The main components of reefer containers (besides the genset) include:

Interior fans: Interior fans are installed inside the refrigerated container and help spread air to promote adequate temperature control and stability.

Control unit: The control unit sets and adjusts the internal climate of the reefer container, including the temperature, alarm conditions, and in some cases, ventilation, and humidity levels.

Fresh air vent: The fresh air vent hole lets air enter from outside, and any gases from the container, such as fruit-ripening ethylene gas, can leave.

Unit evaporator: Excess moisture in a reefer can harm products, quicken food spoilage, and break down packaging, leaving contents vulnerable. The unit evaporator helps preserve the humidity inside the container. The reefer unit evaporator can either heat or cool the air that circulates past it from the fan. Heating capacity is using either hot gas heat or electrical heating elements.

Condenser: Air-cooled models pull cooled air from the top of the container and discharge it under the cargo, pushing the air to the back doors before it convective naturally and rises, flowing back over the load to the return air inlet on the reefer unit. Because air moves under the cargo, proper loading and covering as much of the floor as possible is critical to prevent a “chimney” effect and short cycling.

Voltage transformers: Dual voltage transformers are also an option with some containers, allowing operation on voltages down to 200V.

How does a reefer container work?

As the refrigeration of the container is done by air, airflow is the most vital part of a reefer container. The generator blows cold air along the floor or side into the container on one side of the reefer. The floor is T-shaped and distributes the airflow below the cargo unobstructed. As a result, the cold air ascends and returns on top of the load on the other end of the reefer container. That said, a reefer container maintains the pre-cooled temperature of the cargo, but it cannot reduce the temperature of the cargo. In other words: a load of a reefer container must be brought to the desired temperature before loading.

A generator provides the necessary power to create the airflow, which is needed refrigeration unit to work. One type of reefer is connected to power sources (for instance, on vessels). Still, very sensitive cargo may need a backup power source when disconnected (for example, in a container terminal). The best idea is to equip a reefer with its genset. Gensets can be built directly into the container, which means that special chassis with gensets or other logistics arrangements for clip-on gensets are unnecessary.

Besides controlling temperature, ventilation is another vital aspect of a refrigerated shipping container. Fruits, vegetables, and plants release C02, water, heat, and ethylene. If these aren’t removed, they can spoil the cargo by causing uncontrolled ripening, ageing, and altering flavor. Therefore, reefers are kept ventilated by fresh air.

Additionally, humidity also plays an essential role in keeping cargo safe. A dehumidification setup maintains the correct levels of moisture in a reefer. Keep in mind that different cargo needs different humidity levels. Although some newer units can reach 50%, the standard is between 60% and 85% relative humidity (RH).

To control power (check: reefer plugs), temperature, C02 levels and humidity, microprocessors (data loggers) register and transmit data continuously with the help of remote modems. This device stores all data, such as supply air and return air temperature, remote cargo probe temperatures, defrost activity, changes to the setpoint, power on and off time, etc.

Completing the technical reefer container functionalities, a built-in drainage system gets rid of excess water in case of water accumulation. In addition, their design prevents water or insects from getting into the container.

CIMC Equilink provides all types of reefer container parts including T-Floor, Door Sealing, MGSSPlate,Door Gasket,Cross Member,LedgePVC,Bottom Side Rail,Top Side Rail and even gensets are our products that are very popular with customers.

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