New testing by Carrier Transicold suggests that the FuelWise efficiency-boosting option for its PowerLINE generator sets can help reduce fuel consumption by up to 37%. The trials demonstrate the potential impact for shipping companies seeking to reduce costs and lower the carbon footprint associated with overland transport of refrigerated products.
PowerLINE diesel-powered gen-sets provide uninterrupted power to container refrigeration systems used in intermodal applications. The FuelWise option enables the gen-set to run at two speeds. The initial speed is 1,800 rpm, providing maximum pulldown power during the short start-up period. The speed is then automatically reduced to 1,500 rpm for the duration of a trip.
To demonstrate performance in real-world applications, Carrier ran a battery of test simulations using PowerLINE gen-sets with its ThinLINE reciprocating units.
“We tested for some of the most commonly hauled fruits—bananas, mangoes, and melons—and frozen loads, using appropriate set-points for each and measuring against different ambient temperatures,” said Charu Mahajan, Carrier’s product manager–gen-sets.
Although actual fuel consumption depends on real-world conditions, cargo and the specific refrigeration unit used, the fuel savings consistently ranged from 26% to 28% in test situations at 38° C (100° F) ambient.
Fuel savings increased further in tests involving ThinLINE units equipped with QUEST power-saving mode, delivering total savings ranging from 33% to 37%. QUEST, which stands for Quality and Energy efficiency in Storage and Transport, governs the run-time of container refrigeration systems and cycles refrigeration on and off based on temperature settings for specific perishables.
For typical applications, based on an average of $2.95 per gallon diesel fuel cost in the United States, the FuelWise option provides payback in less than five months.
FuelWise can be included with new PowerLINE units and can also be easily installed on existing units in the field. All recent-model Carrier generator sets with Tier4i engines can be retrofitted with FuelWise.
Access www.carrier.com for more information.
