Coupling of a solid oxide fuel cell with a vapour absorption refrigeration system for refrigerated truck application

Venkataraman, Vikrant (2017). Coupling of a solid oxide fuel cell with a vapour absorption refrigeration system for refrigerated truck application. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This PhD thesis presents a modelling and simulation approach for coupling a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) with a Vapour Absorption Refrigeration System (VARS) specifically for refrigerated trucks. Zero dimensional models were developed for the SOFC and VARS and detailed 1D and 3D models were developed for various components of the system.
A major challenge in this work was the thermal coupling of two systems working at entirely different temperature levels. The SOFC operates between 700 oC and 800 oC and the VARS between 150 oC and 200 oC. These two systems were successfully coupled to one another using two methods- indirect coupling, using a thermal coupling fluid and direct coupling, using heat pipes. The concept of using heat pipes has been explored for the first time in a desorber and hence that presents the biggest novelty of this work.
Design and modelling of all the components in the VARS is a major project in itself hence in this thesis only the desorber of the VARS was designed and modelled. Two different compact desorbers designs were explored. The first one being a plate heat exchanger desorber and the second one a heat pipe integrated desorber.
This work is the first one on the combined use of SOFC and VARS for a mobile application. Such a system, if developed, could also have wider implications in areas besides refrigerated transport.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):