Fuel Cell Trailer Refrigeration Heat Rejection Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transport refrigeration systems face challenges in dissipating waste heat generated by fuel cells, especially in high temperature ambient conditions, which limits the operation of electric-powered refrigeration units and requires reducing engine emissions.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system with a trailer refrigeration unit that includes a fuel cell for power generation and a coolant circuit with a radiator to dissipate heat, where the condenser and radiator are positioned to receive unconditioned ambient air, allowing for enhanced heat rejection and efficient operation even in high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a fuel cell is used as an onboard power source to eliminate diesel engine emissions, then emissions are reduced, but the ability to dissipate waste heat in high temperature ambient conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radiator for fuel cell heat dissipation with the condenser for refrigeration in a single integrated assembly. Both components share a common structure and are positioned to receive ambient air simultaneously, allowing the system to dissipate fuel cell waste heat while maintaining refrigeration function without requiring separate cooling systems.
2Temperature
If the condenser and radiator share a common air flow path to improve heat rejection, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser and radiator are merged into a single integrated assembly where both components are positioned side-by-side and receive ambient air through a common inlet. This integration reduces system complexity compared to having separate cooling systems while maintaining efficient heat rejection for both the refrigeration cycle and fuel cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated condenser-radiator assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the heat exchanger for the refrigeration cycle (condenser) and the heat dissipation device for the fuel cell (radiator). This multi-functionality allows a single component system to handle both thermal management requirements without increasing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables the refrigeration system to operate effectively in high ambient temperatures by increasing heat rejection capabilities, allowing the fuel cell to function without power limitations, thus maintaining the required cooling for perishable cargo.
Implementation Method 1
A coolant circuit including a radiator configured to dissipate heat generated by the fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
passed through the airside of the evaporator in heat exchange relationship with refrigerant whereby the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A refrigeration system includes a trailer refrigeration unit 30 including a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant is circulated. The trailer refrigeration unit 30 includes a condenser 34. A fuel cell is configured to generate electrical power for the trailer refrigeration unit 30. A coolant circuit includes a radiator 80 configured to dissipate heat generated by the fuel cell. The condenser 34 and the radiator 80 are positioned such that each of the condenser 34 and the radiator 80 receives a flow of unconditioned ambient air.