In the world of logistics and commercial transportation, there are many specialized vehicles, each of which performs its own unique function. One of the most popular categories is equipment designed for transporting goods that require special temperature conditions. That is why the question of what is the name of a refrigerated vehicle often arises among those who are just starting to get acquainted with the structure of trucks or are planning a food delivery business.
In common parlance, such equipment is often called simply a “refrigerator,” although technically this name refers to the cooling system, and not to the body itself. A more accurate and official name is isothermal van or refrigerated vehicle. The difference between these concepts lies in the presence of an autonomous refrigeration unit, which is capable of not only maintaining, but also actively lowering the temperature inside the cargo compartment.
Understanding the classification of these vehicles is critical for the correct choice of transport for a specific type of cargo. The wrong choice can lead to food spoilage, violation of sanitary standards and financial losses. In this article we will analyze in detail the design, types and principles of operation of such special equipment.
Official terminology and classification
When they talk about a refrigerator machine, they most often mean refrigerator. However, if you delve deeper into technical documentation and regulations, you can come across other designations. The key parameter of separation is the presence of its own power plant for generating cold. If the car body is simply a thermos with thick walls, but without a working compressor, it is isothermal van.
Such vans are only able to maintain the temperature of the cargo for a certain time, relying on pre-cooling or heating. In contrast, a full-fledged refrigerator equipped with a refrigeration unit (RU), which operates independently of the car engine or its cooling system. This allows you to maintain a given temperature regime indefinitely while the unit is operating.
There is also a gradation by type body The most common are all-metal vans, where the body is inextricably linked to the cab or mounted on a frame. For large-size transportation they are used Refrigerated semi-trailers. They have a large volume and are often equipped with multi-temperature sections that allow the transportation of frozen and chilled products at the same time.
Design of a refrigeration unit and an isothermal body
The basis of any refrigerator is its body, which is sandwich panel. The walls, floor and ceiling consist of a layer of effective heat insulator, most often polyurethane foamsandwiched between sheets of plastic, aluminum or galvanized steel. The quality of thermal insulation directly affects the efficiency of the entire system.
A refrigeration unit is mounted in the front part of the van, usually above the driver’s cabin. It works on the same principle as a regular household refrigerator, but on a much larger scale. The main elements of the system include the compressor, condenser, evaporator and control system. The compressor compresses the refrigerant, increasing its temperature, after which in the condenser the gas gives off heat to the environment and turns into liquid.
- ❄️ Compressor: the heart of the system, creating pressure for the circulation of the refrigerant.
- 🌡️ Evaporator: the unit where the refrigerant boils, actively absorbing heat from internal volume of the body.
- 🌀 Fans: provide forced air circulation so that the temperature is distributed evenly throughout the entire volume.
It is important to note that the correct distribution of air flows inside the body is not just a recommendation, but a necessity. The load should not block the path of air from the evaporator. To do this, they are often installed on the floor aluminum profiles (rails), creating a gap between the floor and the boxes. This allows cold air to pass under the load, rise up through special channels in the front wall and again enter the evaporator.
What happens if the air channels are blocked?
If the load is placed close to the front wall or floor, cold air cannot circulate. As a result, the temperature sensor located next to the evaporator will quickly calculate the desired temperature and turn off the installation, while deep in the body the products will begin to deteriorate from the heat or defrost.
Types of refrigeration units and power sources
The choice of the type of refrigeration unit depends on how the car will be used. The main separation occurs by the energy source that drives the compressor. For long-distance transport, where the vehicle is constantly moving, units driven by the vehicle engine are often used.
In such systems, the compressor is connected to the vehicle engine through a belt drive or shaft system. This is a reliable and economical solution, but it has one significant drawback: the cold is produced only when the car’s engine is running. When stopping for loading, unloading or overnight, the temperature in the body may begin to rise.
To solve this problem, diesel-electric or completely electric installations are used. They have their own independent internal combustion engine (usually diesel) or are powered from an external electrical network. This allows you to maintain the temperature even when the car engine is turned off, which is critical for long-term parking and accurate delivery.
⚠️ Attention: When operating diesel-electric units, strictly monitor the fuel level in the additional tank. Emptying it on the way can lead to air in the system and difficult startup of the installation, which will require calling a service team.
Modern models are often equipped with a system Standbythat allows you to switch to power from an external network of 220V or 380V. This is especially true for urban logistics, where a machine can spend the night on a base connected to an outlet, saving fuel and reducing noise.
Temperature classes and areas of application
Not all products require the same storage conditions. To standardize the requirements, temperature classes of refrigerators were developed, designated in Latin letters from A to F. Each class corresponds to a specific temperature range that the machine is capable of maintaining.
