T he new generation
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of refrigeration units promises improved levels of
operational efficiency and reliability. Electronics are impacting everything, including temperature sensing, event logging, precise control of the refrigeration process and remote downloading of data. Units are more efficient, so capacities can be increased without raising operating costs.
DIRECT-DRIVE
Direct-drive units are engine or alternator-driven. Engine-driven units are neat, as the compressor and condenser unit are tucked away in the engine compartment. With alternator-driven models, the compressor is mounted conventionally and powered by a crankshaft-driven alternator rather than an independent diesel engine.
German manufacturer Frigoblock is the best-known supplier of this type of unit, with a range that extends to the most powerful trailer units. Newcomers include Hubbard, now the UK agent for the Dutch Govet and Italian Zanotti ranges.
Several advantages are claimed for alternator-driven units compared with independent diesels. Alternator drive works over the full engine speed range so is especially suitable for stop-start deliveries. Alternators have a weight advantage, and leave space for a larger evaporator and condenser. There are no belts, so noise and maintenance costs are reduced.
Frigoblock and Hubbard are both campaigning for alternatordriven refrigeration units to be included on the government's Energy Technology Product list, part of the Climate Change Levy package to be introduced in April.
One carrot to encourage companies to become more energy efficient is the Enhanced Capital Allowances (FCA) programme. Under this system, companies
buying ETP-listed equipment can claim back ho per _boo capital allowance against corporation tax rather than L7.5o. By switching to non-diesel powered refrigeration units, overall vehicle emissions are reduced. The savings are even stronger for alternatively fuelled trucks, says Hubbard.
Hubbard's Twice system for home-delivery vehicles has dual remote evaporators in separate frozen and chilled compartments. The evaporators, which deliver air at up to 7o0m3/hr, are matched to 460 Alpha L or EL
roof-mounted condensers. Electronic controls sense any drop in suction pressure and adjust the load on the compressor to avoid overloading.
New products from Italian manufacturer 'Zanotti include the Hoo7 and the FZoo7F models for panel vans and chassis-cabs up to 3.5 tonnes GVW. Both feature a slim (105mm-deep) evaporator; the condenser on the FZoo7F unit (for frozen applications) is slim enough to fit underneath the floor of most panel vans.
UK sales of Frigosoft refrigeration units, made by General Motors subsidiary Diavia, are now handled by Ringwoodbased Eberspacher, best known for its cab heating systems.
One of Eberspdcher's first moves to boost sales has been to introduce a generous threeyear parts and labour warranty.
Frigoblock has developed a multi-compartment refrigeration system for larger trucks and trailers using RE II, 22 and 44 slimline remote evaporators. These evaporators have the same capacity as the host unit and can be sited as close as 50mm to an internal bulkhead—important for maximum flexibility in compartment size. All the units have dual-discharge, can be recessed 4o mrn into the roof and hinge down for maintenance access.
A four-way heat pump circuit with a full reverse cycle means defrosting takes seconds rather than minutes, says Frigoblock.
Zanotti crankshaft-driven .1 units include the 8Z348 with 5.6kW of cooling at o°C , or with 2.8kW at -20°C,