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Refrigerated vehicles

Refrigerated vehicles are vehicles that are designed to transport goods that require a controlled temperature environment, such as food products, pharmaceuticals, and other perishable items. These vehicles typically have a built-in refrigeration unit that can maintain the desired temperature range, as well as insulation and other features to ensure that the temperature is maintained throughout the transportation process. Refrigerated vehicles come in various sizes and configurations, including vans, trucks, trailers, and shipping containers. They can be powered by electricity, diesel fuel, or other energy sources, depending on the specific design and application. Refrigerated vehicles are commonly used in the food and beverage industry, as well as the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, to transport products that need to be kept at a specific temperature range to maintain their quality and safety. Refrigerated vehicles, also known as reefer trucks or refrigerated trucks, are specially designed vehicles that are used to transport temperature-sensitive goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. The working principle of refrigerated vehicles is based on the principle of refrigeration, which involves removing heat from a closed space and releasing it into the environment. Refrigerated vehicles typically have an insulated body that is designed to maintain a specific temperature range, often between -20°C to 20°C, depending on the type of cargo being transported. The body of the vehicle is equipped with a refrigeration system, which includes a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve. The compressor is the heart of the refrigeration system and is responsible for compressing and circulating the refrigerant gas. The refrigerant gas is then condensed in the condenser, where it gives off heat to the outside environment. The condensed refrigerant then flows through the expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and causes it to evaporate in the evaporator. As the refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs heat from the cargo compartment, thereby lowering its temperature. The cooled air is then circulated through the cargo compartment using a fan or blower. The process of cooling and circulating the air continues until the desired temperature is achieved. To maintain the temperature inside the cargo compartment, refrigerated vehicles are typically equipped with a thermostat or a temperature controller, which automatically turns the refrigeration system on and off as needed to maintain the desired temperature range. Some refrigerated vehicles also have multiple temperature zones, allowing different types of cargo to be transported at different temperatures within the same vehicle. Refrigerated vehicles, also known as reefer trucks, typically consist of several key components: 1. Insulated Box/Container: This is the compartment of the vehicle where the temperature-sensitive goods are stored. The box is typically made of insulated panels to maintain a consistent temperature. 2. Refrigeration Unit: This is the component that cools the air within the insulated box. It is typically a compressor-based system that circulates refrigerant through the evaporator, condenser, and compressor to regulate the temperature within the box. 3. Temperature Control Unit: This is the component that monitors the temperature within the box and adjusts the refrigeration unit accordingly. It can be a simple thermostat or a more advanced system that includes sensors and a computerized controller. 4. Power Source: Refrigerated vehicles require a power source to run the refrigeration unit and other components. This can be an engine-driven compressor, a separate generator, or a plug-in electrical connection. 5. Airflow System: A ventilation system is necessary to circulate the cooled air within the box and maintain a consistent temperature throughout. 6. Doors/Ramps: The insulated box typically has one or more access points, such as doors or ramps, for loading and unloading the goods. These access points must be well-insulated to prevent temperature fluctuations. 7. Monitoring and Alarm System: Many refrigerated vehicles include a monitoring and alarm system that alerts the driver if the temperature within the box falls outside of the desired range. Some systems can also transmit this information to a remote monitoring station. 8. Safety Features: To ensure the safety of the driver and other motorists, refrigerated vehicles are often equipped with safety features such as backup cameras, blind spot detection, and collision warning systems. Some of the key manufacturers of refrigerated vehicles include: 1. Thermo King 2. Carrier Transicold 3. Schmitz Cargobull 4. GAH Refrigeration 5. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 6. Daikin Industries 7. Hyundai Translead 8. Gray & Adams 9. Wabash National 10. Lamberet SAS