Thermo King®, a transport temperature control solutions and a brand of Trane Technologies, announced today that Spanish logistics group Carreras has successfully completed trials of a new refrigerated semi-trailer with Thermo King's self-charging electric refrigeration system for trailers. Since January, and covering a distance of approximately 55,000 km, the refrigeration system has operated 100% in electric mode while on the road. To reduce the tractor's and trailer's emissions footprint even more, Carreras operates on biofuel, which lowers the total emissions by 90% according to the company. The trailer currently continues to operate in Carreras' fleet across Europe.
The system leverages Thermo King Advancer hybrid refrigeration unit and AxlePower dynamic energy recovery system, including the ENERG-e battery pack. Thermo King's AxlePower technology dynamically recovers energy while rolling and braking and stores it in the battery pack, which in turn powers the trailer refrigeration unit.
Unlike other axle generators, the sophisticated control system will also disengage the e-axle when the trailer is on an uphill, avoiding energy penalties and reducing fuel consumption. All in all, the Thermo King system minimises the need for charging, therefore increasing uptime while reducing operating costs and direct carbon emissions.
"This project and collaboration with Thermo King and its dealer Frigicoll mark a significant stride for Carreras in embracing sustainable logistics. Through the integration of the new technology, we managed to deliver tangible, efficient, and direct enhancements to our operations," said Héctor Benito Serón, director of projects, consulting, sustainability and innovation at Carreras. "We are proud of our unwavering commitment to decarbonization and process improvement, ensuring the highest quality services for our customers. This project brings us another step closer to our ultimate goal of a 50% reduction in carbon footprint."
"The ability to harness and generate energy directly from the trailers' movement makes this technology a sustainable solution for diverse transportation needs," said Francisco Cambra Soriano, area sales manager at Thermo King. "At a time when consumer demands increasingly prioritise sustainability, low or zero emission and resource-saving supply chains are becoming an important selling point. Carreras utilising the self-charging AxlePower solution, will secure long-term competitive advantages and establish themselves as frontrunners in sustainable practices."
The possibility to capture and reuse energy makes the Advancer hybrid or full-electric refrigeration unit in combination with AxlePower technology an ideal solution to future-proof and increase the sustainability of all types of trailer journeys. With silent running and no CO2 emissions from the refrigeration unit when operating from the battery pack, this technology allows customers to sustainably run long-haul and inner-city deliveries, including in Ultra-low Emission Zones (ULEZs) and low noise urban areas.
For more information:
Michal Karkoszka
Thermo King
Tel: +48 601 077932
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.europe.thermoking.com