NUFAM 2017

•••4••• Innovationen Messe-Rundgang zur Anzeigen-Spezial NUFAM 2017 Solar energy with increasing appeal Fraunhofer ISE investigates integrated photovoltaic modules for commercial vehicles Based on its findings, the insti- tute sees great potential in this field and is working together with partners from the logistics and automotive sectors to conduct research into special PV modules for use in commercial vehicles. The aim is to integrate the mod- ules in the truck roofs to supply power for driving the vehicle or for cooling goods. Employing photovoltaics in com- mercial vehicles can contribute to reducing diesel consumption and lowering costs, cutting CO 2 emis- sions from haulage in the process and thus meeting environmental and climate protection targets within the transport sector. “In developing a solar-active vehicle shell, we want to make photovol- taic technology available to the logistic sector and contribute to lowering the cost of logistics as a result,” states Matthieu Ebert, Head of the Team for Module Ef- ficiency and New Concepts at Fraunhofer ISE. Real-lifemeasuring Whereas other economic sensibil- ity studies conducted on the use of PV in commercial vehicles have, to date, been based on simula- tions with artificial weather data, working in collaboration with a lo- gistics firm and a haulage compa- ny, Fraunhofer ISE has equipped and commissioned several semi- trailers with irradiance sensors, and as a result has been able to measure insolation potential in real-life logistics operations. Ir- radiance data were collected and analyzed at Fraunhofer ISE for a period of around six months. A total of six 40 tonne refrigerated semitrailers were fitted with ap- propriate irradiance sensors and travelled their standard routes in the US and Europe – from Prague to Mallorca, Paris to Munich. The data gathered were then evaluat- ed by Fraunhofer ISE according to a range of criteria. The scientists calculated the savings in litres of diesel per vehicle, as the average of litres of diesel across all routes and vehicles, and in litres of die- sel for three geographic regions. “When you merge the data col- lected for the roofs that could potentially be fitted with PV mod- ules, this allows you to make relia- ble statements about the viability of such systems,” says Ebert. Saving 1,900 litres of diesel fuel per year “Based on our calculations, we an- ticipate that a 40 tonne refrigerat- ed semitrailer with a roof area of 36 m 2 equipped with PV modules (nominal power of 6 kW) could save up to 1,900 l of diesel fuel per year,” he adds. One impor- tant finding of the study is that the fuel savings, and thus the vi- ability of the initiative, are heavily dependent on vehicle deployment regions and usage scenarios. In future, the insights gained from the measurement campaign will allow Ebert and his team to advise logistics companies on questions regarding the economic viability of using PV, and on the PV tech- nology that is most suited to their needs. In order to minimize any addition- al load on the refrigerated semi- trailers, vehicle-integrated PV modules need to be developed that are as lightweight and effi- cient as possible. Furthermore, a unique design will be required to enable the PV modules to be fitted to vehicle roofs without exceeding the maximum vehicle heights permitted under road traffic regulations. Extremely compact modules Such modules must be extreme- ly compact and able to with- stand dynamic mechanical stress caused, for example, by vibra- tions during travel. Fraunhofer ISE is supporting the develop- ment of lightweight modules by contributing its many years of expertise in module technology and testing. Specialist synergies at the research institute in the fields of power electronics and systems technology help in de- veloping all the necessary com- ponents, and in ensuring that they interact properly within the overall system. PV modules and systems can also be tested under real conditions in transport operations. Ebert and his team at Fraunhofer ISE offer field tests to interested compa- nies and collaborative partners in the logistics and vehicle construc- tion sectors. The test results can then be used as a basis for individ- ual yield analyses and for calculat- ing savings potential. Principle of the vehicle-integrated PV modules for refrigerated semitrailers Photo: Fraunhofer ISE Continued from page 1 NUFAM - Führende Nutz- fahrzeugmesse in Süd- deutschland. Die BG Verkehr ist ge- me i n s am m i t d em Deutschen Verkehrssi- cherheitsrat mit Über- sch la gsimulator und Gurtschlitten vor Ort. Sie finden uns in Halle 3, Stand D 304. Hat’s geklickt? Ihr monatlicher Newsletter: Messe-News Logistik Die neuesten Nachrichten über Messen wie: Air Cargo China | CeMAT | EuroCIS | FRUIT LOGISTICA | InnoTrans | LogiMAT | LogiMAT China | Logistics & Distribution | SITL Europe | transport logistic | transport logistic China und weitere http://www.exxpo.com/newsletter/158/779