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Framework for comprehensive thermal systems modeling of electrified transport refrigeration.

Number: 2557

Author(s) : SHELLY M. R., LIU H., WEIBEL J. A., ZIVIANI D.

Summary

Electrification is a critical tool to decarbonize the transportation sector. Among this sector the ‘cold chain’ required to maintain transported goods at reduced temperatures contributes to a large portion of total global emissions, 1 billion tons of equivalent CO2 emissions each year. The cold chain is critical to preserve freshness and reduce spoilage as food is transported to the consumer. Short distance transport refrigeration units (TRUs) are key final legs in the transport of goods and produce to local grocery stores from centralized hubs. Traditional TRUs are driven by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles coupled to mechanically driven compressors that operate vapor compression units to condition a trailer to appropriate temperatures. Alternative approaches to decarbonize the cold chain include the electrification of the refrigeration equipment via battery powered units which provide the energy the TRU and tractive power to propel the vehicle. Comprehensive vehicle and trailer system dynamic models are developed with thermal systems able to condition a refrigerated space and control logic to operate the vehicle according to realistic driving scenarios. An electrified TRU system is considered with two different usage cases: a moderate summer day with many stops for cargo unloading; and an intense summer day with fewer unloading stops. The simulation cases considered have a moderate and high temperature day (peaks of 26.5 °C and 31.68 °C) with a high solar load. The battery size is set considering the first moderate case and extended to the second intense case, for which it is found that 400 kWh is sufficient to supply necessary tractive power and unit refrigeration throughout a scheduled delivery day in both cases. Specifically, it is shown that, over a highway fuel economy test (HWFET) drive cycle across both simulation scenarios, the TRU appropriately controls the temperature in the refrigerated container. Future work will consider assessment of energy harvesting and storage technologies and the overall reduction in carbon emissions from the decarbonization of short hop refrigeration.

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Pages: 10 p.

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Details

  • Original title: Framework for comprehensive thermal systems modeling of electrified transport refrigeration.
  • Record ID : 30033031
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Environment
  • Source: 2024 Purdue Conferences. 20th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2024/07/17

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