A-REEFER (CRIOJET)

Overview

A-REEFER (CRIOJET) is a next-generation maritime refrigeration technology that drastically reduces energy consumption in marine reefer containers. Designed to replace traditional vapor-compression systems, CRIOJET delivers cooling via vacuum-phase aerodynamic modules, achieving rapid temperature drops with minimal power input and zero use of freon or banned refrigerants. The system is tailored for standard 20-foot reefer containers (≈70 m³) and operates on demand, only when internal temperature rises above the threshold. In combination with TSM ceramic thermal coating, A-REEFER transforms reefer containers into energy-smart, climate-compliant cold storage units with up to 90% energy savings.

Applications

Marine reefer containers (standard 20-foot, ≈70 m³); road reefer units replacing standard diesel reefers; cold chain logistics. Users: shipping companies, leasing firms, cold chain integrators.

Operating Principle

Cooling is delivered by aerodynamic vacuum-phase modules instead of a vapor-compression circuit — no compressor, no freon. The unit operates on demand, activating only when internal temperature rises above the set threshold. A freon-free proprietary compound serves as the working refrigerant. The system reaches deep-freeze temperatures down to –20 °C through a rapid multi-stage cooling ramp. TSM ceramic thermal coating applied to inner and outer surfaces reduces thermal ingress by 80–90%.

Key Parameters

| Parameter | Value |

|---|---|

| Cooling technology | Aerodynamic vacuum-phase cooling (no compressor, no freon) |

| Cooling capacity | 20,000 BTU/hr |

| Cooling cycle | 60–80 m³ per 1-hour cycle |

| EER | 5–6 |

| Energy per cycle | 2.5–3.0 kWh |

| Cooling per 1 kWh | 400 m³ (∆T ≈ 40 °C) |

| Minimum cooling temperature | As low as –20 °C, reached via a rapid multi-stage ramp-down |

| Refrigerant | Freon-free proprietary compound |

| Ambient operation range | –10 °C to +56 °C |

| Noise level | ≤ 80 dB |

| Form factor | Same dimensions as existing diesel reefer units |

| TSM coating thermal conductivity | Near-insulating, engineered for minimal heat transfer |

| TSM coating temperature range | Wide operating range spanning cryogenic to high-heat conditions |

| TSM effect | Reduces thermal ingress by 80–90% |

Architecture and Components

Vacuum-phase aerodynamic cooling module (compressor-free); freon-free proprietary refrigerant circuit; on-demand thermostatic control; TSM ceramic thermal coating applied to inner and outer container surfaces. Form factor matches existing diesel reefer units.

Advantages

Technical: compressor-free design reduces maintenance and service costs; improved cold chain control with faster recovery after door openings; operates from –10 °C to +56 °C ambient; noise ≤ 80 dB. Economic: energy use drops from 30,000 kWh/year (standard reefer) to 4,300 kWh/year (CRIOJET) or 3,000 kWh/year (CRIOJET + TSM). Environmental and regulatory: no freon / HFCs, full compliance with future EU F-Gas bans; lower electricity consumption means a lower CO₂ footprint.

Integrations

TSM ceramic thermal coating (combined deployment). Related: Arbok-Criojet · TSM Ceramic · ARBOK-FRESHCHAIN · ARBOK-ZERO-HFC

Deployment & Operation

Compatible with existing reefer container dimensions; retrofittable to current fleets; scalable across maritime and road logistics. Available for shipping companies, leasing firms, and cold chain integrators. Operation is on demand — the unit activates only when internal temperature exceeds the threshold.

TRL

TRL 8–9 — Demonstrated in operational environments. Validated through maritime field deployments.

Market Potential

Maritime reefer container fleets and road reefer units. Fleet-scale reference: for 10,000 reefer containers, standard system cost in the EU is €90 million/year; CRIOJET €13–15 million/year; CRIOJET + TSM €9 million/year. Annual fleet savings: up to €77 million (CRIOJET), up to €81 million (CRIOJET + TSM), or up to $32.4 million/year in the US equivalent.

Typical Project Economics

Reference: one 20-foot reefer container. Electricity costs assumed at $0.12/kWh (US) and €0.30/kWh (EU).

| System | Energy (kWh/year) | US cost ($/year) | EU cost (€/year) | Savings vs standard |

|---|---|---|---|---|

| Standard reefer | 30,000 | $3,600 | €9,000 | — |

| CRIOJET | 4,300 | $520 | €1,300–1,500 | $3,080 / €7,700 |

| CRIOJET + TSM | 3,000 | $360 | €900 | $3,240 / €8,100 |

Road reefers: replacing standard diesel reefers with CRIOJET saves ~85–90% of energy; estimated annual savings per unit $6,430 (US) or €9,650 (EU).

Risk Factors

Certification and regulatory approval for maritime and international shipping standards are required before broad fleet rollout. Retrofit economics depend on fleet age, financing terms, and duty cycles, which can slow adoption among smaller operators. Long-term reliability of the vacuum-phase module and coating adhesion under continuous marine vibration, humidity, and salt exposure requires extended field validation across climates. Competitive response from incremental efficiency upgrades to conventional vapor-compression systems could narrow the cost gap over time. Regional differences in electricity pricing affect payback period and may temper adoption in markets with low-cost power.

Related Technologies

Arbok-Criojet · TSM Ceramic · ARBOK-FRESHCHAIN · ARBOK-ZERO-HFC