ENERGY SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy supply (11) for supplying an energy consumer with electrical energy. The energy supply (11) comprises a mounting device (20) as well as a battery (29), a charger device (30) and a load connection (33). The energy supply (11) also comprises an energy connection for connecting an energy source, and an energy converter (31) for converting the energy received at the energy connection into a form of electrical energy which is suitable for charging the battery (29). The energy which is stored in the battery (29) can then be made available at the load connection (33) for supplying one or more energy consumers which are connected thereto. The mounting device (20) is provided here with connecting devices (23, 24) which are compatible with those attachment devices with which corresponding transportation containers can usually be connected to a transportation vehicle. It is therefore possible to arrange such an energy supply (11) for transporting a transportation container between the latter and the appropriate transportation vehicle, wherein for example the kinetic energy of the moved transportation vehicle can be utilised for the charging of the battery (29) in that e.g. the rotation of the wheel axle of the vehicle is converted into electrical energy with a hydraulic generator.

Claims

1. An energy supply arrangement for supplying an energy consumer with electrical energy, having a mounting device, on which are arranged an energy connection for receiving energy, an energy storage device for storing electrical energy, a charging device for storing energy, received at the energy connection, in the energy storage device, and a load connection for connecting the energy consumer for the purpose of supplying the energy consumer with the electrical energy stored in the energy storage device, characterized in that the mounting device comprises a first connection device, for separable connection to a fastening device of a transport container for connecting the transport container to a transport container of the same type or to a vehicle such as, for example, a rail vehicle, a motor vehicle or a water vehicle.

2. The energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting device comprises a second connection device, for separable connection to a fastening device of a vehicle for connecting the vehicle to the transport container.

3. The energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1, comprising an energy converter for converting the energy received at the energy connection into electrical energy that can be stored in the energy storage device by the charging device, wherein the energy converter preferably comprises a generator for converting a kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy, in particular a generator for converting a rotational energy of a rotating element of the vehicle into electrical energy.

4. The energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein the energy converter comprises a hydraulic generator for converting the rotational energy of a wheel axle of a vehicle into electrical energy, and the hydraulic generator comprises a hydraulic pump that can be fastened to the wheel axle, and an electric generator fastened to the mounting device, and the hydraulic pump is connected, via hydraulic hoses, to the electric generator.

5. The energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 3, comprising a current converter for converting the electrical energy provided by the energy converter into a form of electrical energy suitable for charging the energy storage device.

6. The energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 5, wherein the current converter is realized to convert the electrical energy provided by the energy converter into a form of electrical energy that can be used for operating the energy consumer and that can be output at the load connection.

7. The energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1, comprising a mains power supply connection, for connecting an external electrical energy source, in particular a mains electricity supply system, wherein the charging device is designed to store electrical energy, received at the mains power supply connection, in the energy storage device, and the energy supply arrangement is preferably designed to directly supply an energy consumer, connected to the load connection, with electrical energy received at the mains power supply connection.

8. The energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy consumer is arranged on or in the transport container and comprises, in particular, a refrigeration device for refrigerating a load volume of the transport container, and the refrigeration device comprises, in particular, a refrigeration unit that can be operated by means of an electric motor.

9. The energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transport container is a container, in particular a container having standardized connection devices for connecting the container to a transport vehicle or to containers of the same type, preferably a freight container according to ISO Standard 668.

10. The energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energy storage device is of a modular design and comprises a plurality of accumulator cells, which are preferably interconnected to form a plurality of groups.

11. The energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting device is realized as an adapter frame that can be installed between a vehicle and a transport container to be transported for transport by the vehicle, wherein the adapter frame preferably has a basic rectangular shape, having a length and a width that correspond substantially to a length and a width of the transport container, and having a height that is less than or equal to 25 cm, preferably less than or equal to 11 cm.

12. The energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1, comprising a control device, for controlling an energy flow between energy converter, energy storage device and an energy consumer connected to the load connection, wherein the energy supply arrangement comprises an auxiliary energy source, in particular an auxiliary battery present in addition to the energy storage device, for system maintenance and system starting, wherein the load connection is designed, in particular, for connecting a plurality of energy consumers.

13. The energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1, comprising a monitoring device for monitoring a transport container connected to the energy supply arrangement, wherein the monitoring device is designed, in particular, to receive and process signals from sensors, arranged on or in the transport container, for the purpose of monitoring freight transported by the transport container.

14. The energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1, comprising a communication device for sending and/or receiving signals, in particular control and/or monitoring signals, wherein the communication device is preferably designed for wireless communication.

