In everyday speech we often use simplified names for complex equipment, but when it comes to professional logistics or specific equipment, the accuracy of terminology becomes critically important. The question about the name of a refrigerated vehicle arises among many who are faced with the transportation of perishable foods, medicines or flowers. In fact, there is no single name, since the choice of term depends on the design of the vehicle, the type of cooling and the scope of application.
Understanding the differences between isothermal van and full-fledged refrigerator allows you not only to correctly draw up a transportation contract, but also to correctly select the equipment for your own needs. An error in classification can lead to damage to the cargo if the temperature conditions do not meet the requirements.
In this article we will analyze in detail all existing types of vehicles with refrigeration units, explain the principle of their operation and help you understand the technical nuances. You will find out why some cars can only retain heat, while others can actively generate cold.
Basic terms: refrigerator or isotherm?
The most common misconception is that any car with an insulated body is called a refrigerator. In fact, isothermal van is a vehicle whose walls are made of sandwich panels with thermal insulation. Such a vehicle does not have its own refrigeration unit and is only capable of slowing down the change in temperature of the cargo, relying on pre-cooling or heating.
In contrast, refrigerated truck (or simply a refrigerator) is equipped with an autonomous or driven refrigeration unit (RU), which actively maintains a given temperature regime regardless of external conditions. It is the presence of a working unit that makes the car a full-fledged “refrigerator on wheels.”
It is important to distinguish between these concepts when ordering equipment. If you need to transport frozen fish over a distance of 50 kilometers in the summer, the isotherm may not be able to handle it, and you will need a refrigerator with a working unit.
⚠️ Attention: In the vehicle documentation, always check for an ATP certificate (agreement on the transportation of perishable products). Without this document, the vehicle is not legally considered a refrigerator for international transport, even if it has a powerful “refrigeration” head.
Classification by type of refrigeration unit
The choice of the right type of machine depends on how exactly it will cool the cargo. Engineers have developed several operating schemes, each of which has its own advantages and limitations. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best transport.
The first and most common type is diesel units. They have their own internal combustion engine that drives the compressor. Such machines are completely autonomous and can operate even when the car engine is turned off, which is ideal for long-term parking and unloading.
The second option is electrical installations (EV). They are connected to an external electrical network or the vehicle’s on-board network. They are often used in urban areas to deliver products to stores, as they operate silently and do not produce exhaust gases.
The third type is systems with cryogenic cooling. They use stored liquefied gas (nitrogen or carbon dioxide), which, when evaporated, takes away heat. Such machines do not have moving parts in the body, which makes them very reliable, but requires regular refueling with cryogenic liquid.
- 🚛 Diesel: Full autonomy, operation in any conditions, but noisy and require internal combustion engine maintenance.
- ⚡ Electric: Quiet operation, environmentally friendly, but depend on the presence of an outlet or battery charge.
- ❄️ Cryogenic: No vibration, simple design, but the need to find a gas station.
Design features and temperature classes
A refrigerator car is not just a truck with thick walls. The vehicle body is a complex engineering structure made on the principle of a thermos. The walls, floor and ceiling are made of sandwich panels, inside of which there is effective insulation, most often polyurethane foam.
The most important classification parameter is the temperature regime. According to international standards, transport is divided into classes. For example, class A is intended for the transportation of refrigerated products (from 0 to +12 °C), and class F is intended for deep-frozen cargo (below -20 °C). A class A car will not be able to efficiently perform the task of a class F car.
The inside of the body must be installed rails and aluminum profiles (floor and ceiling). They create an air cushion between the load and the walls, ensuring proper circulation of cold air. Without this “skeleton”, the cargo near the walls may freeze, and in the center of the body it may deteriorate.
| Class | Temperature range | Typical cargo |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | from 0°C to +12°C | Vegetables, fruits, dairy products |
| Class C | from -20°C to 0°C | Frozen meat, fish, semi-finished products |
| Class F | below -20°C | Deep frozen, ice cream, biomaterials |
| Class ATP (general) | Depends on equipment | Perishable food |
Why is the air gap important?
