Hino Motors and Denso have jointly developed the world’s first electric refrigerator system for heavy-duty trucks using a hybrid unit. With the combination of Hino’s hybrid powertrain system technology and Denso’s electric refrigerator system technology, the two companies have developed a high-quality refrigerator system that helps improve fuel economy, improves refrigeration performance, and is quieter when operating. Compared to refrigerated trucks that use an auxiliary engine to operate the compressor, the new system is quieter, and contributes to an approximately 150kg weight reduction because it does not need an auxiliary engine.
The new refrigerator system includes a stand-by unit that can be connected to an external 200-volt power source so the refrigerator temperature can be maintained while the engine off for a long period of time. The stand-by unit also has a timer function, which can pre-freeze the refrigerator room without the driver’s operation. This helps reduce fuel consumption and manpower costs. This system is used in the Hino Profia, which will be released on Feb. 1, in Japan.
