trailer world Issue Two 2012

BPW and the University of Bremen are working together on the possibilities of recuperating energy in the trailer.

28 Issue Two 2012 BPW is working on a pioneering research project with the trailer. An initial study was already presented at the IAA The trailer as While technologies such as hybrid drives in heavy-duty vehi- cles still tend to be a vision for the future, there are a whole number of other energy saving possibilities that can be used more quickly. Great savings also for trucks are promised for example by the chemical company Lanxess with its high-performance rubber that reduces the rolling resistance of tyres with noticeable fuel sav- ings. The industry is facing considerable pressure, at least in Europe. The Euro-6 Regulation comes into effect on 1 January 2014 with strict pollution standards. Accordingly, all new trucks registered in the EU will have to certify clearly reduced emissions of nitrogen ox- ides and soot particles before being allowed on the roads. Using available technology to recover energy The trailer also offers potential for saving energy, and not just in terms of weight reductions. When it comes to energy recovery, BPW sees good chances of using the trailer to save fuel - an idea that will take some getting used to in the branch. “Unfortunately, the pre- conceived idea is that the towing vehicle is intelligent and the trailer just acts as slave. But there’s no reason not to challenge this concept”, says Bernhard Rossenbach, Head of Product Man- agement at BPW. “We want to show that with justifiable effort, we can save energy in the trailer and make it available to the whole vehicle.” 2. Using energy Among others, the new energy recovery system can operate a 24V compressor with an output of 200 l/min. 1. Voltage transformer The voltage transformer (converter) turns the 400V alternating current into the required direct current of 100 volt. By the way, this component is cooled with air, not water. Technology

trailer world Issue Two 2012

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