Zero refrigeration emissions for M&S and Starbucks deliveries 25 November 2013

Linde Gases is running the first fleet of six eco-friendly Frostcruise vehicles in Europe, via its subsidiary Gist, for daily delivery to Marks & Spencer and Starbucks retail stores.

Frostcruise – launched earlier this year and awarded the UK Noise Abatement Society's quiet delivery certificate – is an in-transit refrigeration system, developed by Linde.

It is claimed to provide a significantly more environmentally friendly, efficient and reliable cryogenic alternative to diesel-powered mechanical refrigeration.

Further, with near silent operation, a Frostcruise equipped truck can be used for deliveries 24/7, even in urban areas where local regulations limit noise between 10pm and 6am.

"Trialling new, innovative technologies like Frostcruise is an important part of Plan A, our eco and ethical programme," states Anthony Whitehouse, logistics manager at Marks & Spencer.

"We've achieved a great deal in reducing emissions and road miles but we can and will do more. Projects like this help us find ways and partners to help us achieve this and tackle some of the biggest challenges we face," he adds.

And Lorna McCallum, logistics director with Starbucks, comments: "This new quiet, greener technology is an excellent way of minimising the impact of our store deliveries in our local communities."

"This trial is a great example of how we are working together to explore innovative new ways in which we can reduce noise and emissions in London and beyond," adds Martin Gwynn, chief executive of Gist.

The new system uses liquid nitrogen at -196°C to indirectly chill truck compartments, and is said to deliver exceptionally fast temperature cool-down while also ensuring accurate temperature control irrespective of truck duty cycle.

Trials conducted by Linde with an ambient temperature of 16°C demonstrated that the system could reduce compartment temperature to 2°C within eight minutes, less than half the time of mechanical refrigeration systems.

As the Frostcruise system is not reliant on the truck engine, loads remain correctly chilled whether the power plant is on or off.

Furthermore, the new refrigeration system operates at around 97% thermal efficiency, meaning virtually all the available refrigeration capacity of the liquid nitrogen is captured.

Environmental benefits include a significantly lower carbon footprint, and zero emissions (particulates, NOx and CO2) at the point of delivery.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Linde Heavy Truck Division Ltd

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