Subscribe

Tag: refrigeration units

Sustainable and Efficient Cold Chain Innovation

Posted on by David Priestman

Thermo King®, a leader in transport temperature control solutions and a brand of Trane Technologies, will showcase its latest refrigerated container solutions at Intermodal Europe 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, from November 12th to 14th. The innovations on display at Thermo King’s stand (B20) focus on enhancing efficiency and sustainability in cold chain transport, meeting the needs of shipping lines, intermodal and stationary applications to reduce food loss and carbon emissions.

“Cold chain integrity while minimizing carbon footprint and energy consumption, are key trends shaping the transport and logistics sector,” said Claudio Zanframundo, president Thermo King EMEA Truck, Trailer, Bus and Global Marine, Rail, Air. “We protect temperature-sensitive cargo at every stage of transport, whether by road, rail, or sea. Thermo King is driving the transformation of cold chain logistics by delivering solutions that meet current and future stringent environmental standards, helping our customers achieve sustainability goals without compromising operations. By innovating, we ensure reliable performance, reduce food loss, and support a more sustainable cold chain.”

Thermo King will introduce several key advancements tailored to the needs of marine and intermodal transport:

• MP-5000 Controller
The MP-5000 controller for Thermo King’s Container Fresh and Frozen (CFF) and Magnum Plus reefer units provides an intuitive, logic-driven user interface with Bluetooth connectivity for two-way communication. This system simplifies operator interactions, giving greater control and allowing for remote monitoring. The MP-5000 also includes energy logging as a standard feature, enabling users to track both kWh consumption and CO2 emissions for each voyage. With PT-1000 temperature sensors, the controller delivers best-in-class temperature accuracy, ensuring cargo protection, while also reducing the total cost of ownership.

• TK Active Fresh – Active Controlled Atmosphere
Showcased for the first time at Intermodal 2024, the TK Active Fresh solution is designed to maintain optimal conditions for high-respiration cargo, such as fresh produce, during long-haul transport. Using a nitrogen membrane, the system actively controls oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels inside refrigerated containers, ensuring the cargo stays in optimal conditions throughout its journey. The systems features fast oxygen pull-down at 28 liters per minute with nitrogen purity of 95%, effectively slowing down the respiration of fresh produce, improving quality and extending its shelf life.

With superior ventilation rate removing excessive CO2 at 90 liters per minute, exporters can confidently transport their goods over long distances with minimal food loss, ensuring the highest product quality upon arrival.

• E-COOLPAC – Battery Power for Reefer Containers
Thermo King will also showcase the E-COOLPAC, an advanced battery-powered solution designed for refrigerated marine containers when not connected to grid or vessel power. Available in flexible configurations ranging from 35kWh to 105kWh, the E-COOLPAC offers a sustainable alternative to diesel gensets. It can be fitted or retrofitted to marine container chassis, and is compatible with Thermo King CFF and Magnum Plus refrigeration units, as well as other ISO1496-2 reefer units. E-COOLPAC helps transporters reduce emissions, comply with regulations, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Thermo King CFF and Advancer Refrigeration Units

Visitors to the Thermo King stand will also see the proven CFF refrigeration unit offering industry-standard set-point range from -30°C to +30°C. The CFF is culmination of Thermo King’s extensive container refrigeration knowledge acquired from the intermodal use of reefer units on rough roads and seas. The CFF provides optimal COP (Coefficient of Performance), air management and temperature control accuracy of +/- 0.25°C in chilled mode and +/- 1°C in frozen mode. The CFF responds to customer needs to reduce energy cost, increase sustainability, support IMO requirements to log power consumption and achieve low total cost of ownership.

Thermo King will also showcase the Advancer Intermodal refrigeration unit, tailored for rail, road, and short-sea shipments. This unit offers market-leading performance in terms of fuel efficiency, temperature control, and connectivity. Thermo King’s telematics systems enable remote monitoring, and two-way communication, allowing customers to benefit from the ThermoKare 24/7 Fleet Monitoring service. This central monitoring solution from Thermo King combines real-time monitoring of the refrigerated fleet, remote-diagnosis and proactive support performed around the clock by Thermo King experts.

Additionally, the Advancer is compatible with alternative power sources, including the Thermo King AxlePower smart energy recovery system, which harvests energy from the chassis’ axle to power the refrigeration unit.

similar news

Trailer Refrigeration Taken to Next Level with Advancer, Claims Thermo King

 

Telematics Connectivity for Vehicle-Powered Units

Posted on by David Priestman

Thermo King®, a leader in transport temperature control solutions and a brand of Trane Technologies, has announced its new BlueBox Lite telematics device designed to enhance the connectivity of the vehicle-powered refrigeration units.

