Energy recuperation axle e-reefer solutions
Energy recuperation e‑reefers use an energy‑recovery axle to generate electricity from the trailer’s movement and braking, charging an on-board battery pack to power the refrigeration system. The battery pack can also be charged from the electricity grid as needed, typically when the trailer is at a depot.
The energy recuperation system sees the trailer’s refrigeration unit powered by using energy that is recovered by an ‘e-axle’ during braking or when rolling / driving downhill. Kinetic energy that is typically lost by a trailer during transit is recycled efficiently. Operating similar to a bike dynamo, the system efficiently converts wheel rotation into energy.
That energy is stored in a high voltage battery that is fitted underneath the trailer. The unit’s energy management system provides power from the battery to the refrigeration unit. The system’s intelligent smart power management engages and disengages generators so that energy is used when it is most efficient to do so. For example, the system doesn’t engage generators unless the vehicle reaches at least 15 km per hour, when the battery is fully charged or when it is going uphill.
The system can operate in different modes, with energy being able to be produced as needed, continuously, by recuperation only or passively. It can automatically switch between the four modes.
The technology effectively enables a trailer’s refrigeration unit to be charged from power generated when the trailer is moving as part of its routine transport operation. The system’s battery also powers the refrigeration unit autonomously when the trailer is stopped.
Recovering energy generated by braking is said to reduce brake pad wear of both tractor unit and trailer, thereby reducing maintenance-related costs.
The system offers monitoring of battery level and remaining run-time, reports on the system’s performance and enables users to remotely configure charging parameters.