15. A transport container, having a fastening device for connecting the transport container to a transport container of the same type, or to a vehicle, wherein an energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1 is separably connected to the transport container, by means of the first connection device acting in combination with the fastening device.

16. A vehicle, having a fastening device for connecting the vehicle to a transport container, wherein an energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1 is separably fastened to the vehicle by means of a second connection device, acting in combination with the fastening device, for separably connecting the energy supply arrangement to the transport container.

17. A method for supply an energy consumer with electrical energy by means of an energy supply arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting device of the energy supply arrangement is connected, by means of the first connection device, to the fastening device of the transport container, and the energy consumer is connected to the load connection, and is supplied with energy stored in the energy storage device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] The drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiment show:

[0071] FIG. 1 a block diagram of an energy supply arrangement according to the invention;

[0072] FIG. 2 a block diagram of a second embodiment of an energy supply arrangement according to the invention;

[0073] FIG. 3 a schematic representation of an adapter frame of an energy supply arrangement according to the invention for mounting the individual components of the energy supply arrangement;

[0074] FIG. 4 the adapter frame from FIG. 3 with mounted components;

[0075] FIG. 5 the adapter frame from FIG. 3 with a larger energy storage device;

[0076] FIG. 6 a more detailed schematic representation of an accumulator module of the energy storage device;

[0077] FIG. 7 an accumulator block of the energy storage device;

[0078] FIG. 8 a schematic representation of a wheel axle of a container wagon with hydraulic pump mounted thereon;

[0079] FIG. 9 a schematic representation of the connection device of a container;

[0080] FIG. 10 a schematic representation of a connection element of a container;

[0081] FIG. 11 a stud-type fastening device for fastening a container on a vehicle;

[0082] FIG. 12 a schematic representation of a transport container;

[0083] FIG. 13 a schematic representation of a container wagon;

[0084] FIG. 14 the container wagon from FIG. 9 with mounted adapter frames and containers, and

[0085] FIG. 15 a schematic representation of a lorry with mounted adapter frame and container.

[0086] In principle, parts that are the same in the figures are denoted by the same references.

WAYS OF EXECUTING THE INVENTION

[0087] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an energy supply 1 according to the invention. The latter comprises an energy connection 2, a battery 3, a charging device 4, by which the energy received at the energy connection 2 can be stored in the form of electrical energy in the battery, and a load connection 5, at which the energy stored in the battery 3 can be output. An energy consumer then only has to be connected to the load connection of the energy supply 1 to enable it to be operated with the energy stored in the battery 3.

[0088] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a second, more comprehensive embodiment of an energy supply 11 according to the invention. However, the energy delivered at the energy connection 2 is no longer stored in the battery 3 directly by the charging device 4, but is first supplied to a generator 7, which converts it into electrical energy. A current converter 8, in turn, converts the output energy of the generator 7 into a form of electrical energy suitable for charging the battery 3 by means of the charging device 4. The energy stored in the battery, in turn, is routed via the current converter 8 to the load connection 5, which comprises a plurality of outputs 5.1, to which a plurality of energy consumers can be connected.

[0089] The energy supply 11 furthermore comprises a controller 12, having an associated auxiliary battery, for system starting and system maintenance of the controller 12. The controller 12 serves to control the various energy flows that are routed via the current converter 8. This means that the controller controls both the energy flow from the energy connection 2 to the charging device 4 and then on to the battery 3, and the energy flow from the battery 2 via the current converter to the energy consumer or energy consumers connected to the load connection 5. In particular, the accumulator or battery management function is performed by the controller 12.

[0090] The energy supply 11 furthermore also comprises a monitoring module 14, which is connected to or comprises an antenna 15, and via which it can wirelessly exchange data with other communication partners. The controller 12 may also form a separate unit together with the monitoring module. In this case, further components such as, for example, the current converter, together with its functional units, or also the charging device, may also be integrated into this unit.

[0091] The energy supply 11 finally also comprises a mains system connection 17, via which the energy supply 11 can be connected to an external mains electricity supply system. The energy from such a mains system may then be used either directly for feeding the energy consumers connected to the load connection 5, or it is used, controlled by the controller 12, for storage in the battery 3.

