Patent Publication Number: US-2023133586-A1

Title: Virtual door sensor for transport unit

Description:
FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to a door sensor for a transport unit. More specifically, this disclosure relates to methods and systems for providing a virtual door sensor for the transport unit. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A transport climate control system is generally used to control one or more environmental conditions such as, but not limited to, temperature, humidity, air quality, or combinations thereof, of a transport unit. Examples of transport units include, but are not limited to a truck, a container (such as a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, a marine container, etc.), a box car, a semi-tractor, or other similar transport unit. A transport unit with a transport climate control system is commonly used to transport perishable cargos such as produce, frozen foods, meat products, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines. A transport unit often includes one or more doors. A door sensor can indicate to an operator of whether the door has been opened or closed. A door left open may consume more energy, increase cargo spoilage, create dangerous condition in passenger vehicles, and increase the risk of losing cargo from motion or theft. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure relates generally to a door sensor for a transport unit. More specifically, this disclosure relates to methods and systems for providing a virtual door sensor for the transport unit. The door sensor can be physical sensor. A physical door sensor includes mechanical or magnetic components that, when a door is opened or closed, trigger an audio, visual, or digital alert by actuating a circuit switch connected to a controller or a processor. Physical door sensors can include moving parts that can become faulty or less sensitive due to mechanical failures or vibration during transport. 
     By monitoring and analyzing transport climate control system operating data of a transport climate control system, a processing unit can provide a virtual door sensor that indicates or records a door event without inputs from a physical door sensor. A door event can include, for example, but not limited to, one or more doors being opened or closed. 
     In some embodiments, the virtual door sensor can detect a door event by analyzing the transport climate control system operating data using a machine learning algorithm trained with validated door event data. The machine learning algorithm can determine a door event, for example, by correlating a door event with trends or changes in the transport climate control system operating data. By relying on the transport climate control system operating data for detecting and/or determining door events, the virtual door sensor can be provided and be more accurate than physical door sensors. For example, a virtual door sensor can be more accurate than physical door sensors by reducing moving mechanical parts and thereby avoiding mechanical maintenance and service issues associated with some physical door sensors. 
     According to an embodiment, a method of providing a virtual door sensor for a transport unit is disclosed. The method includes monitoring operation of a transport climate control system for a climate controlled space to obtain transport climate control system operating data; transforming the transport climate control system operating data into door event model inputs; predicting a door event based on the obtained door event model inputs; and transmitting a notification according to the predicted door event. 
     In some embodiments, a virtual sensor for detecting and predicting a door event can include a vision system. Details of a vision system are described in U.S. Application No. XXX titled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CAMERA VISION APPLICATIONS FOR PERISHABLE GOODS TRANSPORTATION VISUAL AIDS TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE,” (having named inventors Ryan Wayne Schumacher and Mathew Srnec, with Attorney Docket Number: 20420.1018US01) which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     According to another embodiment, a virtual door sensor is provided for a transport climate control system. The virtual door sensor includes a controller configured to connect with a transport climate control system, and a processing unit configured to connect with the controller. The virtual door sensor is configured to monitor operation of the transport climate control system for a climate controlled space to obtain transport climate control system operating data using the controller, transform the transport climate control system operating data into door event model inputs, predict a door event with the processing unit based on the obtained door event model inputs, and transmit a notification according to the predicted door event. 
     In an embodiment, the machine learning algorithm trains the predictive model from the transport climate control system operating data with validated door event data. The algorithm can be developed from one or more algorithms such as random forest, logistic regression, regularizing gradient boosting, distributed gradient boosting, extreme gradient boosting (“XGBOOST”), support vector machine (“SVM”), system identification, neural networks, long short-term memory, dynamic neural networks, or other data driven method and/or a combination of physics and/or data driven methods. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure, and which illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this Specification can be practiced. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a side view of a van with a transport climate control system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a side view of a truck with a transport climate control system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 C  is a perspective view of a trailer with a transport climate control system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 D  is a side view of a trailer with a transport climate control system including a multi-zone transport climate control system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 E  is a perspective view of a climate controlled transport unit, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 F  is a perspective view of a climate controlled passenger vehicle, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic view of a transport climate control system that can operate as a virtual door sensor, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a flow chart of a method of providing a virtual door sensor, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numbers represent like parts throughout. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure relates generally to a door sensor for a transport unit. More specifically, this disclosure relates to methods and systems for providing a virtual door sensor for the transport unit. 
     A transport unit can be, for example, a truck, a van, a container (such as a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, a marine container, etc.), a box car, a semi-tractor, a bus, or other similar transport unit. Embodiments of this disclosure may be used in any suitable environmentally controlled transport units. 
     A climate controlled transport unit (e.g., a transport unit including a transport climate control system) can be used to transport human passengers, other animals, and/or perishable items such as, but not limited to, pharmaceuticals, biological samples produce, frozen foods, and meat products. 
       FIGS.  1 A-F  show various embodiments of a transport climate control system.  FIG.  1 A  is a side view of a van  100  with a transport climate control system  105 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  1 B  is a side view of a truck  150  with a transport climate control system  155 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  1 C  is a perspective view of a climate controlled transport unit  200  attachable to a tractor  205 , according to an embodiment. The climate controlled transport unit  200  includes a transport climate control system  210 .  FIG.  1 D  is a side view of a climate controlled transport unit  275  including a multi-zone transport climate control system  280 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  1 E  is a perspective view of an intermodal container  350  with a transport climate control system  355 .  FIG.  1 F  is a perspective view of a climate controlled passenger vehicle  450  with a transport climate control system  455 , according to an embodiment. 
       FIG.  1 A  depicts the van  100  having the transport climate control system  105  for providing climate control within a climate controlled space  110 . The transport climate control system  105  includes a climate control unit (“CCU”)  115  that is mounted to a rooftop  120  of the van  100 . In an embodiment, the CCU  115  can be a transport refrigeration unit. 
     The transport climate control system  105  can include a climate control circuit that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expander (e.g., an expansion valve or other expansion devices) to provide climate control within the climate controlled space  110 . As defined herein, an expander can be an expansion valve or any other type of expander that is configured to control an amount of working fluid passing there through and thereby regulate the superheat of vapor leaving an evaporator. The expander may or may not be configured to generate power. In some embodiments, the climate control circuit can be a single stage climate control circuit or a cascade climate control circuit. 
     It will be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are not limited to vans or climate controlled vans, but can apply to any type of transport unit (e.g., a truck, a container (such as a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, a marine container, etc.), a box car, a semi-tractor, or other similar transport unit), within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. 
