In a world where sustainability and energy efficiency are no longer optional, urban refrigerated transport is undergoing a major transformation. Every day, thousands of refrigerated vans and trucks deliver fresh goods to supermarkets, restaurants, hospitals, and homes across Europe. And on every route, there’s one non-negotiable requirement: preserving the cold chain.
According to Spain’s Association of Refrigerated Transport Companies (ATFRIE), over 300,000 refrigerated vehicles operate across Europe, forming the backbone of the cold supply chain. But as these fleets shift toward electric power—due to emissions regulations and sustainability goals—they face a new challenge: ensuring refrigeration systems can run efficiently and reliably on battery power, under demanding urban conditions.
Cooling on Batteries: A growing technical challenge
As more electric vehicles hit the streets, the need to electrify onboard systems—like refrigeration—becomes essential. But powering a cooling system from high-voltage batteries is far from simple.
Key technical challenges include:
- Voltage variation throughout the battery discharge cycle.
- Compressor startup surges that cause harmful current spikes.
- Micro-interruptions that risk damaging sensitive equipment or affecting temperature control.
- Compact spaces, road vibrations, and harsh urban environments.
A failure in any of these areas can result in spoiled cargo and lost revenue—not to mention potential compliance issues with strict regulations like Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 on food hygiene, which requires precise temperature control during transport.
The Premium PSU Solution: Stable power when it’s needed most
Faced with these challenges, a refrigeration system manufacturer sought a robust, efficient, and field-proven solution. Their choice: the TDS-3300-7801D, a DC/AC converter designed and manufactured by Premium PSU.
Why this model?
Key features include:
- Wide input range (400–740 Vdc): Ensures full battery utilization, even as charge drops.
- Stable 230 Vac / 3.3 kW single-phase output: Powers compressors and sensitive electronics without fluctuations.
- Low inrush current: Prevents harmful current surges during startup, protecting both battery and system.
- High energy efficiency: Reduces energy losses and heat, translating to longer run time and greater autonomy.
- EN61373:2011-compliant design: Originally built for rail environments—delivers extreme durability against vibration and shock.
- Built-in protections and alarms: Keeps systems safe and simplifies diagnostics.
Why it matters: More than just a converter
Once integrated into the vehicle’s refrigeration system, the TDS-3300-7801D delivered immediate, measurable benefits:
- Uninterrupted operation throughout the full battery discharge cycle.
- Startup current spikes eliminated, ensuring longer equipment lifespan.
- Improved overall system efficiency, increasing the autonomy of the refrigeration unit.
- Stable performance under urban conditions, including vibrations, sudden stops, and fluctuating ambient temperatures.
The Results: More autonomy, zero interruptions, maximum reliability
This isn’t just a story about a power supply that “works well.” It’s a real-world demonstration of how a converter originally designed for rail environments can deliver mission-critical performance in modern electric vehicles.
In a sector where every degree matters and every minute counts, the difference between a good system and a great one is everything. Premium PSU’s solutions don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them.
Ready for the future of refrigerated transport
As fleet electrification accelerates, the demand for smarter, more efficient power systems is only growing. Premium PSU is committed to developing converters that not only meet technical specs, but deliver peace of mind in the most demanding conditions.
If you’re developing systems for electric vehicles, mobile applications, or any scenario where energy cannot fail, let’s talk.
👉 Contact us to learn more about the TDS-3300 series or to explore custom solutions for your power needs.
