The refrigerated transport sector is a huge part of the modern-day food supply chain. This industry ensures perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products reach their destinations in optimal condition.
However, the industry faces mounting challenges, including rising energy costs, sustainability pressures, and increasing regulatory demands. One effective yet often overlooked solution is voltage optimisation (VO). Implementing VO can lead to significant cost savings, enhanced efficiency, and reduced environmental impact for refrigerated fleets.
Understanding voltage optimisation
Voltage optimisation is a technology designed to regulate and stabilise the voltage supplied to electrical equipment, ensuring it operates at the most efficient level. In the UK, the national grid often delivers electricity at higher voltage levels (230V–250V) than necessary, leading to excessive energy consumption, equipment wear, and increased carbon emissions. By optimising the voltage supply, businesses can mitigate these inefficiencies and enhance the performance of their electrical systems.
The impact of voltage optimisation on refrigerated transport
- Reduced energy consumption: Refrigerated vehicles rely on compressors, fans, and control systems that are sensitive to voltage fluctuations. Excess voltage can cause these components to operate inefficiently, leading to unnecessary energy use. VO ensures that refrigeration units receive only the voltage they need, cutting down electricity consumption by up to 19%.
- Lower fuel costs for hybrid and electric refrigerated vehicles: With the rise of electric and hybrid refrigerated transport, energy efficiency is needed. By stabilising voltage levels, VO reduces the strain on onboard battery systems, prolonging battery life and reducing the frequency of recharging. This, in turn, lowers overall fuel and electricity costs.
- Extended equipment lifespan: High voltage levels contribute to overheating and premature wear of electrical components within refrigeration systems. By optimising voltage supply, businesses can extend the lifespan of these critical components, reducing maintenance costs and minimising downtime due to equipment failures.
- Reduced carbon emissions: Energy efficiency improvements translate directly into lower carbon footprints. By reducing electricity waste, VO helps businesses meet sustainability targets, comply with environmental regulations, and contribute to national carbon reduction goals.
- Improved reliability and performance: Voltage fluctuations can lead to inconsistent refrigeration performance, jeopardising product quality and safety. VO ensures stable power supply, preventing temperature fluctuations that could compromise perishable goods.
Implementing voltage optimisation in the refrigerated transport sector
Businesses in the refrigerated transport sector can implement VO in several ways:
- Installing voltage optimisation units: These units regulate voltage at the fleet depot, ensuring all charging stations and refrigerated storage operate at optimal levels.
- Smart energy management systems: Integrating VO with IoT-based fleet management can enhance energy efficiency across operations.
Voltage optimisation presents a compelling opportunity for the UK’s refrigerated transport sector to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to sustainability goals. By investing in VO technology, businesses can future-proof their operations, ensuring resilience against rising energy prices and regulatory pressures while maintaining high standards in refrigerated logistics. As the industry continues to evolve, adopting smarter energy solutions will be crucial in driving efficiency and competitiveness.
If you're ready to improve your energy efficiency whilst driving down energy bills then why not get in touch? With our carbon management plans we will give your business everything it needs to reduce consumption and maximise on savings. . Request a free quote now and start reducing your carbon footprint and energy bills today.
