New test chamber for refrigerated van converter

Celsius is scaling up testing of the next generation of refrigeration systems at a new purpose-built testing chamber.

The specialist refrigerated vehicle converter has invested in research and development since winning Government funding to trial new refrigeration solutions for the transition to electric fridge vans.

The new chamber allows Celsius engineers and product developers to compare the performance of refrigeration units and insulation systems in a whole range of fridge vans.

The test chamber is fitted out with a new recycled insulation material which Celsius uses to line its fridge vans. 

A battery of sensors and calibration equipment collects a wide range of performance data under temperature-controlled conditions. This data is then analysed to optimise the combination of components used in the fridge conversion.

Since it was commissioned earlier this year, the test chamber has provided several valuable insights into how different chiller units perform in a variety of vehicles and the impact of new insulation technologies, says Celsius.

Celsius has been involved in electric fridge van development since 2018, when the Barnoldswick-based converter’s sister company CoolVan produced its first working prototype electric fridge van.

Since then, Celsius has worked with the University of Warwick and refrigeration specialists to develop super-efficient chiller units and lighter, more sustainable insulation solutions which deliver significant efficiency gains with diesel vans and are especially well suited for electric van conversions.

Celsius conversions manager, Sam Hargreaves, said: “The new test chamber has been a game-changer for us. 

“Obviously, we don’t want to disclose all of the findings the data has revealed, but it’s helping us pinpoint easy wins and focus on incremental gains to make our refrigeration and insulation systems as energy efficient as possible.

“The testing equipment is so sensitive that we can tell when someone has opened a door, how long it’s been left open and how much energy is required to bring the temperature back to optimum operating levels.”

Celsius’ newly patented lining system has been completely redesigned from the ground up to eliminate the use of GRP and wood, instead utilising 100% recycled plastic materials that are also fully recyclable at the end of its life.  

Each conversion uses up to 9,000 recycled plastic bottles and the precision-engineered insulation panels are lighter and offer superior thermal performance, says Celsius.

The company is currently using the test chamber to evaluate lightweight insulation systems installed in electric fridge van prototypes based on the next generation of more affordable electric vans.