Solutrans 2021: Lamberet electrifies trailer with battery and fuel cell

The French refrigeration body specialist Lamberet presented numerous innovative solutions for the electrification of trailers and bodies at the Lyon trade fair. Foremost among them was the SR2 FRESH2, a multi-temperature refrigeration unit whose electric cooling unit is directly powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, without the need for a buffer battery that would increase costs, weight, and power consumption. The fuel cell trailer is the result of a partnership between supplier Bosch, co-exhibitor at the Lamberet stand at Solutrans, the refrigeration unit specialist Carrier Transicold, and the leading transport company STEF. The fuel cell technology, which until now has been housed on the left side of the trailer, is to be miniaturized by the time it goes into series production so that it can be placed at the front instead of the diesel unit. As a result, only the H2 tanks would remain in place of the pallet storage boxes on the right. The left side could be used for pallets, although the loss of storage space on the trailer's flank might be the biggest drawback of the concept.

SAF and AddVolt: Power on the Move or at a Standstill

In addition, the SR2-e, a "rechargeable electric" multi-temperature distribution refrigerated truck developed with Add-Volt, was also in focus. Its energy needs are met by a battery pack. This battery can be charged either during travel through energy recovery or generation, or via the power grid with the option of a static pre-charge, similar to a rechargeable hybrid vehicle. The latest generation TRAK'r electric generator axle supplied by SAF is integrated into Lamberet's semi-trailer chassis.

Solar on the Roof - Now in Series Production

Also of interest was the Renault Trucks D ZE 26-ton electric transporter with a Frigoline HD refrigerated body and a solar system for powering the body. The manufacturer emphasizes that these are not prototypes, but fully functional series bodies, with several vehicles delivered this year to companies such as Casino and Lidl.

E-Cooling Van with Larger Kerstner E-Unit

Based on the all-electric variant of the Peugeot e-Expert delivery van, a compact, all-electric refrigerated vehicle was realized, equipped with a highly efficient insulation solution from Lamberet in conjunction with an eCoolJet 106 from Lamberet's subsidiary Kerstner, eliminating the need for an additional battery pack. The manufacturer claims to be the first to realize an electric refrigeration vehicle conversion at the same price as a classic diesel transporter.

Frigolight: More Efficiency through Less Weight

However, the Frigolight refrigerated vehicle concept demonstrates that there is much potential for more efficiency in weight reduction. It is seen as a precursor to a new generation of Lamberet constructions for commercial vehicles with floor or chassis cab. It weighs a full 25 percent less than the current Frigoline series. Its aerodynamics have also been refined, with an optimized SCx of 20 percent without additional accessories. As a conventional chassis based on the Renault Master, the vehicle is expected to offer a payload of 1.3 tons. An electric version based on the Z.E. is also planned.

In addition, the Frigolight introduces for the first time a new "All-in-One" cooling unit and body design, integrating the components of the new electric cooling unit eCooljet 206 into the roof panel. The unit, which will be launched in 2022, can cool vehicles with a cargo volume of up to ten cubic meters, just like the smaller sibling eCoolJet 106, which is designed for a volume of two to five cubic meters.