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Integrated thermodynamic and economic evaluation of PCM-based refrigerated transport across different climatic zones.

Author(s) : CIRILLO L., GARGIULO S., ORABONA V., VERNEAU L., MASSELLI C., GRECO A.

Type of article: IJR article

Summary

Refrigerated transport of frozen goods typically relies on diesel-driven vapor-compression units operating continuously to counteract transient thermal loads caused by ambient conditions, vehicle motion, and dooropening events, leading to high fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. This paper investigates the integration of PCM E-26 within a refrigerated truck compartment as a latent thermal energy storage system to maintain the set-point temperature and reduce active cooling demand through a dynamic model. The novelty of the study lies in providing a coupled framework addressing multi-climate variability, vehicle-speed effects, and door-opening transients, while identifying localized thermodynamic exhaustion limits of PCM systems alongside a dedicated lifecycle financial structure. The case study considers three Italian climatic zones, different vehicle speeds, and realistic delivery cycles with door openings. The PCM mass was dimensioned to maintain a -18 ◦C set-point during daily operation. Results show that PCM melting dynamics are strongly climate- and velocity-dependent. In Naples and Palermo, on the hottest summer day, complete PCM liquefaction occurs before the end of the delivery cycle. Compared with conventional vapor compression, PCM employment reduces annual CO₂ emissions by 29% under urban operation and up to 50% at highway speeds, while showing lower sensitivity to vehicle velocity. Photovoltaic integration reduces summer primary energy consumption for nighttime electrical recharging by up to
84–89% compared with standalone PCM operation. The thermo-economic assessment shows positive Net Present Value values for the PCM+photovoltaic configuration under internal financing, while the PCM-only solution provides better financial performance due to lower capital investment and shorter payback time.

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  • Original title: Integrated thermodynamic and economic evaluation of PCM-based refrigerated transport across different climatic zones.
  • Record ID : 30035309
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: International Journal of Refrigeration - Revue Internationale du Froid - vol. 190
  • Publication date: 2026/10
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2026.107058

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