StarConomy: Save Container Operators Millions without Compromising Cargo Quality Maintaining precise temperature control inside the reefer is vital in ensuring optimum conditions for the produce during transportation. This is the primary concern of shippers in terms of maximising the value of their cargos. At the same time, container lines are particularly interested in energy conservation as a means to reduce their environmental footprint and operating costs. If a typical fruit multinational operating their own fleet of four vessels with 500 reefers each were to upgrade to the software, the annual financial savings on a single route, such as Ecuador to the UK, would be over USD2 million. For a container line with a sixvessel service from Ecuador to Russia, also with 500 plugs, the annual savings would be an estimated USD3.2 million. Providing a solution to these issues has been a fundamental objective of Star Cool since its introduction in 2005. We already use variable speed control to run the compressor as economically as possible. In addition, technologies like SuPoTec insulation make a tangible contribution to saving energy. But the wider challenge of reconciling the different interests of shippers and container lines remains. The role of software In recent years, there has been a succession of attempts within the industry to use software to reduce power consumption. Up to now, however, the only solution was to undershoot the set point to allow the compressor to be shut down for energy saving rest periods. The temperature would then be allowed to drift up above the set point before the compressor was switched on again. Any energy savings were thus only achieved at the cost of sacrificing precise temperature control. Problem solved Morten Nylykke, General Manager, Refrigeration Technology explains: “StarConomy combines the market trend for reduced internal airflow with the ability to precisely match capacity and temperature. This results in very low power consumption while maintaining accurate temperature control. Previous industry attempts to do this failed because reduced energy consumption could only be achieved at the cost of fluctuating temperatures. This problem is now behind us.” Achieving a step-change in efficiency Our unique StarConomy software takes the best of both worlds. We can now successfully protect produce quality while saving more energy than has ever been possible before. ‘‘StarConomy combines the market trend for reduced internal airflow with the ability to precisely match capacity and temperature. This results in very low power consumption while maintaining accurate temperature control.’’ Long-term Star Cool customer Dole was closely involved in the development and field-testing process. As Equipment Manager Karina Rodriguez explained: “When it comes to reefer container transport, we preserve and transport the fruit safely using as little energy as possible, thus reducing our carbon footprint. We are now using the innovative StarConomy software in all Star Cool reefers in our global operations.”
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