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The keyword truck refrigeration unit price can differ depending on the type used, compound, transportable, and the trailer's design. Truck refrigeration units are critical to logistics, allowing food and pharmaceuticals to be transported across significant distances without spoiling.
These are independent systems that cool the cargo area of a truck. They are mostly used in small to medium-scale operations due to their ability to provide flexibility in transport. The refrigeration unit can be seen fitted to a truck to be used for transporting temperature-sensitive goods. This helps to keep the products in the desired condition while on transit. The units are categorized by the temperature range they maintain. The ranges are set to around 0 to 4ºC for chilled products and -18 to -12ºC for frozen ones. The type of refrigeration system incorporated into the unit and the vehicle size and design are other factors that determine the required temperature. Common types include direct drive systems from the truck engine, electric standby systems for charging at depots, and independent diesel-powered systems for remote areas without easy access to electrical power.
Reefers are trailers or truck beds equipped with refrigeration units. They are widely used due to their volume and efficiency. Reefer trailers are specifically made for transporting perishable products. These trailers are affixed with refrigeration systems capable of maintaining the desired temperature for the products stored inside them. Reefers come in two types; portable and compound. Combined Reefer trailers have their refrigeration unit built directly into the trailer walls and can achieve lower temperatures. In contrast, portable Reefer trailers have an overhanging refrigeration unit installed on top and are less effective in temperature control.
Truck refrigeration systems generate cooling either mechanically or naturally by reducing the pressure of the refrigerant or through evaporation. Natural systems use ammonia, carbon dioxide, or hydrocarbons as refrigerants, while mechanical systems employ vapor compression refrigeration heat cycle, where a refrigerant is corded and vaporized before being driven to evaporate again by a compressor, dissolving the cycle. Other types of refrigeration include absorption refrigerators, which use a heat source instead of mechanical work to drive the refrigeration cycle. These systems are less efficient but suitable for certain applications where electricity or other energy sources are cheap or readily available.
The truck refrigeration unit prices are affected by the kind of unit purchased, the required temperature, the strength of the unit, and the distance to be covered.
That's because different refrigeration units are designed for different capacities and have different temperatures and operational efficiency. A trailer truck refrigeration system is a large-scale cooling solution used with trailers or containerized cargo. These systems are usually employed by big industries with vast logistical operations, as they can handle large volumes of products, sometimes up to several tons, that need to be shipped across great distances while maintaining a specific temperature range. These systems are massive and powerful because they maintain an entire trailer's temperature. In contrast, truck refrigeration units are smaller systems designed for use directly within the truck body. They are suitable for short-haul deliveries, like within a city, where the volume of goods transported is much smaller, around hundreds of kilograms. A Trailer cranes refrigeration system can maintain temperatures between -30ºC to +30ºC, while truck systems usually operate at temperatures between 0 and 4ºC. The temperature a unit can maintain defines its required power and energy efficiency, so higher ranges call for bigger, stronger units, which are more expensive.
Some units are designed for maximum strength to withstand the extreme conditions of a refrigerated truck. These units are commonly used to transport chemicals or metal parts. The price of highly reinforced systems will be higher due to the high manufacturing costs.
The truck refrigeration unit cost can also be influenced by the distances they cover. A trailer designed for long-distance transport will be substantially more expensive than one designed for short local deliveries. That's because it requires high strength and an engine with high fuel efficiency to keep the goods at the required temperature for a longer time and save fuel costs. As a result, temperature control and energy efficiency in these units are also high, raising their price. Conversely, non-refrigerated trucks used for local transportation may not have as many features and will be comparatively cheaper since they are meant for short distances and lower product volumes.
Several industries rely heavily on refrigerated trucks to transport their perishable products.
These units are mostly found in the food business within the transportation sector. Truck refrigeration systems are used to transport meats, dairy, seafood, fruits and vegetables, baked products, and packaged foods and beverages to prevent them from spoiling, decaying, or going bad.
Truck refrigeration systems control the slightest variation in temperature during transit to maintain the integrity of vaccines, medicines, blood and blood components, biologics, and sensitive diagnostic reagents and supplies. Often, temperature-controlled transport for pharmaceuticals is called cold-chain logistics, emphasizing maintaining a specific temperature range throughout the supply chain. Even a minor deviation from the required temperature can affect the efficacy of these products, so reliable truck refrigeration systems are vital for the pharmaceutical industry.
