Supplied by clean-cool technology specialist Dearman and its partners, the new cooling unit replaces traditional diesel engines, and promises to completely eliminate all emissions associated with transport refrigeration.
Indeed Sainsbury’s estimates that during the three-month trial, this novel vehicle will cut CO2 emissions by up to 1.6 tonnes – the equivalent of more than 14,500km in a modern family car.
The trial will also save 37kg of NOx and 2kg of PM (particulate matter), compared to a similar diesel system.
Dearman’s engine harnesses the rapid expansion of liquid nitrogen to deliver zero-emission power for a conventional refrigeration cycle, as well as direct cooling – eliminating the conventional diesel-powered refrigeration unit.
“We really recognise the importance of reducing emissions, which is why we’re working hard to cut carbon emissions by 30% between 2005 and 2020,” comments Paul Crewe, head of sustainability for Sainsbury’s.
“This trial with Dearman is just one of the innovations we’ve introduced to help us towards this goal. Their zero-emission system is really exciting: to be running a liquid air engine quite literally means our cooling is running on thin air.”
“Sainsbury’s is demonstrating real leadership by embracing cutting-edge British engineering that delivers performance alongside positive environmental impact,” enthuses Dearman founder and CEO Toby Peters.
“The first commercial deployment of Dearman’s zero-emission transport refrigeration system is a significant milestone for the company, for our technology and for our vision to make the world a cleaner, cooler place.”
Development and deployment of Dearman’s revolutoinary technology has been made possible by partners Hubbard Products, Dawsonrentals and Air Products.
Hubbard provided operational support, contributing its own refrigeration technology and systems integration. Dawsonrentals provided a modern refrigerated truck and has supported project coordination. Air Products has contributed cryogenics expertise, while also supplying liquid nitrogen and the refuelling infrastructure.
Sainsbury’s zero emission refrigeration truck will operate from Sainsbury’s Waltham Point depot, delivering chilled goods to stores in the London area.