2 minute read
Embracing hybrid technology
A hybrid fridge system developed with Marshall Fleet Solutions looks set to lower carbon emissions and save fuel for Castell Howell Foods.
Frigoblock alternator and inverter-drive technology allow the Thermo King unit to switch the power between diesel and electric mode as required, allowing the truck to operate in inner cities, residential areas and low emission zones.
Thermo King and Frigoblock, along with Marshall Fleet Solutions, are working with UK food wholesaler Castell Howell Foods to operate a hybrid fridge system for undermount application on trucks and drawbar trailers (pictured above).
This innovation, which was shown for the first time at the CV Show last year, focuses on how transport and delivery companies can futureproof refrigerated truck, trailer and home delivery operations and investments with solutions powered by electricity, data and clean technology.
Mark Howell, managing director at Marshall Fleet Solutions, said: “Thermo King was the first to offer its European customers true hybrid and non-diesel truck and trailer refrigeration solutions. It currently has more than 25 electric products in its portfolio, providing superior performance for customers. Moreover, 20,000 trucks and trailers are on the road with TK electrified transport refrigeration units and the number is growing daily.”
Supplied and installed by Marshall Fleet Solutions, the UT-Series Hybrid Spectrum unit builds on the Thermo King SLXi Hybrid trailer systems. Martin Jones, director of transport operations at Castell Howell Foods, said: “We have been using Frigoblock electric units in our fleet for more than 15 years and we’ve been waiting for a solution that combines both the Frigoblock and Thermo King technologies in a rigid truck refrigeration system.
“The versatility and fuel efficiency of a unit running on the power of the truck where it can, with the backup of a conventional diesel on certain routes with long stops or intense drop counts, will definitely increase the flexibility of our operations.
“The UT Hybrid technology also aligns perfectly with our company’s sustainability strategy. Our doors are open for cleaner and more efficient technologies that will help us lower our carbon footprint. We are looking forward to demonstrating this new hybrid project to our customers as another step in creating more sustainable and environmentally cautious transport.”
Since May 2019, Castell Howell has conducted thorough, real-life testing of the TK hybrid system, running the truck six days a week on motorway and city centre routes, with upwards of 30 deliveries a day.
With the hybrid mode always on, fuel savings reached approximately 20 litres per day, six days a week. The system has been well accepted by Castell Howell drivers, mainly due to the simple and smooth transition from one technology to the other. The driver needs only set the vehicle when leaving the depot and the system will switch between electric and diesel modes seamlessly during the working day depending on the unit’s requirements.
● www.marshallfleetsolutions.co.uk
