Most Read
Most E-mailed
E-mail Article
Print ArticleLos Angeles: the new Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market chain opened its first grocery stores in Southern California this fall. It was supported by a “green” fleet of refrigerated trailers that feature Carrier Transicold’s hybrid Vector 1800MT multi-temperature systems.
Featuring Carrier’s patented Deltek diesel-electric technology, the Vector 1800MT system is a radical departure from conventional mechanical refrigeration. It uses an electric generator to power all components, reducing emissions and noise while eliminating many maintenance items and increasing performance and reliability. Already popular in Europe, the hybrid Vector unit was introduced in North America last year and is attracting attention from environmentally conscious trucking lines and food retailers.
With 122 store locations announced to date, British retail giant Tesco is developing a new chain of stores for the U.S. based on the concept of providing consumers fresh, high-quality foods and a faster, easier neighborhood shopping experience. Like Fresh & Easy’s stores and facilities, which use energy-efficient lighting, solar panels and freezers, its trailer fleet will further Fresh & Easy’s goal to be a good neighbor and environmental steward.
“The Vector 1800MT supports our green initiatives and is the only refrigeration unit available with a true hybrid diesel-electric platform,” says Dan Parilo, manager of Transportation and Operations for Fresh & Easy. “Not only do we get exceptional efficiency and reliability through Vector’s streamlined design, it also helps us reduce our environmental impact.”
The Vector 1800MT unit integrates a diesel engine with an all-electric refrigeration system to deliver increased reliability, improved performance and environmental benefits. Deltek technology strips away conventional mechanical transport refrigeration parts such as belts, shafts, pulleys, valves, dampers and gearboxes that eventually require service or replacement. The diesel engine drives a high-output electric generator that creates enough electricity to run system components, such as fans, heating elements and the compressor.