     The transport climate control system  105  also includes a programmable climate controller  125  and one or more climate control sensors that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system  105  (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the van  100 , an ambient humidity outside of the van  100 , a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, a supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU  115  into the climate controlled space  110 , a return air temperature of air returned from the climate controlled space  110  back to the CCU  115 , a humidity within the climate controlled space  110 , etc.) and communicate the measured parameters to the climate controller  125 . The one or more climate control sensors can be positioned at various locations outside the van  100  and/or inside the van  100  (including within the climate controlled space  110 ). 
     The climate controller  125  is configured to control operation of the transport climate control system  105 . The climate controller  125  may include a single integrated control unit  130  or may include a distributed network of climate controller elements  130 ,  135 . The number of distributed control elements in a given network can depend upon the particular application of the principles of this disclosure. The measured parameters obtained by the one or more climate control sensors can be used by the climate controller  125  to control operation of the transport climate control system  105 . 
     The van  100  includes a sensor  140 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor  140  is represented as a single sensor. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the van  100  can include a plurality of sensors  140 . In some embodiments, the sensor  140  can monitor one or more climate control parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, etc.) within the climate controlled space  110  or just outside the van  100 . The sensor  140  can be used by the climate controller  125  to control operation of the transport climate control system  105 . The sensor  140  can be in electronic communication with a power source (not shown) of the CCU  115 . In an embodiment, the sensor  140  can be in electronic communication with the climate controller  125 . It will be appreciated that the electronic communication between the sensor  140  and the climate controller  125  can enable network communication of the sensed climate control parameters measured by the sensor  140 . The electronic communication between the climate controller  125  and the sensor  140  can enable the sensed climate control parameters to be utilized in a control of the CCU  115 . 
       FIG.  1 B  depicts the climate controlled straight truck  150  that includes the climate controlled space  160  for carrying cargo and the transport climate control system  155 . The transport climate control system  155  can include, among other components, a climate control circuit that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expander (e.g., an expansion valve or other expansion devices) to provide climate control within the climate controlled space  160 . In some embodiments, the climate control circuit can be a single stage climate control circuit or a cascade climate control circuit. The transport climate control system  155  is configured to provide climate control within the climate controlled space  160 . 
     The transport climate control system  155  can include a CCU  133  that is mounted to a front wall  170  of the climate controlled space  160 . The CCU  133  can include, for example, the compressor, the condenser, the evaporator, and the expander. In an embodiment, the CCU  133  can be a transport refrigeration unit. 
     The transport climate control system  155  also includes a programmable climate controller  175  and one or more climate control sensors that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system  155  (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the truck  150 , an ambient humidity outside of the truck  150 , a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, a supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU  133  into the climate controlled space  160 , a return air temperature of air returned from the climate controlled space  160  back to the CCU  133 , a humidity within the climate controlled space  160 , etc.) and communicate climate control data to the climate controller  175 . The one or more climate control sensors can be positioned at various locations outside the truck  150  and/or inside the truck  150  (including within the climate controlled space  160 ). 
     The climate controller  175  is configured to control operation of the transport climate control system  155  that may include a single integrated control unit  175  or may include a distributed network of climate controller elements  175 ,  180 . The number of distributed control elements in a given network can depend upon the particular application of the principles described herein. The measured parameters obtained by the one or more climate control sensors can be used by the climate controller  175  to control operation of the transport climate control system  155 . 
     The truck  150  includes a sensor  185 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor  185  is represented as a single sensor. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the truck  150  includes a plurality of sensors  185 . In some embodiments, the sensor  185  can monitor one or more climate control parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, etc.) within the climate controlled space  160  or just outside the truck  150 . The sensor  185  can be used by the climate controller  175  to control operation of the transport climate control system  155 . The sensor  185  can be in electronic communication with a power source (not shown) of the CCU  133 . In an embodiment, the sensor  185  can be in electronic communication with the climate controller  175 . It will be appreciated that the electronic communication between the sensor  185  and the climate controller  175  can enable network communication of the sensed climate control parameters measured by the sensor  185 . The electronic communication between the climate controller  175  and the sensor  185  can enable the sensed climate control parameters to be utilized in a control of the CCU  133 . 
       FIG.  1 C  illustrates one embodiment of the climate controlled transport unit  200  attached to a tractor  205 . The climate controlled transport unit  200  includes a transport climate control system  210  for a transport unit  215 . The tractor  205  is attached to and is configured to tow the transport unit  215 . The transport unit  215  shown in  FIG.  1 C  is a trailer. 
     The transport climate control system  200  can include a climate control circuit that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expander (e.g., an expansion valve or other expansion devices) to provide climate control within the climate controlled space  225 . In some embodiments, the climate control circuit can be a single stage climate control circuit or a cascade climate control circuit. 
     The transport climate control system  210  includes a CCU  220 . The CCU  220  is disposed on a front wall  230  of the transport unit  215 . In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the CCU  220  can be disposed, for example, on a rooftop or another wall of the transport unit  215 . In an embodiment, the CCU  220  can be a transport refrigeration unit. 
     The transport climate control system  210  also includes a programmable climate controller  235  and one or more sensors (not shown) that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system  210  (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the transport unit  215 , an ambient humidity outside of the transport unit  215 , a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, a supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU  220  into the climate controlled space  225 , a return air temperature of air returned from the climate controlled space  225  back to the CCU  220 , a humidity within the climate controlled space  225 , etc.) and communicate climate control data to the climate controller  235 . The one or more climate control sensors can be positioned at various locations outside the transport unit  200  and/or inside the transport unit  200  (including within the climate controlled space  225 ). 
     The climate controller  235  is configured to control operation of the transport climate control system  210  including components of the climate control system  210 . The climate controller  235  may include a single integrated control unit  240  or may include a distributed network of climate controller elements  240 ,  245 . The number of distributed control elements in a given network can depend upon the particular application of the principles described herein. The measured parameters obtained by the one or more climate control sensors can be used by the climate controller  235  to control operation of the transport climate control system  210 . The climate controlled transport unit  200  includes a sensor  250 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor  250  is represented as a single sensor. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the climate controlled transport unit  200  can include a plurality of sensors  250 . In some embodiments, the sensor  250  can monitor one or more climate control parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, etc.) within the climate controlled space  225  or just outside the transport unit  200 . The sensor  250  can be used by the climate controller  235  to control operation of the transport climate control system  210 . 
