Energy-efficient transport refrigeration systems for fresh meats. Final report

Twenty-four shipments of fresh beef carcasses, transported by highway from a midwest packinghouse to wholesalers in Florida, were used to study fuel consumption and meat shrinkage. Twelve shipments were transported in a trailer using four methods of refrigeration controls - standard, pump-down cycle system, modulating valve and cylinder unloaders, and a finger duct refrigerated air distribution system. The other twelve shipments were transported in a trailer equipped with standard refrigeration controls and a reversing air distribution system. The modulating valve refrigeration control and finger duct type air distribution was the most economical way to transport fresh beef. Our study indicated that compared with the standard refrigeration system, the modification employing a modulating valve is the most energy-efficient at this stage of development. The study also indicated that a reverse air modification system employed in one of the test vehicles used at least 15% more fuel than the standard units on the road, and that the air shifts did not result in (a better kept) meat arriving in a better condition at the end of the run; nor did the reserve air system show any significant effect on decreasing meat shrinkage.