Carrier Aspen User manual

Operator’s Manual
Aspen™
Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)
62-12172

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1 Introduction
This guide has been prepared for the operator of Carrier Transicold diesel Aspen Auxiliary Power Units (APU).
It contains basic instructions for the operation of the APU, safety and maintenance information. Please take the
time to read the information contained in this booklet and refer to it whenever you have a question about the
operation of your Carrier Transicold Aspen APU.
Your Aspen APU has been engineered to provide long, trouble-free performance when it is properly operated
and maintained. The checks outlined in this guide will help to minimize over-the-road problems. In addition, a
comprehensive maintenance program will help to ensure that the unit continues to operate reliably. Such a
maintenance program will also help to control operating costs, increase the APU’s working life, and improve
performance.
This guide is intended to be an introduction to your APU and to provide general assistance when needed. More
comprehensive information can be found in the Aspen APU Operation and Service manual (62-12174), which
is available from your local Carrier Transicold dealer. When having your unit serviced, be sure to specify
genuine Carrier Transicold replacement parts for the highest quality and best reliability.
At Carrier Transicold, we are continually working to improve the products that we build for our customers. As a
result, unit specifications may change without notice.

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2 Unit Identification
Each unit is identified by a decal attached to the front engine mount inside the upper access cover. This
decal is on the horizontal plate in front of the engine. An additional decal is located on the top cover of the
Climate Control Unit (CCU). The decal identifies the model and serial number of the unit, type of refrigerant,
and refrigerant charge.
If a concern arises, refer to the information on this decal and make a note of the model and serial numbers
before calling for assistance. This is required when you contact an authorized Carrier Transicold dealer so
that they may properly assist you.

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2.1 AspenModels
AspenINT
Provides air conditioning and heating to the truck cab. The 120 VAC outlet is available to power most
120 VAC appliances and electronics. Cooling system is integrated into the truck cooling system,
allowing the APU to warm the truck engine.
AspenSTA
Features the same heating and cooling features as integrated models. The AspenSTA cooling system
is independent of the truck cooling system. When truck engine warming is required, an optional electric
block heater connection is available.
AspenPWR
Provides two 120VAC 15A circuits for powering hotel loads when climate control is not required.
AspenSKY
Includes all the same features of the AspenINT plus the ClearSky™emissions control system.

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3 Safety
This Carrier Transicold APU has been designed with the safety of the operator in mind. During normal
operation, all moving parts are fully enclosed to help prevent injury. During any inspection or servicing with
the covers off you may be exposed to moving parts. Stay clear of all moving parts when the unit is in
operation. Refer to the Operation and Service manual for a complete list of safety precautions.
3.1 Warning, Caution, and Notice Statement Definitions
Throughout this manual, statements are used to bring attention to potential hazards and the level of
awareness required. Similar labels are applied to the APU to bring attention to specific hazards. The
definitions of the meaning of each statement are:
WARNING: Hazards or unsafe practices that
could result in severe personal injury or death.
CAUTION: Hazards or unsafe practices that
could result in minor injury, product, or property
damage.
NOTICE: Information that is important for proper
installation or maintenance but is not hazard

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3.2 Specific Warning, Caution, and Notice Statements
The following statements are specific to this APU and appear elsewhere in this manual. These recommended
precautions must be understood and applied during operation and maintenance of the equipment covered
herein.
California Proposition 65 Warning: The APU and CCU components of this product contain lead, a
chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects, and other reproductive
harm.
DO NOT open the APU enclosure when the APU is running. Moving parts inside the APU can cause
severe injury and/ or death. DO NOT restart the APU until the covers have been replaced.
Danger from moving parts: To perform these maintenance checks, you must open the access covers
to the APU. Before doing so, shut off the APU and disconnect it from the truck batteries. Never
observe the inside of the APU enclosure or insert your fingers or a tool into the enclosure when the
APU is running.
DO NOT start the APU when the enclosure cover is removed. Operating with the cover off may result
in injury and/or death.
When the APU is about to start, a buzzer will sound. Make sure no one is standing near the APU or
touching it.

