CARRIER'S HYBRID REEFER
The Vector 1800MT from Carrier Corp. is North America’s first trailer refrigeration unit to use hybrid diesel electric technology, the company says, though it's been used elsewhere for many years. Designed for multi-temperature trailer applications, it uses Carrier’s patented 'Deltek' technology that's said to provide reliability, performance, and an estimated 30% reduction in maintenance cost. It's also the first multi-temperature system to use Carrier’s Advance microprocessor control, which promises precise refrigeration control, driver set-up ease, and fuel optimization options. There are 11 different trailer configurations. The use of "breakthrough electric technology" brings expanded use of electronics and maintenance-free electrical components. The design eliminates two-thirds of the serviceable mechanical components found in conventional systems, such as idler pulleys, vibrasorbers, most belts, fan shafts, the compressor shaft seal and clutch, while using half the refrigerant charge compared to conventional systems. That in turn brings improved sound quality – increasingly an issue in urban areas – thanks to the elimination of those mechanical bits, plus optional Stealth components. Other features include built-in electric standby capability for fuel savings, emissions/noise reduction, and regulatory compliance at the loading dock. Buyers also get 100% electric heat, instead of hot-gas, for constant heating capacity independent of ambient temperature. The Vector 1800MT relies primarily on three major components to deliver refrigeration and heating: the direct-injection diesel engine; the "aircraft quality" Hamilton Sundstrand electric generator; and an electrically driven, sealed compressor. A proven 2.2-liter direct-injection Kubota engine drives the compact generator, which powers the condenser and evaporator fans, electric heating and the 06D compressor, with the same basic design as the compressor used to provide reliable, unattended operation in Carrier’s ThinLINE container refrigeration units for overseas shipping applications. An electric motor sealed inside the 06D housing eliminates the need for a shaft seal, assuring an extra-tight refrigeration system. For heating and defrost, electric-resistance strips inside the evaporators provide constant heat capacity and tight temperature control, independently of outdoor temperature. A side-benefit of electric heating is increased compressor life, since the compressor is only used during cooling. For electric standby use, the unit comes with built-in, 460-volt, plug-in capability. Especially important in urban distribution, facilities can tap into standby power for emissions and noise abatement as well as fuel savings.