Cold chain, 11 November 2024
Thermo King, a brand of Trane Technologies, announced the successful trial of its innovative self-charging electric refrigeration system for trailers by Spanish logistics group, Carreras. Since January 2024, the system has operated 100% in electric mode over a distance of approximately 55,000 km. Carreras, already committed to sustainability, enhanced this system’s impact by operating the tractor and trailer on biofuel, resulting in a 90% reduction in total emissions.
The Thermo King system incorporates the Advancer hybrid refrigeration unit and the AxlePower dynamic energy recovery system, featuring the ENERG-e battery pack. This groundbreaking technology captures energy from the trailer’s movement during rolling and braking, storing it in the battery pack to power the refrigeration unit, eliminating the need for external charging.
Thermo King’s proprietary smart power management optimizes energy recovery by dynamically monitoring road conditions, automatically switching between recuperation, passive, and active modes to maximize efficiency without driver intervention. Fleet managers can monitor real-time battery performance, alleviating any concerns about charging or range limitations.
Unlike traditional axle generators, the system disengages the e-axle on uphill roads, further improving fuel efficiency by avoiding unnecessary energy penalties. This intelligent energy management reduces operating costs, minimizes downtime, and significantly lowers carbon emissions.
Héctor Benito Serón, Director of Projects, Consulting, Sustainability, and Innovation at Carreras, highlighted the project’s success, stating, “Our collaboration with Thermo King marks a significant milestone in our commitment to decarbonization. By integrating this cutting-edge technology, we have achieved operational efficiency improvements while reducing our carbon footprint, bringing us closer to our goal of a 50% reduction.”
Francisco Cambra Soriano, Area Sales Manager at Thermo King, emphasized the advantages of this self-sustaining technology, explaining, “This system captures energy from the trailers’ movement, offering a sustainable solution for a wide range of transportation needs. As consumer demand for sustainability grows, Carreras’ adoption of the AxlePower system positions them as leaders in sustainable logistics.”
The AxlePower technology is a result of collaboration between Thermo King and BPW Bergische Achsen KG, a leader in running gear and mobility services for transport. The system provides an integrated, tractor-independent solution, pairing BPW’s ePower axle with Thermo King’s ENERG-e battery pack and smart power management. This energy-efficient setup is especially suited for long-haul and urban deliveries, including operations in Ultra-low Emission Zones (ULEZs) and noise-sensitive areas, ensuring silent operation and zero CO2 emissions from the refrigeration unit when powered by the battery pack.
The Advancer hybrid or full-electric refrigeration unit combined with AxlePower technology presents an ideal solution to future-proof and increase the sustainability of trailer operations, allowing logistics companies like Carreras to reduce their environmental impact while meeting modern transportation demands.
