Predictive Energy Management for Recuperation Axles in Refrigerated Trailers

TL;DR

This paper explores predictive energy management for recuperation axles in refrigerated trailers, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by optimizing energy recovery using route and environmental data, thereby supporting electrification efforts.

Contribution

It introduces a simulation-based approach to quantify the potential of predictive energy management for refrigerated trailer axles, highlighting significant emission reduction opportunities.

Findings

Potential for substantial CO2 emission savings identified

Simulation results demonstrate effectiveness of predictive control strategies

Provides a foundation for future electrification and energy management systems

Abstract

Refrigerated truck trailers are currently mainly operated with environmentally harmful diesel units; an alternative is to operate the refrigeration unit with electrical energy. However, this requires a battery, the size of which can be reduced by using a recuperation axle, which recovers energy during braking. Current systems work purely reactively and often in so-called towing mode, in which a generator torque is provided without a braking request from the driver in order to secure the energy supply. However, this drag leads to additional consumption in the truck. This work quantifies the potential of predictive energy management that uses route and environmental data to minimize CO2 emissions. This was done using simulation data obtained with the help of VECTO. It was shown that there is still considerable potential for savings, so this paper provides an important basis for the later development of predictive energy management and, thus, for the electrification of refrigerated truck transports.