The use of refrigerated trailers, also known as reefers, is critical for hauling fresh food and flowers from farms to local markets. However, these trailers are powered by red-dye diesel gensets that run around the clock, even when the truck pulling them is fully electric. This constant diesel burn contributes significantly to fleets' carbon emissions and noise pollution.
The problem of air pollution from refrigerated trailers has become increasingly pressing, especially in municipalities that are moving to regulate both industrial and residential areas. The constant diesel burn spews CO2 and NOx into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and public health concerns.
A recent innovation aims to solve this problem by adding solar panels to semi-trailers. Sunswap Endurance has developed a system that continuously charges onboard batteries, which power a highly efficient electric reefer unit developed by Protran Solutions. This setup allows the trailer to run on clean energy when the truck is stopped or parked.
The idea of integrating solar panels into semi-trailers may seem simple, but it has been proven effective through a grueling 1,600 km long Australian adventure. The Sunswap Endurance trailer hauled food from Brisbane to Sydney and back in extreme heat, making all stops, and completed the tour in just three days.
The results of this test were impressive: zero diesel burned, zero emissions, and zero noise pollution. This achievement demonstrates that solar power can be a viable alternative to traditional diesel-powered reefer units.
According to Grant Turner, General Manager of Protran Solutions, 'Australian sunshine has always been a challenge for diesel refrigeration – the harder it beats down, the harder those units work, and the more fuel they burn.' The Sunswap Endurance system flips this equation entirely, providing more power when needed most.
The integration of solar panels into semi-trailers simplifies the electric reefer equation compared to some existing solutions. These units often rely on e-axles, regenerative braking, and ePTOs, which add weight and reduce cargo capacity. The Sunswap system eliminates this need for added technology.
With the cost of PV and batteries decreasing dramatically in recent years, the math now adds up in favor of solar-powered reefer trailers. This innovation has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions from transportation fleets and promote cleaner air in urban areas.
The Australian market will be the first to benefit from this innovative technology, with Protran Solutions partnering with Sunswap Endurance to distribute the Endurance model. The company is confident that this partnership will provide zero emissions from day one for operators.
The integration of solar panels into semi-trailers has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution in the transportation industry.
