The vehicle rental and leasing company, TIP, is trialling a new e-reefer refrigerated trailer solution. Supplied by the Reefer Trailer Centre, the Chereau trailer is fitted with an axle energy recovery system developed by Thermo King and BPW. The trailer will be used by a number of TIP’s customers to support them in exploring zero-emission temperature controlled transport systems.
The system features an axle power energy recovery system with an e-Power axle. Energy can be recovered while the vehicle is braking or travelling downhill. Recovered energy is then stored in a battery so the intelligent energy management system can decide whether to use power from the battery or generators to maximise efficiency.
Inside, the unit features half-width sliding bulkheads so a smaller area of the trailer can be temperature controlled when moving partial loads. The trailer also has vacuum insulation panels and uses HFO foam. When the rear door is opened, the evaporator automatically turns off to minimise energy loss. A solid front evaporator protector prevents any waste or product getting into it.
Mike Furnival, MD of TIP UK & Ireland said: “TIP continues to investigate and trial innovative and sustainable systems that are set to form the backbone of the temperature-controlled sector of the transport industry. TIP’s trial of this particular technology on UK roads will enable us to better understand just how an axle energy recuperation system can benefit our customers that operate within the sector. We look forward to the outcome of the trial.”
TIP has engaged with other e-reefer trials and plans on conducting more trials in the future to understand the capability and efficiency of alternative refrigeration systems. The wider trial with customers will see the unit analysed in different conditions compared to diesel and other refrigeration systems.
The trailer is equipped with TIP insight telematics and BrakePlus, TIP’s electronic braking performance monitoring system. Data gathered from these systems will be used to track the performance of the trailer throughout the trial period.
