Safe and efficient – transport cooling units from Schmitz Cargobull

Safe and efficient – transport cooling units from Schmitz Cargobull

June 2024 – For more than 12 years, Schmitz Cargobull has been offering its own solutions in the field of transport cooling units with the S.CU (Semi-trailer Cooling Unit), which is optimally matched with the cooling bodies made of FERROPLAST® and the TrailerConnect® telematics system. The product range includes two electrical systems (S.CU e80 and S.CU ep85) and two diesel-powered units (S.CU d80 and S.CU V2.0).

All S.CU transport cooling units are designed to suit the S.KO COOL refrigerated box body semi-trailer and are equipped ex works with a 24-month service contract with proactive monitoring and the TrailerConnect® telematics system. Contracts can be extended at any time. In times when drivers are in short supply, comfort plays an important role, which is why all S.CU transport cooling units come as a standard with the Silence Kit for optimal noise reduction. What’s more, they feature intuitive menu navigation on the control unit. All data and functions, such as two-way communication, RemoteStart and cargosets, are integrated into the TrailerConnect® telematics system. In addition to temperature records, all requisite information is available on the S.CU’s display. Not only can the information be viewed, but thanks to two-way communication, it can also be actively controlled, e.g. setpoints or the door contact switch. All Schmitz Cargobull cooling units are networked with the smart trailer as “mobile devices” and feature user-friendly software that can also be updated “over-the-air”. This means that the transport cooling unit’s software can be updated wirelessly.

Schmitz Cargobull cargosets

With its cargosets, Schmitz Cargobull is taking a pioneering step towards further digitalisation and connectivity within transport logistics. In the past, setpoints, operating modes, and door locking could be configured individually via the TrailerConnect® portal, but it is now possible to create preconfigured operating settings – cargosets – for the S.CU and transfer them over-the-air to the transport cooling unit. The pre-configured operating settings ensure that for each and every refrigerated transport task, the transported goods always remain at the correct temperature. This is achieved by simply creating cargosets in the TrailerConnect® portal, directly transmitting these cargo sets over-the-air to the cooling unit, and the driver then simply activating them via the S.CU display. The flexible selection of different operating modes avoids costly manual operating errors by drivers or site staff.

Different models - different possibilities

S.CU d80

The S.CU d80 is the entry-level model for the high-volume market. The refrigeration circuit has been designed to meet the requirements in the mid-range area, for example with its microchannel condenser and a scroll compressor. The S.CU d80 with its robust Perkins diesel engine is also suited for transport in countries with low fuel quality. The system has a cooling capacity of up to 14,000 W and a heating capacity of up to 10,500 W and, thanks to its lower consumption and low noise emissions of 94.9 dB(A), it is now the quietest transport cooling unit available on the market. The S.CU d80 is available as a MonoTemp version.

S.CU V2.0 with Performance mode

The demands on the efficiency of a transport cooling unit are becoming increasingly important in view of rising fuel costs. With the Performance mode for the S.CU V2.0, the driver has an optimised cooling unit setting for any type of goods. With its efficient common rail diesel engine and Performance mode, the S.CU V2.0 impresses with fuel savings of up to 15%. The Performance mode also includes a start-stop mode in mains operation.

The Performance control is available with the latest software capable of over-the-air updates, and can be booked for individual existing trailers with an S.CU 2.0 cooling unit via TrailerConnect®. Activation will then take place automatically. In this way, Schmitz Cargobull also not only contributes to CO2 reduction for new products, but also with the S.CU V2.0 cooling units currently on the market.

S.CU ep85 (mt)

The battery-electric powered S.CU ep85 with power electronics operates locally emission-free and is specially designed for use in distribution transport. With a 15,800 W cooling and 10,500 W heating capacity, its capacity is equivalent to diesel-powered units. With a battery capacity of 32 kWh, it is capable of running on autonomous electric power for 4.5 –18 hours, depending on the usage and demands. Recharging from the power grid is done via the CEE three-phase connection installed on the cooling unit and takes about two hours. When combined with an electric generator axle, which recovers energy during braking processes, for instance, the time needed to recharge the battery via the mains can be reduced. This also minimises charging times at distribution centres. Intelligent control ensures that the charge level of the high-voltage battery is kept as high as possible to provide a high level of operational reliability for unplanned standstill situations, such as in traffic jams. The purely electric operation of the S.CU ep85 is very quiet, which offers advantages in urban areas, especially for deliveries at night or in the early morning. The electric version can help to reduce maintenance costs as oil changes are no longer needed, for example.

Another advantage is that the power electronics are housed in a protected location inside the cooling unit, meaning they are not exposed to the weather. The S.CU ep85 is available in both MonoTemp and a MultiTemp variants.

Solar panel

An optional solar panel on the transport cooling unit charges the 12-volt starter battery when the sun is shining. As a result, the battery is ready to be used to power convenience functions for a longer period of time. If the battery charge level reaches a critical point, the battery monitor intervenes and protects the battery from deep discharge. The S.CU’s solar module is installed directly on the cooling unit and can even be retrofitted on existing cooling units.

About Schmitz Cargobull 

Schmitz Cargobull is the leading manufacturer of semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight, general cargo and bulk goods in Europe and a pioneer in digital solutions for trailer services and improved connectivity. The company also manufactures transport refrigeration machines for refrigerated semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight transport. With a comprehensive range of services from financing, spare parts supply, service contracts and telematics solutions to used vehicle trading, Schmitz Cargobull supports its customers in optimising their total cost of ownership (TCO) and digital transformation. Schmitz Cargobull was founded in 1892 in Münsterland, Germany. The family-run company produces around 60,000 vehicles per year with over 6,000 employees and generated a turnover of around 2.4 billion euros in the 2023/24 financial year. The international production network currently comprises ten plants in Germany, Lithuania, Spain, England, Turkey, Slovakia and Australia.


The Schmitz Cargobull press team:

Anna Stuhlmeier:  +49 2558 81-1340 I anna.stuhlmeier@cargobull.com 
Andrea Beckonert:  +49 2558 81-1321 I andrea.beckonert@cargobull.com
Silke Hesener:  +49 2558 81-1501 I silke.hesener@cargobull.com