Colombia. The refrigerated transport industry is moving towards a more efficient and sustainable model with the adoption of new technologies that optimize energy consumption, reduce costs and minimize environmental impact.
Innovations such as eco-friendly refrigerants, solar panels, and hybrid systems are redefining fleet management in Latin America.
According to Ivan Collazo, general manager of Thermo King Latin America, "the implementation of advanced technology in refrigerated transport reduces fuel consumption and minimizes losses due to temperature variations, which translates into a more reliable and efficient service, while favoring sustainability and cost reduction."
Six key advances in sustainable refrigeration:
- Eco-friendly refrigerants: The adoption of compounds such as R-452A decreases the carbon footprint without compromising efficiency in the cold chain, which represents long-term savings.
- Solar panels: Integrating solar energy into refrigeration units reduces dependence on fossil fuels, extends battery life and improves energy efficiency.
- Hybrid systems: The combination of electric and diesel power makes it possible to optimise fuel consumption and reduce emissions, improving the return on investment.
- More efficient diesel engines: Technological advances have made it possible to develop engines with lower consumption and pollutant emissions, complying with stricter environmental regulations.
- Monitoring with telematics: Real-time monitoring of equipment temperature and performance ensures the quality of the transported products and reduces losses.
- Artificial intelligence in climate control: Advanced algorithms automatically adjust temperatures based on environmental conditions and the load being transported, optimizing costs and efficiency.
The adoption of technological innovations in refrigerated cargo transport is key to driving operational efficiency, reducing costs and improving sustainability in the cold chain. Advanced temperature control solutions, along with energy efficiency strategies, improve the safety and quality of transported products, but also optimize total cost of ownership and increase business profitability.
Adopting these innovations not only provides a competitive advantage, but also ensures regulatory compliance and minimizes the risk of sanctions, ensuring the operational continuity of the company.