Owners of small businesses and logistics companies are often faced with the need to transport perishable products, medicines or flowers. When looking for a suitable solution for a GAZelle commercial vehicle, the first question that arises is what exactly the specialized equipment for transporting goods at low temperatures is called. In everyday life you can hear many names: from a simple “refrigerator” to complex technical terms that are not always clear to beginners in the field of cargo transportation.
In fact, correct technical name depends on the type of installed equipment and its operating principle. If the body simply maintains temperature due to thermal insulation, this is isothermal van. If an active refrigeration unit is installed inside, capable of freezing or cooling the cargo regardless of the external environment, then this is refrigerator. Understanding this difference is critically important when choosing a car, since the cost, load capacity and scope of application of these modifications differ significantly.
In this article we will look in detail at how different types of bodies differ, how the cooling system on the Gazelle base works and what to look for when ordering or converting a car. You will learn about the design features that allow you to keep food fresh during long flights, and you will understand which option will be optimal for your business.
Terminology: refrigerator or isotherm?
The first thing you need to decide on is the basic classification. When they say “refrigerator on a Gazelle,” most often they mean two fundamentally different types of body. Isothermal van is a sealed volume, the walls of which are made of sandwich panels with a high thermal insulation coefficient. This body does not have its own refrigeration unit; it only slows down the heating or cooling of the load. To maintain the temperature, cold accumulators (eutectic plates) or dry ice can be placed inside.
In contrast, refrigerator is a full-fledged refrigeration unit mounted on a car chassis. It consists of a compressor, condenser, evaporator and control system. Such equipment allows you to maintain a set temperature in the range from -20°C to +12°C, regardless of what the weather is like outside. It is refrigerators that are used for long-distance transportation and freezing food “from scratch.”
⚠️ Attention: When ordering a car, please specify the body type. An isotherm will not be able to cool a warm cargo; it will only maintain the temperature of an already cooled product for a short time.
The choice between these two options depends on logistics tasks. If you plan to deliver frozen fish or ice cream around the city within 4-6 hours, a high-quality isotherm with cold accumulators may be enough for you. However, for intercity transportation or working with warm cargo that needs to be cooled en route, this is what is needed. The cost of operating a refrigerator is higher due to the fuel consumption for operating the refrigeration unit (RU), but its capabilities are disproportionately wider. refrigerator. The cost of operating a refrigerator is higher due to the fuel consumption for operating the refrigeration unit (RU), but its capabilities are disproportionately wider.
Design and structure of the refrigeration unit
The refrigeration unit on the Gazelle is a complex technical device that requires an understanding of the principles of its operation for proper operation. The main element of the system is compressor, which is driven either from the car engine through a belt drive, or runs from a separate diesel/gasoline engine, or is powered from the mains (220V or 24V). The cooling power and reliability of the entire system as a whole depend on the compressor.
Refrigerant circulation occurs in a closed circuit. In a condenser, usually located on the roof or behind the cabin, the gas is cooled and turns into a liquid state. Then, passing through thermostatic valve, the liquid expands sharply in the evaporator, taking heat from the internal volume of the body. The most important element is also the condensate drainage system, which prevents the formation of ice plugs and corrosion.
- ❄️ Compressor-condenser unit: placed outside the body, often on the roof, protected from precipitation.
- 🌬️ Evaporator: located inside the cargo platform, ensures uniform distribution of cold air.
- 🔌 Control system: digital remote control in the driver's cabin for monitoring and adjusting temperature conditions.
Modern installations based on Gazelle NEXT or Business often equipped with c automatic defrostingsystems. This prevents fouling of the evaporator, which could reduce cooling efficiency. Control can be carried out both from the car engine (in motion) and from the electrical network when parked (for models with electric drive), which allows you to save fuel during loading and unloading operations.
Types of refrigeration units by drive type
The choice of the type of drive of a refrigeration machine directly affects the cost of owning a car and its autonomy. There are three main types of drives on the commercial vehicle market, including Gazelle, each of which has its own advantages and limitations. Understanding these differences will help you avoid mistakes when buying a used car or ordering a new one.
The first type is drive from the car engine. In this case, the compressor is connected by a belt to the crankshaft of the Gazelle engine. Cooling occurs only when the car engine is running. This is the most common and budget option. Its main advantage is the simplicity of the design and the absence of additional fuel costs for a separate engine. The downside is the impossibility of maintaining the temperature when the car engine is turned off without additional systems.
The second type - diesel or gasoline drive. Here the refrigeration unit has its own independent internal combustion engine. Such systems make it possible to maintain the temperature even when the car engine is turned off, which is critical for long periods of parking or overnight rest for the driver. The third type is electric drive, operating from an on-board 24V network or an external 220V network. This is an environmentally friendly and quiet option, ideal for urban areas and delivery to areas with noise restrictions.
| Drive type | Autonomy | Consumption resources | Maintenance cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| From the car engine | Only on the go | Increased diesel/gas consumption of the car | Low |
| Diesel/Gasoline (independent) | Full autonomy | Separate fuel (5-10 l/day) | High |
| Electric (220V/24V) | From the network or battery | Electricity | Average |
When choosing, you should take into account the specifics of the routes. For urban delivery with frequent stops, an electric drive or an engine drive will be optimal. For intercity transportation, where there may be downtime in traffic jams or in overnight parking without the ability to connect to an outlet, an independent diesel unit becomes indispensable independent diesel unit.
