Small Refrigerated Trailers

How Does a Refrigeration Trailer Work?

A refrigeration trailer, also known as a reefer trailer, works by using a refrigeration system to remove heat from the inside of the trailer and maintain a specific temperature. The basic components of a refrigeration trailer include:

  1. Compressor: This is the heart of the refrigeration system. It compresses the refrigerant gas, which increases its temperature and pressure.
  2. Condenser: The compressed gas then flows to the condenser, which is located outside the trailer. The condenser cools the gas, causing it to condense into a liquid.
  3. Expansion valve: The liquid refrigerant then flows to the expansion valve, which reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant.
  4. Evaporator: The low-pressure refrigerant then flows into the evaporator, which is located inside the trailer. The evaporator absorbs heat from the air inside the trailer, which causes the refrigerant to evaporate and turn back into a gas.
  5. Fan: A fan inside the trailer circulates the cold air created by the evaporator.

The refrigeration system operates on a continuous cycle of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation to remove heat from the inside of the trailer and maintain a consistent temperature. The temperature inside the trailer is typically controlled by a thermostat, which turns the refrigeration system on and off as needed to maintain the desired temperature.