BENEFITS OF ALL ELECTRIC SYSTEMS OVER DIESEL TRAILER

STORAGE
In addition to the up front cost advantage of using all electric container
refrigeration systems over diesel trailer systems, there are many benefits
that may help close a deal with a perspective customer.

System Capabilities
Refrigeration Machinery Specifications
Unit performance at 100 F (38 C) ambient
The table below contains the cooling capacities and power consumption for
three unit-operating conditions. Evaporator fans circulate 3,200 cubic feet
per minute (cfm) of air throughout the container while in high speed and
1,400 cfm in low (static pressure dependent).
Heating capacity equates to 19,200 BTU/hr, including evaporator fan heat.
Container Specifications
While most specifications are standard one will find small variances in the
actual measurements.
If a customer is dealing with a requirement which is border- line to the
dimensions in this table please contact the equipment manufacturer for
assistance finding specific units to meet your needs.
Typical container box measurements

Bottom Air Flow vs.Top Air Flow

Containers deliver air to the floor, through T channels, and require a
specific loading pattern to ensure that air temperature is maintained
throughout the container.
When properly loaded the T floor acts as a chute; delivering and
distributing conditioned air throughout the container.

Top air delivery systems, as found in trailers, require a ceiling chute to direct
air to the rear of the trailer. Not having a chute to maintain could be
considered a benefit since they are often damaged during loading and are
costly to repair or replace.
See loading practices section details. If loading product as required is a
problem for the customer then a container may not meet their needs.
Site Preparation
Having the proper electrical service, a safe location for equipment to be
placed and the ability to load only pre-cooled or pre-frozen products are
strongly recommended.
SAFETY SUMMARY
General Notice
The following general safety notices supplement the specific warnings and
cautions appearing in the manufacturers Operation & Service manual. They
are recommended precautions that must be understood and applied during
operation and maintenance of the equipment.
If you do not have a copy of the manufacturers Operation & Service
manual, and you or your customer would like one, electronic copies can be
found on the relevant manufacturers website.
First Aid. An injury, no matter how slight, should never go unattended.
Always obtain first aid or medical attention immediately.
Operating Precautions
Always were safety glasses
Keep hands, clothing and tools clear of the evaporator and condenser fans
No work should be performed on the unit until all circuit breakers and
start- stop switches are turned off and the power supply is disconnected.
Do not work on the equipment alone.
Be aware of unannounced starting of the evaporator and condenser fans.
Do not open fan grille or evaporator access panels before turning power off,
disconnecting and securing power plug.
Do not by-pass any electrical safety devises. Call if system is not operating
properly.
In case of electrical fire, open circuit switch and extinguish with CO2
(never use water).
In case of severe vibration or unusual noise, stop the unit and investigate.
Specific Warnings
Avoid refrigerant coming in contact with eyes. Should refrigerant come in
contact with the eyes, wash eyes with potable water for a minimum of 15
minutes and seek medical attention.
Avoid refrigerant from coming in contact with skin. Should refrigerant
come in contact with the skin seek medical attention, it should be treated as
if skin has been frostbitten or frozen.
If container will be operating indoors, be sure ventilation is adequate in
case of refrigerant leak, to keep concentration in air below 1000 parts per
million.
REFRIGERATION UNIT & CONTROLLER OPERATION
So long as everyone is doing their job properly, and so long as no
unforeseen occurrence takes place
during transport, the container will arrive at the site in excellent operating
condition.
Container refrigeration systems are very easy to operate. It is important to
have someone take a look at the unit on a daily basis.
You should not attempt to make any mechanical or electrical wiring
adjustments to the refrigeration system. The only item that may require
customer adjustment is the fresh air vent.
Refrigeration System Component Layout
The first thing to do with a customer is familiarize them with the typical
layout of the system. See illustration below.

