Carrier Transicold says shipping line personnel now can monitor and access container refrigeration unit operations from a smartphone or tablet through the new Micro-Link 5 controller.
The company says Micro-Link 5 is the industry’s first reefer unit controller for containers with wireless connectivity, improving visibility, diagnostics, convenience and productivity. The controller allows personnel to interface with reefer containers via Carrier’s DataLINE Connect app for mobile devices without any physical contact with the unit.
That means operators standing dockside or on a ship deck can securely monitor temperature readings, check alerts, review diagnostics and download data from nearby Carrier Transicold refrigerated containers, even if the containers are stacked high above, the company said. The DataLINE Connect app provides information-rich displays, so operators can quickly see and respond to relevant container information.
“This represents a major leap in visibility, accessibility and functionality compared to traditional controls,” said Willy Yeo, director of marketing at Carrier Transicold. “Wireless technology enables greater and more convenient customer access to their container refrigeration systems for greater productivity.
“The Micro-Link 5 controller offers the potential to support more features and digital offerings.”
Wireless connectivity is only one of several advances over Carrier Transicold’s standard Micro-Link 3 controller, the company maintained. The new controller features a 32-bit ARM processor that is 150 times faster than its predecessor, has twice as many inputs/outputs—enabling the use of additional sensors and significantly expanding its range of capabilities—and offers a port for direct data exchange for software updates and data downloads using a USB flash drive or direct PC connection.
Most significantly, Carrier said, the Micro-Link 5 offers expanded memory for data storage and programming—up to 2,000 times more than the current product.
The Micro-Link 5 controller’s optional back-up battery offers the application of “smart battery” technology to container refrigeration unit control. The rechargeable smart battery has the ability to prioritize operations based on charge level. For instance, if the charge level is low, it will maintain critical USDA sensor data recording and disable nonessential activities, Carrier said. The smart battery also indicates charge level and remaining service life, helping users achieve maximum use before replacement.
The Micro-Link 5 controller is now available in limited production as a premium upgrade for Carrier Transicold container refrigeration equipment.
Visit Transicold.carrier.com for more information.
