Application of Pinch Analysis for optimal Sizing Of Thermal Management System in Fuel Cell Powered Heavy-Duty Trucks

The high energy consumption by the transportation sector along with augmenting greenhouse gas emissions has necessitated the introduction of fuel cell and hybrid electric vehicles. While advantages such as long driving range, zero emissions, high efficiency and low noise have made fuel cells a prospective power source, there remain a few shortcomings that need to be addressed. This work focuses on the issue of bulky thermal management systems in fuel cell-based vehicles. The huge radiators in fuel cell vehicles demand large frontal areas and contribute to unwanted vehicle overloading and low fuel economy. The paper applies the concept of using a latent heat thermal energy storage system to reduce the automobile's radiator size. The current study investigates the applicability of a Pinch analysis-based generic thermal management system sizing methodology in a heavy-duty truck. Analysis shows that by using phase change materials it is possible to reduce the radiator area in fuel cell trucks to as low as 4.25 times and the phase change material's quantity required for this is only 0.04 % of the curb weight of the truck. A further study on the different vehicular parameters of the truck is also conducted to estimate their effect on the vehicle load and subsequent heat dissipation needs.