Carrier introduces Deltek hybrid diesel technology

The Trucker News Services

10/31/2005

ORLANDO, Fla. — Saying that the product offered higher reliability, easier maintenance and significantly lower lifecycle costs than ever before, Carrier Transcold introduced Deltek hybrid diesel technology late in October.

The announcement was made during the Food Marketing Institute’s Productivity Convention and Exposition here.

“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,” Ignacio Aguerrevere, director of marketing and product development, Truck/Trailer/Rail Americas for Carrier Transicold, said.

Aguerrevere said patented Deltek technology was 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,” he said.

Carrier said core components of the system were:

• An ultra-high-performance aircraft-quality generator — the heart of the system — 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 assures an extra tight refrigeration system because 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 estimated Deltek technology can reduce lifecycle costs by as much as 30 percent.

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 ultra-high-performance 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 proven, EPA-compliant engines.

Although Deltek technology may have a simplified design, 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, maximizing compressor life and ensuring maximum cooling capacity, Aguerrevere said.

“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,” he said. “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.”

— The Trucker Staff