Azure Dynamics Corporation (Azure Dynamics) has received an order from the Kidron division of VT Specialized Vehicles Corporation (VT SVC) for 248 low emission electric power (LEEP) Freeze systems. The systems were ordered by Idealease Inc. (Idealease), on behalf of its client Schwan Food Company. The 248 systems is the large single LEEP Freeze order with deliveries beginning in fourth quarter 2009.

“The UltraTemp with LEEPTM Freeze product is earning a strong reputation and gaining popularity in the refrigerated transportation industry, so we’ve been anticipating incremental sales,” said Jay Sandler, Azure Dynamics vice president of sales. “However, a fleet order for 248 LEEPTM units is a significant milestone that positions our product at the forefront of industry awareness and consideration.”

The UltraTemp with LEEP Freeze delivers efficient, reliable power to refrigerated transport vehicles while cutting fuel consumption and emissions. The LEEP Freeze system draws energy from the vehicle’s primary engine during normal driving and delivers it to the UltraTemp cold plate system. By eliminating the diesel engine that is part of a conventional refrigeration system, UltraTemp with LEEP Freeze can save up to a gallon of fuel per hour and maintains set-point temperatures even when the engine is off. Customers can expect significant cost savings, longer route capabilities, fast temperature recovery, simple maintenance, and reduced emissions. In addition, drivers enjoy dramatically reduced noise levels in the daily operation of their vehicles.

“As part of Idealease’s commitment to the greening of our customers’ fleets, we were able to provide Schwan’s a demonstrator unit to showcase the technology’s capabilities. The performance, reliability, cost savings and reduction in emissions all factored into the customer’s decision to change from a traditional refrigeration system to UltraTemp with LEEPTM Freeze,” said Doug Gosnell, Idealease director of green technologies.

The UltraTemp with LEEP Freeze system is an energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious hybrid cargo protection system that combines benefits of both cold plate and mechanical refrigeration systems.

“We’re eager to get our technology into use with Schwan’s,” said Tracey Maynor, senior vice president of sales and operations. “It is critical to move products to market in ideal temperatures on reliable transportation to preserve product integrity. Our UltraTemp refrigeration system powered with the LEEPTM Freeze system does that better than any other solution while also reducing emissions and operational expenses associated with fuel and maintenance.”

Azure Dynamics is a Canada-based developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains.

Kidron division of VT SVC is a US-based manufacturer of truck bodies and trailers, servicing multi-stop food and beverage distributors.

Idealease is a US-based full service transportation company.