     The sensor  250  can be in electronic communication with a power source (not shown) of the CCU  220 . In an embodiment, the sensor  250  can be in electronic communication with the climate controller  235 . It will be appreciated that the electronic communication between the sensor  250  and the climate controller  235  can enable network communication of the sensed climate control parameters measured by the sensor  250 . The electronic communication between the climate controller  235  and the sensor  250  can enable the sensed climate control parameters to be utilized in a control of the CCU  220 . 
       FIG.  1 D  illustrates an embodiment of the climate controlled transport unit  275 . The climate controlled transport unit  275  includes the multi-zone transport climate control system (MTCS)  280  for a transport unit  275  that can be towed, for example, by a tractor (not shown). It will be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are not limited to tractor and trailer units, but can apply to any type of transport unit (e.g., a truck, a container (such as a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, a marine container, etc.), a box car, a semi-tractor, or other similar transport unit), etc. 
     The MTCS  280  includes a CCU  290  and a plurality of remote units  295  that provide environmental control (e.g. temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a climate controlled space  300  of the transport unit  275 . The MTCS  280  can include, a climate control circuit in thermal communication with the climate controlled space  300 . The climate controlled space  300  can be divided into a plurality of zones  305 . The term “zone” means a part of an area of the climate controlled space  300  separated by walls  310 . The CCU  290  can operate as a host unit and provide climate control within a first zone  305   a  of the climate controlled space  300 . The remote unit  295   a  can provide climate control within a second zone  305   b  of the climate controlled space  300 . The remote unit  295   b  can provide climate control within a third zone  305   c  of the climate controlled space  300 . Accordingly, the MTCS  280  can be used to separately and independently control environmental condition(s) within each of the multiple zones  305  of the climate controlled space  300 . 
     The climate control circuit that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expander (e.g., an expansion valve or other expansion devices) to provide climate control within the climate controlled space  300  of the MTCS  280 . In some embodiments, the climate control circuit can be a single stage climate control circuit or a cascade climate control circuit. 
     The CCU  290  is disposed on a front wall  315  of the transport unit  275 . In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the CCU  290  can be disposed, for example, on a rooftop or another wall of the transport unit  275 . The CCU  290  can include portions or all of the climate control circuit, for example, the compressor, the condenser, the evaporator, and the expander to provide conditioned air within the climate controlled space  300 . The remote unit  295   a  is disposed on a ceiling  320  within the second zone  305   b  and the remote unit  295   b  is disposed on the ceiling  320  within the third zone  305   c . Each of the remote units  295   a, b  includes an evaporator (not shown) that connects to the rest of the climate control circuit provided in the CCU  290 . In an embodiment, the CCU  290  can be a transport refrigeration unit. 
     The MTCS  280  also includes a programmable climate controller  325  and one or more climate control sensors that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the MTCS  280  (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the transport unit  275 , an ambient humidity outside of the transport unit  275 , a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperatures of air supplied by the CCU  290  and the remote units  295  into each of the zones  305 , return air temperatures of air returned from each of the zones  305  back to the respective CCU  290  or remote unit  295   a  or  295   b , a humidity within each of the zones  305 , etc.) and communicate climate control data to a climate controller  325 . The one or more climate control sensors can be positioned at various locations outside the transport unit  275  and/or inside the transport unit  275  (including within the climate controlled space  300 ). 
     The climate controller  325  is configured to control operation of the MTCS  280  including components of the climate control circuit. The climate controller  325  may include a single integrated control unit  330  or may include a distributed network of climate controller elements  330 ,  335 . The number of distributed control elements in a given network can depend upon the particular application of the principles described herein. The measured parameters obtained by the one or more climate control sensors can be used by the climate controller  325  to control operation of the MTCS  280 . 
     The climate controlled transport unit  275  includes a sensor  340 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor  340  is represented as a single sensor. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the climate controlled transport unit  275  can include a plurality of sensors  340 . In some embodiments, the sensor  340  can monitor one or more climate control or operating parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, airflow, and the like) within the climate controlled space  300 . The sensor  340  can be used by the climate controller  325  to control operation of the MTCS  280 . 
     The sensor  340  can be in electronic communication with a power source (not shown) of the CCU  290 . In an embodiment, the sensor  340  can be in electronic communication with the climate controller  325 . It will be appreciated that the electronic communication between the sensor  340  and the climate controller  325  can enable network communication of the sensed climate control parameters measured by the sensor  340 . The electronic communication between the climate controller  325  and the sensor  340  can enable the sensed climate control parameters to be utilized in a control of the CCU  290 . 
       FIG.  1 E  depicts the intermodal container  350  having the transport climate control system  355  for providing climate control within a climate controlled space  358 . The transport climate control system  355  includes a climate control unit (“CCU”)  360  that is mounted to a side  352  at one end of the container  350 . In an embodiment, the CCU  360  can be a transport refrigeration unit. 
     The transport climate control system  355  can include, among other components, a climate control circuit in thermal communication with the climate controlled space  358 . The climate control circuit that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expander (e.g., an expansion valve or other expansion devices) to provide climate control within the climate controlled space  358 . In some embodiments, the climate control circuit can be a single stage climate control circuit or a cascade climate control circuit. The transport climate control system  355  is configured to provide climate control within the climate controlled space  308 . 
     The transport climate control system  355  also includes a programmable climate controller  370  and one or more climate control sensors that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system  355  (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the intermodal container  350 , an ambient humidity outside of the intermodal container  350 , a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, a supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU  360  into the climate controlled space  358 , a return air temperature of air returned from the climate controlled space  358  back to the CCU  360 , a humidity within the climate controlled space  358 , etc.) and communicate the measured parameters to the climate controller  370 . The one or more climate control sensors can be positioned at various locations outside the intermodal container  350  and/or inside the intermodal container  350  (including within the climate controlled space  358 ). 
     The climate controller  370  is configured to control operation of the transport climate control system  355 . The climate controller  370  may include a single integrated control unit  372  or may include a distributed network of climate controller elements  372 ,  374 . The number of distributed control elements in a given network can depend upon the particular application of the principles of this disclosure. The measured parameters obtained by the one or more climate control sensors can be used by the climate controller  370  to control operation of the transport climate control system  355 . 
