When the new Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market chain opened its first grocery stores in Southern California in fall 2007, it was supported by a “green” fleet of refrigerated trailers that feature Carrier Transicold's hybrid Vector 1800MT multi-temperature systems.
Featuring Carrier's patented Deltek diesel-electric technology, the Vector 1800MT system is a radical departure from conventional mechanical refrigeration. It uses an electric generator to power all components, reducing emissions and noise while eliminating many maintenance items, and increasing performance and reliability. Already popular in Europe, the hybrid Vector unit was introduced in North America in 2006.
With 122 store locations announced to date, British retail giant Tesco is developing a new chain of stores for the United States based on the concept of providing consumers fresh, high-quality foods and a faster, easier neighborhood shopping experience. Like Fresh & Easy's stores and facilities, which use energy-efficient lighting, solar panels and freezers, its trailer fleet will further Fresh & Easy's goal to be a good neighbor and environmental steward.
The Vector 1800MT unit integrates a diesel engine with an all-electric refrigeration system to deliver increased reliability, improved performance, and environmental benefits. Deltek technology strips away conventional mechanical transport refrigeration parts such as belts, shafts, pulleys, valves, dampers, and gearboxes that eventually require service or replacement. The diesel engine drives a high-output electric generator that creates enough electricity to run system components.
Installed and supported by Carrier Transicold of Southern California, the Vector 1800MT system lets Fresh & Easy shut down the engine and plug each unit into an electric power supply for loading at the distribution center and unloading at stores. This “standby capability” reduces diesel consumption and exhaust.
Fresh & Easy is also concerned about noise. On the road, Vector units are quieter than conventional systems, and in standby mode they operate with no sound from the diesel engine. On standby, the unit runs like a very large and sophisticated electric refrigerator.
For more information on Carrier, e-mail Anthony D'Angelo at [email protected].
