Carrier Transicold unveiled the Niagara trailer refrigeration series, the first major evolution of its X-Series. Featuring a modern new look, the single-temperature Niagara units build on a tradition of reliability and durability, the company said.
“Without losing one iota of the current X-Series’ benefits and reliability, the new units feature improved aesthetics, superior serviceability and much better sound quality,” said Mike Murdock, product manager – Trailer Products. “Introduced in 2000, the current X-Series set a standard for performance in conventional refrigeration technology. Niagara takes the X-Series to a new level.”
The Niagara units feature a major exterior redesign. Panel doors are made of advanced DuraShell 2 material, a Thermoplastic Olefin composite. DuraShell 2 has structural integrity comparable to the X-Series’ original DuraShell material, but with triple the impact strength, double the UV light resistance, 50 percent better thermal stability and 20 percent better heat resistance, the company said. An optional chrome package is also offered, increasing aesthetic appeal.
Niagara’s improved sound quality comes from design changes and use of a quieter gearbox. The DuraShell 2 twin-sheet panel construction, acoustic foam on the interior surfaces and integrated door seals help contain sound output, the company said. The redesigned grille’s wider openings reduce airflow resistance, helping to further improve sound quality. For additional sound reduction, an optional composite bottom panel is available.
Technicians will appreciate the improved access to mechanical parts, the company said. Niagara refrigeration units offer hinged side doors that open all the way to the top, providing total access with the flip of a single latch on each side door. The front panels swing open from the center with a single latch release. Also, the control box is larger with a tilted display that is easier for drivers and technicians to read, the company said.
The simplified naming convention, unifying all refrigeration units in the X-Series under a single moniker, was developed based on dealer and customer feedback, the company said. Four models will succeed the current single-temperature units when the Niagara series goes into full production later this year: the Niagara 2500A, Niagara 2100A, Niagara 2100 and Niagara 1800, replacing the Ultima XTC, Ultra XTC, UltraXT, and Extra XT, respectively. The Niagara model numbers relate to capacity in BTUs at the deep-frozen setpoint.
Niagara models deliver high capacity that can be matched to the job at hand, the company said. The Niagara 2500A and 2100A also feature the Advance microprocessor control. An efficient 2.2-liter direct-injection Kubota engine drives the high-performance six-cylinder compressor. While the engine runs at 15 percent lower RPMs on average, the compressor can move more refrigerant than comparable units, the company said. Lower RPMs keep fuel consumption down. Fuel-saving performance is further enhanced through Carrier’s TurboAir and UltraFresh 3 air- and temperature-management systems, which produce shorter, more efficient run cycles, the company said. By cooling the trailer faster, the refrigeration system requires less engine operating time and, hence, consumes less fuel.
The Niagara 2500A and 2100A offer an electronic stepper valve and Advance control’s programmable IntelliSet option. This option harnesses the ProductShield temperature monitoring capability to fine-tune operation and performance, the company said.
For more information about Niagara single-temperature trailer refrigeration units, visit www.trucktrailer.carrier.com.
