Thermo King gasses up to cut reefer noise
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• by Kevin Swallow Thermo King has launched the SB-Ill CR cryogenic temperature control system that is said to significantly reduce operational noise.
The system was developed in response to noise pollution regulations in Holland, where night-time deliveries are restricted to just 60dB(A) between 23:00-07:00hrs.
Rather than a diesel-powered compressor and refrigerant, the Thermo King system
uses liquid Carbon Dioxide (CO2) refrigerant. But it does not operate like other cryogenic systems which release CO2 directly into the loadspace (the carbon dioxide has to be removed before the driver can enter).
The SB-III CR allows the liquid CO2 to evaporate within a sealed coil (like a conventional evaporator), using the gas to drive a "vapour motor" before being exhausted outside. The vapour motor operates a fan which blows cooled air into the loadspace, as well as an alterna
tor to charge the electrical system's heavy-duty battery.
The vacuum-insulated tank holds 420kg of liquid CO2, creating a slight weight penalty when fully fuelled.
The main limitation on its widespread use is the need for CO2 filling points, but Thermo King plans to have 25 SR-Ill CR units operating in the Netherlands by the end of the year.