Thermo King, a leader in transport temperature control solutions for a variety of mobile applications and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, introduces new hybrid refrigeration systems designed to lower environmental impact and reduce operating costs of truck transport operations. The new Thermo King T-Series Hybrid and UT Hybrid refrigeration systems for trucks, drawbar trailers and high-loaders answer the demand for technologies that give transport companies easier access to restricted, low-emission urban areas while lowering operating costs in the same time.
The new hybrid single – and multi-temperature solution for trucks builds on the proven track record of the Thermo King SLXi Hybrid trailer systems. Frigoblock alternator and inverter-drive technology allow switching the power of the nose-mount T-Series Hybrid and under-mount UT Hybrid refrigeration units between diesel and electric as required or necessary. This enables the transport companies to operate in inner cities, residential areas and low emission zones with the refrigeration unit’s diesel engine turned off.
To ensure voice of the customer was captured during the development of the new hybrid solution, Thermo King worked with Castell Howell Foods, one of the UK’s leading independent food wholesalers. Since May 2019, Castell Howell has conducted thorough, real-life testing by operating the truck equipped with the Thermo King UT Hybrid Spectrum under-mount refrigeration unit.
“We have been running the hybrid truck six days a week on mixed routes combining motorway and city centre routes with upwards of 30 deliveries a day,” said Martin Jones, director of transport operations at Castell Howell Foods. “With the hybrid mode always on we experienced fuel savings reaching approximately 20 litres of fuel each day, six days a week. It’s a significant mark in the truck’s operational bottom line.”
The new Thermo King hybrid technology will help transport and delivery companies future-proof their refrigerated truck delivery operations and investments to stay ahead of regulations, control their total cost of ownership, increase efficiency and achieve important sustainability goals.
