An exhaust energy-powered absorption transport refrigerator (ATR) can provide a controlled, below ambient environment to a refrigerated trailer using significantly less fuel than current technology. An ATR utilizes an absorption refrigeration cycle that is powered primarily by waste heat from the transport vehicle (truck) engine. Current technology utilizes a vapor-compression refrigeration system consisting of a trailer-mounted refrigeration unit with the compressor driven by a small combustion engine (typically diesel). Capacities of these systems range from 20,000 to 50,000 Btu/h (5.9-14.6 kW).

Proof-of-concept testing on an exhaust gas heat exchanger (EGHX) and a plate-fin, hydronically heated ammonia vapor generator was completed. The EGHX must remove a large amount of energy from a gas stream without a large pressure loss penalty (which would reduce the efficiency of the truck engine) and be easily installed in the exhaust system of a large semi-truck. The generator must be able to generate as much vapor as possible, using the available waste energy stream, in order to minimize the amount of auxiliary heat required and do so while maintaining the solution temperature and concentration profiles required for good cycle performance.

While designed specifically for transport refrigeration, the technology developed during this project can be applied to any application requiring refrigeration in which a high-temperature waste heat stream (stationary engines driving chillers in refrigerated warehouses or providing local electrical power, industrial processes, etc.) is available. The EGHX could be applied as a stand-alone heat recovery device for any number of applications. The hydronically heated generator is ideal for solar-powered refrigeration.

Units: Dual