Powerbank- Auflieger

AI Quick Summary

The semi-tractor truck provides flexibility in logistics by connecting with the trailer. This complicates the expansion of the high-voltage network. As a result, opportunities such as integrating the trailer axles into the drive system, using solar panels on the trailer roof, and placing batteries on the trailer are not possible. With the energy network spanning the entire vehicle, not only are existing problems solved, but new possibilities are also created. Semi-tractor trucks offer significant flexibility in logistics and consist of a tractor unit and a trailer. A mechanical interface connects the two components.Alligator AG has developed a patented system that extends this mechanical interface. This extension enables the transmission of a high-voltage current of 800V, thus allowing the establishment of a high-voltage network throughout the entire electric semi-tractor-trailer unit. Connecting the trailer to the high-voltage network unlocks a variety of energy options for storage, generation, and more efficient use of electrical power. These possibilities do not currently exist as finished systems due to the previous inability to extend the network. However, the individual technologies needed to implement such systems are available today.Through the subsidized pilot project "Powerbank Trailer," we are working with our project partners to develop the first application with a high-voltage network across the entire semi-tractor-trailer unit. This will not only bring the high-voltage interface to market readiness (today TRL5 to TRL8), but also enable the first application for this network expansion.The expansion of the energy network allows for the following possibilities:Solar panels can be placed on the roof of the trailer and directly connected to the energy network. The roof area of a semi-trailer in Switzerland can be up to 35 m². With state-of-the-art panels, this could provide enough energy to cover approximately 5'000 km per working year.Trailer axles can be integrated into the drive system. This allows the previously wasted braking power of the trailer to be recuperated as electrical energy. Additionally, the axles can be driven to improve traction and reduce wear, such as tire abrasion, which in turn reduces the amount of microplastics released into the environment.Batteries can be placed on the trailer. This can increase battery capacity and thus the range, or the batteries can be charged independently of the tractor unit. In a trailer-drop logistics process, there are several trailer changes each day. With batteries on the trailer, a trailer change means a battery change. In this case, even with small batteries, extended ranges could be achieved.With the "Powerbank Trailer" project, we are initially focusing on relocating batteries to the trailer. Depending on the application, this offers the following advantages:Reduction of battery capacityDecrease in unladen weightIncrease in usable volumeIncrease in daily rangeAccess to cheaper energyExtension of battery lifespanSavings in charging infrastructure

Project Idea Metadata

• Project Idea Name: Powerbank- Auflieger
• Date: 3/6/2024 11:46:42 AM
• Administrators:
  • Michael Schacher

Project Idea Description

Semi-tractor trucks offer significant flexibility in logistics and consist of a tractor unit and a trailer. A mechanical interface connects the two components.

Alligator AG has developed a patented system that extends this mechanical interface. This extension enables the transmission of a high-voltage current of 800V, thus allowing the establishment of a high-voltage network throughout the entire electric semi-tractor-trailer unit. Connecting the trailer to the high-voltage network unlocks a variety of energy options for storage, generation, and more efficient use of electrical power. These possibilities do not currently exist as finished systems due to the previous inability to extend the network. However, the individual technologies needed to implement such systems are available today.

Through the subsidized pilot project "Powerbank Trailer," we are working with our project partners to develop the first application with a high-voltage network across the entire semi-tractor-trailer unit. This will not only bring the high-voltage interface to market readiness (today TRL5 to TRL8), but also enable the first application for this network expansion.

The expansion of the energy network allows for the following possibilities:

Solar panels can be placed on the roof of the trailer and directly connected to the energy network. The roof area of a semi-trailer in Switzerland can be up to 35 m². With state-of-the-art panels, this could provide enough energy to cover approximately 5'000 km per working year.

Trailer axles can be integrated into the drive system. This allows the previously wasted braking power of the trailer to be recuperated as electrical energy. Additionally, the axles can be driven to improve traction and reduce wear, such as tire abrasion, which in turn reduces the amount of microplastics released into the environment.

Batteries can be placed on the trailer. This can increase battery capacity and thus the range, or the batteries can be charged independently of the tractor unit. In a trailer-drop logistics process, there are several trailer changes each day. With batteries on the trailer, a trailer change means a battery change. In this case, even with small batteries, extended ranges could be achieved.

With the "Powerbank Trailer" project, we are initially focusing on relocating batteries to the trailer. Depending on the application, this offers the following advantages:

• Reduction of battery capacity
• Decrease in unladen weight
• Increase in usable volume
• Increase in daily range
• Access to cheaper energy
• Extension of battery lifespan
• Savings in charging infrastructure

The semi-tractor truck provides flexibility in logistics by connecting with the trailer. This complicates the expansion of the high-voltage network. As a result, opportunities such as integrating the trailer axles into the drive system, using solar panels on the trailer roof, and placing batteries on the trailer are not possible. With the energy network spanning the entire vehicle, not only are existing problems solved, but new possibilities are also created.