Refrigerated transport vehicles and insulated delivery tricycles are specialized equipment in cold chain logistics, designed for different scenarios. The former are primarily used for medium- to long-distance freight transport, while the latter focuses on short-distance, high-frequency delivery needs. Both maintain a low-temperature environment through insulation materials and refrigeration systems, but their design focuses and applicable scenarios differ. The following analysis examines their technical principles and scenario adaptation.
The core function of a refrigerated transport vehicle is long-distance, low-temperature transportation. Its tank body utilizes a polyurethane integral foaming process. This material forms an insulation layer through a closed-cell structure, with a thermal conductivity as low as 0.022 W/(m·K), effectively reducing the intrusion of external heat. Taking a small refrigerated tricycle with a rated load capacity of 1000 kg as an example, its tank thickness is typically 80-100 mm. Combined with an independent refrigeration unit, it can maintain an internal refrigerated environment of 0-4℃ when the ambient temperature is 35℃, making it suitable for supermarket delivery, pharmaceutical transportation, and other scenarios. The rear-wheel drive electric design enables it to climb slopes up to 15°, while the three-wheel structure improves its ability to navigate narrow roads. The number of tires and the load-bearing capacity of the saddle balance stability and load-bearing requirements.
The insulated food delivery tricycle emphasizes short-distance insulation and operational flexibility. Its tank is also made of polyurethane, but the thickness may be reduced to 50-70mm to balance insulation and vehicle weight. These models typically do not have an active refrigeration system; instead, they use a high-density polyurethane foam layer and a sealing design to slow down temperature rise, maintaining food temperatures between 0-10℃ for up to 2 hours, meeting the needs of food delivery and group catering. The electric drive and two-seat design allow it to easily navigate communities and campuses. The configuration of two passengers and a 500kg cargo capacity caters to both delivery personnel and food transport needs.