Carrier Transicold has introduced its new thin-profile Vector 8400R refrigeration unit for domestic intermodal containers to provide improved fuel efficiency and lifetime compliance with California’s latest emissions standards. The new unit was unveiled this week at the Intermodal Association of North America’s Intermodal Expo.

Like the model it succeeds, the Vector 8400R delivers highly efficient refrigeration and freezing performance in a space-saving, thin-profile design, according to Carrier Transicold. Additionally, it boosts efficiency while also surpassing EPA Tier 4 requirements by cutting particulate emissions for lifetime compliance with California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements without the need for future exhaust control systems.

“Carrier Transicold intermodal units play a vital role in helping California to ship agricultural products throughout North America, and lifetime CARB compliance helps our customers achieve maximum value for their investment,” said Bill Maddox, senior manager – product management, Carrier Transicold. “While innovating to achieve greater emissions performance, we also focused on optimizing fuel efficiency, making the Vector 8400R an even more attractive upgrade for intermodal carriers.”

The company said benefits of the Vector 8400R unit include:

• Cargo Optimization – About 40% thinner than a traditional intermodal refrigeration unit, the Vector 8400R fits within a trim envelope and maximizes usable container space for more efficient operations. Up to 7% more cargo can be carried than with traditional units, 15 pallet rows rather than 14.

• Up to 10% Better Fuel Efficiency – The unit has an advanced new engine with common-rail fuel injection that optimizes fuel delivery for improved efficiency.

• Greater Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance – In combination with the new engine, a diesel oxidation catalyst pushes particulate, hydrocarbon and NOx emissions to new lows without requiring complex exhaust gas recirculation systems found with competitive units. The unit uses CARB-compliant R-452A refrigerant.

• Higher Refrigeration Capacity – Carrier Transicold’s E Drive all-electric refrigeration technology consistently and efficiently delivers high refrigeration capacities, powerful airflow, and fast pulldown. Also, the Vector 8400R unit’s refrigeration and freezing capacities remain constant when using its integrated plug-in electric standby capability.

• Easier To Maintain – A streamlined architecture, in which the diesel engine is direct-coupled to a high-output generator to produce power for the all-electric refrigeration system, eliminates many common serviceable components, and makes the unit easier to maintain. Intelligent controls automatically activate individual components, running only what the system needs, precisely when needed, so components run less and last longer than traditional counterparts.

Telematics

Vector 8400R units are equipped with Carrier Transicold’s Lynx Fleet telematics solution for remote monitoring of temperatures, location, movement, and unit operating performance. A subscription is required.

Solar Powered

To help maintain the charge of the battery supporting the unit and its telematics system, Carrier Transicold offers an optional 50-watt rail-optimized solar charging system designed for placement on the unit door, as intermodal containers are often double-stacked, limiting the application of rooftop mounted systems.

Emissions Goal

Carrier Transicold said the fuel-efficient, CARB-compliant Vector 8400R can help fleets significantly reduce their environmental impact, supporting Carrier’s 2030 Environmental, Social and Governance Goal of reducing its customers’ carbon footprint by one gigaton.