London, UK: TIP is running a series of ‘e-reefer’ trials offering new refrigeration technologies on a trial basis to cold chain customers. It allows users to experience first-hand how the innovations will affect their business.

Initially, TIP offered, and continues to offer, trials of a battery and solar-powered fridge that provides zero emission refrigeration. The Sunswap Endurance system uses solar panels to the roof of the trailer combined with a battery to store power.
This was followed another ‘e-reefer’, using ‘axle energy recuperation’ technology. This enables the trailer’s fridge to be powered using energy generated by an ‘e-axle’ during braking or driving downhill and that is subsequently stored in a battery.
The unit’s energy management system provides power from the battery to the refrigeration unit ‘intelligently’ by engaging the system’s generators when it is most efficient to do so.

The AxlePower energy recovery system and e-Power axle have been developed by Thermo King and BPW. The systems have been fitted to separate Chereau reefers which have been specified to get the best out of their respective refrigeration technologies. Throughout the trials, TIP has been receiving regular ‘performance’ reports from its customers providing data to analyse and assess the impact on transport operation.
The trials enable TIP and its customers to determine the capability and efficiency of the new technologies, while comparing them with traditional diesel-powered refrigeration.
Trialling with different customers is helping TIP better understand the benefits of the technologies in differing transport operations, environments and scenarios.