E³-Trail Electric Powered Energy-Efficient Trailer

A refrigerated semi-trailer with an innovative electrical energy supply of the refrigeration unit will be developed and constructed in the E3-Trail project. The refrigerated semi-trailer is equipped with a conventional refrigeration unit, where the Diesel motor internally drives the cooling compressor, as well as with an electrical interface to the outside so that the refrigeration unit can be operated via the power supply when the vehicle is standing still. The electrical energy supply of the refrigerating unit should also be provided via the existing external interface when the vehicle is driving. This is accomplished by simulating the power supply with the system that will be developed. The necessary energy will be provided by a battery that will be charged either by recuperation of the semi-trailer’s kinetic energy or overnight with the power supply.

The main project goal is the construction of the appropriate prototype to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in practical driving tests and to prove the calculated saving-potentials. The aspired solution enables an almost emission-free operation of the completely autarkic refrigerated semi-trailer, whose refrigerating unit can be operated with a very low noise level especially in inner city areas or in residential areas. An expected positive side-effect is the reduced use of the service brakes and a resulting reduced break wear. ITS Niedersachsen has been sub-contracted by the project partners and is responsible for project management and result dissemination tasks.

The project has been awarded as Trailer Innovation 2013 (Category environment) at IAA Commercial Vehicles in September 2012.

Project duration: December 2009 – June 2013
Project management: WiTech Engineering GmbH
Project partners: gigant Trenkamp & Gehle GmbH, Krebs & Aulich GmbH, Fahrzeugwerk Bernard KRONE GmbH, NavCert GmbH
Funded by the Federal State of Niedersachsen: W3-80114483