Etihad Cargo has jointly launched a new design for a cool dolly for temperature sensitive cargo, developed with the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
The hybrid cool dolly uses thermoelectric module technologies, modified compressor units and a power bank attached to solar panels for sustainable recharging, which it says will ensure temperature is regulated while minimising power usage. The cool dolly is designed for temperature sensitive cargo including pharmaceuticals, livestock and perishable products that need to be transferred between aircraft and storage compartments.
It says the hybrid cool dolly will provide advantages over traditional diesel powered units, with have energy intensive cooling unit, which it says are expensive to operate and struggle to meet all performance requirements.
Etihad Cargo vice president, David Kerr says: “We are committed to providing our customers with innovative and sustainably-designed cargo solutions, and working with Masdar Institute has helped enormously in developing a specialised temperature controlled dolly that protects sensitive products from the heat and harsh weather conditions we sometimes face here in the UAE.”
Masdar Institute vice president of research, Dr Steve Griffiths says: “Our research platform integrates energy and system engineering in a manner that we believe can make a meaningful contribution in transport and logistics operations in the UAE and overseas.”
The announcement was made during the World Future Energy Summit taking place in Abu Dhabi between 18 and 21 January 2016.
