ORLANDO, Fla. — Carrier Transicold has introduced its Deltek hybrid diesel electric technology to the North American refrigerated transport industry at the Food Marketing Institute’s Productivity Convention and Exposition last week. Company officials said the system offers higher reliability, easier maintenance and significantly lower lifecycle costs than ever before.

“The high reliability and reduced maintenance needs of Deltek technology will result in better equipment utilization and greater operational efficiency for the entire cold chain,” said Ignacio Aguerrevere, director of marketing and product development, Truck/Trailer/Rail Americas for Carrier Transicold.

Officials say the new technology is a radical departure from the conventional mechanical technology that has defined transport refrigeration systems for more than 50 years. Through expanded use of electronics and maintenance-free electrical components, it offers a streamlined design that does away with most serviceable mechanical parts, such as belts and clutches, and it greatly reduces the refrigerant charge compared to conventional systems.

Carrier Transicold officials said the core components of the system are:

-An ultra-high-performance aircraft-quality generator to provide all needed electrical power. The generator is driven by a diesel engine, creating the hybrid diesel electric power train;

-An electric, sealed compressor to drive the simplified refrigeration system. The compressor is designed to assure an extra tight refrigeration system with its electric motor is inside the compressor housing. No shaft seal is required;

-A distributed system of maintenance-free electric evaporator and condenser fans to control the flow of air; and,

-Electric-resistance heat for on-demand heating, independent of the cooling system and outdoor temperature.

Carrier estimates Deltek technology can reduce lifecycle costs by as much as 30 per cent. Deltek technology will be gradually introduced in different transport refrigeration product lines, with initial product introductions planned for the first half of 2006.

“Deltek technology takes the best that diesel and electric technologies have to offer and combines them into one powerful system that delivers unprecedented system reliability, performance and value,” Aguerrevere said.

Deltek technology is made possible by the generator from Carrier’s sister company, aerospace provider Hamilton Sundstrand. The generator produces enough output to run the compressor motor, drive multiple fan motors and supply current for the resistance heat strips and a battery charger. All units will be driven by EPA-compliant engines.

Although Deltek technology may have a simplified design, company officials say there is no compromise in performance. Cooling and heating are provided “on-demand” with no lag time.

The cooling-only refrigeration system has a tighter operating envelope, designed to maximize compressor life and ensure maximum cooling capacity. When heating is required, electric resistance strips – instead of hot gas – deliver best-in-class heating, regardless of ambient conditions and independent from the refrigeration system, resulting in faster defrost times. For multi-temperature applications, the refrigerant can be used entirely for cooling one compartment, while electric heating can be used to warm another with no compromise in overall capacity.

All systems relying on Deltek technology will have a built-in electric standby capability, designed to help reduce fuel consumption, noise and emissions at the loading dock. The closed refrigeration system is ready for higher-pressure natural refrigerants.

“In sum, Deltek technology brings exceptional durability and reliability, and significantly reduced lifecycle costs, all while providing the product protection and quality that customers expect from Carrier,” Aguerrevere said. “Our outstanding conventional units will continue to be offered, but Deltek technology will be the choice of those operations that insist on maximum uptime or optimum lifecycle cost.”

For more details visit www.trucktrailer.carrier.com.