Digital Cold Chain connectivity boosts logistics efficiency

Carrier Transicold latest technologies redefine efficiency and sustainability in refrigerated transportation to deliver reduced emissions and increased connectivity. Pankaj Mehta, Managing Director for Carrier Transicold, India & South Asia, remarks these innovative solutions empower logistics companies to optimise operations while meeting the demands of the food and pharmaceutical cold chain.

What innovations in refrigerated transportation technology have improved energy efficiency in cold chains?

Carrier Transicold has proudly offered cold chain solutions for over 50 years. Our product lineup includes cutting-edge direct-drive units for small vans and diesel truck units for large trucks designed for the temperature-controlled transportation of fresh and frozen foods, dairy products, pharmaceuticals and other perishables. Carrier Transicold works with Indian logistics companies to understand their specific requirements. It has introduced several innovative technologies to improve energy efficiency in refrigerated transportation, benefiting the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Refrigerated large trucks for frozen applications play a pivotal role in the Indian cold chain. Our latest Supra A series has focussed on overall system efficiency to reduce energy and refrigerant consumption and ultimately reduce emissions. The Supra A range helps our customers meet rapidly evolving supply chain demands while improving the overall environmental sustainability of their fleets.

We have introduced the complete range of vehicle engine-driven Citifresh and Citimax units to offer optimal cooling at reduced costs for the rapidly growing small van and chilled trucks segment. These units have simple controls and lower maintenance requirements.    

There is also increasing demand for the cold chain to be digitally connected. The Lynx Fleet’s open ecosystem intelligently monitors connected refrigeration systems from anywhere globally, providing vital information for producers, drivers, transport managers, and retailers regarding the products and vehicles transported. The digital system provides access to live service for each connected refrigeration unit, helping to aid fleet management procedures and ensure minimal disruption through vehicle downtime. It can be customised to meet customer needs and will continue to evolve.

How does your Supra A series improve efficiency compared to previous Supra truck refrigeration units?

The Supra A Series represents a breakthrough in refrigeration unit design, achieved by seamlessly integrating mechanical and electrical subsystems to enhance efficiency and product compactness. This innovative approach results in a quieter, lighter and smaller unit while providing superior performance in even the most demanding conditions. Rigorously tested in extreme ambient temperatures, the Supra A Series ensures optimal uptime and reliability, offering customers a rapid return on investment. Key features of the Supra A Series include a newly designed insulated exhaust system, which significantly reduces both noise and thermal emissions, and a revised cover that minimises noise output from the top of the unit. These enhancements contribute to a quieter and more environmentally responsible operation. The Supra A Series is up to 40 percent more fuel-efficient than the legacy Supra range, providing significant cost savings over time. The weight reduction results in lower fuel consumption and allows for an increased permissible load on the front axle, further optimising operational efficiency.

Additionally, the Supra A Series features an extended maintenance interval of 2,000 hours across all models, enhancing overall uptime and reducing service-related disruptions. Its compact design makes it an ideal solution for applications, including lower box configurations such as bridge, tunnel or underground distribution, higher cabin configurations and shorter trucks. The Supra A Series combines advanced technology, energy efficiency and design flexibility, offering a highly versatile solution that meets the evolving needs of the transportation and logistics industry.

What design features of the Citimax D series contribute to its faster cooling and heating capacity?

The Citimax D Series combines decades of Carrier’s research and development expertise to deliver a more powerful, reliable and efficient unit. Designed with the modern customer in mind, the Citimax D Series provides faster cooling, lighter weight, Smarter technology and enhanced operational efficiency compared with legacy Citimax units. Key advancements in the Citimax D Series include a newly upgraded condensing fan with a lifespan of over 12,000 hours, delivering increased air volume and improved overall machine performance. The optimised refrigeration circuit design enhances heat exchange capabilities, ensuring greater reliability, particularly in high-temperature environments. A redesigned air circulation system further improves cooling efficiency by reducing the impact of stacked goods on air flow within the compartment. As a result, the evaporative air volume is increased by up to 13 percent, while static pressure resistance is enhanced by up to 20 percent, thanks to an inclined return air system design.

The Citimax D Series has also significantly reduced weight, weighing as little as 59kg—up to 26 percent lighter than previous models. This reduction improves fuel efficiency and makes the vehicle more compliant with regulatory weight restrictions, facilitating easier licensing and operational flexibility. In addition to its performance benefits, the Citimax D Series is designed with sustainability in mind. The unit incorporates environmentally responsible features to help companies meet their sustainability goals. The refrigerant charge has been reduced by up to 38 percent, saving approximately 1kg of refrigerant, thus contributing to lower maintenance costs and a reduced environmental footprint.

Performance-wise, the Citimax D Series delivers faster cooling speeds—up to 22 percent faster than previous models—and boasts up to a 10 percent improvement in overall cooling performance. Heating performance is also enhanced, with a 25 percent improvement in heating efficiency, further increasing the versatility and effectiveness of the unit across varying operational conditions. The Citimax D Series combines cutting-edge technology, improved efficiency, and a commitment to sustainability, making it an ideal solution for modern transportation needs. Its enhanced performance, reduced weight, and environmentally conscious design provide significant value for customers seeking to improve their operational efficiency while meeting their sustainability objectives.