Thermo King develops cool transport system
19 Feb 2001
Ingersoll-Rand's Thermo King unit has developed an innovative transport refrigeration system for jumbo trailers that uses carbon dioxide for heating and cooling.
What is more, the SB-III CR temperature control system, as it is called, has 98% fewer moving parts than conventional systems, reducing operational noise levels.
At the heart of the new system is Thermo King's patented vapour motor that drives the evaporator blower and brushless alternator. A propane-fired heater superheats the carbon dioxide for heating and defrosting.
At the beginning of 2001, the SB-III CR unit played a key role in helping a leading supermarket chain in the Netherlands, Albert Heijn, choose a transport system that meets a new, national environmental directive concerning noise.
Specifically, the Dutch national regulation stipulates that noise levels cannot exceed 60 decibels (dB) – equivalent to a normal conversation -- from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. This law presented a challenge to the Dutch supermarket industry since foods are commonly delivered in the early morning and conventional temperature control systems typically operate between 74-78 dB.
Thermo King's SB-III CR system will soon be available throughout Europe. Later this year it will be introduced in the US as market demand arises.