With the BlueBox Lite device the customers now get a more cost-efficient way to obtain not only the temperature and position data, but also critical information from the vehicle-powered refrigeration units’ control system like setpoints, alarms or hours of operation. BlueBox Lite features 4G connectivity allowing customers to easily access the data through the Thermo King TracKing™ web portal, TK Reefer or integrate it with a third-party platform or back-end system.

“Connectivity is something not to be missed for companies looking to improve the efficiency of their cold chain operations,” said Mike McEnnis, Portfolio Leader Product Management. “By introducing the BlueBox Lite telematics device for our V-Series, VX-Series and B-Series range we want to make it easier for our customers to take advantage of the data and make their operations smarter. The BlueBox Lite is a plug-and-play, 4G solution that gives them a cost-efficient and easy way to receive real time intelligence on the operation of their refrigerated vehicle.”

Other key features of the Thermo King BlueBox Lite device include:

– Near real-time data access thanks to the five-minute logging interval availability for improved response times
– Plug-and-play solution reducing the installation time, with no requirement for a separate DataLogger to get the temperature data. Unlike other telematics solutions with temperature probes, the BlueBox Lite is easily installed and connected directly to the refrigeration units’ controller
– EN12830 compatible solution if combined with the optional TouchLog datalogger
– 2-way command for SetPoint change to allow remote control of the load temperature

Thermo King – by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator – is a worldwide leader in sustainable transport temperature control solutions. Thermo King has been providing transport temperature control solutions for a variety of applications, including trailers, truck bodies, buses, air, shipboard containers and railway cars since 1938.

Cold Chain Electrification Supports EVs

Posted on by David Priestman

Carrier Transicold has begun initial production of a new all-electric Syberia eCool temperature-controlled unit, continuing the electrification of the company’s eCool series and further demonstrating its commitment to cold chain sustainability. Compatible with most electric trucks, the new system delivers zero direct engine emissions and ultra-low noise operation, making it the ideal solution for all-electric urban deliveries. Carrier Transicold is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.

First unveiled at IAA Transportation 2022, the Carrier Transicold Syberia eCool is available now in limited quantities in both single and multi-temperature configurations and expected to be widely available to customers in 2024. The system combines a front-mounted Carrier Transicold Syberia 14 engineless refrigeration unit undergoing field testing with the company’s highly efficient power box. The power box converts high-voltage current sourced directly from the vehicle’s powertrain into the 400-volt AC current required to drive the unit, eliminating direct emissions without significantly affecting range or refrigeration performance.

“We set ourselves the challenge to develop an easy to install, all-electric solution that delivers low-energy consumption without losing efficiency,” said Scott Dargan, Managing Director UK and Northern Europe at Carrier Transicold. “The Syberia eCool is that product. It underlines our ability to meet the challenges of urban electric distribution, providing an efficient and cost-effective answer to the ever-growing interest among our customer base for operating fully electric trucks.”

The existing all-electric architecture of the Carrier Transicold Syberia unit means the eCool version effectively offers plug-and-play installation when combined with the power box, delivering more than 95% efficiency when converting energy from the electric driveline to power the refrigeration system. The complete setup also operates below the PIEK standard of 60 db(A), which, in addition to its emissions credentials, means it offers the ultimate solution to tightening inner city and urban regulations, while also creating a more harmonious working environment for drivers.

The new Syberia eCool will support Carrier’s 2030 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, which include helping its customers avoid more than 1 gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions.

Trailer Care Businesses Acquired

Posted on by David Priestman

As of this month, Visser European Trailer Care, based in Uithoorn, and VTS Aalsmeer, based in Aalsmeer, the Netherlands, will be part of the ICTS family. Both workshops specialize in maintaining, repairing and technical control (MOT) for various types of trailers, especially refrigerated trailers and trailers for the air freight industry. Both workshops together employ about 15 employees. The quality, experience and expertise of their mechanics and employees is widely known.

As Mr Dirco Visser, previous owner/manager who will continue to lead the two workshops, puts it: “ICTS is the right harbour to further develop both Visser European Trailer Care and VTS Aalsmeer.”

Mr Joop Roijakkers, Vice President Rental at ICTS adds: “This acquisition is also important for ICTS’ rental division. Visser European Trailer Care will now also become a depot from where ICTS trailers can be collected and returned.”

Brand re-names for trailer care

The existing names and logos of the companies will be renamed ICTS Services Uithoorn and ICTS Services Aalsmeer, this will further strengthen our link between services and rental.

ICTS is a service company with branches in the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland and the United Kingdom for the rental and servicing of trailers. ICTS Group has several types of trailers in its rental fleet to meet the demands of the customer. In addition, there are several extra options possible for each type of trailer in order to offer customized solutions. ICTS Group gives you the opportunity to purchase used, well-maintained trailers at very competitive prices.

