Hybrid Power Cold Chain Containers: How Solar + Grid + Diesel Ensures Continuous Refrigeration in Harsh Environments
Maintaining uninterrupted refrigeration in harsh and remote environments is a critical challenge for cold chain logistics, particularly for perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, and industrial materials. Fong Power Technology has developed a hybrid power cold chain container that integrates solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, LiFePO₄ battery storage, grid connection, and diesel backup, ensuring continuous operation under variable conditions while maintaining strict temperature control.
1. Hybrid Energy Architecture for Continuous Operation
The hybrid system in Fong Power containers is engineered to deliver reliable 24/7 refrigeration:
-
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Input: An 8.5kW solar array charges the 48kWh lithium battery, enabling sustainable operation during daylight.
-
Lithium Battery Storage (LiFePO₄, 48kWh): Provides 3–5 days of refrigeration without sunlight, allowing off-grid operation.
-
Grid Connection: Ensures uninterrupted refrigeration when solar energy is insufficient.
-
Diesel Generator Backup: Offers redundancy for prolonged low-sunlight periods or emergency power loss.
By combining these four energy sources, the system mitigates the risk of refrigeration interruption, crucial for products with strict temperature sensitivity.
Keywords naturally embedded: hybrid power cold chain container, continuous refrigeration system, off-grid refrigerated storage
2. Container Design and Environmental Durability
The container is a 20ft IP55-rated unit, designed for harsh environmental conditions:
-
IP55 protection ensures resistance to dust ingress and water spray, suitable for outdoor storage or industrial sites.
-
Remote Monitoring Capabilities: CAN, RS485, WiFi, and 4G connectivity allow real-time monitoring of temperature, battery status, and power source.
-
Integrated 8kW Refrigeration Compressor: Provides stable cooling within the 0°C–15°C range.
-
Industrial-grade Insulation: Ensures minimal thermal loss and efficient energy utilization.
This robust design allows deployment in high-temperature, heavy rain, or dusty environments, without compromising refrigeration performance.
Keywords naturally embedded: industrial mobile cold chain container, solar energy cold storage

3. Intelligent Energy Management System
Fong Power’s hybrid container employs an advanced energy management system (EMS) to optimize energy distribution:
-
Priority Solar Operation: Solar energy is utilized first to reduce reliance on diesel or grid.
-
Automatic Source Switching: Seamless transition between solar, battery, grid, and diesel ensures uninterrupted cooling.
-
Battery Management System (BMS): Monitors battery voltage, temperature, charge/discharge rates, and state-of-health to prolong battery lifespan.
-
Load Optimization: Ensures the 8kW refrigeration unit operates efficiently across varying environmental and cargo conditions.
The EMS is critical for maximizing energy efficiency and guaranteeing consistent internal temperature, even in remote locations with unpredictable sunlight.
Keywords naturally embedded: energy-efficient hybrid cold chain container, intelligent refrigerated storage
4. Technical Specifications
|
Component |
Specification |
Key Technical Advantage |
|
Solar Power |
8.5kW PV array |
Sustainable energy generation |
|
Battery Storage |
48kWh LiFePO₄ |
3–5 days off-grid operation |
|
Refrigeration Power |
8kW, 0–15°C |
High-efficiency temperature control |
|
Container Size |
20ft, IP55 |
Durable, mobile deployment |
|
Backup Power |
Grid + Diesel |
Continuous operation under low sunlight |
|
Monitoring |
CAN/RS485/WiFi/4G |
Real-time remote monitoring and alerts |
This detailed specification highlights the engineering precision of the container, suitable for industrial, agricultural, and fisheries applications.
Keywords naturally embedded: high-capacity energy storage cold chain container, remote monitoring refrigerated container
5. Multi-Scenario Applications
Hybrid power cold chain containers are suitable for a wide range of applications:
-
Agriculture: Preservation of harvested vegetables and fruits during transport or storage.
-
Fisheries: Maintaining seafood freshness at ports or coastal areas.
-
Industrial Storage: Temperature-sensitive chemical, pharmaceutical, and laboratory materials.
-
Remote Areas: Regions with unstable or unavailable grid power benefit from solar and battery hybrid operation.
The mobility and hybrid energy redundancy allow operators to deploy the container where conventional cold rooms are impractical or too costly.
Keywords naturally embedded: remote cold chain container, hybrid power refrigerated storage
6. Operational Advantages
Key operational benefits include:
-
Extended Off-Grid Refrigeration: Battery storage ensures 3–5 days of cooling without sunlight.
-
Energy Efficiency: Solar-first operation minimizes diesel fuel consumption.
-
Remote Monitoring and Control: Allows operators to supervise temperature, battery levels, and energy source selection from anywhere.
-
Low Maintenance Requirements: LiFePO₄ battery reduces maintenance compared to traditional lead-acid alternatives.
These advantages provide predictable cold chain continuity, which is critical for minimizing product loss and maximizing supply chain efficiency.
Keywords naturally embedded: off-grid refrigeration container, solar hybrid cold storage system
7. Safety and Compliance
Fong Power hybrid cold chain containers include multiple safety and regulatory features:
-
Temperature Alarms: Alerts for deviations outside the 0°C–15°C range.
-
Overcharge and Overdischarge Protection: Safeguards the battery system.
-
Industrial-grade Enclosure (IP55): Ensures electrical components and refrigeration systems are protected from environmental hazards.
-
Compliance with International Standards: Guarantees operational safety and legal adherence for industrial and agricultural cold chain applications.
Keywords naturally embedded: safe hybrid cold chain container, compliant refrigerated storage solution
8. FAQ for Cold Chain Operators
Q1: How long can the system maintain refrigeration without sunlight?
-
3–5 days, depending on load and insulation efficiency.
Q2: Can the system operate solely on grid or diesel?
-
Yes, it supports flexible power sourcing based on availability.
Q3: What products can be stored?
-
Vegetables, fruits, seafood, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive industrial materials.
Q4: Is remote monitoring supported?
-
Yes, via CAN, RS485, WiFi, or 4G connectivity for real-time supervision.
9. Conclusion
Fong Power Technology’s hybrid power cold chain containers provide reliable, continuous refrigeration in harsh and remote environments. By combining solar, grid, and diesel power with intelligent energy management, these containers maintain stable temperatures for sensitive goods, reduce fuel consumption, and provide operational flexibility. Their robust industrial design, real-time monitoring, and off-grid capability make them a technically advanced solution for agriculture, fisheries, industrial storage, and remote applications.
www.fongpower.com
Fong Power Technology Co., Ltd