Brunel University Conducts Test of Air Curtains for Energy-Efficient Refrigerated Transport with BlueSeal®

Why the Test of Air Curtains for Energy-Efficient Refrigerated Transport Matters

Vehicle air curtain manufacturer Brightec has welcomed a rigorous test of air curtains for energy-efficient refrigerated transport in a project conducted by the Centre for Sustainable Energy use in Food chains (CSEF) at Brunel University.

The Netherlands-based family company developed BlueSeal® air curtains to reduce the energy required by cooling machines during distribution routes and to offer a practical, hygienic alternative to PVC strip curtains. Brightec identified that most cooling energy is lost through door openings during loading and unloading. BlueSeal provides an unobstructive climate barrier, maintaining the cold chain without slowing down drivers.

Hans Opdam, physicist and founder of Brightec, explained:

“We have subjected BlueSeal air curtains to countless tests by customers over the years. When CSEF approached us to carry out a scientific test of air curtains for energy-efficient refrigerated transport, we were delighted to put BlueSeal through its paces once more.”

Testing Method – Simulating Real Distribution Conditions

For the test of air curtains for energy-efficient refrigerated transport, CSEF simulated the conditions of a busy multi-stop distribution route. The trailer doors were opened for 15-minute increments to measure the effect of outside temperatures on the transported goods.

Using a reduced-scale trailer model fitted with a refrigeration unit and 68 thermocouple sensors, researchers measured:

• Recovery energy: the cooling energy required to bring internal air and food products back to the target temperature after door openings.
• The effect of the BlueSeal air curtain in both small and large vehicle models.

CSEF also applied their in-house Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model to assess the impact of BlueSeal in a full-sized 18-tonne truck.

Results – Significant Energy Savings for Refrigerated Transport

The test of air curtains for energy-efficient refrigerated transport produced results that fully met Brightec’s expectations:

• In a small box truck, BlueSeal reduced recovery energy by approximately 30%.
• In an 18-tonne truck model, BlueSeal achieved an impressive 45% reduction in energy usage.

These savings directly translate into reduced diesel consumption and improved range for vehicles with limited cold storage capacity, such as fully electric cooling or liquid nitrogen cooling systems. As a result, operators can make more deliveries without compromising product quality.

Hans Opdam added:

“The CSEF report demonstrates just how challenging it is to maintain the cold chain without a climate barrier. BlueSeal provides an elegant, effective, and user-friendly solution, and these results validate years of research and development.”

Industry Impact – From Testing to Real-World Use

This test of air curtains for energy-efficient refrigerated transport reinforces BlueSeal’s position as a leader in cold chain efficiency. BlueSeal exports to over 22 countries and is trusted by leading manufacturers and logistics providers, including Gray & Adams, Solomon Commercials, Paneltex, Bidfood, Blakemore, and Movianto.

Brightec operates from its Amsterdam headquarters with manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands, supplying air curtain systems that meet the needs of both food and pharmaceutical transport sectors.