When Reliability Counts, Get Smart

When a container load of valuable cargo gets off-loaded to a rail car, it's totally dependent on a generator set to keep the temperature control system operating. And that's a big job. Especially under the circumstances. After all, intermodal operations involve long in-transit times on rail. These extended periods of unattended operation are compounded by high altitude conditions through tunnels. If one or more of these circumstances should cause the gen-set to shutdown, there's a good chance the entire load will be lost. But now, Thermo King's Smart Gen-Sets offer a smarter, more reliable way to protect containerized perishables.

The Smart Gen-Sets feature the exclusive Thermoguard µP-G controller. "The system is designed to keep the generator operating by automatically restarting should a shutdown occur," explains Phil Lee, container product manager. What's more, if the generator doesn't start on the first try, a restart attempt will be initiated every 20 minutes until it is successfully restarted or the battery charge is exhausted.

"We're confident these gen-sets will help protect cargo no matter where or how it is carried," Lee continued. "There's nothing like them in the world."

The gen-sets also feature a number of built-in trouble-shooting and maintenance features including self-diagnostics and alarms. For quick, easy reference during normal operation, a digital display indicates the generator set's output voltage and is also capable of displaying frequency output, oil pressure and coolant temperature. The µP-G also includes two programmable "countdown" hour meters that can be set at desired intervals as maintenance reminders.

The first Smart Gen-Sets to hit the market are being tested by American President Lines (APL). APL is currently running 1,000 Thermo King gen-sets on more than 5,000 Thermo King reefers. "APL is the perfect candidate to field-test the Smart Gen-Sets," explains Bill Gall, Thermo King director of container sales North America western region. "APL pioneered the development of the double-stack train technology more than 10 years ago. Containers in this configuration may go for days unattended, so gen-set reliability is a huge issue. The Smart Gen-Set's automatic restart feature will help save loads and put shippers' minds at ease."

APL is a world leader in container transportation with nearly 150 years of continuous operation. Today APL operates as one of the largest and most extensive stack train networks in North America.

"The Smart Gen-sets have been working well for us. None of the containers with the new equipment have reported downtime. So, no news is good news," explains Charlie Green, APL director of engineering and maintenance. "Our double-stack configuration demands reliability. And the more reliable our equipment, the better service we provide for our customers."