Authored by Praveen Das, Head Sales, Pluss Advanced Technologies Ltd
India is the world’s second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables after China, making cold chain logistics crucial for the safe delivery of perishable goods like agricultural produce, vegetables, and dairy. With 90% of these products requiring thermal stability, cold chain packaging plays a key role in preserving freshness during transportation. The refrigerated truck (reefer truck) industry in India is growing rapidly, driven by expanding cold chain logistics and rising retail food services. However, reefer trucks—essential to cold chain operations—are nearly 60% more expensive than standard trucks, consuming excessive fuel and incurring high operational costs. Both the government and private sector are actively seeking cost-effective, sustainable solutions.
A major supply-demand gap persists, with just 10,000 refrigerated vans available to transport 17 million tonnes of perishable produce. Conventional reefer trucks face several challenges, including high fuel consumption and emissions, temperature fluctuations leading to spoilage, frequent maintenance needs, and significant environmental concerns due to their carbon footprint.
Recognizing these challenges, Pluss® has developed a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to enhance cold chain efficiency.
Pluss®, a pioneer in passive temperature control solutions, introduces ThermoTab™active, a Phase Change Material (PCM)-based thermal battery that offers an innovative, retrofittable solution with multiple benefits, including precise temperature maintenance, sustainability, and energy efficiency. By integrating PCM technology into cold storage and transportation, ThermoTab™active addresses key cold chain logistics challenges with a next-generation approach.
ThermoTab™ active functions as a PCM-based thermal battery that retains cold energy, providing an advanced and cost-effective flagship solution for cold chain logistics. The system consists of PCM-encapsulated active plates with an internal evaporator coil that enables efficient freezing. The cooling process begins at the coil’s surface, gradually freezing the PCM layers until fully solidified. When the PCM melts, it releases cooling energy consistently, maintaining the required temperature inside insulated trucks or cold storage units.
This innovative solution offers multiple advantages. It significantly reduces maintenance costs by minimizing refrigeration upkeep and downtime. The system operates noise-free, making it ideal for various logistics applications. Its rechargeable technology allows repeated use without performance degradation, ensuring long-term efficiency. Additionally, ThermoTab™active provides consistent temperature maintenance, preventing fluctuations that lead to spoilage. With its ability to ensure 24/7 cooling and preservation, it guarantees uninterrupted temperature control throughout transportation and storage.
By leveraging this state-of-the-art technology, businesses can reduce product spoilage by up to 50%, ensuring optimal shelf life and quality during transportation. ThermoTab™active guarantees quality preservation and reduced waste, making it an essential technology for businesses of all sizes seeking a profitable and sustainable solution. These plates can be integrated into reefer trucks, cold rooms, and various cold storage applications, ensuring the freshness of frozen and chilled products.
ThermoTab™active also delivers a highly cost-effective solution with an ROI of under two years. Its thermal stability minimizes energy consumption, reduces refrigeration maintenance, and lowers overall operational costs. The system’s solar-powered and rechargeable features enhance efficiency, while multi-storage compartments allow for simultaneous transport of different product types, reducing delivery expenses.
With the growing need to cut fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and carbon emissions, PCM-based technologies like ThermoTab™active are emerging as game-changers in cold chain logistics. Pluss® continues to invest in research and innovation, ensuring that the next generation of PCM technology delivers even greater sustainability and efficiency.
By adopting ThermoTab™active, businesses can revolutionize their logistics operations, achieving cost savings, enhanced product quality, and a reduced environmental footprint. This breakthrough technology is set to redefine the future of reefer truck operations, making cold chain logistics more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective.
