TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 14, 2006 - Adding to a 104-year legacy of innovation pioneered by its founder, Dr. Willis H. Carrier, Carrier Corp., a business unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), today introduced the Vector 1800MT, North America’s first trailer refrigeration unit to use hybrid diesel electric technology

    The unit was showcased at the 2006 Transportation Technology Exhibition of the Technology and Maintenance Council of American Trucking Associations.

    Designed for multi-temperature trailer applications, the Vector 1800MT uses Carrier’s patented Deltek™ technology for unprecedented system reliability, performance and an estimated 30 percent reduction in maintenance cost. Additionally, the Vector 1800MT is the first multi-temperature system to take advantage of Carrier’s industry-leading Advance™ microprocessor control, which delivers precise refrigeration control, driver set-up ease and exclusive fuel optimization options.

    "Combining the muscle of diesel and dependability of electricity, the powerful Deltek technology on which the Vector 1800MT is based delivers unprecedented system reliability, performance and value," said Ignacio Aguerrevere, director of marketing and product development, Carrier Transicold Truck/Trailer/Rail Americas.

    Leveraging permanent magnet technology from Hamilton Sundstrand, a global supplier of technologically advanced aerospace and industrial products and a sister business unit, Carrier developed an innovative product architecture using breakthrough electric technology. This technology offers significant customer benefits including dramatically improved reliability through expanded use of electronics and maintenance-free electrical components. The Vector’s streamlined design eliminates two-thirds of the serviceable mechanical components found in conventional systems, such as idler pulleys, vibrasorbers, most belts, fan shafts, the compressor shaft seal and clutch, while using half the refrigerant charge compared to conventional systems.

    "Multi-temp systems benefit the most from the increased reliability, higher performance and reduction in complexity provided by Deltek technology, which is why we made this unit our top priority for the Deltek platform rollout," said Aguerrevere.

    In addition to high reliability, the Vector 1800MT delivers a truckload of valuable features, including:

• Built-in electric standby capability for fuel savings, emissions and noise reduction, and regulatory compliance at the loading dock;
• 100 percent electric heat, instead of hot-gas, for constant heating capacity independent of ambient temperature;
• The Advance microprocessor control, featuring easy-to-use IntelliSet™ commodity programming and an integrated DataLink™ data recorder;
• Improved sound quality - always an issue in urban areas - thanks to the elimination of many mechanical components and optional Stealth™ components

    "Maximum performance and exceptional features combine to deliver value well past the initial purchase," said Aguerrevere. "Lifecycle costs go down because of the reduction in maintenance and operating expenses, and uptime increases."

    The Vector 1800MT relies primarily on three major components to deliver refrigeration and heating: 1.) the direct-injection diesel engine; 2.) the aircraft quality, high-performance Hamilton Sundstrand electric generator; and, 3.) an electrically driven, sealed compressor.

A System Optimized for Performance
    The proven 2.2-liter direct-injection Kubota engine drives the compact generator, which powers the condenser and evaporator fans, electric heating and the 06D compressor. The 06D has the same basic design as the compressor used to provide reliable, unattended operation in Carrier’s ThinLINE™ container refrigeration units for overseas shipping applications. An electric motor sealed inside the 06D housing eliminates the need for a shaft seal, assuring an extra-tight refrigeration system.

    For heating and defrost, electric-resistance strips inside the evaporators provide constant heat capacity and tight temperature control, independently of outdoor temperature. Even the host unit evaporator provides electric-resistance heating. A side-benefit of electric heating is increased compressor life, since the compressor is only used during cooling.

    The system lends itself well to electric standby, which is why every Vector 1800MT comes with built-in 460-volt plug-in capability. Especially important in urban distribution, and in California where emissions regulations are strictest, facilities can tap into standby power for emissions and noise abatement as well as fuel savings.

    Matched with Carrier single- and dual-discharge evaporators, the Vector 1800MT offers 11 different trailer configurations.

    With "priority logic" algorithms controlling the independent heating and cooling circuits and two airflow speeds, the Vector 1800MT unit puts cooling and heating where needed most, when needed most. This means it handles deep-frozen (-20oF or -29oC) situations in multi-temp configurations with greater agility than conventional systems.

    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 business unit of Carrier Corp., headquartered in Farmington, Conn., that is the world's largest provider of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration solutions with operations in 172 countries. It is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., a diversified company that provides a broad range of high technology products and services to the aerospace and commercial building industries worldwide.