IoT technology enables remote reefer performance monitoring and control through high-speed internet, sensory devices, and smartphones, enabling fleet companies and logistics to process real-time data streams and adjust container conditions remotely.
Fremont, CA: Cold chain transportation is crucial for perishable and environment-sensitive products, with reefers essential for long-range shipments. The global cold chain market, valued at $160 billion in 2018 and expected to reach $585 billion in 2026, is rapidly growing due to reefers and IoT technology advancements.
How Does a Refrigerated Container Operate?
The use of mechanically powered refrigerated trailers dates back to the late 1930s. Today, reefers use two fans to circulate chilled air into the container, ensuring a steady temperature. The type of cargo can be circulated or fresh ambient air drawn in to prevent deterioration. Reefers enable logistics and transportation companies to transport products across vast distances, ensuring unblemished goods for customers. However, companies often lack the means to track the condition and location of goods being transported. IoT solutions can help companies gain visibility into their cold chain operations and optimize reefer performance.
IoT in Reefers: An End-to-End Cargo Monitoring Solution
IoT technology enables remote reefer performance monitoring and control through high-speed internet, sensory devices, and smartphones, enabling fleet companies and logistics to process real-time data streams and adjust container conditions remotely. Let’s look at some benefits of using such a system:
1) Internal condition monitoring:
Remote container monitoring systems enable companies to monitor the internal conditions of containers from far-off locations, ensuring quality depreciating parameters like temperature and humidity are monitored at all times. This ensures freshness, reduces waste, and alerts cargo carriers when parameters cross above or below permissible limits. This helps minimize supervision costs, deliver fresh products, and improve customer satisfaction by lowering supervision costs.
2) Remote Reefer Control:
Logistics can remotely control operations related to cold chain transportation, as cold air can degrade cargo packaging, mold, and bacteria, affecting product quality. Cargo carriers may not be the best option, as condensation from container storage can cause further damage. IoT remote control facilities can help address these issues remotely. An evaporator attached to the cooling engine can be accessed to remove contaminants from containers, utilizing less energy and directing available power for cooling. This allows for more efficient and effective logistics management.