Refrigerated lorry fleet electrified to reduce emissions

Posted on by Keith McKinley

FRIGOBLOCK, one of the leading suppliers of transport refrigeration units in Europe and brand of Thermo King®, collaborated with BIOGROS, a Luxembourgish wholesaler and distributor of bio products and part of Oikopolis Group, put the first fully electric refrigerated truck on Luxembourg’s roads. As part of the project, FRIGOBLOCK equipped the prototype MAN eTGM truck with the inverter driven FK25i refrigeration unit. BIOGROS calculates that in the first eight months of operations they saved over 2900 litres of diesel equalling to approximately 9.4 tonnes of CO2, compared to similar diesel-fuelled truck in their fleet. By end of the year, they expect to save a total of approximately 22 tonnes of CO2, more than 20% of their entire fleet’s emissions.

Environmental responsibility and operating in a sustainable manner are part of BIOGROS’ culture. In late 2020, as part of their strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and decrease fuel consumption, BIOGROS decided to expand its distribution fleet with a new refrigerated e-truck, the first one to operate on Luxembourg roads. To find the most efficient, electric refrigeration unit for the prototype MAN eTGM truck, BIOGROS reached out to Gradius, Thermo King’s official dealer in Belgium and Luxembourg.

The truck required a refrigeration unit, which could work fully on electric power and that could be connected and powered by the truck’s main battery with low impact on the vehicle’s operational range. FRIGOBLOCK’s FK25i unit ticked all the boxes.

“When planning our transport and logistics operations, we have always looked for the best possible compromise between the protection of the environment and food safety,” said Marco Gasper, logistics manager at BIOGROS. “BIOGROS recently received the Lean & Green 2 Stars-Award thanks to the restructuring and the optimisation of our logistic processes to reduce the CO2 emissions. Our collaboration with FRIGOBLOCK is part of this success.”

“Part of our philosophy is to be close to our customers and provide them with turnkey solutions that are right both from an operational and a sustainability point of view,” said Samer Hawat, area sales and service manager for Belgium and Luxembourg, Thermo King. “We’re proud to work with BIOGROS and be part of this important project, which emphasized the importance of green, quiet and environmentally friendly transport.”

BIOGROS’ 26 tonnes eTGM truck with FRIGOBLOCK FK-25i can carry 18 pallets and has an autonomous reach of up to 200km. This is perfectly suitable for the BIOGROS’ regional distribution of organic food, which is characterised by a lot of stop-and-go operations. One of the additional key advantages of the refrigerated vehicle is the virtual absence of noise pollution, which contributes to whisper-quiet and zero-emission deliveries.

“For years, we have worked closely with BIOGROS providing them with immediate support and specialist advice when and where they needed it,” said Paulo Marques, account manager at Gradius. “Knowing their operations and requirements well, we could offer them with the right refrigeration solution to help maximise the results of this project.”

“With Gradius’ support and FRIGOBLOCK’s expertise we were able to achieve significant savings with the new vehicle. Along with the CO2 emissions that shrank from 97 kg to 1.3 kg per 100 km, the energy consumption is also by two thirds lower than the one of a regular diesel truck,” said Marco Gasper. “We believe the fleet electrification in the retail sector is a trend that is set to continue. Working with Thermo King and FRIGOBLOCK will help us ensure high performing, reliable and sustainable refrigeration for our current and future fleet.”

New Connectivity for Truck Undermount Refrigeration Units

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Thermo King®, a leader in transport temperature control solutions and a brand of Trane Technologies, today announced the introduction of new connectivity functionalities to its undermount self-powered truck refrigeration units. The Thermo King UT-Series units can now receive improved level of real time intelligence thanks to the TK BlueBox communication device and connectivity technology.

TK BlueBox communication device and Bluetooth® connectivity provides full, 24/7 visibility of the unit and load condition, remote monitoring and proactive control:

  • Bluetooth enables the users within the connection’s range to remotely manage defrost, pre-trip, set point and additional operating mode settings.
  • The unit can also be accessed and managed remotely from anywhere in the world through an internet connection as part of the Thermo King TracKing™ offering.
  • The TK BlueBox telematics system can be accessed remotely through a free TK Reefer app on smart phone or Bluetooth-enabled device. This provides two-way communication that allows real-time unit management and access to critical data to ensure that the load is protected at all times.

“The TK BlueBox has already been available for our T-Series units. Now it’s also compatible with our under-mount, UT-Series range,” said Davide Previsdomini product manager at Thermo King. “Fleet managers and drivers will be able to remotely access vital unit data and get real-time notifications to ensure that the load is protected at all times and the unit is running at its most efficient. If they see something out of the ordinary, they can instantly address the issue to avoid any negative impact to the load.”

