Fuel- and energy-saving technology for the cold transport industry
The refrigerated transportation sector is seeking energy-saving solutions to remain competitive. As soaring fuel prices drive operating costs, companies are taking their refrigerated vehicles off the roads and either renovating or replacing them. About 8 % of a van or truck's total fuel consumption is used up by its refrigeration system. To tackle this issue, the EU-funded HP-ACS (Metal hydride heat pump for waste heat recovery in vans refrigeration systems) project set out to introduce an innovative heat pump. The system promises considerable fuel and energy savings over conventional systems, while boosting vehicle efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The composite materials for the heat pump's hydrogen adsorption beds were produced and fully characterised. Following the design and installation of the heat pump's control system, project partners designed, tested and successfully validated a heat pump prototype on a van under real load conditions. They assessed temperatures for the van, sorption bed and flue gas output. With an eye towards commercialising the developed technology, the HP-ACS team evaluated the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats involved in exploitation. It also conducted a market study in order to outline an exploitation strategy. The project results fully demonstrate the technological feasibility of the HP-ACS system and constitute a strong base for further developments of the technology of refrigeration from waste heat recovery toward market products. HP-ACS is leading the revolution towards a cutting-edge, heat-driven air conditioning system. Tomorrow's vehicles will be energy and cost efficient, enabling the refrigerated transportation market to remain competitive.
Keywords
Refrigerated transportation, refrigerated vehicles, HP-ACS, heat pump, waste heat recovery
