Hybrid refrigeration technology – a ‘world first’04 February 2014

Japanese truck and bus maker Hino has teamed up with automotive parts manufacturer Denso on its hybrid drivetrain technology, delivering what it claims is a world first in truck refrigeration.

The new Hino/Denso system uses energy generated by the hybrid drivetrain, while driving and braking, to operate the refrigerator's compressor.

Compared with conventional truck refrigeration systems, which require either an auxiliary fridge motor or a PTO from the vehicle's engine to run the compressor, the Hino/Denso system is designed to offer improved fuel economy, more consistent refrigeration performance and quieter running.

The lack of an auxiliary fridge motor also makes it 150kg lighter and there are fewer parts.

The hybrid-based reefer system includes a standby unit that can be connected to an external power source to maintain temperatures when the truck's engine is switched off.

The standby unit also has a timer so the refrigerated compartment can be pre-freezed automatically.

Hino's hybrid technology comes from Toyota. Hino Australia launched the world's first hybrid production truck, the light-duty Hybrid 300 Series, in Australia in 2007.

Hino's hybrid system was further refined in 2011 as part of a full 300 series redesign.

The system made its debut in Japan on the heavy-duty Hino Profia (known in Europe as the 700 series).

Author
Laura Cork

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