LOUISVILLE. Carrier Transicold debuted its Vector 6500 hybrid refrigeration unit for single-temperature trailers here at the Mid-America Trucking Show. The reefer unit is powered by Carrier’s exclusive hybrid diesel-electric Deltek technology.
“With its all-electric architecture, the Vector 6500 is a high-performance unit designed for both exceptional reliability and low cost of ownership,” said David Kiefer, director of marketing and product management. He said the next- generation unit “builds on the success of our hybrid Vector 1800MT multi-temperature unit.”
Kiefer said the Vector 6500’s refrigeration capacity rivals the performance of the top-of-the-line trailer unit from Carrier’s X2 series, which it closely resembles on the exterior. However, he said, the units are very different on the inside. “The Vector 6500’s streamlined electric architecture eliminates many of the serviceable mechanical components found in conventional systems, and substitutes expanded use of electronics and maintenance-free electrical components. The result is a unit that can reduce maintenance costs over its lifetime, compared to conventional mechanical technologies.”
More importantly, according to Kiefer, unlike a conventional system that runs all mechanically connected components via belts and pulleys whenever the engine runs, the Vector system only powers components needed at any given time, which can save fuel by reducing the engine load.
“Ever since we introduced the Vector 1800MT unit in 2006, our North American customers have been eagerly awaiting the debut of a single-temperature hybrid suited for today’s 53-ft., thin-wall trailers used in long-haul applications.”
Carrier’s Deltek technology uses a diesel engine to drive a 23 kW electric generator. This power plant generates enough current to run all system components such as fans and the 6-cylinder 06D semi-hermetic compressor with its electric motor sealed inside, noted Keifer. In addition, he said the independent electric-resistance heating elements provide precise temperature control, when heat is required.
According to Kiefer, key features that enhance the unit’s environmental profile include:
- A 2.2-liter, direct-injection engine that surpasses the requirements of the EPA Tier 4-interim standard (Tier 4i) and outperforms competitive units with regard to particulate emissions. The same engine used in Carrier’s X2 series, it has better fuel efficiency and is quieter than earlier engines.
- The Vector 6500 can be equipped for electric standby, allowing it to be plugged into grid power when parked rather than running the diesel engine, thus eliminating emissions and fuel consumption, reducing noise and lowering operating costs.
- It uses one-third less refrigerant than a conventional system and has a simplified cooling circuit with approximately half the brazed joints and no compressor shaft seal, significantly improving refrigerant containment.
“As a result of this exciting new technology, Carrier was able to accelerate product development with a higher degree of quality assurance than ever before,” said Kiefer, adding that Carrier anticipates making the Vector 6500 available this summer.
For more information, go to www.trucktrailer.carrier.com.
