HONG KONG, CHINA (INGERSOLL RAND NEWS SERVICE) -- Thermo King, together with a local coach builder, Volvo and other component suppliers, recently participated in building the first Biotech Mobile Laboratory, or the "MobileLab," for Hong Kong.

The MobileLab is a traveling molecular biology laboratory specially designed for teachers and students to participate in hands-on experiments. It is completely self-contained, providing state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for the teaching and learning of science and biotechnology with a minimum of movement for students from their schools. The MobileLab also offers science and biotech education for the public via various outreach programs.

Built on a 12-meter Volvo bus chassis, the MobileLab is equipped with a Thermo King bus air conditioning system (model KRS with 1012 power-pack system).

"This project shows the successful outcome of local dealer Hinge and Thermo King working closely together, and using our product and application experience, to provide an innovative solution to meet our customer's quite unique requirements," said Gabriel Doyle, service and training director, Climate Control Technologies South & East Asia. "The KRS Model 2139 B most closely matched the combined sensible and latent cooling loads of the equipment and anticipated occupants of the mobile laboratory. The TK 486 power-pack provides independent electrical power and cooling to the A/C unit once the mobile lab is on the move or parked on site. Additionally, special air duct design work was required to fit the irregular ceiling profile, while our ClimAire II microprocessor controller ensures a precise band of control around the desired set-point and controls the auto start-stop of the power-pack."

The MobileLab also features a number of Green features, according to Doyle, including "environmentally friendly HFC 134a refrigerant. In addition, the smaller horsepower of the 'Green Tech' Tier II compliant TK 486 power-pack avoids the necessity of running the much larger main bus engine to power the HVAC, with consequent heavier emissions at idling."