Materials and thermal insulation of the body
The efficiency of any “refrigerator” on the Gazelle directly depends on the quality of thermal insulation. The main materials for the manufacture of walls of isothermal and refrigerated bodies are sandwich panels. They consist of two outer layers (usually painted aluminum, galvanized steel or plastic) and an inner layer of insulation. The efficiency class of the van depends on the thickness and type of insulation.
Polyurethane foam (PPU) or extruded polystyrene foam (EPS) is most often used as a filler. Polyurethane foam is considered a more effective thermal insulator with a lower thermal conductivity coefficient, which makes it possible to make the walls thinner while maintaining the internal volume. EPS cheaper, but to achieve the same insulation values, a larger panel thickness is required, which “eats up” the useful space of the body.
⚠️ Attention: When inspecting the body, pay attention to the integrity of the internal coating (food-grade aluminum). Damage leads to corrosion of the sandwich panel and loss of tightness, which makes the operation of the refrigerator impossible.
The most important structural elements are doors and seals. Even the most powerful refrigerator will not cope with the task if warm air flows through doors that do not close tightly. High-quality ones rubber seals must be elastic, without cracks or tears. It is also worth paying attention to the presence of a “thermal cut-off” in the doorway, which prevents cold leakage when opening the doors.
What is the ATP class and why is it needed?
ATP classes (A, B, C, D, E, F) determine the ability of the body keep the temperature. Class F (-20°C and below) is required for transporting frozen food over long distances. Classes A and B are suitable for refrigeration (+12°C...-2°C). The presence of an ATP certificate confirms the quality of insulation.
Popular brands of refrigeration units
The market for refrigeration equipment for commercial vehicles is saturated with various brands. On Gazelle you can most often find installations from Russian, Chinese and European manufacturers. The leader among Russian brands is the company Beluga i Technofrost. They offer reliable solutions adapted to operating conditions in the Russian Federation, with available spare parts and service.
Chinese brands dominate among foreign manufacturers, such as Hualing, Thermo King (Chinese assemblies) and Virtus. They often copy the designs of Western counterparts, offering a lower price. European brands, for example Carrier or Thermo King (original), are less common due to high cost, but are considered the standard of reliability for severe operating conditions.
- 🇷🇺 Technofrost / Beluga: availability of spare parts, adaptation to Gazelle, good maintainability.
- 🇨🇳 Hualing / Virtus: low price, wide model range, average build quality.
- 🇺🇸/🇪🇺 Carrier / Thermo King: high reliability, advanced technology, expensive maintenance.
When buying a used Gazelle refrigerator, the brand of the unit plays a secondary role compared to its technical condition. Even the most expensive Carrier may be unsuitable for use without proper care, while a simple Russian installation after high-quality TO and refueling will last for many years. The main thing is to check the compression and absence of freon leaks.
Operation and maintenance
The refrigeration unit on the Gazelle requires regular maintenance, comparable to the maintenance of the car itself. The main attention must be paid to the cleanliness of the capacitor. Fluff, leaves, dirt and insects clogging the radiator honeycombs lead to overheating of the system and failure of the compressor. Cleaning must be carried out regularly with compressed air or water under low pressure, especially in the spring and summer.
The second critical point is checking the oil level in the compressor and the condition of the drive belts. A loose belt can slip, reducing cooling efficiency, or break at the most inopportune moment. It is also important to monitor the thermostat readings and the operation of the defrost system. If you notice that the unit has begun to wear out or has stopped maintaining temperature, do not delay diagnostics.
☑️ Monthly maintenance of the refrigerator
⚠️ Attention: The refrigeration unit must be charged with freon only by a specialist using a vacuum pump. An attempt to “adjust” the system without evacuation will result in moisture and acid entering, which will kill the compressor.
Compliance with maintenance regulations will extend the life of the equipment significantly. Owners of Gazelle are recommended to carry out seasonal maintenance before the start of the summer season, when the load on refrigeration equipment is maximum. This includes checking electrical contacts, lubricating moving parts and monitoring the tightness of the circuit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to convert an isotherm into a refrigerator?
Technically this is possible, but economically it is often impractical. It will be necessary to strengthen the roof to install a heavy unit, embed an evaporator, lay lines and install a drive. The cost of such alterations can be up to 70% of the price of the finished refrigerator, while the warranty on the body will be lost.
What ATP class is needed for transporting ice cream?
For transporting deep-frozen products (ice cream, meat, fish) a class is required Fwhich guarantees maintaining the temperature no higher -20°C. For chilled products (milk, chilled meat), a class is sufficient C or D.
How much fuel does the refrigeration unit on a Gazelle "eat"?
Consumption depends on the type of drive and the ambient temperature. Engine-driven units increase the Gazelle’s fuel consumption by approximately 1-2 liters per 100 km during active operation. Independent diesel units consume from 0.5 to 1.5 liters per hour of operation.
Is it necessary to register the installation of a refrigerator with the traffic police?
The refrigeration unit itself does not require separate registration with the traffic police if it is installed at the factory or a certified workshop and does not radically change the design characteristics of the car (for example, does not change the vehicle category). However, changes must be reflected in the STS and PTS in the column “Special notes” or “Vehicle type” (refrigerator).