Passive Cooling to Cut Compressor Cycling Across a Reefer Fleet
O Desafio
How can reefer fleets keep TRUs out of high-speed mode, without changing routes, setpoints, or equipment?
Solar heat load forces TRUs to run longer, cycle more often, and operate in high-speed mode, accelerating engine wear, driving up fuel costs, and putting cargo at risk on every trailer in your fleet.
A Solução: O PolyFrost
O PolyFrost, ChillSkyn’s patented Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling (PDRC) coating, was applied to the roofs of three trailers in a Mississippi fleet. Performance was monitored against one uncoated control unit under identical real-world operating conditions. Engine start/stop cycles, TRU runtime, and high-speed operation were tracked using Carrier Transicold telematics across 205,323 data points.
What is PolyFrost®?
PolyFrost is a patented spray-applied passive cooling coating, engineered to reduce heat load on sun-exposed assets, such as refrigerated transport, containers, and industrial equipment.
Reduces solar heat load
Prevents surface heat from becoming an internal temperature problem.
Lowers cooling workload
Cooling systems run fewer hours. Less runtime, less energy, less mechanical strain.
Scalable and easy to apply
Standard spray equipment, just like paint, in under 12 hours. Retrofit or factory spec.
Protects asset economics
Supports resale position, maintenance planning, and replacement timing.
Resultados
Teste de Campo
- Richland, Mississippi - June 2026
- 1 control • 3 test
Unit configuration - 4 days post-coating
Monitoring period - 205,323 measurements
Data points collected
Method
Carrier Transicold TRU telematics.
- Engine ON/OFF cycles
- Hi-speed time
Comparativo de performance | |
|---|---|
Duty cycle reduction (daytime) | ↓ 21% |
Duty cycle reduction (average) | ↓ 15% |
Hi-speed time reduction (average) | ↓ 78% |
Reduction in return air temperature variability | ↓ 11% |
Impactos Principais
Engine Hours & Resale Value
78% less hi-speed time means compressors cycle less frequently, accumulate fewer engine hours, and last longer. For fleets managing resale value and maintenance intervals, PolyFrost protects the asset from day one.
Economia de Combustível
A 15% reduction in duty cycle means hundreds of gallons of diesel saved per trailer per year. Fuel savings scale with run hours and diesel prices, and compound across every coated trailer in the fleet, year over year.
Proteção da Carga
An 11% reduction in return air temperature variability means more consistent hold temperatures throughout the day. Fewer thermal excursions mean fewer spoilage claims and a stronger, more reliable cold chain.
Climate note: High relative humidity during this trial reduces passive radiative cooling emittance. Fleet operators in drier climates should expect greater savings than observed here.