     The intermodal container  350  includes a sensor  375 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor  375  is represented as a single sensor. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the intermodal container  350  can include a plurality of sensors  375 . In some embodiments, the sensor  375  can monitor one or more climate control parameters (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, etc.) within the climate controlled space  358  or just outside the intermodal container  350 . The sensor  375  can be used by the climate controller  370  to control operation of the transport climate control system  355 . The sensor  375  can be in electronic communication with a power source (not shown) of the CCU  360 . In an embodiment, the sensor  375  can be in electronic communication with the climate controller  370 . It will be appreciated that the electronic communication between the sensor  375  and the climate controller  370  can enable network communication of the sensed climate control parameters measured by the sensor  375 . The electronic communication between the climate controller  370  and the sensor  375  can enable the sensed climate control parameters to be utilized in a control of the CCU  360 . 
       FIG.  1 F  is a perspective view of a passenger vehicle  450  including a transport climate control system  455 , according to one embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  1 F , the passenger vehicle  450  is a mass-transit bus that can carry passenger(s) (not shown) to one or more destinations. In other embodiments, the passenger vehicle  450  can be a school bus, railway vehicle, subway car, or other commercial vehicle that carries passengers. Hereinafter, the term “vehicle” shall be used to represent all such passenger vehicles, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the application solely to mass-transit buses. The transport climate control system  455  can provide climate control within a climate controlled space which in this embodiment is a passenger compartment  454 . 
     The passenger vehicle  450  includes a frame  452 , the passenger compartment  454  supported by the frame  452 , wheels  453 , and a compartment  456 . The frame  452  includes doors  458  that are positioned on a side of the passenger vehicle  450 . A first door  458   a  is located adjacent to a forward end of the passenger vehicle  450 , and a second door  458   b  is positioned on the frame  452  toward a rearward end of the passenger vehicle  450 . Each door  458  is movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively allow access to the passenger compartment  454 . 
     The transport climate control system  455  includes a climate control unit (“CCU”)  460  that is mounted to a rooftop  451  of the passenger vehicle  450 . In an embodiment, the CCU  460  can be a HVACR unit. The climate control system  455  also includes a programmable climate controller  465  and one or more sensors (not shown) that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system  455  (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the passenger vehicle  450 , a controlled space temperature within the passenger compartment  454 , an ambient humidity outside of the passenger vehicle  450 , a controlled space humidity within the passenger compartment  454 , etc.) and communicate parameter data to the climate controller  165 . 
     The transport climate control system  455  can include, among other components, a transport climate control circuit (not shown) that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expander (e.g., an expansion valve) to provide climate control within the passenger compartment  144 . 
     The transport climate control system  455  can operate in one or more operating modes including, for example, a continuous cooling mode, a start/stop cooling mode, a heating mode, a fan only mode, a null mode, a pre-conditioning mode, a dry-out mode, and a defrost mode, and the like. The transport climate control system  455  can operate in the continuous cooling mode when, for example, the transport climate control system  455  is attempting to cool the climate controlled space as quickly as possible (e.g., performing an initial pull down of the temperature in the climate controlled space to a temperature setpoint, after the transport unit has stopped to load or remove cargo from the climate controlled space, etc.). The transport climate control system  455  can operate in a start/stop cooling mode when, for example, the temperature in the climate controlled space is attempting to maintain or slowly adjust the climate in the climate controlled space (e.g., the climate controlled space has reached or is close to reaching a temperature setpoint. The transport climate control system  455  can operate in a heating mode when, for example, the transport climate control system  455  is attempting to heat the climate controlled space to a temperature setpoint. The transport climate control system  455  can operate in a fan only mode when, for example, the transport climate control system  455  is attempting to provide air flow within the climate controlled space without heating or cooling the climate controlled space. The transport climate control system  455  can operate in a null mode when, for example, the compressor is not operating and the fans may or may not be operating to provide airflow within the climate controlled space. The transport climate control system  455  can operate in a defrost mode when, for example, the transport climate control system  455  is attempting to defrost an evaporator coil of the climate control circuit. The transport climate control system  455  can operate in a pre-conditioning mode when, for example, the transport climate control system  455  is anticipating a cooling capacity change. The transport climate control system  455  can operate in the dry-out mode when, for example, the climate control circuit is operated for removing moisture from the air and/or the fans be operated to provide airflow for removing moisture within the climate controlled space by convection. 
     The climate controller  465  may comprise a single integrated control unit or may comprise a distributed network of climate controller elements (not shown). The number of distributed control elements in a given network can depend upon the particular application of the principles described herein. The climate controller  465  is configured to control operation of the climate control system  455  including the transport climate control circuit. 
     The climate control system  435  is powered by a power system (not shown) that can distribute power to the climate control system  435  when a utility power source is unavailable. In some embodiments, the power system can be a generator set (not shown) attached to the passenger vehicle  450  and electrically connected to one or more components of the climate control system  455  (e.g., a compressor, one or more fans and/or blowers, the climate controller  465 , one or more sensors, and the like). 
     The compartment  456  is located adjacent the rear end of the passenger vehicle  450 , can include the power system. In some embodiments, the compartment  456  can be located at other locations on the vehicle  450  (e.g., adjacent the forward end, etc.). 
     It will be appreciated that the transport climate control systems or the MTCS described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 F  can operate in multiple operating modes including, for example, a continuous cooling mode, a start/stop cooling mode, a heating mode, a fan only mode, a null mode, a pre-conditioning mode, a dry-out mode, and a defrost mode, etc. 
       FIG.  2    is a schematic view of a transport climate control system  500  that can operate as a virtual door sensor, according to an embodiment. The transport climate control system  500  can be any of the transport climate control systems  105 ,  210 ,  355 ,  455 , or the MTCS  280  shown in  FIGS.  1 A-F . In particular, a predictive model can predict a door event using transport climate control system operating data without relying on inputs from a physical door sensor. 
     Embodiments of a virtual door sensor can be more accurate than physical door sensors by avoiding moving mechanical parts commonly associated with physical door sensors. Moving mechanical parts can become faulty over time or due to vibration during transport. Accordingly, the virtual door sensor described herein can reduce using moving part(s) and reducing faulty readings associated with mechanical failures. Also, the virtual door sensor described herein can reduce manufacturing and maintenance cost and complexity that can occur when using a physical door sensor. It is appreciated that some embodiments of the virtual door sensor described herein can also work with a physical door sensor to increase door sensor accuracy, to train and/or update the predictive model, or the like. 
     The transport climate control system  500  is configured to provide climate control within a transport unit  510 . The transport climate control system  500  can includes a processing unit  610  on board or remotely that communicates with the transport unit  510  via, for example, cellular or satellite networks. The transport unit  510  can be any of the transport units  100 ,  150 ,  200 ,  275 ,  350 ,  450  of  FIGS.  1 A-F . The transport unit  510  can include a climate controlled space. The transport climate control system  500  is configured to provide climate control within the climate controlled space. The transport unit  510  can include one or more doors (shown in  FIGS.  1 A-F ) for passengers or cargo to enter and exit the climate controlled space of the transport unit  510 . 
