Developments in Transport Refrigeration Systems using Liquid Nitrogen Expansion and Mechanical Vapour Compression

摘要

A cost effective, zero-emission alternative for Transport Refrigeration Units (TRU) is provided by thernDearman Engine, a highly efficient Rankine-cycle piston engine powered by the phase-changernexpansion of liquid air or liquid nitrogen. When used in refrigeration applications, the system uses both thernlatent heat of vapourisation of the liquid nitrogen, and a secondary vapour cycle driven by the Dearmanrnengine to provide cooling, whilst a secondary fluid circuit is used to both cool the vapour cycle condenserrnand improve the efficiency of the expander.rnThis paper summarises recent improvements in Dearman Engine refrigeration systems, with development ofrna second generation engine, analysis of the relationship between vapour cycle and Dearman enginernperformance, and test results for alternative refrigerants and compressors presented. These developmentsrndemonstrate improved performance when compared to conventional diesel-powered refrigeration systems,rntogether with zero operational emissions of carbon dioxide, NOx and particulate matter.