For example, the class A is intended for the transportation of chilled products, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products and confectionery products. The temperature range here is from 0°C to +12°C. At the same time, class F is used for deep freezing, where the temperature drops below -20°C. Such vehicles are necessary for transporting ice cream, frozen meat and fish.
| Class | Temperature range (°C) | Typical cargo |
|---|---|---|
| A | from 0 to +12 | Vegetables, fruits, flowers, bread |
| C | from -2 to +2 | Chilled meat, fish, milk |
| E | from -10 to -20 | Frozen semi-finished products |
| F | below -20 | Ice cream, deep frozen |
Choosing the right class is a matter of safety. Transporting ice cream in a Class A vehicle will cause it to melt and lose its presentation, even if this is not immediately noticeable visually. Conversely, carrying bananas in a class F car means freezing them, making them unsuitable for sale.
Specifics of transportation of perishable products
Logistics of perishable goods is a complex chain of events where a refrigerated machine plays the role of a mobile storage facility. However, the refrigerator itself cannot cool warm cargo. Its task is to maintain the temperature already reached. If you load warm products into the body, the unit will work hard, trying to cool the huge volume, and may not cope with the task.
Before loading, the body must be pre-cooled to the required temperature. This process takes from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the volume of the body and the temperature difference. Ignoring the pre-cooling stage is a common mistake leading to damage to the first batch of goods.
- 🚛 Correct stowage: The cargo must lie above the red line on the walls of the van and not exceed the level of the yellow line on the front wall.
- 📦 Palletizing: The use of standard Euro pallets facilitates loading and ensures required gap for air.
- 🌡️ Control: The presence of autonomous thermal recorders or temperature sensors inside the cargo helps to monitor compliance with the regime on the way.
- 🧹 Hygiene: After each flight, the body must undergo sanitary treatment to avoid cross-contamination and foreign odors.
Particular attention should be paid to the transportation of pharmaceutical cargo. They often require vehicles with ATP class and enhanced temperature control, since deviations can make medications not only ineffective, but also life-threatening.
☑️ Checking the refrigerator before the trip
Technical maintenance and problems
A refrigerator is a complex technical system that requires regular maintenance. Unlike a regular truck, there is the added need to monitor the refrigeration circuit Regular washing condenser and evaporator from dust and fluff - a mandatory procedure, especially in the summer. A clogged heat exchanger sharply reduces the efficiency of the unit and can lead to its overheating and shutdown.
One of the common problems is a violation of the body seal. Cracks in the skin, worn door seals or a loosely closed pre-cooling hatch will negate the effectiveness of thermal insulation. Moisture that gets inside the sandwich panels freezes, expands and destroys the insulation structure, forming “cold bridges.”
⚠️ Attention: Never wash the refrigerator body with high-pressure water (Kärcher) near electrical connectors and control panels. Water getting inside electronics is one of the most common causes of costly breakdowns.
It is also important to monitor the condition of the refrigerant and oil in the system. Freon leakage is not only a loss of cold, but also an environmental problem. Modern installations require the use of specific types of oils, and mixing them is unacceptable. Diagnostics of such systems requires special equipment and qualifications.
Development trends in refrigeration equipment
Industry of transport refrigeration systems is actively developing, introducing technologies aimed at increasing energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. One of the main trends is electrification. Electric vans with built-in refrigeration units powered by the vehicle's traction battery are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas. They allow you to drive into areas with environmental class restrictions and work silently.
Another direction is the use of natural refrigerants such as CO2 (carbon dioxide), which do not destroy the ozone layer and have minimal global warming potential. Although such systems are more difficult to manufacture and require higher operating pressure, they are becoming standard in the European Union and are gradually entering other markets.
Digitalization is also changing the face of the industry. Modern refrigerators are equipped with telematics systems that transmit real-time data on temperature, humidity, location and even body impacts. The logistician in the office sees all the parameters on the screen, and the driver receives notifications on his smartphone about any deviations.
How does telemetry help save cargo?
Telemetry systems allow you to track not only the current temperature, but also the history of its changes. If a short-term defrosting occurs along the way due to a breakdown or human error, the system will record this. This allows you to weed out spoiled cargo before it reaches store shelves, protecting consumer health and brand reputation.
What is the difference between a multi-temperature and single-temperature van?
A single-temperature van supports one mode throughout its entire volume. The multi-temperature compartment is divided by movable partitions into several compartments, each of which has its own evaporator or damper, allowing you to transport simultaneously, for example, ice cream (-18°C) and chocolate (+15°C).
Can a refrigerator be used as a warehouse?
It is strictly not recommended. The refrigerator is designed for transportation, not for long-term storage. Constant operation of the unit when parked without air movement (as when driving) is less efficient, and the risk of engine failure while idling or running on mains power is high. In addition, this is an inappropriate use of equipment.
Why can’t you carry people in a refrigerator?
This is deadly. In a sealed body, a running refrigeration unit consumes oxygen and can emit carbon monoxide (with a diesel drive). In addition, low temperatures and lack of ventilation will lead to rapid hypothermia and suffocation. The body does not have emergency human opening mechanisms from the inside.
How often do you need to undergo ATP certification?
Certificate of Conformity for the Transport of Perishable Products (ATP Agreement) is usually issued for 6 years for new bodies, after which recertification is required every 3 years. However, for work within one country, the rules may differ, but for international transport, a valid certificate is required.