     The transport climate control system  500  includes a controller  515  configured to monitor one or more environmental conditions and control components of the transport climate control system. The controller  515  can include a processor configured to, for example, process received data. In an embodiment, the controller  515  can be referred to as a climate controller or a programmable climate controller. In an embodiment, the controller  515  can transmit obtained transport climate control system operating data to the processing unit  610  through cellular or satellite networks using, for example, the telematics system, a radio transmitter, or the like. In some embodiments, the controller  515  can be part of, or in communication with, the telematics system of the transport unit  510 . In some embodiments, the controller  515  can be in communication with a telematics device. The telematics device is a hardware component that can be configured to provide communication between the controller  515  and other hardware or software of the transport climate control system  500  (including the processing unit  610 ). The telematics device can be integrated with the controller  515 , integrated with a telematics system, and/or separate hardware components. 
     The controller  515  can be the programmable climate controller  125 ,  175 ,  235 ,  325 ,  379 ,  465  shown in  FIGS.  1 A-F . The controller  515  is configured to measure one or more environmental conditions by collecting data or interpreting electrical signals from the one or more climate control sensors  525 . The controller  515  can communicate with a memory unit  520 . The memory unit  520  can be a random access memory (“RAM”) that can maintain a data log related to the transport climate control system  500 , such as a data log of obtained transport climate control system operating data. 
     The controller  515  can collect transport climate control system operating data related to transport climate control system  500 . The transport climate control system operating data can include, but not limited to, data log, tables, or sensor readings from the one or more climate control sensors  525 , an operating parameter output  530 , operating mode output  535 , a power source monitor  540 , an ambient condition provider  545 , and/or physical door sensor output  555 . 
     The one or more climate control sensors  525  can be the sensor or a network of sensors as in  FIGS.  1 A-F . The climate control sensor(s)  525  can provide, for example, an ambient temperature outside the climate controlled space of the transport unit  510 , an ambient humidity outside of the transport unit  510 , a supply air temperature of air supplied into the climate controlled space, a return air temperature of air returned from the climate controlled space, a humidity within the climate controlled space, or the like. In an embodiment, the one or more climate control sensors  525  include one or more temperature sensors (e.g., thermocouples) for providing temperature readings at one or more locations within the climate controlled space. In another embodiment, the one or more climate control sensors  525  include one or more humidity sensors for providing relative humidity readings within the climate controlled space. In another embodiment, the one or more climate control sensors  525  include one or more temperature sensors for providing temperature readings of the refrigerant at different locations of the climate control circuit. 
     The operating parameter output  530  can provide one or more operating parameters of the transport climate control system  500  to the controller  515 . For example, operating parameter output  530  can be a data log of operating conditions of, for example, a compressor, an engine, a motor, or the like. The operating conditions can be measured by one or more sensors that measures temperature, pressure, RPM, and the like. In another embodiment, a telematics system of the transport climate control system  500  can provide the operating parameter output  530  to the controller  515 , for example, as digital inputs. In some embodiments, the operating parameter output  530  can include, for example, one or more environmental condition setpoints within the climate controlled space, one or more environmental condition setpoint profiles, one or more equipment setpoints, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the operating parameter output  530  can include a data log of, for example, operating conditions of climate control circuit equipment. The climate control circuit equipment can include a compressor, an evaporator, an expander, a valve, a condenser, a blower, an air vent, or the like. The operating conditions can be, for example, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, and the like. In an embodiment, the compressor suction pressure or the compressor discharge pressure can be measured by a fluid pressure sensor disposed at, for example, an inlet or outlet of the compressor of the climate control circuit of the transport unit  510 . In some embodiments, operating parameter output  530  can include a data log of valve opening or closing commands and feedback, valve status, electronic throttling valve actions, or the like. 
     The operating mode output  535  can provide a data log of one or more operating modes of which the transport climate control system  500  is being operated under. The data log of the one or more operating modes can be provided to the controller  515 . The operating modes of the transport climate control system  500  can include a continuous cooling mode, a start/stop cooling mode, a heating mode, a fan only mode, a null mode, a pre-conditioning mode, a dry-out mode, and a defrost mode, and the like. The operating mode can be predetermined based on the desired environmental condition within the controlled space, a predetermined mode input to the controller  515  based on the passenger or cargo type, or the like. In an embodiment, the controller  515  accesses a memory portion (e.g., the memory unit  520 ) of the controller to obtain the operating mode output  535 . In another embodiment, the telematics system of the transport climate control system  500  can provide the operating mode output  535  to the controller  515 . 
     The power source monitor  540  can provide power source data indicating the amount of power supplied to components of the transport climate control system  500 . Power source data transmitted to the controller  515  can include, for example, motor revolution per minute (“RPM”), prime mover (e.g. engine) RPM, and the like. In an embodiment, the power source monitor  540  can include power source data from one or more tachometers measuring a rotational speed of a prime mover or motor shaft of, for example, a generator, an engine, or a compressor of the transport climate control system  500 . In some embodiments, the power source data can be obtained from alternator frequency readings, compressor or power source cycling records, or the like. In an embodiment, the controller  515  accesses a memory portion (e.g., the memory unit  520 ) of the controller to obtain the operating parameter output  530 . 
     In an embodiment, an ambient condition provider  545  can provide one or more ambient conditions to the controller  515 . The one or more ambient conditions can include, for example, an ambient temperature, an ambient air pressure, an ambient humidity, and other environmental conditions outside the transport unit  510 . In an embodiment, the ambient condition provider  545  can be one or more climate control sensors  525  disposed on the outside of the transport unit  510 . The ambient condition provider  545  can monitoring environmental condition(s) outside the transport unit  510 . In another embodiment, the ambient condition provider  545  can provide ambient conditions based on a location information of the transport unit  510 . That is, the ambient condition provider  545  can provide ambient conditions based on location data provided by a GPS module of a telematics system that communicates with the controller  515  to provide real time ambient condition(s) at a location of the transport unit  510 . In some embodiment, the location data of the transport unit  510  can be provided by a location information input via a user interface on the telematics system that communicates with the controller  510 . In an embodiment, the ambient condition provider  545  can provide ambient condition data to the processing unit  610 , without first providing the ambient condition data to the controller  515  so as to preserve data transmission bandwidth for higher priority data required to be monitored for the transport unit  510 . 
