Heavy duty mobile equipment compressor manufacturer Unicla International launched the first models in its range of eDrive compressors at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show. The eDrive range features unique on-board control electronics and firmware that actively optimises its operation for different systems and refrigerants, provides safeguards against unfavourable conditions or refrigerant circuit problems and enables customisable settings.
With CAN bus and LIN connectivity, real-time monitoring of the eDrive compressor’s parameters and operation is possible on-vehicle, or with the optional modem module, it can be remotely monitored via the Unicla eDrive web interface or other proprietary web portals. These connectivity options can be used for diagnostics or even predictive prognosis of emerging problems.
The Unicla ED150 and ED200 compressors are ideal for mobile air-conditioning and refrigeration applications where electricity supply is the primary source of power, such as transport refrigeration, rail, mining, electric bus and industrial applications. eDrive compressors feature a lightweight and compact air-cooled design with an in-built fan controlled by Pulse Width Modulation and an electric motor that is sealed from the refrigerant circuit for ease of maintenance, service and aftermarket retrofit.
Backing up all the innovation packed into these electrically driven compressors is the engineering integrity and quality for which Unicla is renowned: A separate compressor working assembly that ensures piston alignment and compression is unaffected by heat distortion, separate outer housings and crankcases to eliminate refrigerant leaks, heavy duty, high-quality sealing and a 10-cylinder swashplate layout providing smooth operation and high volumetric efficiency.
Mr Mark Mitchell, Director, Unicla said the new eDrive compresors carried all the strengths of Unicla’s robust, efficient compressor design, refined over more than 54 years of constant innovation, into this new era of electrified vehicles.
“We have looked at everything that has earned Unicla compressors so much respect in the marketplace and worked hard to build on that with the eDrive. Not only does eDrive have a compact and lightweight air-cooled design that separates the refrigerant circuit from the electric motor, but it is controlled by our unique intelligent on-board electronics and firmware with CAN bus and LIN connectivity. At the same time, eDrive maintains the smooth operation and high volumetric efficiency Unicla’s 10-cylinder swashplate compressors are renowned for” said Mr Mitchell.