Feasibility study on applying the mist-spraying cooling to improve the capacity of ultra-large container ships for loading reefers

This work proposed a novel hybrid cooling system that applies the mist-spraying technology to improve the thermal conditions and loading capacity of refrigerated containers (reefers) in the cargo holds of ultra-large container ships. Thorough studies were carried out via both experiments and simulations. First, effects of the air supply rate and the mist spray rate on the reefer's exhaust temperature and the ambient temperature of the reefer Lab. were investigated in comparison with the simulation models. Then the possible operating conditions of the air and mist flow rates were clarified and the cargo hold from a practical container ship was adopted as the example to verify their feasibility. Finally, the possible capacity improvement for loading reefers was discussed while the method of determining the operating range of mist spray rates and air supply rates was also established. It was found that great benefits were generated by the proposed system in lowering the reefer's exhaust temperature and improving the thermal conditions inside the cargo hold. In addition, a substantial capacity improvement for loading reefers in the cargo hold was also achieved in the present study. The study will help in enhancing the efficiency and economic benefits for the reefer transportation.