Natural refrigerant trailer unit unveiled

16th September 2016

Natural refrigerant trailer unit unveiled

IMPROVED POWER MODULE The Carrier stand will feature an example of the ground-breaking eco-drive power module

Container refrigeration equipment provider Carrier Transicold will introduce a prototype natural refrigerant trailer unit as well as a new generation of engineless transport refrigeration systems at the 2016 Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) show, an international trade fair for mobility, transportation, and logistics taking place from September 22 to 29 in Hanover, Germany.

Both technologies are set to be unveiled highlighting Carrier’s commitment to helping fleets meet efficiency and sustainability goals.

The prototype unit stands apart from conventional transport refrigeration technology, owing to its ability to operate exclusively with carbon dioxide (CO₂) refrigerant in a closed-loop system. CO₂ is a safe and non-ozone depleting gas with a global warming potential (GWP) of one, delivering a massive reduction in fluorinated gases and making it the baseline against which other refrigerants are measured.

Carrier Transicold will also showcase the new engineless transport refrigeration units that have joined its range following the strategic acquisition of Netherlands-based firm, sustainable mobile and transport solutions provider TRS Transportkoeling.

The Carrier stand at the IAA event will feature an example of the ground-breaking ecodrive power module, which uses the power generated by a truck’s own Euro VI diesel engine to drive a host refrigeration unit, removing the need for a secondary engine.

Joining the new transport refrigeration solutions units on the stand will be a Supra system featuring the low emissions pack. This includes a low-emission diesel engine, which reduces particulate matter by up to 50%, compared with standard engines, together with Carrier’s ‘silent’ option kit for quieter operation and the use of R-452A refrigerant.

Carrier Transicold will also display a Vector 1950MT trailer unit with R-452A refrigerant. Available across Supra and Vector models, R-452A refrigerant offers the same cooling capacity, fuel efficiency, reliability and charge as the standard R-404A refrigerant, but with a 45% reduction in GWP.

Product offering

Last month, Carrier Transicold also announced late last month, its new alternator-driven electric refrigeration unit, the Neos 100S.

Unlike a conventional direct-drive refrigeration unit with a belt-driven compressor mounted to the vehicle’s engine, the Neos 100S unit uses the vehicle’s alternator to electrically power the system. This enables a constant cooling or heating capacity for fresh and frozen cargoes, regardless of engine speed.


“The Neos 100S unit expands our current product line for North America by adding an option for the smaller, light commercial vehicle (LCV) end of the spectrum,” says Carrier Transicold truck product manager Tina Hickman.


She adds that, “road-proven for more than six years in Europe, where it was first introduced, the Neos 100S unit’s ability to deliver constant refrigeration capacity provides a significant advantage for vehicles driven in congested urban environments.” She further notes that the compact design and electric operation make for an especially quiet unit.


With its compressor housed inside the condenser unit, the Neos 100S unit eliminates the need to run lengthy refrigerant lines between the LCV’s engine and condenser. This decreases the number of fittings by 80%, which reduces the amount of refrigerant needed and the potential for refrigerant leaks.


The main condenser assembly can be nose-mounted to the front of a truck box or mounted to the roof of a delivery van. As a split system, the Neos 100S design locates the evaporator on the ceiling of the cargo area. At only 16.5 cm deep, its SlimLine evaporator is more than 10% narrower than those of competitive systems.


The Neos 100S unit is rated to provide 3 600 British thermal units (Btu) of cooling at a setpoint of 1.67 °C and 37.78 °C ambient, and produces the same capacity in standby mode. Use of the optional electric-standby module enables the unit to be plugged into a 230 V electric power source when parked, eliminating the need to idle the truck to maintain refrigeration, saving fuel and eliminating engine noise and emissions.
Carrier’s cab command digital control system mounts in the vehicle’s passenger compartment for easy accessibility.


Distributor scholarships

Carrier distributors in Germany have identified the recipients of their yearly college scholarship, and awarded grants this year amounting to about $40 000.

Each year, the Carrier Education Foundation awards 25 scholarships to outstanding students who are the children of Carrier dealers.

In addition to their roles as heating and cooling experts, Carrier distributors and dealers invest in their communities and provide these scholarships to students of the next generation to help them succeed. We’re proud of our distributors as they support the aspirations of these talented students.” said Carrier sales VP David Meyers.


The Carrier Distributors’ Education Foundation has awarded about $500 000 to 355 outstanding students since 1998, when it began as the Blees Scholarship, in honour of the late William A Blees, who served as a longtime adviser to Carrier distributors. Following his passing, Carrier heating and cooling equipment distributors established the foundation in Blees’ honour to award college scholarships to the children of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning dealers’ and contractors’ employees.


The students are awarded the scholarship based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, leadership potential and personal motivation. Applications are screened by a professional scholarship administration firm, which also reviews the candidates’ short essay about their educational and career aspirations. The 2016 recipients include five students who are two-time winners.