refrigerated lorry
Definition
Refrigerated lorries are vehicles that are designed to transport perishable goods at a controlled temperature. They typically have a large, insulated body that is equipped with a refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit is used to cool the air inside the body, which helps to preserve the quality of the goods being transported.
Refrigerated lorries are used to transport a wide variety of perishable goods, including food, flowers, and pharmaceuticals. They are an essential part of the global food supply chain, as they allow perishable goods to be transported long distances without spoiling.
Refrigerated lorries come in a variety of sizes and configurations. They can be either rigid trucks or trailers. Rigid trucks have a permanently attached body, while trailers are towed by a truck.
The refrigeration unit in a refrigerated lorry is typically powered by a diesel engine or an electric motor. The diesel engine is the most common type of power for refrigerated lorries, as it is more efficient than an electric motor for long-distance travel. However, electric motors are becoming more popular in refrigerated lorries, as they are more environmentally friendly.
Refrigerated lorries are an important part of the global economy. They help to ensure that perishable goods can be transported long distances without spoiling, which is essential for the global food supply chain.
How can the word be used?
The refrigerated lorry was kept at a constant temperature to ensure that the goods remained fresh.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- a large vehicle with a refrigerated compartment for transporting perishable goods.
- The word "refrigerated lorry" is a compound word, made up of the words "refrigerated" and "lorry".
Adjective:
- of or relating to a refrigerated lorry.
Etymology
The word "refrigerated" comes from the Latin word "frigerare", which means "to make cold".
The word "lorry" comes from the Old English word "lōrwe", which means "cart".
The first recorded use of the word "refrigerated lorry" was in the early 20th century.
Question
Why might a lorry need to be refrigerated?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the scientific principles behind the operation of a refrigerated lorry and how it maintains a controlled temperature for transporting perishable goods.
Answer:
A refrigerated lorry, also known as a "reefer" truck, employs the principles of thermodynamics to maintain a controlled temperature for transporting perishable goods. The lorry is equipped with a refrigeration unit that utilises a refrigerant to create a cooling effect.
The refrigeration process involves a cycle of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. The refrigerant, initially in a gaseous state, is compressed to increase its pressure and temperature. This high-pressure gas then flows through a condenser coil located outside the lorry's insulated compartment. As the gas cools down, it condenses into a liquid, releasing heat into the surrounding environment.
The liquid refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve, where it undergoes a rapid reduction in pressure. This causes it to evaporate and turn back into a low-pressure gas, absorbing heat from the interior of the lorry's compartment. This process effectively lowers the temperature inside, ensuring that perishable goods remain fresh during transportation.
By cyclically repeating this process, the refrigeration unit maintains a consistent and controlled temperature within the lorry's compartment, regardless of external conditions. This technology is essential for transporting food, medicine, and other temperature-sensitive goods over long distances while preventing spoilage and ensuring product quality upon arrival.