CO2 REFRIGERATION FOR LONG-HAUL TRANSPORT: CONCEPT VIABILITY STUDY AND TESTING OF PROTOTYPES TO ASSESS AND DEMONSTRATE CO2 REFRIGERATION ON LONG-HAUL HIGHWAY REFRIGERATED FREIGHT VEHICLES: FINAL REPORT

Mechanical refrigeration is now the standard for refrigerated transport, although this method is contrary to the basic principles of refrigeration. CO2 refrigeration is based on the injection technique (Coldspray) or the vaporization technique (Coldsink). The combination of these 2 techniques will create a refrigeration system which will be better adapted than mechanical refrigeration units to the long-haul transport of some perishable products. The essential differences between CO2 and mechanical refrigeration are investigated, including the factors to be taken into consideration to ensure good refrigerated transport. Various approaches were tried and tested to ensure stable temperature and steady operation when equipment is unattended for a long period of time. A new 'heart and lung' concept was developed permitting a regular 'breathing rhythm' and an appropriate 'blood pressure' to achieve this result.