What are reefer plugs?
When a reefer is stored at a terminal, it needs to be plugged to a specialized electrical power outlet, usually of 32 amperes and 380/440 volts. To provide power, terminals install within their yards what is known as reefer plugs, which are combined into outlets supplying a related number of reefers.
How do you power a reefer container?
The reefer unit requires a three phase electrical system with a supply voltage of 440/460 volt. Some units are available with three phase 208/230 volt transformers. Units are available to run on 50 or 60 Hz. amps.
How much power does a reefer trailer use?
Depending on guidelines of the manufacturer of container refrigeration unit, its technical condition and the required temperature level in the box, the average power consumption in 40′ container ranges from 6 to 9 kW (Reefer container 2017).
How long can a reefer container be unplugged?
It is expected that the insulation system of the reefer container is able to maintain internal cargo area temperatures within 1-2 degrees Celsius of the cargo protocol temperature, even with average power disconnection time periods of 1 to 6 hours during its trip.
How does a reefer unit work?
– The Compressor – in a reefer unit, the compressor is driven by a small engine. The compressor draws gaseous refrigerant in and compresses it. The pressure inside the compressor liquefies the gas, and the now-liquid refrigerant gives off heat to the body of the compressor, and ultimately to the air.
Can you plug in a reefer trailer?
Expanding the Infrastructure to Support Electric Standby Reefers. To capitalize on a refrigerated trailer’s electric cooling capability, you have to have a place to plug it in — what’s known as an electric transport refrigeration unit (eTRU) connection.
How many hours will a reefer unit run?
Reefer Hours Reefer units typically log around 4,000 hours maximum each year. A trailer that is three years old can be expected to have between 9,000 to 12,000 hours on its refrigerated unit. The hours on a unit can be compared to the miles accumulated on a truck. More hours means that the unit was more heavily used.
How cold do reefer trucks get?
The average reefer maintains temperatures within a range of about -13 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there are highly specialized refrigeration units that go as low as -85 degrees Fahrenheit. These reefers are typically used for the transport of items in the medical and chemical industries.
How cold can a reefer container get?
These goods can stay fresh or frozen as required in climate-controlled reefers that can reach temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius (-76 degrees Fahrenheit).
Can reefer containers heat?
Refrigerated containers are capable of controlling temperature ranging from −65 °C (−85 °F) up to 40 °C (104 °F). Some reefers are equipped with a water cooling system, which can be used if the reefer is stored below deck on a vessel without adequate ventilation to remove the heat generated.
Do reefer trailers heat and cool?
Since reefers are able to collect and pump heat, they can be used to heat and cool shipments.
How do reefer trailers get power?
In a reefer trailer, its compressor is driven by a small diesel engine. The compressor draws gaseous refrigerant in and compresses it. This pressure is then able to liquefy into gas. The liquefied gas then gives off heat to the body of the compressor and the air.
How cold does a reefer trailer get?
How long do reefer trucks last?
A common rule of thumb is a reefer trailer should last for an average of 40,000 hours of use which equates to about 8 years on the open road. These values are based on an average of 4,000 to 5,000 hours of use per year.
Can reefer trailers heat?
Do Reefer Trucks heat?
Reefer refrigeration units are quite robust, as when trapped heat builds up inside a non-refrigerated trailer, the temperature can be 30 degrees Fahrenheit or more above the outside air temperature. Reefers have revolutionized the food industry.