trailer world issue Two 2010

Issue Two 2010 9 Future I such as placing the engine radiators in the middle of the frame and decoupling the drive engine completely from all power-robbing accessory units such as water pump, air or A/C compressor and radiator fan. Fed by “free” electricity recuperated from braking force and solar power, the accessory units would no longer make their negative contribution of around 8% to the truck’s fuel consumption. This en- hances overall efficiency. The comparatively small amount of energy need- ed by the accessory units could already be stored in present-day and above all affordable battery sys- tems that keep it ready as and when needed. Heat ex- changers in the Glider gen- erate further energy from the engine’s waste heat. The Glider with its feasi- ble future concept is the logical continuation of a fuel-saving truck. This on- going development has already started to become reality in the new consump- tion optimized products Eco-Stralis and Efficient Line, currently presented by Iveco and MAN respectively. Trailer manufacturers with their own concepts Innovative trailer manufacturers also have to keep comparatively close to the practical situation in everyday transport operations to – at least – maintain acceptance among customers. The most striking approach comes from the UK. Here they are using a new design of trailer with conventional towing trucks: the so-called Don-Bur Teardrop trailer is already being produced in the UK today. The Teardrop trailers have a domed roof, similar to that in the MAN study. The generous bridge height of 4.6 m on British motorways permits operation of the consumption-efficient trailer, without having to dispense with cargo space. Double-decker loading and reduced height versions of 4 m for use on the continent supplement the range of the inventive British company that has already put more than 1,000 teardrop bodies on the roads. Fahrzeugwerk Krone also offers the European market products that have been optimised in terms of profitability and energy efficiency, such as the Pro Liner Eco semitrailer and the EasyTarp curtain lock- ing feature. “Aerodynamics are important in trailer de- sign, but this is not the only way to enhance energy ef- ficiency”, says Uwe Sasse, Technical Director at Kro- ne. Consistent lightweight construction helps to op- timise the energy balance, while the axle and tyres also still offer potential for reducing the rolling resistance. Chances in new materials Uwe Sasse also sees the use of new materials as a means of improving efficiency, helping to reduce energy demand for example in the refrigerated trailer. But the time is not ripe yet to make extensive use of carbon fibre materials. The corresponding production processes are still too expensive »New materials help to increase the payload.« Uwe Sasse, Fahrzeugwerk Krone

trailer world issue Two 2010

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