Abstract: A computerised method (300) for determining the optimum battery capacity (50) and/or solar panel capacity (16) for configuring an electric refrigeration unit (10) is provided together with related methods and apparatus. The electrical refrigeration unit is of a type configured to draw power from rechargeable batteries and solar panels in cooling 0 the interior of a mobile enclosure. Input data is received relating to the location in which the refrigeration unit is to be deployed (302), historical weather data for the location (306) and a desired delivery cycle (308) for the refrigeration unit. The thermal performance of the enclosure (320) is simulated in a model based on its thermal properties (312) wherein the model outputs the energy requirements for cooling the enclosure to the set point temperature of the delivery cycle for a particular historical day.

Abstract: An electric refrigeration unit includes a framework for attaching to a mobile enclosure such as a vehicle or trailer that is served by the electrical refrigeration unit, a refrigeration system for cooling and/or heating the interior of the mobile enclosure, and one or more rechargeable battery modules for powering the refrigeration system, wherein the framework supports the refrigeration system and battery modules. The framework may define a first compartment in which the refrigeration system is located and a second compartment in which the battery modules are located, where the second compartment is arranged to be dry. The framework may provide a battery racking space the front face of which is open or configurable open allowing access to the battery modules.

Abstract: Refrigeration units for cooling the interior of a trailer or vehicle, related software, systems and methods for deploying and managing such units. The refrigeration unit comprises a refrigeration system configured to mount to the trailer or vehicle. The refrigeration unit further comprises a battery rack configured to receive at least one of a plurality of rechargeable batteries so as to allow it to be swapped into and out of the rack to provide adaptive battery capacity. A power management system is configured to receive DC power from the plural batteries and deliver power to a compressor of the refrigeration system. A controller is configured to control the refrigeration system to cool the interior to a predetermined temperature.