Basic Operating Instructions

It is recommended that the Manufacturers equipment operating instructions
be reviewed with the customer prior to attempting to get the unit started.
Instructions give detailed steps to start a genset (if required), to Start the
Refrigeration Unit, Change the Temperature Set Point, and to put unit into
Manual Defrost. The Manual Defrost feature will be valuable to the user
that has a unit with an iced-up evaporator coil. Putting the unit into
manual defrost overrides the defrost timer and will immediately work to
clear ice from the evaporator and restore the refrigeration systems cooling
capability.
Although the instructions include steps to Perform a Pre-trip and Set a
Trip Start, these two functions are completed prior to dispatching the
container and are not typically needed by the customer.
User Selectable Controller Function Settings
The controllers user selectable operational settings should be programmed
as follows:
Cd27 Defrost Interval (hours) AUTO or 3 if auto is not available
Cd28 Temperature Units oF
Cd29 Failure Action D (fails to off)
Cd30 In-Range 4 (+/- 3.6 oF, 2oC)
Cd31 Stagger Start Offset (seconds) 0
Cd32 Current limit (amps) 21
If the consequences of making any changes to these settings are not fully
understood, please consult technical assistance prior to adjusting the same.
If you have more than one unit in the same yard it is recommended to set
different stagger start offset delays (Cd31) on each. This way if the power is
lost and suddenly returns, the units will not all start up at the same time,
risking loss of power again due to the heavy load put on the utility service.
ML2i units have additional user selectable operational settings that are
options from the factory.
As with the previous, if an option is available and it is suspected that the
customer may benefit from the same, refer to the manufacturers operation
and service manual prior to adjusting option settings.
Dashes present in the data field signify that the option is not
available on that specific unit.
Codes 33 through 39 should be set as follows:
Cd33 Dehumidification (option) OFF Cd34 Economy Mode (option) OFF Cd35
Bulb Mode (option) nOr
Cd36 Evap Speed Select (option) a l t
Cd37 Defrost Termination Temp Setting (option)
Cd38 Secondary Supply Air Temperature (option)
Cd39 Secondary Return Air Temperature (option)
Fresh Air Vent Settings
Typically the fresh air vent should remain closed. However, if the customer is
storing fresh produce for several days without plans to enter the container,
the fresh air vent may be opened 15 to 45 cfm. This allows the container to
be replenished with oxygen while at the same time removing ethylene-
contaminated air.
* * WARNING * *
Opening the vent over 45 cfm could overwhelm the refrigeration system
with hot humid air, ambient dependant, leading to a lack of temperature
control.
Temperature Control Methods
Chill Range Operation (set points above 14oF)
When set in the chill temperature range, the unit controls temperature off
the supply air temperature sensor, delivering air to the container at set
point +/- 0.5oF. Modulating the flow of refrigerant to the compressor controls
the cooling capacity. The compressor often runs continuously, in a partial
load condition.
In high humidity ambient areas, ice may form on the compressor end bell,
which in small quantities is normal. See Manufactuers Operation & Service
manual or label on unit for unit specific details.
In an attempt to control head pressure and save energy, the condenser fan
motor may cycle on and off when the ambient temperature and head
pressure are low.
Frozen Range Operation (set points below 14oF)
For frozen set points temperature is controlled off the return air sensor,
ensuring the return air is at set point +/- 0.5oF. This means the unit may
deliver air at a temperature much lower than set point. The unit controls
capacity by cycling the compressor on and off as the load demands. A 3-
minute time delay protects the compressor from short cycling. Heat mode is
locked out for all frozen set points.
When two speed evaporator fans are present, the fans operate in low speed.
In an attempt to control head pressure and save energy, the condenser fan
motor may cycle on and off when the ambient temperature and head
pressure are low.
System Operating Modes
Cooling Mode The evaporator fans, condenser fan, compressor and the
controllers cool LED are typically energized while in the cooling mode. In an
attempt to control head pressure and save energy, the condenser fan motor
may cycle on and off. The exact state of the suction line valve(s) is
dependant on the cooling load demand, but suffice it to say if in the cooling
mode the valve(s) will be in some state of open.
Heat Mode In low ambient temperatures heat may be required to maintain
the desired set point. Container units are fitted with electric resistance
heating rods that put out 18,000 BTU/hr of heat. Evaporator fans circulate
the heated air throughout the container. Heat mode is locked out when the
temperature set point is in the frozen range.
Null Mode When the box temperature requirements have been sufficiently
met, the controller will initiate the null mode. While in the null mode the
compressor and condenser fan motor is shut off and evaporator fans
continue to run, circulating air throughout the container. The temperature of
the air returning to the refrigeration unit is constantly measured and is used
to determine when the unit should cycle back into heat or cool mode.
Defrost Mode Defrost can be initiated via (MD) manual defrost switch
(located next to the units (ST) Start-Stop switch, or via the defrost timer. A
user selectable defrost interval of 3, 6, 9, 12, or 24 hours can be set via
controller Code 27. The controller uses accumulated compressor-on-hours
to initiate defrost. The actual hours since the unit came out of defrost last
may be much more.
LOADING RECOMMENDATIONS
Follow these simple steps to ensure product temperature is maintained as
close to required setpoint as possible:
1. Pre-Cool or Pre-Freeze product prior to loading
2. Prior to loading, for frozen set points insert (4) floor drain plugs inside
container (2 front 2 rear in corners). For chill range set points keep floor
drains open (do not plug).
3. Load cargo flush with the front bulkhead; leave no space

