“With the Vector 1550 unit, Carrier Transicold engineered a space-efficient transport refrigeration system that fits within a trim envelope that is a third thinner than a traditional transport refrigeration unit in the U.S.,” says Patrick McDonald, trailer product manager, Carrier Transicold.
The Vector 1550 unit allows a domestic intermodal refrigerated container to accommodate an extra row of pallets, resulting in cube loads similar to 53-ft. over-the-road trailers. The thin-profile Vector 1550 unit also reduces total weight by as much as 570 lb. compared with competitive standard-size refrigeration systems, and by 200 lb. compared with competitive slim-profile designs, the company says.
“Compared to its competitive counterpart, the Vector 1550 unit is thinner and lighter, while also being a high-efficiency performer with lower engine run speeds producing as much as 27 percent more cooling per hour per RPM,” McDonald says.
As part of Carrier Transicold’s Vector family, the Vector 1550 unit takes advantage of E-Drive technology. Unlike conventional mechanical transport refrigeration units, those with E-Drive technology use a high-output generator direct-coupled to a diesel engine to power an all-electric refrigeration system. Using intelligent controls, the system can automatically turn on and off individual components, such as the compressor and fans, running only what it needs, when needed, Carrier Transicold says.
The simplified, clean refrigeration architecture eliminates most of the serviceable items found in conventional mechanical transport refrigeration systems, such as vibrasorbers, clutches, shaft seals, alternators, drive belts and pulleys that require routine maintenance.
The Vector 1550 unit offers integrated electric standby, enabling the unit to be plugged into a power source when parked. This eliminates emissions and noise from the refrigeration unit engine, conserves fuel and reduces operating costs. The Vector system provides the unit’s full rated refrigeration capacity when on standby, the company says.
The Vector 1550 system also can be coupled with Carrier Transicold’s eSolutions telematics system for remote monitoring of system operation and container temperatures, generation of automatic “proof of temperature” compliance reports to maintain food safety standards and providing enhanced control features, such as remote software updates and data downloads.