Thermo King UT-Series units already in operation, including UT SPECTRUM, UT XTREME HIGH AMBIENT, UT-Hybrid models can also start benefiting from the Thermo King Connected Solutions offering thanks to a quick installation of the TK BlueBox at one of the Thermo King dealers.

 

Refrigeration Unit on Double-Deck Trailers

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Bute-based haulier, John Mackirdy Limited, has taken delivery of a new Carrier Transicold Vector® HE 19 MT (multi-temperature) refrigeration unit, mounted to the company’s first ever double-deck trailer. The new asset is designed to increase fleet efficiency and improve sustainability across the business. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), a leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.

The new 13.6-metre double deck – manufactured by Gray & Adams – joins John Mackirdy’s 10-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet, which includes two standard refrigerated trailers mounted with Vector 1950 MT units and one 12-tonne rigid with a Carrier Transicold Supra® 450 unit.

“All of our refrigerated vehicles are Carrier-cooled; when it comes to new trailers, we always specify the latest Vector, and they’ve never let us down,” said John Mackirdy, managing director, John Mackirdy Limited. “As a business, we’re now looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint and future proof our fleet; the new double deck will play a major role in this. We’ll be able to combine substantial fuel savings from the Vector with almost double the load space, meaning we make far fewer journeys.”

The new Vector HE 19 MT combines Carrier Transicold’s all-electric E-Drive™ technology with a new ultra-modern multi-speed engine design that can cut fuel consumption by up to 30%. The unit also offers a 10% saving in weight and a noise reduction of 3 dB(A) – which to the human ear equates to 50% less noise. The system also delivers up to 15% savings on maintenance costs.
The fully hermetic scroll compressor and economiser helps increase refrigeration capacity during pull-down by 40%, while cutting the chance of refrigerant escape by 50%. When plugged into the electrical grid on standby, the Vector HE 19 MT is also 19% more efficient, meaning it delivers reduced diesel, maintenance and electricity bills.

“The list of benefits we get from the new Vector HE 19 MT are fantastic. Not only do they help us deliver on the environmental front, but they also drive down operating and running costs – which in the current climate is extremely important,” said Mackirdy.

John Mackirdy has also opted for Carrier Transicold’s advanced telematics package for the first time. Using two-way communication, the system offers the ability to remotely alter set points or operation modes, as well as initiate defrosts, pre-trip checks, and clear alarms from any connected device. The new Vector HE 19 MT also features Carrier Transicold’s DataCOLD™ 600 temperature recorder, which provides easy access to a wealth of information on unit performance.

The new unit is also covered by everCOLD™, Carrier Transicold’s fixed cost, full-service maintenance package that includes annual temperature control testing and certification, full regulatory checks and access to Carrier Transicold’s oneCALL™ 24/7 incident management service. These innovative service and technology enhancements ensure the safe transport of perishables, which aligns with Carrier’s Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Programme. Expected to stay in operation for 10 years, the new trailer will transport goods for a variety of customers. However, it will primarily be used for the distribution of food products from a local producer into mainland Scotland.

1000 Refrigeration Units Added to Ship Sensitive Cargo

Posted on by Keith McKinley

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. is expanding its refrigerated units shipping capabilities with 1,000 new containers equipped with Carrier Transicold’s PrimeLINE® refrigeration unit. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.

The new, 40-foot high-cube containers will help the Haifa, Israel-based shipping line accommodate growth and solidify its commitment to having ample refrigerated resources to support its customers during these challenging times. Many of the new containers will ship highly temperature-sensitive perishable cargoes and high-value pharmaceutical products.

“With thousands of PrimeLINE units already in service to our fleet over many years, the refrigeration system has proven itself to be a highly capable performer,” said Moti Azari, reefer trade manager, ZIM. “The unit’s excellent refrigeration capabilities, energy efficiency and record of reliability, backed by Carrier Transicold’s responsive field support team, are all vitally important to our fleet operations, especially so, during these unprecedented times amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The PrimeLINE unit offers rapid temperature pull-down, tight temperature control, high energy efficiency and high air-flow performance, which are integral to the transportation of high-value cargoes, especially pharmaceutical products. Its efficiency is attributed primarily to an advanced digital scroll compressor that reduces power draw, which also results in reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent emissions. Carrier helps customers meet the rapidly evolving supply chain demands to make their cold chain activities more efficient through the Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Program.

“We appreciate the opportunity to continue supporting ZIM with our PrimeLINE units, which have been the industry sales leader for more than a decade with best-in-class refrigeration performance,” said Kay Henze, international key account manager, Global Container Refrigeration, Carrier Transicold.

More container news here

 

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.