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Generators are essential for maintaining the temperature of containers carrying perishable goods. Thus, a genset for reefer container is critical for temperature-sensitive cargo. The following are types of generators used in various environments.
Portable generators are meant for short-term uses, such as power outages, where the demand for power isn't very high but where electrical equipment must be connected immediately. A portable generator does not have the capacity to supply power daily. Still, it is great in situations where a reefer container must be used for a short while, such as loading areas of warehouses or transport areas. It can be easily transported and plugged into the container to ensure that the goods stay fresh until a permanent solution is achieved or the mode of transport changes.
These are always at the ready. A standby generator is an automatic power source activated by an automatic transfer switch that senses power interruptions. A standby generator is connected to the container and the main power supply. It continuously monitors the power supply. When the main electricity grid goes off, the generator starts operating within seconds to restore the supply. These are excellent for use in ports or areas where the power supply is erratic. They are permanent installations in one location.
Inverter generators are a newer generation of generators that provide a more stable power supply compared to conventional generators. Since they utilize inverter technology, they generate a smoother and more constant electrical output, which is good for reefer containers that require a specific voltage and frequency to operate. These generators are lightweight, easier to transport, and operate with lower sounds. All these factors make them suitable for transport vehicles. They are especially suitable for reefer containers that carry delicate cargo like medications, electronics, or fresh produce that require steady temperatures.
Digital generators are fitted with advanced electronic systems that allow for better control of power output. They are a more efficient and versatile generator. For example, a generator that is classically powered by an internal combustion engine to generate electricity will now have a controller that can vary its power output depending on load size. This means smooth functioning for reefer containers. They only need the amount of electricity required by the load–no more, no less. Specifically, they are suitable for ports and logistics centers with many containers, as several units can be interconnected to form a larger system for greater power.
A genset for reefer containers is equipped with several key features that are crucial for their operation and ability to maintain the correct temperature for the cargo. The following are important characteristics that make these generators effective:
Gensets are equipped with advanced cooling systems to avoid overheating, especially in high ambient temperatures. This is especially important for reefer containers, as an overheated gen set will not operate well and may shut down at critical times. The better the cooling system, the more effective the generator will be in maintaining the correct power. Water, air, and oil cooling systems are standard. Water and oil cooling systems are used for areas with high temperatures because they provide better cooling.
In shipping and logistics, every dollar counts. Therefore, the amount of fuel consumed by Genset is of paramount importance. A genset consumes less fuel, resulting in lower operational costs. This helps in longer hauls, as seen in ocean transport. Since the journey is long, the fuel efficiency of the genset for reefer containers will determine the journey's overall cost. Furthermore, fuel efficiency also has environmental benefits, as less fuel consumption means lower carbon emissions.
For refrigerated containers, smooth operation is important to maintain the integrity of the cargo inside. Any variation can lead to spoilage–even within a few minutes. To address that, vibration isolation systems are fitted into the genset. They absorb the vibrations generated by the generator so that only minimal vibrations are transmitted to the container. Rubber mounts and active damping systems are examples of isolation technologies that can be used to reduce vibrations.
A genset for reefer containers is used in several commercial applications that require temperature-sensitive goods to be transported or stored. The following are scenarios where these generators play a critical role:
There is no electrical supply or an unreliable supply in these areas. Gensets are the only source of power for reefer containers moving food, medical supplies, and anything that needs refrigeration. These containers are used in mining camps, temporary event venues, and expedition bases. They rely on Genset to keep their perishable products fresh during the unstable journey of delivery to hard-to-reach markets.
In some sectors, power interruptions can be disastrous and dangerous. Think of hospitals, pharmaceuticals, or high-value electronics. These resources can be transported in reefer containers powered by Genset to provide emergency backup to existing refrigeration systems and transport them in a state of readiness, always on standby. They are activated immediately the power supply goes off, restoring power within seconds to keep critical products at their required temperatures.
Think about weddings, concerts, or expos where food needs refrigeration. Temporary catering containers are used with gensets to ensure that all food and beverages are kept at the required temperatures until served. This is very popular in the catering and event organizing industries, as they are frequently obliged to transport perishable items to locations where there is no refrigeration provision.
For peacekeeping missions and operations, US Army military forces rely a lot on gensets in mobile systems to transport medical supplies, food, and equipment to war zones and areas without infrastructures, like roads. Armed and government forces work in remote regions where they have to rely on gensets for refrigeration containers. These are crucial for keeping perishables at the right temperatures during military missions, humanitarian airdrops, or mobile field hospitals. Even in hostile environments, army-specification gen sets ensure that sensitive items like medications and vaccines remain cool or frozen.
Choosing the right genset for reefer containers requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure reliable operations. The following are important aspects to consider:
A key consideration when purchasing a genset is its power requirements. This will determine whether the Genset will be able to maintain the required temperatures of the products in the reefer container. The power needed by the refrigeration unit of the container must be evaluated. It can be accessed by consulting the refrigerator manufacturer's document. However, if it's not handy, the watt load calculator can break it down into watts or horsepower. Multiply the number by 1.25 to allow for fluctuations. It's best to get a genset with a higher rating. It can simply run at a lower capacity without affecting its performance.
Fuel types available in the market include diesel, petrol, and liquefied propane. Each has pros and cons, affecting the cost, availability, and operational efficiency of the genset. Diesel is commonly found because it offers better fuel efficiency and is easy to source. Petrol is easily obtainable but less efficient. Propane is cheaper and cleaner to burn, but it will cost more since it needs special storage and handling. The container's location, the available fuel types, and the cost will determine the fuel type to use.
This is especially important for transport or temporary usage. Portability refers to how easily the generator can move. It can be a built-in wheel or compact design, and portable generators can be moved. But if it's a stationary generator that only works for reefer containers parked in one position, this factor won't be important. When a portable or standby Genset is used with a reefer container, the road conditions and maneuverability in tight spaces, such as loading docks, must be taken into account.
Noise can affect the working environment when transporting reefer containers powered by gensets. For example, if a genset is used near a residential area, the noise produced can be very disturbing. That's why it's ideal to choose a generator with low noise levels, especially if the reefer container will be used in such an environment. For that reason, inverter and propane-powered generators are available in the market with low noise levels. However, the noise level should not affect the general power performance of the genset. Environmental laws in certain locations may also impose restrictions on noise levels, making this an important consideration.
A1: The genset provides electrical energy required to operate the refrigeration system inside a reefer container. This keeps perishable items at the right temperatures during transport.
A2: Common fuels are diesel, propane, and gasoline. Diesel is the most commonly used because it is efficient fuel. Propane is cheaper and cleaner to burn, while gasoline is widely available but doesn't burn as efficiently.
A3: Yes, propane-powered generators are among the most environmentally friendly because they produce fewer emissions than gasoline or diesel-powered ones. They also operate more quietly than other fuel types.
A4: To reduce noise levels from the Genset, use acoustic enclosures, rubber anti-vibration mounts, and sound-absorbing barriers. It's also possible to select low-noise Genset models.
A5: Modern genset can achieve about 35% to 42% electrical efficiency. That means most Genset is thermal energy because only a small portion of fuel energy is converted into electrical power.