     In an embodiment, physical door event data  555  obtained from a physical door sensor can be provided to the controller  515 . The physical door event data  555  can be a physical door sensor reading from a physical door sensor installed in the transport unit  510 . The physical door event data  555  can include timestamps of door events detected by the physical door sensor. The physical door event data  555  can be used with other transport climate control operating data for predicting a door event using the predictive model. 
     In an embodiment, validated door event data  560  can be provided to a model updater  660  for updating the predictive model. Validated door event data  560  can be a data log of door event verified by, for example, an operator. The validated door event data  560  can be obtained from manual input or verification by an operator monitoring a door in person or virtually (e.g., by watching a video recording of the door and creating a data log of door events with timestamps). In an embodiment, the physical door event data  555  and the validated door event data  560  can be used for training or updating a predictive model used by the processing unit  610 . 
     In an embodiment, the controller  515  accesses a memory portion (e.g. the memory unit  520 ) of the controller to obtain or store any of the transport climate control operating data and/or the door event model inputs (further discussed below). 
     The processing unit  610  can receive transport climate control system operating data from the controller  515  and can transform the transport climate control system operating data into door event model inputs. The transport climate control system operating data can include data, for example, received from at least one of the climate control sensor  525 , the operating parameter output  530 , the operating model output  535 , or the power source monitor  540 . In some embodiments, at least part of the processing unit  610  is at a remote location from the transport unit  510  communicating with the transport unit  510  via cellular or satellite networks. In some embodiments, the controller  515  can transmit (e.g., via a telematics device or system) the transport climate control system operating data by a radio to a receiver  620  of the processing unit  610 . In some embodiments, the processing unit  610  can be part of the controller  515  or part of an onboard processor of the transport unit  510 . In some embodiments, the controller  515  (or an onboard processor) can transform the transport climate control system operating data into door event model inputs and transmit the door event model inputs to, for example, the memory unit  520 , the model updater  660 , and/or the receiver  620  or the processing unit  610 . In an embodiment, any data provided to the processing unit  610  is time-series data that can be used by a prediction model to find changes in climate control system data over time and predict trends. The processing unit  610  includes the receiver  620 , a processor  630 , a predictive output  640 , and a transmitter  650 . In some embodiment, the processing unit  610  can be hosted by, for example, a cloud service provider storing, transforming, and/or analyzing the transport climate control operating data. 
     The receiver  620  receives data from other sources via a communication medium, such as cellular or satellite communication via a wired or wireless infrastructure. For example, the receiver  620  can allow the processing unit  610  to process data at a remote and/or centralized location (e.g., a remote server, a cloud service provider, and the like) with faster hardware than the hardware onboard of the transport unit  510 . Accordingly, the transport unit  510  can be operated more efficiently without the expense and complexity of installing, maintaining, and upgrading data processing software and/or hardware onboard of the transport unit  510 . Transmitting the collected transport climate control system operating data to a remote processor can allow combining the collected data from multiple transport units for model training or updating. Combining data from multiple transport units can improve modeling accuracy. Further, the predicted door events can be provided on websites, dashboards, mobile devices, so that remote users, such as fleet managers, truck owners, and the like can access to the predicted door events. A record of the predicted door can be combined with other analytics such as fuel, emissions and dollar savings for improving operator behavior, or the like. In some embodiments, the processing unit  610  or the remote processor can be a remote server, a cloud service provider, etc. in communication with the transport unit  510 , for example, via the telematics system. 
     The processor  630  analyzes the obtained transport climate control system operating data transmitted from the transport unit  510 . The processor  630  can be configured to transform the obtained climate control system operating data from the controller  515  to obtain door event model inputs. The door event model inputs can be analyzed through a predictive model to provide a predicted output of a door event (i.e., a door being opened or closed). In one embodiment, the processing unit  610  transforms the transport climate control system operating data received from the controller  515  according to one or more predetermined protocols. The protocols can include format or unit conversion, combination of data categories, outlier removal, and the like. In some embodiments, transforming the transport climate control operating data can include standardizing data format received from the controller  515  to a format suitable for the hardware or software running the predictive model. For example, a first data format for a temperature sensor can be converted to a second format suitable for analysis. 
     In some embodiment, the transport climate control operating data can be stored and/or processed remotely. For example, some or all of the transport climate control operating data is collected via the telematics system gateway in communication with the controller  515  via a controller area network (“CAN bus”). The telematics system gateway can receive the transport climate control operating data (e.g., location data from GPS satellites, sensor data collected by the controller  515 , and the like) and transmit the transport climate control operating data to an onboard or remote server. The server can be one or more server units operating a database system, such as a SQL server system. The transmission can be via one or more cellular networks (e.g., GSM, LTE, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or the like) and/or satellite networks. In some embodiments, the database system can be hosted by, for example, a cloud service provider that can store, process, and/or analyze the transport climate control operating data or the door event model inputs. 
     In some embodiments, transforming the transport climate control system operating data can include combining categories of data for creating a more predictive variable, such as a difference between a desired setpoint temperature within the climate controlled space and a return air temperature within the climate controlled space, a difference between a discharge air temperature within the climate controlled space and a return air temperature within the climate controlled space, a return air temperature within the climate controlled space and an ambient temperature outside of the transport unit, or the like. In some embodiments, transforming the transport climate control system operating data can include determining a gradient of one or more of the return air temperature, the discharge air temperature, the compressor discharge pressure, the compressor RPM over a period of time (e.g., while the transport climate control system is operating), the motor RPM over a period of time (e.g., while the transport climate control system is operating), the prime mover RPM over a period of time (e.g., while the transport climate control system is operating), or the like. 
     In some embodiments, transforming the transport climate control system operating data can include eliminating data or categories of data less predictive of a door event. For example, a machine learning or statistical model can rank data categories or features by relevance to the prediction output, i.e. a door event. For example, the model can rank data categories using a wrapper-style feature selection, a recursive feature elimination, and the like. The less relevant features or data categories can be removed. For example, a feature removal algorithm can be developed from one or more algorithms such as random forest logistic regression, regularizing gradient boosting, distributed gradient boosting, extreme gradient boosting (“XGBOOST”), support vector machine (“SVM”), system identification, neural networks, long short-term memory, dynamic neural networks, or other data driven method and/or a combination of physics and/or data driven methods. 
