Thermo King solar panels extend battery life

Thermo King, a manufacturer of transport temperature control solutions, introduced the new ThermoLite solar panels. The panels are designed to maintain a continuous charge, extend battery life of the reefer units and prevent costly road calls for flat batteries, Thermo King said.

This solution is based on the same technology that was launched by Thermo King in the U.S. in 2015.

“Batteries, discharged for many reasons, may reach a point where they have been fully discharged so often that they become un-rechargeable and lead to expensive service call-outs and eventually battery replacement,” said Gary Mullins, aftermarket product manager at Thermo King in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

“Our solar panels enable TracKing and other telematics systems to monitor assets over long periods of time, even when the transport refrigeration unit is off, while also safeguarding the health of the battery.”

ThermoLite solar panels help prevent battery deterioration caused by natural or deep discharge through auxiliary loads like telematics systems or other devices, lights and sensors, Thermo King said.

The use of ThermoLite solar panels, through regular charging, even in low light winter conditions, contributes to extending battery life and increasing fuel savings over the life of the asset, the company said. ThermoLite’s patent-pending charge controller eliminates concerns regarding electrical power surges, reverse polarity that creates a potential shock hazard, overcharging, and high-voltage jump starting, Thermo King said.

Designed to fit directly to the insulated bodies’ rooftops, the new Thermo King ThermoLite solar panels underwent extensive tests and validations including resistance to vibrations, pressure washing and exposure to high- and low-ambient environments.