Thermo King®, the transport refrigeration brand of global climate innovator Trane Technologies premiered its trailer refrigeration system with zero direct carbon emissions at the Solutrans international trade show in Lyon, France.
The Thermo King® AxlePower technology combines a fully electric refrigeration unit, highly efficient battery storage, and the ability to run on low or zero-emissions power sources, such as an axle energy recovery system, shore power, or hybrid system. The sustainable battery enables the refrigeration unit to operate autonomously and keep the cargo at optimal temperature, even when the vehicle is not running.
Reducing carbon emissions
Our technology can ensure sensitive goods stay at the required temperature while reducing energy, emissions, and noise"
“Safe, sustainable transport of foods, medicines, and vaccines is more critical than ever,” said Francesco Incalza, president of Thermo King Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “Temperature-controlled transport is subject to the highest operational safety requirements. Our technology can ensure sensitive goods stay at the required temperature while reducing energy, emissions, and noise – all-important to a sustainable future.”
“We’re proud to continue to deliver breakthrough technology, which supports our customers’ sustainability goals and our Gigaton Challenge to reduce customer carbon emissions by one gigaton by 2030.”
Long-term sustainability benefits
The new solution delivers immediate and long-term sustainability benefits while reducing operating costs. With zero direct emissions and silent operation, it enables inner-city deliveries, including in Ultra-low Emission Zones (ULEZs). Intelligent energy management ensures that there are always enough battery reserves, even on long journeys or in traffic jams.
If necessary, the system can also harvest energy from the tractive power of the trailer. All components are monitored in real-time by a Thermo King telematics system.
Zero-direct emission trailer refrigeration unit
Thermo King will showcase the AxlePower zero-direct emission trailer refrigeration unit powered by BPW’s ePower system at the Solutrans international trade show, Nov. 16-20. Currently, in the testing phase, this integrated system recovers the energy generated when the vehicle is rolling, sailing, or braking and stores it in Thermo King’s efficient battery to power the refrigeration system.
This system is tractor-independent and compatible with all Thermo King trailer refrigeration units. The solution has been nominated from more than 100 applications as one of seven finalists for the Solutrans Innovation Award.
E200 fully electric unit and Advancer Hybrid refrigeration unit
Advancer Hybrid refrigeration unit seamlessly switches between the primary electric operating mode
Also showcased at the event will be Thermo King’s E200 fully electric unit for small vans and trucks, and the new Advancer Hybrid refrigeration unit, the latest addition to the Advancer A-Series trailer range, which seamlessly switches between the primary electric operating mode to engine power when needed.
“At Trane Technologies, sustainability is at the center of everything we do as we challenge what’s possible for the industry, and the world,” said Incalza. “For decades, Thermo King has led the industry in the electrification of transport refrigeration, and we continue to relentlessly innovate in support of our customers, our communities, and our planet.”
2030 Sustainability Commitments
Thermo King has committed to invest more than $100 million over the next three years to deliver a fully-electric product in every segment of the cold chain by 2023 in EMEA and 2025 in the Americas.
With its 2030 Sustainability Commitments, Trane Technologies is helping solve some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges. These commitments include a pledge to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by one gigaton (2% of the world’s annual emissions) and achieve carbon-neutral operations.
Its “Opportunity for All” pledge commits to achieving gender parity in leadership, workforce diversity reflective of its communities, and community initiatives that support equitable education and pathways to green and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers.