Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems (MHI Thermal Systems) has started European sales of its TEU series, a new lineup for the Preciso brand of all-electric-driven transport refrigeration units. Sales are being handled by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH (MTTE), MHI’s European sales arm based in Osnabruck, Germany.
The TEU series uses a modular structure, a first for MHI Thermal Systems’ product lines, separating the condenser, evaporator and compressor into compact modules. The design is intended to facilitate installation in electric vehicles with varying mounting constraints resulting from battery configurations.
Compared with the TU series of conventional sub-engine trailer units, the TEU series’ main unit is around 30% smaller by volume, requires 40% less opening width and area, and weighs 55% less. According to the company, the compact and lightweight structure also contributes to extending the range of electric vehicles equipped with lightweight, high-capacity batteries.
The units use an “economizer cycle,” in which part of the refrigerant is branched to cool the main refrigerant flow before being injected into the intermediate stage of the compressor during compression. This configuration increases refrigeration capacity. The TEU series can use power from electric vehicle batteries, vehicle-mounted generators or dedicated transport refrigeration unit batteries.
The TEU1400MA is a multi-evaporator system designed for transporting cargo at different temperature ranges simultaneously. Four types of evaporators of different sizes can be installed in partitioned cargo compartments to regulate multiple temperature zones.
MHI Thermal Systems said it will continue developing electric systems using inverter technology for energy savings and temperature control, as well as multi-evaporator systems aimed at improving operational efficiency.
