Carrier Transicold presented its next-generation trailer refrigeration technology at the 2012 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville KY recently.
The ultra-efficient system is designed to consume less fuel, operate quieter, and deliver improved cooling performance, all while running cleaner than previous Carrier Transicold trailer units.
This new technology also provides answers for refrigerated transporters facing upcoming changes to the US Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards in 2013, as well as California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions requirements.
The technology reduces engine power by 18% to 20% and enables 5% to 20% lower fuel consumption than previous models over a full range of operating conditions. It will be applied to both of Carrier Transicold’s trailer refrigeration platforms: the Vector hybrid diesel-electric and the X2 series of belt-driven units. Additional design changes and important operator benefits will be unique to the platforms. For example, compressor and generator design modifications to improve efficiency, performance, and reliability are also expected to reduce the weight of Vector hybrid units by more than 8%. X2 series units will require 24% less refrigerant.
A common element of the technology is a 2.2-liter diesel engine based on Carrier Transicold’s engine line and made smarter by adding sensors and an electronic control module. Common to both platforms will be implementation of the APX control system with new power-management algorithms and intelligent refrigeration system control; improvements to the condenser, heat exchanger, and fan designs for greater efficiency and sound reduction; and a new custom-designed Engine Emissions System (EES) for emissions reduction.
Other benefits of this technology include:
•Improved cooling capacity for most applications, resulting in up to 20% faster pulldown
•Reliable unit operation in hotter ambient conditions
•Up to a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
•Improvements in durability and longevity due to more lightly loaded components running at lower speeds
This technology also responds to new, more stringent EPA tests that, starting in 2013, will require emissions performance over a broader range of operating parameters. Its EES is designed to reduce particulate emissions beyond what is required for EPA Tier 4 compliance and far exceeds requirements of CARB’s applicable ultra-low diesel emission rule.
Units featuring the new technology will be available in limited quantities by the end of 2012, and fully available in 2013. For more information, visit www.trucktrailer.carrier.com.
