Smartcool Tests Diesel Efficiency System for Trucking Refrigeration

Vancouver energy efficiency specialists Smartcool Systems Inc. (TSXV:SSC) have wrapped up a beta testing initiative with a Florida-based food distribution firm, the goal of which is to determine the impact of Smartcool technology on compressor optimization in refrigerated trucking.

Smartcool technologies are already known for reducing the energy consumption of compressors in air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump systems by 15% to 20%.

In this case, Smartcool technology was installed on a refrigerator trailer operated by the food distribution firm, with data collected to determine the reduction in run time for the compressor. With the Smartcool technology installed, the compressor was found to run 20% more efficiently on a consistent basis.

Since the compressor on the refrigerated truck is powered by its own independent diesel engine and supply source, the next phase of testing will determine the diesel fuel consumption for the overall system, both with and without the Smartcool technology installed. This will be done by installing a calibration flow meter to measure the supply and return flow rates throughout the system.

Fuel is one of the largest costs for the trucking industry. Statistics from the American Trucking Association indicate that the industry consumes 52.3 billion gallons of fuel annually, 70% of which is diesel, representing a $142.7 billion cost to fleet operators. With 20% of that cost the result of refrigerated shipping, the potential for savings generated by Smartcool technologies stand to be substantial, both domestically and worldwide.

A report on this current phase of testing will be made available by Smartcool in mid-September.

Disclosure: Smartcool is an annual sponsor of Cantech Letter.