Transport Refrigeration Unit, or TRU, is an example of a diesel emission source that will be regulated in the future. The TRU is used to provide refrigerated space during the transport of fruits, vegetables, meat, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and any other product that needs a temperature controlled environment while being transported. TRUs are used in all modes of transport, on rail cars, on ocean going shipping containers, over the road truck trailers and even on airplane Unit Load Devices.
Policy making bodies, understanding the adverse effects of diesel emissions, noise pollution, and fuel consumption have started to pass legislation in an effort to curtail transport diesel emissions. At the local level many states as well as some municipalities have instituted policy designed to eliminate these sources of pollution.
This paper examines the impact of emissions from TRU diesel engines and details the design, construction and performance of both a fuel cell powered APU and a fuel cell powered TRU. Results show that current off the shelf technology is available to build fuel cell powered devices that are able to reduce diesel emissions. Using the results gathered from this research suggestions are made for further improvement and the likely evolution of fuel cells in transport applications.