Biggleswade, UK: Hultsteins is exhibiting its EcoFridge, hydraulic diesel-free refrigeration unit and new Ecogen electric generator system at Road Transport Expo 2022.
Hultsteins offer a range of sustainable equipment solutions for the challenges facing temperature-controlled operators: general operating costs, emission control and the recent red diesel tax rebate withdrawal.
A new Hultsteins finance package is also being introduced which will enable operators to more easily manage costs.
The Ecofridge uses an engine PTO-driven hydraulic pump to harness the energy from the truck engine to drive the compressor of the fridge directly. A most efficient method of using the energy because, unlike other systems, there is no need to convert it to electricity in order to drive the compressor, says Graham Usher, managing director, Hultsteins UK and Ireland.
“This delivers the power to ensure 100% cooling capacity – even at idle speed – and applies to single or multi-temperature operation to suit rigid or drawbar applications, he said.
“Ecofridge now comes with our optional Hultsteins’ Intelli Start. Developed in Sweden, the autonomous system is integrated into the software of the truck and allows the refrigeration system to start and stop the truck engine when parked, thereby ensuring correct temperature maintenance at all times,” Usher, said.
For operators wanting to cut fuel and maintenance costs, while slashing harmful emissions, Ecogen is an electric-hydraulic drive system which works in tandem with the existing diesel fridge and uses an engine PTO to generate a constant 400V at idle speed. The onboard electric generator effectively transforms the existing diesel fridge into an electric fridge.
“This allows you to run your fridge unit on electric when on the road while saving fuel, cutting emissions and reducing noise. Ecogen runs any marque of diesel fridge and fits to any rigid or tractor unit – providing a PTO is present on the truck engine. Also, Ecogen is available at low weekly rates, using our new, Hultsteins leasing option, he said.
“The savings offered will not only mitigate the massive diesel price increase which came into force on April 1st, but will allow operators to reduce fuel consumption on their fridge operations by 70 to 90%, compared to their current spend. Plus Hultsteins’ systems virtually eradicate all the harmful emissions associated with a conventional diesel TRU,”
Usher said.
