PartagerFuel-cell-based system for refrigerated transport
According to researchers* from the National Renewable Energy Centre in Sarriguren, Spain, hydrogen fuel cells could offer a solution for refrigerated transport.
Refrigerated transport often uses additional diesel to feed the refrigeration system, increasing the consumption by 12% and the fuel cost by 6000 € annually, i.e. 40% of the direct costs.
Using alternative and more energy-efficient systems could provide a clear competitive advantage. According to researchers* from the National Renewable Energy Centre in Sarriguren, Spain, hydrogen fuel cells could offer a solution.
Simulation shows that hydrogen requirements for a heavy truck refrigeration unit average 0.3kg/100 km, meaning that a 7.5 kg hydrogen tank would suffice to provide up to 2200 km autonomy.
The case studied generated over 400 000 € in savings during the duration of the project and a net non-discounted cash flow analysis shows that with a 31.5% internal rate of return, overall investment payback time is 4 years, a very short period considering the 20-year lifespan of the project.
The long fuel cell autonomy (25 h) means that the vehicle would only require hydrogen refuelling in major cities for example. The cost of the required infrastructure is being assessed whether such technology would be economically worthwhile on a large scale remains to be seen.
* Development of a fuel cell-based system for refrigerated transport, Garde et al. World Hydrogen Energy Conference 2012, Sciverse ScienceDirect
Using alternative and more energy-efficient systems could provide a clear competitive advantage. According to researchers* from the National Renewable Energy Centre in Sarriguren, Spain, hydrogen fuel cells could offer a solution.
Simulation shows that hydrogen requirements for a heavy truck refrigeration unit average 0.3kg/100 km, meaning that a 7.5 kg hydrogen tank would suffice to provide up to 2200 km autonomy.
The case studied generated over 400 000 € in savings during the duration of the project and a net non-discounted cash flow analysis shows that with a 31.5% internal rate of return, overall investment payback time is 4 years, a very short period considering the 20-year lifespan of the project.
The long fuel cell autonomy (25 h) means that the vehicle would only require hydrogen refuelling in major cities for example. The cost of the required infrastructure is being assessed whether such technology would be economically worthwhile on a large scale remains to be seen.
* Development of a fuel cell-based system for refrigerated transport, Garde et al. World Hydrogen Energy Conference 2012, Sciverse ScienceDirect