Mir Zain ul Husain I MEL Candidate I Dec 14, 2023.
Mentors: Pierre-Xavier Roy & William Harney Hydro Cool Systems Ltd.
Abstract :
The trucking industry serves as the vital nerve center of the Agriculture sector, responsible for transporting 64% of US freight by weight and 69% by value from farms to destinations. Among these goods, approximately 190 million tons comprise perishables such as meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Transporting these perishables relies on truck or tractor-mounted Transportation Refrigeration Units (TRUs), traditionally powered by 25HP diesel engines. Annually, 100,000 of these units are sold, emitting 41,377 tons of CO2 according to the California Resource Board (CARB).
In September 2022, pivotal federal agencies—Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency—unified efforts, signing a transformative memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing the nation’s clean transportation agenda. January witnessed the unveiling of the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, championed by eminent leaders. This blueprint targets the eradication of transportation sector emissions by 2050, emphasizing affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport solutions like electric vehicles and clean fuels. This collaborative initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also promises job creation and bolsters energy independence, marking a significant stride towards a sustainable transportation framework.
This project delves into a techno-commercial analysis comparing the viability of powering Transportation Refrigeration Units (TRUs) through batteries or green hydrogen for different products and across various seasons on the route from Los Angeles to Chicago.