How Does a Reefer Trailer Work?

We've all seen reefer trailers on the road, hauling giant fridges, and wondered just how exactly a reefer trailer works. This article will explain how a reefer trailer works and give you an insight into the mechanism of reefer trailers as well as some more common uses.
 

Mechanism of a Reefer Trailer 

A reefer trailer's compressor uses a small diesel engine to drive it. It draws gaseous refrigerant into the compressor, where its pressure is increased by compressing the gas—this turns it into a liquid. This liquefied gas then gives off heat to both the body of the compression mechanism (which keeps itself cool) as well as inside other parts of the vehicle where things like ice cream are stored so that they are kept frozen while traveling. It's then pumped into the condenser while it's still relatively warm.

As soon as the water enters the condenser, a heat exchanger performs the hard work. The liquid transfers warmth to the tubing's walls and fins during this phase. This procedure operates in the same manner as a radiator begins to cool an engine.

After losing a significant amount of heat to the condenser, the refrigerant is now a cold liquid that is subjected to increased pressure. This cool liquid is then pumped into the evaporator, which then lowers its temperature. The evaporator is located within a separate compartment of the vehicle—usually in its trailer.

The refrigerant undergoes another change when it enters the evaporator. It again expands, becoming a gas and absorbing a great amount of heat from its surroundings as it does so. This causes the air inside the trailer to blow over the evaporator coils. When the gas has been cooled, it is sent back to a compressor so that it can begin another cycle.

How Much Fuel Does a Reefer Trailer Burn?

The amount of fuel a reefer trailer uses depends on the size of the refrigeration unit as well as the weight and height of the load inside. The weight of the load is important because it determines how much pressure needs to be generated by the compressor in order to cool it down. This can vary depending on whether there are frozen goods or fresh produce in your trailer.

A refrigerated trailer requires a lot of power to run. It takes about five gallons of diesel to move just one ton of goods 100 miles, which means that if you were hauling 5 tons per trip, you would need 25 gallons of fuel. This can add up quickly if you’re driving long distances with a heavy load.

 

Wrapping Up 

 

While reefer trailers themselves aren't exactly revolutionary as a concept, they're certainly a vital piece of freight transportation that fills an important need in the industry. Whether you're wondering how does a reefer trailer work, or looking to buy or sell one, it's important to know their capabilities and their limitations. They may not be flashy or particularly exciting, but they play a vital role in our economy and deserve our respect.