Cold air must circulate throughout the entire volume of the body. If the cargo lies close to the floor or walls, heat exchange is disrupted, and the installation thermostat may “lie”, indicating the norm, while the goods next to the sensor are already deteriorating.
Low-tonnage solutions: refrigerators for the city
For urban logistics (the “last mile”), special small-tonnage vehicles are used. In everyday life they are often called simply “heels” or “refs”. These can be converted GAZelles, Ford Transit or Hyundai Porter.
The peculiarity of such machines is the compactness of the refrigeration unit. It is often mounted directly on the roof of the cab or in the front of the van, so as not to take up useful body space. The power of such installations is lower than that of mainline tractors, but is sufficient to maintain the temperature with frequent door openings.
Drivers of such vehicles need to be especially attentive to loading. In a small volume, violation of the rules for stowing cargo (for example, blocking the outlet of cold air) leads to rapid failure of the equipment or defrosting of the product.
- 🚐 Compactness: Possibility of travel to the city center and parking in restricted areas.
- 🌡️ Mobility: Quick change in temperature between flights.
- 🔋 Economy: Less fuel consumption compared to heavy refrigerated trucks.
Specialized transport: tanks and containers
Not all refrigerated vehicles look like vans. For the transportation of liquid products (milk, juices, vegetable oils, wine) thermal tanks. These are cars on the chassis of which a thermos tank with multilayer insulation is installed.
Another popular format is reefer containers (reefer containers). They are standardized metal boxes (usually 20 or 40 feet) with built-in refrigeration. Such containers can be transported on ships, trains and special tractors with trawls.
The advantage of containers is their versatility. They allow you to organize multimodal transportation without repacking cargo. You can load the container at the factory, transport it by car, then put it on the ship, and the temperature inside will be maintained the entire time.
⚠️ Attention: When operating refrigerated containers, it is critical to check the condition of the door seals. Even a microscopic gap in the container seal during sea transportation will lead to freezing of the unit and damage to multi-ton cargo.
Maintenance and operating nuances
A refrigerated machine requires more careful care than a regular truck. The main focus is on the cleanliness of the evaporator and condenser. Fluff, dust and dirt adhering to radiators sharply reduce the efficiency of heat transfer, causing the installation to wear out. Regular defrosting is a mandatory procedure. The ice coat on the evaporator acts as a heat insulator, preventing the air in the body from cooling. Modern installations do this automatically, but the driver must control the process.
Regular defrosting (defrosting) is a mandatory procedure. The ice coat on the evaporator acts as a heat insulator, preventing the air in the body from cooling. Modern installations do this automatically, but the driver must control the process.
It is also important to monitor the integrity of the body. Any crack in the sandwich panel or damage to the sealant leads to moisture getting inside the insulation. Wet polyurethane foam loses its properties, and the car stops maintaining temperature, turning into an ordinary van.
☑️ Daily check of the refrigerator
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between an isothermal van and refrigerator?
An isothermal van only maintains the temperature of the cargo thanks to the thermal insulation of the walls, but cannot lower it. The refrigerator has an active refrigeration unit that generates cold and maintains the set temperature regardless of external conditions.
Is it possible to transport food along with chemicals in a regular refrigerator?
It is strictly not recommended and is often prohibited by sanitary standards. Even with sealed packaging, the risk of chemical vapors entering the ventilation system or through microcracks in the body is too great. For food products, only specialized machines are used.
How often do you need to undergo ATP certification for a refrigerator?
Primary certification is valid for 6 years from the date of manufacture of the vehicle. After this, the examination must be completed every 3 years. Without a valid ATP certificate, international and many domestic transportation of perishable goods is prohibited.
Why does a refrigerator make noise when the car is stationary?
The refrigeration unit operates autonomously from its own diesel or electric motor. To maintain the temperature in the body during parking or unloading, the unit turns on periodically, which is accompanied by characteristic noise and vibration.