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Once automatic functions are set, the system could start at any time. Before servicing the unit,
disconnect the unit from the batteries to prevent injury should the unit attempt to start while
servicing. All presets will remain once battery cable is reconnected.
If the message “DISCONNECT STARTER” is displayed and/or the APU buzzer sounds once per
second, the control system has detected that the starter output is stuck ON when the starter motor
should not be running. When activated the starter motor may continue to run even if the APU is
turned OFF. The starter solenoid disconnect and/or battery cables must immediately be
disconnected if this alarm is activated. Use caution when disconnecting the starter solenoid
disconnect and battery cables. DO NOT return the equipment to service until a repair has been made!
DO NOT open the CCU enclosure. There are no operator serviceable parts inside.
DO NOT open the coolant tank cap when engine and coolant is HOT.
Only qualified personnel may perform maintenance and inspection
Use 12 AWG shore power extension cord for distances of 0 to 50 feet and 10 AWG from 50 to 100 feet.

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If equipped, the truck engine oil or block heater connector is independent from APU “comfort system”
functions and is energized as soon as APU engine starts. The block or oil heater must be plugged
into the connector when required during cold weather operation. Unplug the block heater connector
from the block heater receptacle when not in use.
DO NOT extend the block heater connector cable or connect extension cords to the connector. The
block heater connector is intended for use with engine block heaters ONLY.

Table 3.0 Hazards, Cautions, and Preventative Action
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Hazard Cautions Preventative Actions
Low
Voltage
•Low voltage battery and
cable connections have
electrical current capable of
welding tools or other
metallic objects if they
contact battery terminals or
connections.
•May result in severe sparks,
heat, and possible
explosion.
•Disconnect the battery cables prior to working on
the APU.
•Direct contact of internal electrolyte liquid with eyes
may cause severe burns or blindness.
•Direct contact of internal electrolyte liquid with the
skin may cause skin irritation or damaging burns.
•Swallowing this product may cause severe burns to
the esophagus and digestive tract and harmful or
fatal lead poisoning.
•Lead ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, weight
loss, abdominal spasms, fatigue, and pain in the
arms, legs and joints.
•Respiratory tract irritation and possible long- term
effects.
•Avoid heat, sparks, and open flame while charging
batteries.
Batteries
•The hydrogen gasproduced
when charging is very
explosive
•Contact with internal
components may cause
irritation or severe burns
•Irritatingto eyes, respiratory
system, and skin.
•Prolonged inhalation or
ingestion may result in
serious damage to health.

Table 3.0 Hazards, Cautions, and Preventative Action
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Hazard Cautions Preventative Actions
Diesel
Fuel
•Combustible liquid.
•May cause cancer.
•Irritating to eyes and skin.
•Use personal protective equipment.
•Ensure adequate ventilation.
•Material can create slippery conditions.
•Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
•Do not ingest.
•Keep away from heat and sources of ignition.
Coolant
•Contact can cause irritation
of skin, eyes and respiratory
tract.
•Extremelydangerousif
ingested.
•Coolant may be very hot and under pressure, allow
the engine to cool before opening the cooling
system.
•Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after
handling
•Do NOT induce vomiting, call doctor/physician or
poison center
•Do not breathe mist, spray, vapors
Moving
Parts
System contains moving
parts and may start without
warning.
•Before performing any work, turn APU OFF,
disconnect the battery cables, lockout battery cable
lug, and remove shore power if equipped.
•Proper lockout/tagout procedures must be followed.
•Avoid working inside the APU enclosure when the
engine is running.
High
Voltage
System contains high
voltage circuits at levels that
can cause serious injuries or
death

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Hazard Cautions Preventative Actions
Heavy
Objects
Components may be heavy
enough to cause personal
injuries or death if they are
dropped or fall.
•Wear proper personal protective equipment to
prevent injuries from falling objects.
•Use proper equipment when moving heavy objects
•Get assistance if required.
Hot
Parts
Engine and exhaust
components may be hot
Allow the engine and cooling system to cool before
performing inspection or repairs
Refrigerant
Contact with refrigerantmay
cause
•Cold burns and frostbite.
•Skin irritation, discomfort,
itching, redness, or swelling.
•Eye irritation.
•Use personal protective equipment
•Ensure adequate ventilation.
•Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
•Misuse or intentional inhalation abuse may cause
death without warning symptoms.
•Vapors are heavier than air and can cause
suffocation
•In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with
water for at least 15 minutes. Consult a physician if
necessary.
Table 3.0 Hazards, Cautions, and Preventative Action

