Carrier Transicold has unveiled the Vector 6500, a single-temperature trailer refrigeration unit that takes advantage of Carrier’s exclusive hybrid diesel-electric Deltek technology.

“With its all-electric architecture, the Vector 6500 is a high-performance unit designed for both exceptional reliability and low cost of ownership,” said David Kiefer, director of Marketing and Product Management, Carrier Transicold.

The unit’s refrigeration capacity rivals the performance of the top-of-the-line trailer unit from Carrier’s X2 series, which it closely resembles on the exterior, the manufacturer said. However, the units are very different on the inside. The unit’s streamlined electric architecture eliminates many of the serviceable mechanical components found in conventional systems and substitutes expanded use of electronics and maintenance-free electrical components. The result is a unit that can reduce maintenance costs over its lifetime, compared to conventional mechanical technologies, the company noted. More importantly, unlike a conventional system that runs all mechanically connected components via belts and pulleys whenever the engine runs, the Vector system only powers components needed at any given time, which can save fuel by reducing the engine load, the maker added.

Carrier’s Deltek technology uses a diesel engine to drive a 23 kW electric generator that generates enough current to run all system components. Its clean-burning 2.2-L direct-injection engine surpasses the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 4-interim standard (Tier 4i). The Vector 6500 can be equipped for electric standby, allowing it to be plugged into grid power when parked rather than running the diesel engine.

The unit uses Carrier’s programmable Advance microprocessor control, which provides the ability to configure up to 30 custom settings for different commodities through its IntelliSet option and offers compatibility with major telematics providers for centralized monitoring and tracking of refrigerated cargos. Carrier anticipates product availability in the third quarter of 2009.

For more information, visit http://www.trucktrailer.carrier.com.