The benefits available from electric standby systems
Fleets have found that using electric standby systems to run transport refrigeration units (TRUs) on their trailers and trucks offer a number of benefits. The reason being: these systems allow the trailer’s or truck’s TRU diesel engine to be switched off when the unit is plugged into the electric grid.
Electric energy is far less expensive than diesel fuel, and plugging-in reduces fuel consumption, says Bob Provencher of Atlantic Dynamics (www.safeconnectsystems.com), a company involved in the research, development and deployment of cost-effective, energy-efficient accessories for the trucking industry.
What’s more, electric energy is greener than burning diesel, plus it allows a fleet to reduce its carbon footprint through its reduction in diesel emissions.
He also points out that electric standby lessens the impact of noise pollution problems in abutting residential areas because running on electric power is significantly quieter than a TRU’s diesel-powered engine. Additionally, running a refrigeration unit on electric power helps to reduce operating and maintenance costs as the diesel engine runs less.
SAFETY CONCERNS
However, aside from the benefits of powering hybrid TRUs with electric standby systems, fleets need to be aware of potential safety problems with the electric connection systems, advises Provencher. These include protecting equipment from accidental drive-offs while still plugged in to grid power and safeguarding employees from the hazards of coming in contact with the system’s high-voltage electricity when connecting or disconnecting the plug.
Atlantic Dynamics has addressed the equipment damage and safety issues with its SafeConnect electric standby connection system. Its docking stations and smart plugs feature a proprietary quick-release connection system and patented failsafe safety-circuit design that governs the initial connection and will self-disconnect upon sensing tension – as in a drive-off, he explains, instantly cutting off the power flow at the source control box, safeguarding both people and infrastructure.
SMARTS
The added feature of SafeConnect’s logic circuitry brings operational “intelligence” to the system that goes way beyond the quick-disconnect benefit, says John Penizotto, executive director of business development, North America, for International Telematics (www.internationaltelematics.com), a company that has developed the ibright system – an advanced telematic solution that provides a variety of business intelligence about fleet movements and individual assets.
Like SafeConnect, the ibright system has the ability to monitor, manage and control when the TRU is running on electric, he says. The solution provides a broad array of functionality for a fully converged monitoring and management tool through a single platform.
Standard and optional features include: two-way remote control, command and monitoring; remote start/stop capability; wireless and tethered remote temperature probes and sensors; reefer health, utilization reporting and alerting; configurable reefer alerts, alarms and diagnostics; door status reporting and alerting; and maintenance due alerting.
