Performance Simulation of Hybrid Refrigeration System Using Eutectic Salt PCM for Eco Reefer Container

Today, fresh, chilled, or frozen products usually use reefer containers. The main problem with using reefer containers is the large energy consumption of 3.6kW/TEUS and the continuous supply of electric power. One solution available is using Phase Change Material (PCM) in the hybrid refrigeration system combined with a vapor compression system. Using PCM, the temperature of the reefer container can be maintained for several hours of cooling with the compressor off. This research aims to simulate the performance of a hybrid refrigeration system using PCM and the distribution of cooling air temperature in a laboratory-scale eco-reefer container. A simulation was performed using numerical software and CFD software. From the simulation analysis, the power value of the compressor at -20 °C is 0.3794 kW for the conventional system, 0.463 kW for the 22% NaCl PCM hybrid system, and 0.411 kW for the 20% Propylene Glycol PCM hybrid one. The COP value is 2,560 for the conventional system, 2,572 for the 22% NaCl PCM hybrid system, and 2,569 for the 20% Propylene Glycol PCM hybrid one. The CFD simulation results that PCM NaCl and Propylene Glycol can maintain the reefer container room temperature and product load.