In this SBIR project, NRG Solutions will develop an Absorption Transport Refrigerator (ATR) that uses waste heat from the truck engine to provide refrigeration and/or heating to a trailer. The ATR would be powered primarily by the waste heat stream from a truck diesel engine. Current technology employs vapor compression refrigeration cycles powered by a dedicated 25-35 hp diesel or gasoline engine. Absorption refrigeration cycles are heat driven and permit the utilization of truck engine exhaust heat as the primary energy source, eliminating the need for a dedicated power source for the refrigerator. Approximately 60% of the energy consumed by current technology can be saved by the use of ATRs. The objective of Phase I is to complete proof of concept testing for the exhaust gas heat exchanger and vapor generator that have been designed for the proposed application. A prototype of the two components will be constructed and tested utilizing the absorption breadboard system at The Ohio State University's Absorption Research Laboratory.
