Freshness and product integrity are crucial priorities for both business owners and managers when implementing any large-scale operation with perishable goods. Combining transportation with maintaining product coolness could possibly complicate logistics. However, with the correct equipment and sufficient cooling conditions, and a little help from reefer container experts, perishable goods can remain fresh and ready for sale.
DawsonGroup is a top-tier cold chain logistics company that prides itself on selecting the best power supplies for each reefer container, matching every business’s specific needs. For instance, energy efficiency may be paramount for one company, while it can be less of a priority for another. Or even that the protection of goods may have higher stakes than those of another company. Whatever the need or product, there is a reefer suitable for freezing and transporting.
Maintaining logistics can prove challenging. However, with operations becoming mpre globalised by the day, understanding electrical power systems that sustain reefer technology is more important than ever.
What are reefer containers?
Reefer containers are uniquely powered containers with built-in refrigerating capacity. These refrigerating techniques can help adjust the humidity and temperature levels inside. Reefers can be stationary or used portably. This could be suitable for static environments, such as ports or warehouses, or more flexible environments, ranging from road to sea. Whatever the purpose, it’s important that reefers have a stable, continuous electrical power source.
Single-Phase Power Supply– For more small-scale reefers
In both residential and commercial settings, a single-phase power supply can truly shine. It is the most common form of electricity distribution, and its popularity is widespread. Its components are one live wire and one neutral one. This, in turn, makes way for an alternating current (AC)
Fundamental characteristics:
- Best for low-power applications
- Cheap installation
- More straightforward compared to other power supplies
- Sustains 230 volts (in most locations)
If you run a small business, this type of power supply will be best suited to your operations and remote sites where electricity is readily available. This type of supply is not equipped for more robust operations. Consider the capacity and output of your reefer facilities and the needs of your products.
Cons:
- Prone to voltage drop under a heavy load.
- This can directly impact the stability of the refrigerating functions.
- When moving seafood and pharmaceuticals, avoid using a single-phase power supply.
Three-phase power supply—the gold standard for reefer optimisation.
To deliver currents for reefer units, three alternating electronic components need to be 120 degrees apart; this is both a safety and a functionality concern. Three-phase power supplies have a high load-carrying capacity, so they are used in more robust commercial operations.
Key characteristics:
- Higher vaults are needed than just two-phase vaults (400 vaults)
- Power is made constant and is delivered with no interruptions
- More cost-effective and slightly more efficient than a two-phase supply
If you want to power up an industry-standard reefer, having the extra assurance of a three-phase power supply is both a sound financial and operational decision. Within large-scale logistics of perishable items, maintaining a consistent temperature is important to maintain product integrity.
Pro Tip: Having a three-phase power supply can increase the shelf life of your reefer.
Efficiency all round: Save on both energy and costs
In all reefer operations, saving energy is key to ensuring sustainability and cost savings. Power consumption should be at the top of your mind as a business owner, especially with rising fuel and electricity costs.
If you want to save more electricity, three-phase systems is the solution for you. They consume significantly less current to operate the same load as single-phase refrigerators. This can reduce bills while also lowering the chance of losses and the impact of issues such as overheating.
The initial cost of investing in a three-phase reefer is often higher, but the overall cost of operations and low maintenance costs will significantly outweigh the initial investment. If your cold chain operation is scalable, this is your best option.
DawsonGroup: Your cold storage solution
In cold storage transport solutions, DawsonGroup has proven to be top of the range. DawsonGroup offers cool transport and refrigerated storage backed by decades of experience and expertise. You can expect reliable and scalable systems from DawsonGroup with both three-phase and single-phase reefer options. You will be supported throughout your refrigeration needs, from energy audits and maintenance follow-ups to emergency solutions when issues arise.
With 20+ years of experience as a large-scale reefer container provider, we at DawsonGroup pride ourselves on logistics, efficiency, and getting the job done. Whether you choose a single-phase or three-phase power supply, we are committed to helping you make the right choice for your business and operations. Interested in finding out more? Let’s talk.