[0092] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a mounting device, here in the form of an adapter frame 20. The latter comprises two longitudinal members 21, parallel to and spaced apart from each other, which are connected to each other at their ends by a respective transverse member 22, the transverse members 22 being significantly longer than the distance between the two longitudinal members 21, i.e. laterally they project significantly beyond the longitudinal members. This results in a type of double-T frame, the space between the two transverse members 22 being divided into three sub-regions by the two longitudinal members 21. Into two lateral regions 25 from the longitudinal members 21 outward, and into a middle region 26 between the two longitudinal members 21. The two lateral regions 25 and the middle region 26 can thus be used for fastening various components of the energy supply 11. In the selected representation, further components can also be fastened underneath the adapter frame 20, provided that they are placed in such a manner that they do not prevent the adapter frame from being mounted on a vehicle such as, for instance, a rail wagon or a lorry. Such an adapter frame 20 may also comprise further elements such as, for instance longitudinal or transverse struts, which, for example, increase the stability of the frame. In principle, such an adapter frame may also be constructed differently, for example consist of a simple rectangle.

[0093] A stud 23 is in each case arranged at the outer ends of the two transverse members 22, i.e. in the corners of the rectangle spanned by the adapter frame 20, the arrangement of the studs 23 corresponding to that on a container wagon or lorry for depositing a container, for transporting the latter. Directly under each stud 23, on the underside of the adapter frame 20, there are openings 24, by means of which the adapter frame 20 can be placed on such a container wagon or lorry. These studs or openings correspond to the connection devices, introduced further above, for connecting the mounting device to a vehicle, or to a container.

[0094] The adapter frame 20 is constructed such that, when it is mounted on a carrier wagon, a container fastened thereon comes to sit not more than 11 cm higher than if the container were fastened directly on the carrier wagon. This is most easily achieved in that the height of the adapter frame 20 is 11 cm or less, and specifically without the studs 23 projecting upward over the longitudinal members 21 or transverse members 22. In this way, it is ensured that the container does not sit too high.

[0095] FIG. 4 shown an energy supply 11, the components of which have been fastened to an adapter frame 20 as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows the adapter frame 20 obliquely from below. Here, the two lateral regions 25 identified in FIG. 3 are used to accommodate the battery. For this purpose, a respective holding frame 27 is fastened, for example screw-connected, in the two lateral regions 25, each holding frame comprising four equally sized mounting spaces 28 for a respective accumulator module 29. In this way, a total of eight accumulator modules 29 could be accommodated in the adapter frame 20, a respective accumulator module 29 being mounted in the two middle mounting spaces of each holding frame 27 in the example represented in FIG. 4; thus, in total, four accumulator modules 29. The individual accumulator modules 29 are each accommodated in their own watertight housing, and connected to each other, or to the controller.

[0096] Further modules of the energy supply 11 are accommodated on the adapter frame 20. Fastened to the underside of the adapter frame 20, for example, is a watertight housing 30 made of steel, in which a plurality of components of the energy supply 11 are accommodated. In the example represented, these are, for example, the controller together with auxiliary battery, the charging device, and also the current converter. In this case, the current converter has a power rating of, for example, 10 to 30 kW. Furthermore, a generator 31, with hydraulic drive, is fastened on the underside of the adapter frame 20. The generator 31, or its incoming-side hydraulic drive (hydraulic motor), is connected, or can be connected (not represented here) to a hydraulic pump, which is mounted on the wheel axle of a vehicle and which supplies the flow of the hydraulic fluid for driving the generator 31. Also fastened to the adapter frame 20 is a tank 36, and a cooler 37 for the hydraulic fluid, which are likewise integrated into the circuit of the hydraulic fluid, i.e. typically connected to corresponding hydraulic hoses or pipes. The electric power produced by the generator 31 is then transmitted to the current converter in the housing 30, where it is processed by means of the controller arranged in the housing 30, i.e. the energy flow to the battery, or to the consumer or consumers, is controlled. The generator 31 has a power rating in the range of, for example, 20 to 30 kW. In principle, clearly, a pneumatic system may also be used instead of a hydraulic system, or in combination therewith, for converting, or transferring, the energy from the wheel axle rotation to the generator.

[0097] The energy supply 11 may also comprise further components, not represented, which likewise may be fastened to the adapter frame 20. In addition, further components, which do not belong to the energy supply 11, may additionally be fastened, or fastenable to the adapter frame 20.

[0098] In the example represented here, the cables, i.e. the electric power cables and/or signal cables that are needed to connect the individual components and parts of the energy supply, are routed in the middle region 26. This region between the two longitudinal members thus forms a type of cable channel. A cover 32, which is attached in the middle region 26, on both sides of the adapter frame 20, protects these cables from damage, etc. Clearly, further components may also be accommodated in this cable channel, such as, for example, the storage tank for the hydraulic fluid for the hydraulic pump. This hydraulic fluid is normally a hydraulic oil.

