Transport refrigeration goes electric with F-gas refrigerants

The rapid expansion in transport refrigeration units from leading suppliers, for a range of applications, using electric compressors and fully electric external electrical supply is reducing diesel emissions, noise (particularly important for urban deliveries), increasing efficiency and can provide unit weight reductions. At the heart of these systems are non-flammable F-gas refrigerants (R-452A, R-410A and R-134a). According to a recent TEAP report [1], the GWP of the refrigerants used for transport refrigeration is expected to come down consistently with present and future regulations; the pace at which the transition will occur is unclear as transport regulations make it hard to introduce flammable refrigerants.

 

An engineless drive system for trailer refrigeration has been introduced enabling it to be powered by an external electrical supply coming from either trailer systems equipped with energy storage batteries and generation systems like e-axles, hydrogen fuel cells and solar panels, or by the more efficient high voltage direct current (DC) power coming directly from the batteries ensuring 100% energy optimisation. The refrigeration units use non-flammable R-452A. See Sustainable Truck Van and manufacturer’s information.

A new low-noise, electric undermount refrigeration system is designed for multi-drop operations and combines high refrigeration capacity, rapid pulldown, and no direct carbon emissions. It is powered through highly efficient inverter technology and can be connected to battery packs for hold-over capacity when the truck engine is not generating power. The systems are suitable for city distribution in fresh and frozen applications in single and multi-temperature combinations. The refrigeration units use non-flammable R-410A. See Fleet Transport and manufacturer’s information.

New fully electric refrigeration units are designed specifically for battery electric light commercial vehicles. Battery autonomy, battery lifecycle, and intelligent power management between the refrigeration unit and the battery-electric vehicle are some of the central elements behind the system design to achieve the highest efficiency possible. The new units are connected and powered directly by the vehicle’s battery. To deliver optimal temperature-control performance with reduced energy consumption, the new E-Series features patented, custom-designed inverter technology and a powerful variable-speed hermetic refrigeration compressor. The refrigeration units use non-flammable R-452A or R-134a dependant temperature requirements. See Refrigeration Industry and manufacturer’s information.

Reference

[1] TEAP September 2022: Decision XXVIII/2 TEAP Working Group Report Information on Alternatives to HFCs (Volume 5) Section 6.4 Transport Refrigeration, available at Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) | Ozone Secretariat (unep.org).

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