Electrical reefer control
Shorepower Technologies has announced that the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has awarded it a $446,000 cost-shared contract to design and develop a central demand-side management control system for conventional diesel trailer refrigeration units (TRUs) while on electric standby, and for hybrid electric trailer refrigeration units (eTRUs). The system is intended to reduce standby service electricity demand requirements, diesel engine noise and air pollution, and overall fleet operating costs.
Monitoring and measuring refrigeration requirements of an entire fleet of plugged-in trailers will be accomplished through wireless global positioning satellite (GPS) data. Individual unit control instructions will be returned through the plug-in pedestal system located at parking stalls.
Major partners in the NYSERDA project include the New York State Department of Correctional Services’ (NYS DOCS) Office of Nutritional Services Food Production Center, Carrier Transicold (www.trucktrailer.carrier.com) Rochester Gas and Electric and others. The pre-commercial central demand-side management control system will be installed at the NYS DOCS Office of Nutritional Services Food Production Center, at the Oneida Correctional Facility in Rome, NY. This is the central food preparation facility for 73 locations, including the entire NY State Prison system and several additional sites. Currently, it features the Carrier-Transicold Ultra XL electric standby TRUs, which have the ability to plug into grid power when idle.
Shorepower Technologies is currently deploying a national network of “shore power truck electrified parking” (STEP) facilities at truck stops, rest areas and fleet terminal facilities along major U.S. Interstate highways. The company’s system is a low-cost alternative to idling that provides grid-based electricity, cable television, and high-speed Internet connections to enable drivers of long-haul heavy-duty trucks to shut down their engines and save fuel during mandated rest periods.
