Real-time performance evaluation and potential GHG reduction in refrigerated trailers

In this study, real-time performance of typical refrigerated trailers used in food transportation industry is studied theoretically and experimentally. Two pilot refrigerated trailers are selected and real-time data are collected over different seasons of year 2014–2015 using various measuring equipment during routine operation (fleet dairy distribution reefers) in Vancouver, BC, Canada. A new mathematical model is developed to simulate transient behavior of the on-board vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) systems in trailers and obtain thermal and performance characteristics. The model is validated using the experimental data and executed over the wide periods of measurement. The real-time thermal behavior of the VCR systems is obtained and analyzed. The maximum real-time cooling power and power consumption of the systems are calculated as 17.8 and 18.4 kW. The average yearly energy consumption and COP of the systems are obtained as 11,800 kWh and 0.58, respectively. Tremendous GHG reduction of 8320 kg CO2 per year per trailer is possible by replacing the current diesel engine-driven VCR systems with battery-powered types. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.