Systems Design Criteria for Refrigerated Container Parks

This paper discusses electrical distribution for refrigerated containers (reefers) in port terminals, characterized as parks of uniform distributed loads. Power systems of uniform distributed loads need configurations with modularity whenever possible, to ensure an easier installation, operation, and maintenance with significant cost reductions. This paper shows what has been the practice at ports in the past to provide Low Voltage (LV) supply to reefers from medium voltage (MV)/LV substations to cluster of reefer outlets panel with group of outdoor receptacles, used to connect power supply cord to each reefer. In the new method of power distribution system for the reefers, it is suggested to use a main MV underground distribution and portable containerized MV/LV transformer substations with close coupled LV distribution panel including reefer outlets. This potable power supply unit can be installed inside the reefer racks to supply locally a modular LV distribution to the reefers. This new method of supplying power to reefer racks has benefits over the past practice. It can offer a relevant flexibility for expansions and endorses development of new fitting components.