ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 23, 2005 - Carrier Transicold today introduced Deltek™ hybrid diesel electric technology to the North American refrigerated transport industry, offering higher reliability, easier maintenance and significantly lower lifecycle costs than ever before.

    Underscoring the importance of the development to the distribution and grocery businesses, Carrier unveiled Deltek technology at the Food Marketing Institute’s Productivity Convention and Exposition held here this week.

    "The high reliability and reduced maintenance needs of Deltek technology will result in better equipment utilization and greater operational efficiency for the entire cold chain," said Ignacio Aguerrevere, director of marketing and product development, Truck/Trailer/Rail Americas for Carrier Transicold.

    "Patented Deltek technology is a radical departure from the conventional mechanical technology that has defined transport refrigeration systems for more than 50 years. Through expanded use of electronics and maintenance-free electrical components, it offers a streamlined design that does away with most serviceable mechanical parts, such as belts and clutches, and it greatly reduces the refrigerant charge compared to conventional systems.

    Core components of the system are:

• An ultra-high-performance aircraft-quality generator - the heart of the system - to provide all needed electrical power. The generator is driven by a diesel engine, creating the hybrid diesel electric power train;
• An electric, sealed compressor to drive the simplified refrigeration system. The compressor assures an extra tight refrigeration system because its electric motor is inside the compressor housing. No shaft seal is required;
• A distributed system of maintenance-free electric evaporator and condenser fans to control the flow of air; and,
• Electric-resistance heat for on-demand heating, independent of the cooling system and outdoor temperature.

    Carrier estimates Deltek technology can reduce lifecycle costs by as much as 30 percent. Deltek technology will be gradually introduced in different transport refrigeration product lines, with initial product introductions planned for the first half of 2006.

Best-in-Class Performance

    "Deltek technology takes the best that diesel and electric technologies have to offer and combines them into one powerful system that delivers unprecedented system reliability, performance and value," Aguerrevere said.

    Deltek technology is made possible by the ultra-high-performance generator from Carrier’s sister company, aerospace provider Hamilton Sundstrand. The generator produces enough output to run the compressor motor, drive multiple fan motors and supply current for the resistance heat strips and a battery charger. All units will be driven by proven, EPA-compliant engines.

    Although Deltek technology may have a simplified design, there is no compromise in performance. Cooling and heating are provided "on-demand" with no lag time.

    The cooling-only refrigeration system has a tighter operating envelope, maximizing compressor life and ensuring maximum cooling capacity. When heating is required, electric resistance strips - instead of hot gas - deliver best-in-class heating, regardless of ambient conditions and independent from the refrigeration system, resulting in faster defrost times. For multitemperature applications, the refrigerant can be used entirely for cooling one compartment, while electric heating can be used to warm another with no compromise in overall capacity.

Environmentally Sound

    All systems relying on Deltek technology will have a built-in electric standby capability, reducing fuel consumption, noise and emissions at the loading dock, a feature that is especially beneficial in California where environmental regulations are the toughest on the continent. The closed refrigeration system is ready for higher-pressure natural refrigerants.

    Deltek technology-based trailer units will also include as standard other premium features, such as the Advance™ microprocessor control, an integrated DataLink™ data recorder and UltraFresh 3™ refrigeration management.

    "In sum, Deltek technology brings exceptional durability and reliability, and significantly reduced lifecycle costs, all while providing the product protection and quality that customers expect from Carrier," Aguerrevere said. "Our outstanding conventional units will continue to be offered, but Deltek technology will be the choice of those operations that insist on maximum uptime or optimum lifecycle cost."

    For more details, turn to the experts within the Carrier Transicold dealer network or visit Carrier Transicold’s website at www.trucktrailer.carrier.com.

    Carrier Transicold provides industry-leading transport temperature-control solutions with a complete line of equipment for refrigerated trucks, trailers and containers, and transport air conditioning systems for buses and recreational vehicles. Carrier Transicold is a division of Farmington, Conn.-based Carrier Corporation, the world’s largest heating, air conditioning and refrigeration solutions provider, with operations in 172 countries. It is part of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX), a Hartford, Conn.-based provider of a broad range of high-technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.