Numerical study of the aero-thermal performance for different scenarios of a refrigerated truck using URANS

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 320; p. 128775
• Main Authors: Ben Taher, M.A., Mahdaoui, M., Kousksou, T., Zeraouli, Y., Ahachad, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 20.10.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Air curtain; CFD; Energy consumption; Engineering Sciences; Food cold chain; Forced convection; Refrigerated truck; Air curtain; CFD; Energy consumption; Forced convection; Food cold chain; Refrigerated truck
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128775

The cold chain represents a sensitive element that directly affects the food security of our society. Refrigerated truck transport directly affects the quality and shelf life of perishable products according to their appropriate temperature ranges, which are key elements of the chain. In this context, it is important to examine the cooling mechanism to improve and optimize the energy efficiency inside the container. However, this study was conducted to gain knowledge of aerothermal behavior and to understand the flow mechanisms in various three-dimensional configurations of trucks using URANS. The numerical results obtained provide a good qualitative agreement with the experimental data. Furthermore, this study reveals that an air curtain can be employed to optimize the energy consumption and cooling time when opening the truck door, considering different loading scenarios (empty, partially truckload, and almost fully truckload). While the use of this device could lead to savings up to 25.3% of the cooling energy consumption. •A numerical model to predict the aerothermal behavior inside the truck was developed.•The interaction between natural and forced convection was considered.•An air curtain was introduced to reduce air infiltration when the door is opened.•A good agreement was obtained between numerical results and experimental data.•An overview of proposals to improve the performance of refrigerated trucks was given.