I was just doing some extra DD on this....New Design Request:
We’ve begun the process to scale the design of the ExhausTek so it can be readied for retrofit on a refrigerated (“reefer”) truck. We were recently approached by a western US company to assist in their desire to bring older (pre-2007) reefer containers up to 2015 standards. It is believed that new legislation will render any reefer container made prior to 2007 scrap - especially in California. By bringing them up to current standards via retrofit, transportation companies could save significant money verses replacement. We’ll keep everyone informed as to our progress and relationship developments.
9 September 2011: Reefer Retrofit
Earlier this week, we met face-to-face (here in Florida) with the owner of the western-US based trucking and leasing company seeking solutions for refrigerated trailers in order to meet current and future EPA & CARB regulations for interstate service. We are now moving toward an official (financial) agreement. Today, we sent our terms and understandings, along with a request for exact specifications of the 100 (or so) current reefer trailers this company has in inventory, so that we can begin customization.
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Article I found about the new Reefer Regulations:
It is not too early for operators of refrigerated truck and trailer fleets to begin considering how Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 Final emission standards will affect their operations and equipment budgets over the next several years.
The new EPA standards will take effect Jan. 1, 2013, for non-road engines in the less than 50-horsepower classification, which includes most transport refrigeration unit (TRU) diesel engines for refrigerated straight trucks and refrigerated trailers. The standards also cover diesel engines used in auxiliary power units (APUs) and diesel engine-powered cargo heaters.
According to Doug Lenz, director of product management for Thermo King, an Ingersoll Rand brand, “The new EPA regulations provide a strong incentive for the refrigerated transportation industry to speed the adoption of TRU engine technologies that will lead to better operational, financial and environmental performance over the long term.”
New regs require dramatic reductions in TRU emissions
For 25-HP or greater engines used in reefers, the regulations require reductions of as much as 90% in particulate matter (PM) and 30% in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, compared to the interim standards that have applied since 2008. Smaller engines used in trucks, APUs and heaters will need to comply with new not-to-exceed (NTE) emission limits at elevations of 5,500 ft.; previous emissions standards were based on sea level testing results.
To meet the new standards, TRU engine manufacturers will need to begin using emission control technologies similar to those adopted by tractor-engine manufacturers in recent years. But while tractor-engine standards were implemented in three phases over a seven-year period, the new standards for TRU engines require the bulk of the emissions reductions all at once, which creates various challenges for engine manufacturers and fleet operators.
Many operators have been able to comply with CARB requirements and avoid replacing their reefers by working with an original equipment manufacturer to update the TRU’s diesel engine or installing a diesel particulate filter, instead of replacing the whole unit.
Biggest impact on reefers and demand for trailers
Implementation of EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards will have several effects on refrigerated fleet operators. Fleet operators need to consider the cost and availability of equipment as they make their buying plans for the 2012 budget year and beyond, according to Lenz.
The new regulations are one of several factors causing an increased demand for new refrigerated trailers. The Americas Commercial Transportation (ACT) Research group is forecasting a strong upswing in reefer sales, order backlogs and deliveries in 2012 compared to 2010. ACT Research projects that refrigerated trailer sales will exceed 40,000 units in 2012, up about 33% from 2010 levels.
Operators will also want to work closely with their manufacturing partners to forecast and schedule their new equipment orders over the next several years to ensure they have the equipment they need to achieve their business objectives and meet their customers’ needs.
EPA Tier 4 regs will impact reefer fleets in 2012 and 2013
Beginning in January 2013, new reefers must be available with Tier 4 Final-compliant TRU engines.
Manufacturers are considering innovative engine designs that may
Careful planning will help operators manage through the budget impact of switching to new-technology engines, which will likely be more expensive to acquire than noncompliant engines. Operators will no doubt recall that acquisition costs of tractor engines increased by between $5,000 and $10,000 in each of the three phases of EPA Tier 4 implementation as engines became more advanced and complex to comply with the more stringent regulations.
