eNow, producers of innovative energy products for the transportation industry, demonstrated the effectiveness of its solar energy producing systems by powering the first zero-emissions commercial-use Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) on a truck making deliveries in an urban environment.
The new zero-emissions TRU, branded "Rayfrigeration," achieved emission reductions of 98% nitrous oxide, 86% carbon dioxide, and 97% particulate matter over a five-month test period. (TRUs are traditionally powered by high-polluting, small diesel engines.)
The 1,800 Watt eNow solar system provided more than enough energy to maintain optimum temperature throughout a typical day of opening and closing the doors while the refrigerated truck delivered fresh dairy products in California'ssummer heat. The Rayfrigeration system features eNow solar in combination with a Johnson Truck Bodies refrigeration unit and Emerson's highly efficient compressor technology. The unit's cold plates and batteries are initially charged from utility power overnight, but while on a delivery route, power is provided by eNow's solar photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on the truck's roof.
The eNow team calculated that average emissions of CO2 were reduced from 2,525 lbs/week to 159 lbs. Nitrous Oxide emissions were reduced from 7162 grams to 1. This is after adjusting for the emissions from the power plant supplying grid electricity overnight (missions from solar are 0).
In addition to eliminating harmful emissions, the Rayfrigeration unit is projected to reduce operations costs by up to 90%. The savings are achieved through eliminating diesel fuel and maintenance costs, and an increased battery life thanks to consistent charge maintenance by eNow solar.
"Rayfrigeration is an important step forward in reducing emissions while maintaining the highest levels of efficiency and customer satisfaction for companies delivering perishable goods," says Jeff Flath, President & CEO of eNow. "eNow's solar technology is powerful, reliable, and efficient, and provides emissions-free energy for critical tasks such as refrigeration. We are proud to be part of this important project."
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District funded the Rayfrigeration initiative through its Technology Advancement Program.