the generator set, without manual operation.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining whether the pre-trip inspection is complete, determining whether the generator set is leaving the geo-fenced area, and informing a driver if the pre-trip inspection is not complete and the generator set is leaving the geo-fenced area, so as to inhibit the driver from leaving the geo-fenced area until the pre-trip inspection is complete.

10. A generator set system for use in association with a refrigerated container for transporting cargo, the generator set system comprising:

a generator set comprising a prime mover and a generator;

a generator set telematics unit associated with the generator set, the generator set telematics unit comprising GPS technology to identify a geographical location of the generator set,

a generator set controller associated with the generator set, the generator set controller comprising a microprocessor, the generator set controller programmed to be in communication with both the generator set and the generator set telematics unit, the generator set controller programmed to automatically perform a pre-trip inspection on the generator set while the generator set is within a geo-fenced area.

11. The generator set system of claim 10 wherein the generator set controller is programmed to perform the pre-trip inspection prior to the generator set leaving the geo-fenced area, and wherein the pre-trip inspection can be performed entirely by the generator set controller, without manual operation.

12. The generator set system of claim 10 wherein the generator set controller is programmed to determine a last entry date of the generator set into the geo-fenced area, and to determine whether a pre-trip inspection has been performed on the generator set since the last entry date.

13. The generator set system of claim 10 wherein the pre-trip inspection comprises running a diagnostic test of at least one of an oil level switch, an oil pressure switch, a coolant temperature sensor, a coolant level, a speed solenoid relay, a preheat relay, a fuel hold relay, a fuel pull relay, and a fuel level corresponding to the generator set.

14. The generator set system of claim 10 further comprising a generator set controller antenna and a generator set telematics antenna.

15. The generator set system of claim 10 wherein the generator set microprocessor is programmed to store information relating to previous locations and pre-trip inspection reports for the generator set, and to direct transmission of the information relating to previous locations and pre-trip inspection reports to a remote server for display on a user-accessible web site.

16. A refrigerated cargo system comprising:

a container for transporting cargo;

a refrigeration system comprising;

a refrigeration unit located on or within the container; and

a refrigeration unit controller that includes a first microprocessor, the refrigeration unit controller programmed to be in communication with the refrigeration unit;

a generator set system comprising;

a generator set comprising a motor and generator; and

a generator set controller that includes a second microprocessor, the generator set controller programmed to be in communication with both the generator set and the refrigeration unit controller, the generator set controller programmed to automatically perform a pre-trip inspection on the generator set while the generator set is within a geo-fenced area.

17. The refrigerated cargo system of claim 16 further comprising a generator set telematics unit comprising GPS technology to identify a geographical location of the generator set, the generator set controller programmed to be in communication with the generator set telematics unit.

18. The refrigerated cargo system of claim 16 further comprising a refrigeration unit controller antenna, a generator set controller antenna, and a generator set telematics antenna.

19. The refrigerated cargo system of claim 16 wherein the generator set controller is programmed to perform the pre-trip inspection prior to the generator set leaving the geo-fenced area.

20. The refrigerated cargo system of claim 16 wherein the pre-trip inspection comprises running a diagnostic test of at least one of an oil level switch, an oil pressure switch, a coolant temperature sensor, a coolant level, a speed solenoid relay, a preheat relay, a fuel hold relay, a fuel pull relay, and a fuel level corresponding to the generator set.

21. The refrigerated cargo system of claim 16, further comprising a remote server and a user-accessible web site, the remote server in communication with the generator set system so as to provide information regarding the generator set to the web site for user display.

22. The refrigerated cargo system of claim 16, wherein the generator set microprocessor is programmed to store information relating to previous locations and pre-trip inspection reports for the generator set, and to direct transmission of the information relating to previous locations and pre-trip inspection reports to a remote server for display on a user-accessible web site.

23. The refrigerated cargo system of claim 16, wherein the pre-trip inspection can be performed entirely by the generator set controller, without manual operation.

24. The refrigerated cargo system of claim 16, further comprising a power cord extending between the refrigeration system and the generator set system for directing electrical power from the generator set to the refrigeration unit.

25. The refrigerated cargo system of claim 16, wherein the generator set comprises a diesel motor, and the refrigeration unit comprises a condenser assembly and an evaporator assembly.