Performance evaluation of a hybrid photovoltaic-vapor compression system serving a refrigerated van

The refrigerated transportation industry's growth necessitates addressing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This study estimates a photovoltaic system's energy and environmental benefits to power a vapour compression refrigeration (VCR) system serving a light-duty commercial refrigerated van. A comprehensive energy model encompassing thermal, electrical, and battery sub-models simulating the system's dynamic behaviour is calibrated with real-world data referring to an urban single-delivery mission. The potential benefits are estimated for a long-distance single-delivery mission starting from the University of Salerno (Italy) and ending at the Jaume I University in Castellon de la Plana (Spain). The results have shown that the system can reduce fuel consumption for refrigeration by more than 88 % during summer months and allows neutral refrigeration during winter months, leading to on-wheel emission savings between 4 and 8 gCO₂,e/km. When considering total emissions, including electrical energy from the power grid and the increased weight due to the PV system, a 33–47 % reduction is obtained, corresponding to 1–5 gCO₂,e/km. In detail, PV panels can cover up to 19 % of the total energy requirements. In economic terms, the system allows a cost-saving between 0.1 and 0.3 c€/km. The low complexity and promising results suggest the hybrid PV solution is a viable path towards decarbonising refrigerated transport.