DZSF report: Energy consumption of reefer containers in rail transport
The DZSF (German Centre for Transport Research) has published a report in January 2023. This report describes the analysis of the energy consumption of reefer containers in rail transport based on the results of an extensive field measurement.
The aim of the project was to obtain data on energy consumption and temperature variations of refrigerated containers in rail transport in order to demonstrate the feasibility of refrigerated transport by rail. The ultimate goal is to overcome the logistical obstacles to the long-term transport of more temperature-sensitive goods by rail.
Tests and parameter measurements as part of the DZSF report on the transport of refrigerated goods in reefer containers by rail
For the study, two measurement campaigns were carried out for analysis. One in summer and one in winter. The tests were carried out over six days each in the open digital test field of the German Research Centre for Rail Transport (DZSF). This research centre was inaugurated on 13 July 2021 in Cottbus, Germany.
The researchers used four refrigerated containers for the tests. They powered three of them with a new power supply from inverters and train collectors, while the last container used a diesel generator.
During the study, environmental parameters such as air temperature, relative humidity, wind and solar radiation were measured in order to establish a relationship with the actual energy consumption of the refrigerated containers used.
Results of energy consumption analysis. Transporting refrigerated products in reefer containers by rail is possible using conventional methods.
The test results are unequivocal. They show that it is technically and operationally possible to transport temperature-sensitive goods by rail using conventional means.
The required energy can be supplied by both the traction vehicle and the diesel gensets, and although the amounts of energy recorded vary greatly depending on the load and operating conditions, at no time does the total energy supply reach a critical level that would jeopardise the maintenance of the cold chain.
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