Analysis of the Temperature Distribution in a Refrigerated Truck Body Depending on the Box Loading Patterns

Abstract

The main purpose of cold chain is to keep the temperature of products constant during transportation. The internal temperature of refrigerated truck body is mainly measured with a temperature sensor installed at the hottest point on the body. Hence, the measured temperature cannot represent the overall temperature values of transported products in the body. Moreover, the airflow pattern in the refrigerated body can vary depending on the arrangement of loaded logistics, resulting temperature differences between the transported products. In this study, the airflow and temperature change in the refrigerated body depending on the loading patterns of box were analyzed using experimental and numerical analysis methods. Ten different box loading patterns were applied to the body of 0.5 ton refrigerated truck. The temperatures inside boxes were measured depending on the loading patterns. CFD modeling with two different turbulence models (k-ε and SST k-ω) was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics for predicting the temperatures inside boxes loaded with different patterns, and the predicted data were compared to the experimental data. The k-ε turbulence model showed a higher temperature error than the SST k-ω model; however, the highest temperature point inside the boxes was almost accurately predicted. The developed model derived an approximate temperature distribution in the boxes loaded in the refrigerated body.

Evaluation of Temperature Uniformity in a Middle-Refrigerated Truck Loaded with Pig Carcasses

“…The CFD modeling considered various phenomena, such as the respiration heat of the product and infiltration of outside air due to the opening of the door. The results obtained reflect the influence of the thermal characteristics of the refrigerator compartment on the airflow structure, but they cannot truly reflect the convection heat transfer in the transport environment [14,15]. In the present study, 36 temperature and humidity nodes were installed in a passenger compartment to establish a wireless environmental detection system for refrigerated trucks and record the truck temperature in real time.…”

Performance Evaluation Of Refrigerated Pickup Truck Using Hydrocarbon Refrigerants

“…Another strength of R-1270 is that it is not harmful to the ozone layer (ODP = 0) and has a low effect on global warming, namely GWP < 2. However, this HCs refrigerant has not been widely used by refrigeration machine manufacturers in refrigerated pickup truck units [24]. This is because there are concerns from consumers regarding its flammability.…”

Study of Heat Transfer in the Walls of the Body Superstructure of a Vehicle for Transporting Frozen Meat Carcasses

“…In addition, the materials from which these insulating panels are made are subject to quite harsh conditions (repeated cooling and heating), which accelerates their ageing process and thus reduces their thermal performance. Due to the infiltration of water vapour and working fluids, insulation materials significantly reduce their performance [4][5][6][7][8].…”