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Print ArticleAthens, GA: The economic case to take advantage of the electric standby capability integrated into Carrier Transicold’s hybrid Vector 1800MT trailer refrigeration system gets more compelling with each increase in the price of diesel fuel.
Based on current diesel and electricity price averages, Carrier says the system can now reduce energy costs by more than 60 percent during loading and unloading operations. Carrier Transicold is part of Carrier Corp., a unit of United Technologies Corp.
The Vector 1800MT multi-temperature system features Carrier’s patented Deltek hybrid diesel-electric technology, which offers operational versatility. On the highway, the unit’s diesel motor drives an electric generator that powers its all-electric refrigeration system. When parked, the unit can be plugged into electrical current without running the diesel engine.
“At current prices for diesel fuel and commercial electric power, the cost of operating on electric standby is now about one third the cost of running on diesel,” explains David Kiefer, product manager, trailer products.
“That’s a sharp change from when we introduced the Vector two years ago. The average price of diesel has increased 47 percent while the price of electricity has gone up about 10 percent.”
The electric standby mode offers additional ecologic benefits, such as eliminating exhaust emissions and engine noise, and conserving fuel for highway use. Reducing the engine’s runtime provides maintenance benefits as well.
Using standby power with proper documentation also provides fleets with another compliance option for satisfying requirements of the California Air Resources Board.
“Environmental concerns coupled with the trend in fuel costs still favors standby operation,” says Kiefer. “Now more than ever, the Vector 1800MT with Deltek technology is the right product.”
Estimated Standby Savings
(High-speed mode, high-capacity demand)
Cost Of Operation - Diesel
- Hourly fuel consumption: 1.10 gal
- Cost per gallon diesel fuel*: $4.059
- Cost per hour to operate on diesel: $4.46
- Power consumption: 15.23 kilowatts
- Cost per kilowatt hour**: $0.0967
- Cost per hour to operate on electric standby: $1.47
- Savings by operating on electric standby: 67%
**Average commercial price of electricity, 2007 average, U.S. DOE
Other trailer refrigeration units offer electric standby as an add-on option, but on the Vector 1800MT system it is an integrated feature. When plugged into electricity, the hybrid system’s streamlined architecture delivers greater refrigeration capacity than optional standby assemblies for conventional units, which also add mechanical complexity.
When heating is required while operating on standby, the Vector 1800MT system’s energy efficiency excels again, because its electric heating circuit consumes less power to achieve setpoint than conventional electromechanical standby options.
For more information about the Vector 1800MT system with integrated electric standby, turn to the experts within the Carrier Transicold dealer network or visit www.trucktrailer.carrier.com.