[0099] FIG. 4 furthermore shows two receptacle outlets 33, which are each arranged at the end of arms 34 that are fastened centrally and rotatably on the outside of the two transverse members 22. The receptacle outlets 33, in turn, are electrically connected to the load connection of the energy supply, which is not visible here, since it likewise is located inside the housing 30. Energy consumers such as, for example, refrigeration units, of containers connected to the adapter frame 20 can be plugged-in at each of these receptacle outlets 33. The energy made available at the load connection, or at the receptacle outlets 33, is provided, for example, in the form of a multiphase mains electricity system having 3 times 400 volts alternating current, with a locally customary frequency, for example 50 or 60 hertz. Obviously, however, this may also be effected in the form of a one-phase or multiphase connection with any amplitudes and/or frequencies, or also as direct current with any voltage.

[0100] FIG. 5 shows the adapter frame from FIG. 3, but this time from above and, unlike FIG. 4, with a maximally expanded battery. In this example, all mounting spaces 28 of the two holding frames 27 are equipped with an accumulator module 29. One of the accumulator modules 29 is shown opened, such that there is an unobstructed view of the interior of the housing of this accumulator module 29.

[0101] This opened accumulator module 29 is represented in somewhat enlarged form in FIG. 6. It can be seen here that the accumulator module 29 comprises a total of eight accumulator blocks 39, which in the housing are arranged in two rows of four accumulator blocks 39.

[0102] Each of these accumulator blocks 39 in turn comprises, respectively, a particular number of interconnected accumulator cells. In the example represented, this is 16 accumulator cells.

[0103] Used as accumulator cells, for example, are LiFePO4 round cells, which each have a voltage of about 3.25 volts, and which have cycle stability and are inherently safe. Such lithium iron phosphate round cells have a high energy density and power density. In the case of 16 such cells, an accumulator block 39 delivers a voltage of approximately 52 volts. In the case of 8 accumulator blocks 39 per accumulator module 29, each accumulator module 29 thus delivers a voltage of a good 400 volts. In this way, a capacity of approximately 6.1 kWh can be achieved per accumulator block 39, and thus a capacity of approximately 48.8 kWh per accumulator module 29. In the case of maximally eight accumulator modules 29, this results in a total capacity of approximately 390 kWh.

[0104] Obviously, however, other accumulator cells may also be used, which in turn may be combined to form other blocks and modules.

[0105] FIG. 7 shows a single accumulator block 39, the selected representation showing, on the front side wall of the accumulator block 39, the connections 40 by which the accumulator blocks 39 can be electrically interconnected.

[0106] Represented schematically in FIG. 8 is the fastening of the hydraulic pump 42 of a hydraulic generator on the wheel axle 43 of a container carrier wagon. Fastened to the wheel axle 43 are two wheels 44 that roll on indicated rails 45. The wheel axle 43 is longer than the distance between the two wheels 44, such that it projects over the two wheels 44. The hydraulic pump 42 is then fastened axially to such an axle stump, being connected to the hydraulic generator by means of two hydraulic hoses 47. The rotating element of the hydraulic pump 42 is directly fastened axially to the wheel axle 43, whereas the housing of the hydraulic pump 42 is connected to the wagon chassis. The wagon chassis, which is not represented in FIG. 8, has on both sides a respective axle bearing, in which the regions 46 of the wheel axle 43 are carried. In this way, the hydraulic pump 42 utilizes the rotational motion of the wheel axle 43 to pump the hydraulic fluid, by means of the two hydraulic hoses 47, to the hydraulic generator and back again, and thus to drive the hydraulic generator.

[0107] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of a connection element 50 of the connection device of a container. The connection element 50 is cuboidal, and has three through openings 51, 52, which each connect two opposite lateral faces of the cuboidal connection element 50. The opening 51, which connects the top and bottom face of the connection element 50, is significantly longer than it is wide. The other two openings 52 are typically only slightly longer than they are wide.

[0108] FIG. 10 shows a stud 54, which is arranged, for example, on a vehicle 55, and which has a length that is greater than a width of the stud 54. The cross section of the stud in this case is selected such that it can be inserted into the opening 51 of a connection element 50 arranged on a container. In order to facilitate the insertion of the stud 54 into the opening 51 of the connection element 50, the end region of the stud 54 is conical. Typically, there are at least four such studs 54 arranged on the vehicle, such that, when a container is mounted on, the studs 54 on the vehicle are inserted into the openings 51 of the connection elements 50 arranged in the corners of the container, and are accommodated therein.

[0109] The studs 54, or the connection elements 50, may be realized such that a mounted-on container can be secured. Thus, for example, there are connection elements 50 on which the conical end region is rotatable, such that it can be secured by rotation after having been inserted into an opening 51.

