CARB Sets System Regs for Refrigerated Units

The California Air Resources Board posted requirements for the use of electric standby and hybrid electric systems for refrigerated units to qualify as alternative technologies that comply with state regulations.

Under CARB’s guidelines, published Friday, a reefer’s compliance can be maintained beyond seven years if an electric standby or hybrid electric system is integrated into a reefer’s equipment.

An electronic standby transport refrigeration unit has a refrigeration system that may be selectively powered by either a diesel-fueled internal-combustion engine or integrated electric motor, while a hybrid electric TRU also is powered by a diesel-fueled engine but coupled with an electronic generator.

Both can be powered by an external source, such as the electric power grid.

Beginning Jan. 1, GPS tracking is required for 50% of a fleet’s reefer units that are using electric standby and hybrid electric systems.

The other half of the electric standby equipped reefer units must be equipped with an electronic tracking system by the start of 2014, CARB said.