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4 Components
Aspen Interface (AI)
Condenser
Climate Control Unit (CCU)
120 VAC Power Outlet
Truck Batteries
Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Fuel Lines Truck Fuel Tank Coolant Lines

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4.1 Aspen Power Unit
The APU is mounted on the frame of the truck. It consists of anengine and belt driven generator. Fuel for
the engine is drawn from the truck fuel tank. The APU provides power to the Climate Control Unit (CCU).
Simple maintenance and inspection, such
as checking oil level, belt tensions and
general cleanliness, can be performed by
removing the top cover.

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4.2 Cooling System
4.2.1 Integrated Cooling System
The integrated APU is plumbed into the truck’s coolant system. The APU and the tractor share the same
coolant reservoir. When the integrated APU is running, it provides heat to the truck’s engine and when
the truck’s engine is running, the truck provides heat to the APU.

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4.2.2 Stand-Alone Cooling System
The Stand-Alone APU cooling system is self-contained and does not plumb into the truck’s cooling system.
Coolant level can be checked through the sight glass on the surge tank. The surge tank is mounted
remotely away from and above the APU, where the sight-glass is easily visible. The surge tank is
connected to the APU with coolant hoses.

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4.3 Electrical System
The APU electrical system is connected to the truck’s batteries and uses the batteries to start the power
unit engine. The power unit’s engine alternator charges the batteries while running. Control of the system
is made through the Aspen Interface. A 120 VAC power outlet allows common household appliances and
electronics to operate when the system is running.
4.3.1 Aspen Interface
The Aspen Interface (AI) is the user control for the system. The AI turns the unit ON, OFF, and allows the
user to select the mode of operation.
1. ON/OFF Button –Turns the power unit
ON and OFF
2. Display –Shows temperatures, fan
speed, and menus
3. Menu Button –Activates the menu
screen and navigates to the previous
selection screen
4. Dial –Changes fan speed, temperature,
and menu selection
5. Alarm Light –Illuminates when system
alarm is active
1
4
5
2
3

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Home Screen - The home screen is the default screen when the system is ON. The cab, set, and outside
temperatures are displayed on the home screen. The time is also shown on the home screen. Current fan
speed is indicated on the left side of the screen.
1. Fan speed indicator
2. Set temperature
3. Cab temperature
4. Outside temperature
5. Time
2
1
3
4
5

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4.3.2 Power Outlet
The power outlet is mounted in truck sleeper. Provides 120 VAC (15A max) to power hotel loads. Outlet is
arc fault and ground fault protected (AFCI/GFCI).

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4.4 HVAC System
The HVAC system is made up of several components that provide heating, air conditioning, and fans to the
truck cab.
CCU - Typically mounted under the bunk, the CCU is the
heart of the HVAC system. The CCU contains the AC
and heating components as well as the fan
Condenser - The condenser is mounted on the outside
of the truck. Refrigerant lines connect the CCU and
condenser.
Vents - Three supply air vents are included in the
system and provide temperature-controlled air to heat
and cool the cab. Return air vents allow air to recirculate
to the CCU and improve system performance

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5 Features and Functions
Aspen APUs have many features and functions that provide driver comfort, improved truck reliability, and
fuel savings. The primary feature is to provide climate control for the cab when the truck is not running.
Manual and automatic modes of operation are available.
5.1 Features
Air Conditioning - Cools the sleeper cab to ensure driver comfort during hot weather.
Heating - Electric heating system keeps the cab comfortable when operating in cold climates. An optional
Carrier Cabin heater is available to provide heat in extremely cold weather.
Fan - Six speed fan helps circulate air in the cab in heating and air conditioning operation. The fan can
also be operated independent of the heating or cooling modes.
Power Outlet - 120 Volt AC power is available to power household appliances and electronics.
Battery Charging - When the APU engine is running, the truck batteries are charged. Helps to prevent
APU and tractor no-start due to drained batteries.
Truck Engine Pre-Heating - For models equipped with tractor integrated cooling systems, the APU
engine warms the tractor engine assisting with cold starting. Stand-alone APUs can be equipped with an
optional electric block heater power supply.