In the floral supply in particular, truck refrigeration systems are used to transport fresh-cut flowers and plants to various destinations while maintaining the freshness and aesthetic appeal of the products. Flowers are perishable items that require specific temperature and humidity conditions to remain fresh and vibrant during transport. For example, roses, orchids, tropicals, and seasonal florals from different parts of the world are delivered throughout the year by air, land, and sea.
In the chemical industry, refrigerated truck systems are used to transport diverse chemical products, including those sensitive to temperature changes, such as wax, resin, or certain petrochemical products. For example, fuels like gasoline and diesel can also be transported in refrigerated trucks to maintain their stability, especially during extreme weather conditions. Other sensitive industrial materials like lubricants and hydraulic fluids are also transported in refrigerated trucks to maintain their viscosity and effectiveness.
In e-commerce and retail industries, refrigerated truck systems are used to transport a wide variety of perishable goods, such as groceries and ready-to-eat meals, to ensure timely deliveries while maintaining product freshness and safety.
Selecting the appropriate truck refrigeration unit requires considering various factors. Following these guidelines helps ensure the right truck refrigeration system is chosen for the required applications.
The type of refrigeration system used in the unit also affects which option is best for given conditions. Various systems have been designed to address specific demands and have advantages and disadvantages. Mechanical refrigeration systems are efficient and widely used. Absorption systems require less power and can use different energy sources like gas or solar, ideal where electricity is not readily available. However, they are generally less efficient than mechanical systems. Natural refrigeration systems use ammonia, carbon dioxide, or hydrocarbons as refrigerants. They are environmentally friendly, but since they are less common, they are not used as much as other systems. Each refrigerant has its environmental impact, efficiency, and cost considerations. For example, ammonia is commonly used in large-scale agricultural and industrial applications because it is cost-effective and efficient. Still, it's toxic and requires strict safety measures during installation, while carbon dioxide is used as a high-pressure refrigerant in low-temperature applications because it has a low ozone depletion potential and is environmentally friendly. However, it's not as cost-effective as ammonia.
The operating environment is another important factor. For example, applications with very high or low ambient temperatures require a powerfully efficient unit. The truck's size and design also influence the refrigeration unit choice, as the unit must be compatible with different truck sizes, whether a compact system for a small truck or a powerful system for a large trailer truck. Ensure the refrigerated truck systems have the proper energy source. Some systems may require electrical energy or a diesel engine, while others can run on low electrical energy or standby power, which can be useful during downtime when the vehicle is parked and needs to maintain the set temperature. For remote areas without electricity, units with independent diesel systems are more effective.
Maintenance requirements for different systems may also have a long-term impact on operational expenses. So it's worth considering the ease and frequency of needed maintenance when choosing a system, as mechanical systems likely need more frequent checks and repairs than absorption systems, which are less common but typically easier to maintain.
A1: Several factors determine the cost of refrigerated truck systems, such as the kind of system employed, the truck size, the storm capacity, and the climate where it operates. The unit and installation costs could be high because stronger systems are required to sustain the temperature of larger trucks working in hotter regions than in cooler ones. The type of refrigeration system is also an important cost consideration. Mechanical refrigerants are the most expensive, while absorption refrigerants tend to be cheaper but not as effective. Yet, portable truck systems are the least expensive, but their effectiveness is also less than that of trailer trucks.
A2: Refrigerated truck systems usually run dependably for more than ten years with just a few maintenance checks. They must be serviced, including routine checks of the refrigerant levels, cleaning of the condenser and evaporator, and inspection of the compressor to guarantee that the vital components don't wear out and that the system continues functioning appropriately.
A3: Truck refrigeration systems can be expensive to run. Mechanical refrigeration systems consume a lot of power, raising fuel bills. Absorption refrigeration systems use less power but aren't as efficient as mechanical systems. Independent diesel-powered systems are cheaper to run than electrical standby systems that depend on electric power, mainly where electricity is not readily accessible.
A4: Truck refrigeration systems work well in extreme heat and cold. However, they'd need additional insulation and protection to continue working effectively. Special features like high ambient fans ensure they can still work in extreme heat to prevent overheating. In cold weather, high-output heaters maintain temperatures inside.
A5: Multi-temperature truck refrigeration systems keep different temperatures in distinct sections or trailers during transit, which is great for delivering varied products needing unique temperature settings like food and medicine.
