With refrigeration per se at the forefront of the worldwide emissions debate, we can expect a number of emerging innovations currently being developed to improve the use of energy and reduce emissions. 

Two emerging developments include the Carrier & Apos Vector 1800T diesel/electric hybrid fridge claimed to be reliable with improved over-the-road performance and lower emissions. The sophisticated microprocessor controls allow the driver to select the correct temperature settings for any commodity and provides better control of temperature and fuel consumption. Data can be downloaded from a standard PC to the unit and back to the PC. 

Carrier is the current market leader in diesel/electric hybrid fridges that have been operated in Europe for the past seven years. Apart from overall improved efficiencies, these units are said to be much quieter. 

New Thermo-King (TK) technology  is set to meet US emission regulations up to 2015. These new Reefer engines offer solutions to eliminate diesel and NOx emissions with application of a cryogenic system said to have rapid temperature pull down and recovery capability and improved temperature controls. 

According to Thermo-King, the soon to be produced cryogenic units offer low maintenance and operating costs including automatic temperature matching with commodities and box size, product respiration and the impact of rear and side door openings.