     The processer  630  can be configured to enter the obtained door event model inputs into the predictive model for predicting a door event and providing a predictive output  640  of the door event prediction based on the result of the predictive model. The predictive model can be a machine learning algorithm using a data driven method or a combination of physics and data driven method. The predictive model can be trained with the validated door event data, obtained door event model inputs, and/or the transport climate control system operating data. In some embodiments, the predictive model can include one or more statistical model algorithms in data transformation and/or analysis. For example, the machine learning algorithms can be developed from one or more algorithms such as random forest, logistic regression, regularizing gradient boosting, distributed gradient boosting, extreme gradient boosting (“XGBOOST”), support vector machine (“SVM”), system identification, neural networks, long short-term memory, dynamic neural networks, or other data driven method and/or a combination of physics and/or data driven methods. For example, the predictive model can be in the form of a pickle file or joblib file used in a python environment with python libraries and predict the door events. The predictive model can receive the transport climate controlled system operating data or the door event model inputs as model inputs and make predictions at each timestamp or a predetermined interval of timestamp of model inputs. 
     The predictive output  640  can be an output predicting a door event, such as a data log of predicted door events with time stamps. In an embodiment, the predictive output  640  can be a probability of the state of a door obtained from the predictive model, such as a probability that a door is open, a probability that a door is closed, and the like. In another embodiment, the predictive output  640  can include a message generated by the processor  630  according to the probability of the state of the door. The message can be a textual message transmitted to the transport unit  510  via a transmitter  650 . The textual or visual message can be configured to be send to a display  550  through a user interface of the telematics system of the transport system  510 . For example, the display can be an LCD display providing a user interface for the telematics system. In some embodiments, textual or visual messages can be configured to be sent to a user device, for example, via a mobile app user interface on a mobile phone. The transmitter  650  can include a radio, cellular or satellite network, and/or a software transmitting the message from the processing unit  610  to the transport unit  510 . 
     A model updater  660  can collect transport climate control system operating data for improving the predictive model deployed in the processing unit  610 . In an embodiment, the model updater  660  can collect transport climate control system operating data for training and updating the predictive model used for predicting a door event or the model for transforming door event model inputs. The model updater  660  can deploy an updated predictive model for predicting door events or an updated model for transforming transport climate control system operating data to obtain the door event model inputs. The model updater  660  can receive transport climate control system operating data from the transmitter  650  of the processing unit  610 . In some embodiments, the model update  660  can optionally receive transport climate control system operating data directly from the controller  515  of the transport unit  510 . 
     In an embodiment, a predicted door event can trigger a visual or audio alert, such as a flashing light or a buzzer disposed within the transport unit  510 , indicating to the operator or the passengers of a predicted door event, such as the door being opened or closed. 
       FIG.  3    is a flow chart of a method  700  of providing a virtual door sensor using the transport climate control system  500  shown in  FIG.  2   , according to an embodiment. The method  700  provides the virtual door sensor by collecting transport climate control system operating data, analyzing the data to predict a door event, and transmitting a notification of the door event according to the prediction. The method can eliminate the need of a physical door sensor or can work with a physical door sensor for improving sensing accuracy. 
     The method  700  includes monitoring operation of a transport climate control system to obtain transport climate control system operating data at  710 , transforming the transport climate control system operating data at  720 , predicting a door event based on the obtained door event model inputs at  740 , and transmitting a notification according to the predicted door event at  760 . 
     At  710 , the controller  515  monitors the climate control system  500  by collecting transport climate control system operating data. In an embodiment, the controller  515  monitors the transport climate control system operating data by collecting the transport climate control system operating data and transmitting the collected data to the receiver  620  of the processing unit  610 . Examples of the transport climate control system operating data can include, for example, sensor readings of the climate control sensor  525 , the operating parameter output  530 , operating mode output  535 , the output from the power source monitor  540 , and the like. The method  700  then proceeds to  720 . 
     At  720 , the processor  630  transforms the transport climate control system operating data to door event model inputs for preparing the data to be analyzed by a predictive model. Transforming the transport climate control system operating data can include converting a data format, removing corrupted or incomplete data points, combining data according to predetermined algorithm for creating more predictive variables, removing less relevant features or data categories, and the like. The protocols or algorithms for transforming the transport climate control system operating data can be based on algorithmic, machine learning, physical, and/or statistical modeling or processes. For example, the protocols or algorithms can be developed from one or more algorithms such as random forest, logistic regression, regularizing gradient boosting, distributed gradient boosting, extreme gradient boosting (“XGBOOST”), support vector machine (“SVM”), system identification, neural networks, long short-term memory, dynamic neural networks, or other data driven method and/or a combination of physics and/or data driven methods. 
     Examples of transforming the transport climate control system operating data to door event model inputs can include, for example, a difference between a setpoint temperature within the climate controlled space and a return air temperature within the climate controlled space, a difference between a discharge air temperature within the climate controlled space and a return air temperature within the climate controlled space, a return air temperature within the climate controlled space and an ambient temperature outside of the transport unit, or the like. In some embodiments, transforming the transport climate control system operating data can include determining a gradient of one or more of the return air temperature, the discharge air temperature, the compressor discharge pressure, the compressor RPM over a period of time (e.g., while the transport climate control system is operating), the motor RPM over a period of time (e.g., while the transport climate control system is operating), the prime mover RPM over a period of time (e.g., while the transport climate control system is operating), etc. The method  700  then proceeds to  740 . 
     At  740 , the processor  630  applies the transformed operating data (e.g., the door event model input) from  720  to a prediction model for obtaining a predicted door event. The prediction model can predict (e.g., calculate a probability of a door event) that the door is opened or closed based on trends or changes in how the transport climate control system is operating. For example, the prediction model can determine, based on the door event model inputs, that the door is open if the door event model inputs indicate that the compressor is working harder than expected given the operating mode and/or the ambient conditions (e.g., is being instructed to provide more cooling capacity than expected). In another example, the prediction model can determine that the door is open when the transport climate control system is operating sooner than expected (e.g., starting up sooner during a start/stop cooling operating mode). In another example, the prediction model can determine that the door is open when the transport climate control system is operating longer than expected (e.g., running longer in a start portion of the start/stop cooling operating mode). In another example, the prediction model can determine that the door is open when the temperature in the climate controlled space has changed (e.g., the return air temperature has increased) at a rate faster than expected. 