4. Do not load past the end of the T floor

5. Leave 6 of air space above cargo for return air to circulate. (Do not load
cartons above the red line)

Figure 1. The above illustrates the Front, Side & Rear views of a properly
loaded bottom air discharge refrigerated container.
Figure 2. Turn off the refrigeration unit prior to opening doors for entry.
Operating the reefer unit while loading or unloading does not facilitate the
cooling process and can even damage the product you are trying to protect.
Hot humid air enters is pulled in to the container, warming product as it
makes its way to the refrigeration unit. Moisture condenses out of the air
depositing water on the walls, ceiling, product and evaporator coil. The
evaporator coil typically ices up and, until the unit completes a defrost
cycle, the product may not be protected by adequate refrigeration for
several hours.
Loadability
A 40-foot container can be loaded with 20 pallets (48 x 40) if pin-wheeled
or stagger loaded, see Figure 3 below. Otherwise the easiest way to load
pallets is straight in. When loaded straight in only 18 pallets will fit.
If fresh produce and will be stored in the container it is recommended to
cover the floor between pallets with cardboard, dunnage or air bags. This
will help force the air up and through the cartons rather than allow it to
short circuit around them.
When Frozen product is loaded into a container maintaining a blanket of cold
air around the cartons is desirable. Block stow the pre-frozen product in the
container.
SITE PREPARATION
It is important that both electrical power and physical site requirements are
met prior to receiving equipment. Site preparation work is the responsibility
of the customer (renter/lessee) and should be coordinated and paid for by
the same.
Electrical Requirements
It is the customers responsibility to ensure that all electrical work
completed on their property meets local codes. The customer should
question any system requirements that are not understood. It is
recommended that the customer contract a local licensed electrician to
ensure power/service requirements are met by the facility.
Power
Units operate on 460/480 VAC, 3-phase, 60 Hz power with a maximum
electrical load, under rated operating conditions, not to exceed 18.75 kVA.
The power consumption shall not exceed 15kW.
If 460/480 VAC is not available it is the customers responsibility to
determine the power voltage available and communicate the same to you.
You should dispatch equipment fitted with a step-up power transformer to
meet the customers needs. Step-up transformers to accommodate either
208VAC or 230/240 VAC, 3-phase, 60 Hz power.
are recommended.
If the customer plans to invest in new electrical service in for this
application, 460/480 VAC would be the more economical choice.
Phase Sequence
Since the compressor motor, which is the only 3-phase component on the
refrigeration system, can rotate in either direction, having the proper
phase sequence is not an issue. Fan motors are single phase.
Reefer Unit Circuit Breakers
FYI These breakers are built into the reefer system.
460/480 VAC (25 amp) circuit breaker must trip at 29 amps (standard)
230/240 VAC (50 amp) circuit breaker must trip at 62.5 amps (optional)
208 VAC (70 amp) circuit breaker (optional)
Hardwiring vs. Use of Receptacles
There are two ways to connect the units voltage power cable to electrical
service.
1) Hardwiring which typically requires that a licensed electrician connect
each of 3 power legs and one ground connection to an electric service
panel.
2) Receptacles if unit will be connected and disconnected frequently this
may be the best method to connect the unit to power.
Electrical Plugs
There are two plug designs on the market that can be used with this
equipment, a marine and a domestic type plug.
Marine plugs CEE-17:
All refrigeration systems should be provided with a 460/480 VAC marine
design power plug. If the customer plans on using 230/240
VAC power, then the 460/480 VAC plug is necessary, it connects to the units
step-up transformer, see diagram at right.
If customer will operate on 460/480 VAC and plans to hardwire the same,
they can have their electrician remove the supplied plug upon arrival at
their site. This plug should be reinstalled when returned. Missing plugs
should be charged back
to the customer for both parts and labor.
Marine Plug Specifications:
For 460/480 VAC power use 380/440 VAC, 32 AMP, 3-Pole, 4 Wire plug For
208/230/240 VAC power use 250 VAC, 50 AMP, 3-Pole, 4 Wire plug
Plug/Receptacle source ERO Electric Reefer Outlets http://www.eroinc.net,
Domestic Plugs:
Trailer refrigeration systems with electric stand-by typically use a domestic
type of plug. If the customer requires a domestic plug they will need to
arrange for the purchase and installation of the same.
Domestic Plug/Receptacle Source HUBBELL http://www.hubbell-wiring.com
The customers electrician should determine if Hubbells TWIST-LOCK
devices (3 Pole, 4 wire ground plugs and receptacles available in both
480VAC, 50A, 3 and 250VAC, 50A, 3) meets their local requirements.
Land Site Preparation
Grounded Operation
If unit will be placed on the ground, without a chassis (wheels), note the
following points:
Ensure there is sufficient space for a tilt-bed delivery truck or crane to
safely unload the container.
The surface that the unit will be placed on must be level and free of
accumulating water.
Unit must be placed within 50 feet of a power receptacle or service box.
Containers are designed to be supported by their (4) corner castings. If the
container cannot be placed on a level concrete surface where only the
corner castings are touching the ground, use railroad ties or paving stones
to support the corner castings. Never attempt to support the container from
any other points on the bottom of the frame.
 Position the machinery end of the container no less than 3 feet from a wall
or other objects that may block the airflow.

Units have 4ft wide, bi- fold swing rear doors. Ensure there are no physical
obstructions to prevent doors from opening fully before placing unit.
Units should be operated in areas with ambient temperatures below
100oF, and never exceeding 122 oF.
Save on energy expenses by placing the refrigeration unit in a shaded
area.
If planning to operate container indoors, defrost drain line may need to be
routed to a pail or collection devise to meet OSHA standing water
requirements. Additionally, the space may need to be ventilated to control
the ambient temperature and limit the heat load on the refrigeration
system.
Wheeled Operation
If the container will remain on a chassis while in use at the customers
facility, the unit can be treated like a trailer. The only caveat being, the
container must be unplugged from its stationary electrical power outlet and
the 60 cable properly coiled up and secured before moving the chassis.