Carrier's new Vector refrigeration unit is groundbreaking in several ways.
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Rather than driving the compressor, the diesel engine powers a compact 6004 generator. This in turn drives the compressor, evaporator and condenser fans via a series of electrical signals, replacing the usual .clutches, belts and pulleys.
Carrier claims the Vector is the first slim unit to deliver the same cooling capacity as larger units such as the Ultra. Slim nose-mounted refrigeration units are used on 13.6m 33-pallet reefers because they fit in the reduced swing-clearance envelope, but the trade-off has been less cooling capacity because of restrictions in the size of the evaporator, condenser and compressor.
The six-cylinder compressor in the Vector has increased capacity to 17,000W at Or C and 9.000W at -20'C. This compares with 11,757 and 7,170W respectively on the Maxima 2. and 13,000 and 9,300W on Thermo King's latest S1300 unit. The compressor and its motor are close-coupled and enclosed in the same housing, eliminating the need for a failure-prone shaft seal. Variations in evaporator air temperature have been reduced to 0.3 C because the
Logicold microprocessor control calculates how much refrigerant is needed to maintain the box temperature and then discharges the required amount. The Vector has two evaporator fans, each producing an airflow of 6.000m3/hr (Maxima 2 airflow is 4,900m3/hr).
However, the Vector carries a premium of £2,500 which will deter many operators, despite the prospect of lower whole-life costs.
Cheaper alternatives such as the Maxima 2 and Thermo King's new SL range are also benefiting from lower noise and better performance.
The four models in the Thermo King SL range replace SMXII and SR-Series units. The top-of-the
range SL300 has an air flow of 4,950m3/hr and "Smart Reefer" microprocessor control as ndard. The SL200 is the lower acity budget model with 000W capacity at 0 C. an airflow 4,800m3/hr and Thermoguard VI ectronic controls.
The new TK4136 2.1-litre Dl engine is used in the SL300 and S1200 models. It weighs 24kg less than its predecessor, thanks to the lighter pistons, conrods and crankshafts which also help to reduce vibration. The water jacket helps
cut overall engine noise by 4dB(A) and noise reduction kits are available.
The SON has been developed for short trailers up to 12m long.
The SL-TCI range is designed for multi-temperature applications with a choice of five evaporators, two with twin 160mm-deep refrigeration circuits, or 125mm deep when recessed in the root
Hubbard and BOC Polarstream have joined forces to develop a new generation of liquid nitrogen (cryogenic) refrigeration systems. The first of the new cryogenic-chilled trailers are due in service in October They have electronic controls, the ability to
raise as well as lower the air temperature, and the promise of faster unloading times.
With current cryogenic trailers there is a threeminute waiting time from the trailer's arrival before unloading can begin while the nitrogen gas disperses. That purge time has been slashed to one minute by installing two fans, activated by a proximity switch In the trailer doors.