     The processor  630  can produce the predicted door event when the prediction model exports a prediction output after applying the door event model inputs to the predictive model. The prediction output, for example, can include probabilities of the door is open or closed at a given timestamp. The processor  630  can generate an instruction once a probability in the production output exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, the processor  630  can generate an instruction to indicate that a door opening event has occurred once the probability associated with the door being open exceeds 90%. Similarly, the processor  630  can generate an instruction to indicate that a door closing event has occurred once the probability associated with the door being closed exceeds 90%. The threshold can tune to user objective to minimize the real or perceived cost of either false predicted door events. For example, the threshold can be increased to reduce false predictions and improve user trust in the system. In some embodiments, the notification can be an instruction of recording a prediction output in a data log, optionally with timestamps, prediction confidences (i.e., probability of predicted outputs), or the like. In some embodiments, the notification can be an instruction of transmitting a textual or pictorial message to a user interface, for example, via a mobile app or the telematics system. In some embodiments, the prediction output can be provided as an input to, for example, another predictive model for further processing and analyzing. For example, the prediction output can be provided as an input to a transport unit or transport climate control system monitor that collects and analyzes data for evaluating operating conditions or efficiency, for predicting failures, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the predictive model can be generated and maintained using a machine learning algorithm, physical modeling, a statistical modeling method, and/or other data driven algorithms with the transport climate control system operating data as inputs and predicted door events as outputs. The climate control system operating data can be transformed to door event model inputs. The door event model inputs can be transformed from climate control system operating data according to one or more algorithms or protocols. The transformation protocols can include conversion of units or file formats, scaling, normalization, outlier removal, combination of different data categories, and the like. For example, a combination can include creating a date log of the difference between ambient temperature and return air temperature. The transformation protocols can be created by the machine learning algorithm. In some embodiments, the transformation protocol can be, or generated by, a machine learning algorithm, physical modeling, a statistical modeling method, and/or other data driven algorithms. In some embodiments, transformation protocols can be part of the predictive model for predicting a door event. The transformation protocols and predictive model can be provided or updated by the model updater  660 , for example, via the receiver  620  of the processing unit  610 . 
     At  760 , the transmitter  650  of the processing unit  610  transmits a notification according to the predicted door event. The notification can be shown on a display through a user interface of a telematics system associated with the transport climate control system  500 . The notification can be triggered by a door event been predicted for timely providing an alert to the operator, the passengers, or a remote fleet manager of the climate control system  500 . In an embodiment, the notification can transmit (e.g., via a telematics device or system) to the climate control system  500  or the transport unit  510  as a time sensitive input for triggering other transport unit equipment or operations. For example, the input can trigger a flashing light or a buzzer disposed in the transport unit  510  for alerting an operator, passenger and/or worker working around the transport unit  510 . In some examples, the notification can include textual or pictorial messages displayed on a user interface indicating the door being opened or closed according to the predicted door event. In another example, the notification as a time sensitive input can trigger a data log input of the predicted door event within a door event data log for system failure prediction, system health analytics, energy consumption analysis, and the like. 
     Aspects. It is noted that any of aspects 1-9 can be combined with any one of aspects 10-15. 
     Aspect 1. A method of providing a virtual door sensor for a transport unit, the method comprising: 
     monitoring operation of a transport climate control system for a climate controlled space to obtain transport climate control system operating data; 
     transforming the transport climate control system operating data into door event model inputs; 
     predicting a door event based on the obtained door event model inputs; and 
     transmitting a notification according to the predicted door event. 
     Aspect 2. The method of aspect 1, wherein the transport climate control system operating data include: 
     an operating parameter of the transport climate control system, and 
     an operating mode of the transport climate control system. 
     Aspect 3. The method of aspect 2, wherein monitoring operation of the transport climate control system includes: 
     monitoring the operating parameter of the transport climate control system and the operating mode under which the transport climate control system being operated. 
     Aspect 4. The method of any one of aspects 2-3, further comprising: 
     obtaining the operating parameter from an operating parameter sensor and a controller in communication with the transport climate control system. 
     Aspect 5. The method of aspect 4, wherein 
     the operating parameter sensor is a temperature sensor disposed on a climate control circuit in thermal communication with the climate controlled space. 
     Aspect 6. The method of any one of aspects 2-5, wherein 
     the operating parameter includes a temperature setpoint within the climate controlled space, a return air temperature within the climate controlled space, and 
     the operating mode is a continuous cooling mode. 
     Aspect 7. The method of any one of aspects 1-6, further comprising 
     the machine learning algorithm training the predictive model from the transport climate control system operating data with validated door event data. 
     Aspect 8. The method of any one of aspects 1-7, further comprises: 
     transmitting the transport climate control system operating data using a telematics system to a remote server in communication with the telematics system for obtaining the door event model inputs and predicting the door event. 
     Aspect 9. The method of any one of aspects 1-8, wherein 
     the notification is transmitted to a user interface. 
     Aspect 10. The method of any one of aspects 1-9, wherein predicting the door event based on the obtained door event model inputs includes applying the obtained door event model inputs to a predictive model generated from a machine learning algorithm.
 
Aspect 11. A virtual door sensor for a transport unit, the virtual door sensor comprising:
 
     a controller configured to connect with a transport climate control system, and 
     a processing unit configured to connect with the controller, wherein 
     the virtual door sensor is configured to:
         monitor operation of the transport climate control system for a climate controlled space to obtain transport climate control system operating data using the controller,   transform the transport climate control system operating data into door event model inputs,   predict a door event with the processing unit based on the obtained door event model inputs, and   transmit a notification according to the predicted door event.
 
Aspect 12. The virtual door sensor of aspect 11, further comprising
       

     a sensor configured to provide the transport climate control system operating data transmitted to the controller. 
     Aspect 13. The virtual door sensor of any one of aspects 11-12, wherein 
     the transport climate control system operating data include an operating parameter output and an operating mode output. 
     Aspect 14. The virtual door sensor of any one of aspects 13-13, further comprising 
     a user interface configured to display the notification according to the predicted door event. 
     Aspect 15. The virtual door sensor of any one of aspects 11-14, further comprising 
     a physical door sensor configured to transmit physical door sensor output to the controller. 
     Aspect 16. The virtual door sensor of any one of aspects 11-15, wherein 
     the processing unit is configured to communicate with the controller via a telematics system over a cellular network. 
     Aspect 17. The virtual door sensor of any one of aspects 11-16, wherein the virtual door sensor is configured to predict the door event based on the obtained door event model inputs by applying the obtained door event model inputs to a predictive model generated from a machine learning algorithm. 
     The terminology used in this Specification is intended to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this Specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components. 
     With regard to the preceding description, it is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This Specification and the embodiments described are exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.