[0110] As represented in FIG. 11, such a connection element is arranged in the corners of a transport container 53 and fixed there. Such connection elements 50 may also be designed as a fixed part of the container. They also may be provided only in some of the corners, for example only in the bottom corners of a container.

[0111] Represented schematically in FIG. 12 is a refrigerated container, such as that which is frequently used for transporting foodstuffs. The refrigerated container 60 has a basic rectangular structure, having a length of 20 ft, a refrigeration unit 61 being arranged on an end face, such that it is within the standard dimensions of the corresponding container standard.

[0112] As represented in FIG. 13, the refrigerated container 60 may be fastened to a conventional container wagon 65. In this example, such a container wagon comprises four sets 54.1, 54.2, 54.3, 54.4 of 4 studsin each case two studs per set 54.1, 54.2, 54.3, 54.4 on both sides of the container wagon 65, at a longitudinal spacing to receive 20-foot containers. In this way, a refrigerated container, depending on its length and on what other containers are also to be transported on the container wagon, can be placed at various positions on the container wagon 65. In the example represented, the container 60 is placed at the first position (as viewed from the left in the representation). The second position is free, and the third and the fourth position are occupied by a second, but longer, refrigerated container 60.

[0113] Instead of then placing the refrigerated containers 60, 60 directly onto the studs on the container wagon 65, one or more energy supplies 66 according to the invention, with their adapter frames, may be arranged between the refrigerated containers 60, 60 and the container wagon 65, as is represented in FIG. 14. In this case, it is not necessary for all sets 54.1, 54.2, 54.3, 54.4 of studs to be fitted with an energy supplies 66 according to the invention. Adapter frames 20, such as are represented in FIG. 3, are first placed onto the studs of the four sets 54.1, 54.2, 54.3, 54.4 sets of the container wagon 65, such that the adapter frames come to lie on the respective container positions, the studs of the carrier wagon being inserted into the openings 24 on the underside of the adapter frames 20 of each energy supply 66. There, the adapter frames 20 can be secured if required, for example by means of bolts. The refrigerated containers 60, 60 are then placed, with their openings arranged in the bottom corners, onto the studs 23 of the adapter frames 20 of the energy supplies 66, and again secured there if necessary. It is then only necessary for the hydraulic pumps of the energy supplies 66 to be fastened to the respective axles and connected, by means of hydraulic hoses, to the generator of the corresponding energy supplies 66, and for the refrigeration units of the refrigerated containers 60, 60 to be connected to the load connection of the respective energy supplies 66. In this way, the refrigeration units 61 of the refrigerated containers 60, 60 can be supplied with electric power from the energy supply. Clearly, it is also possible for only one energy supply 66 to be mounted on the container wagon 65, and both refrigerated containers 60. 60 to be supplied with electric power from this one energy supply 66. Conversely, it is also possible to use a plurality of energy supplies 66, in order to supply electric power to an energy consumer that has a high energy consumption.

[0114] FIG. 15, finally, again shows the refrigerated container, which is fastened to a lorry 67, in this case also by means of an energy supply 66 according to the invention. In principle, in the transport of such a container by means of a lorry 67, the energy supply 66 may also be supplied with kinetic energy from the lorry 67. However, this is typically more complex than in the case of container carrier wagons, since in the case of lorries the arrangement and specific design of the wheel axles, or wheels, is not uniform. It may be that the lorry 67 comprises a diesel generator set or similar generator sets for generating electric power, or another source for providing electrical energy that can then be provided at the energy connection for the energy supply 66. Obviously, during the transport by means of a lorry 67, other energy sources such as, for instance, solar or wind energy, may be used to provide energy at the energy connection of the energy supply 66. Frequently, however, but particularly in combined transport with a least possible proportion of distance by road, the capacity present in the battery is sufficient to supply the container with sufficient energy during the road transport.

[0115] In general, it is be noted that the specifications given above relating to the capacities, power ratings, etc. of individual units have been selected so as to be appropriate to the example cited, but in principle may be selected optionally. This means that they can and should be matched to the specific application. Clearly, it is also to be noted in this case that the individual items of equipment, or modules, are likewise matched to each other.

[0116] In summary, it is to be stated that the invention makes it possible to provide an autonomous energy supply, which can be used in an extremely flexible manner in the transport of goods, in particular with widespread transport containers such as, for instance, an ISO container. It can be used, not only to supply energy to energy consumers such as, for example, refrigeration devices, arranged on or in the transport container, but also to supply energy to energy consumers that do not belong to the transport container, for example arranged on a transport vehicle or at any other location.