Green Energy solar panels applied to offset heavy battery use
Drivers today make huge use of all the applications that trucks offer these days. Not surprising when you know the distances that sometimes have to be covered. As a result, having and using a microwave, fridge, TV screen or, of course, just air conditioning, lights and GPS is not a luxury. However, this does cause the battery to be affected a lot by the heavy use of all those devices. At C.Vreugdenhil Transport, this problem also played a role.
Searching for a solution
Despite the trucks travelling sufficient miles, power consumption at idle was generally more than the trucks could recharge while driving. This badly affected the battery and therefore a solution had to be sought. Together with Bosch, we looked at what the options were. The conclusion was that the trucks needed extra charging when they are not running or the engine is not running. This made solar cells the best option.
Application of Green Energy solar cells
Together with Wijlhuizen Rotterdam, Green Energy visited C.Vreugdenhil Transport so that they could outline the situation that was going on there. Based on their story and technical data, C.Vreugdenhil Transport purchased six sets of solar cells for the trucks. These sets should provide additional power during standstill, as well as while driving. Certainly the moments when the truck is stationary and the engine is not running should start to make a difference. At those times, the battery drained quickly and now it should be the case that the batteries do not drain or drain less quickly. As a result, the driver can use the devices and thus battery for longer, even when the driver is sleeping.
Future plans
Besides this trial, C.Vreugdenhil Transport is also interested in putting solar cells on the roof of its trailers. This addition is for the use of the cooling motor and the cooling motor battery. Without solar cells, a battery drains on average after 10 days of non-use. This provision extends the time by several days.
When C.Vreugdenhil Transport has a waterproof charge controller this summer, they will start equipping both truck and trailer with solar cells. This ensures that the lead time of the batteries are extended in use and also in age. This is a win-win-win situation. A win situation for the driver so he or she can use the devices without running the engine, a win situation for the trailer with cooling engine that is powered for a lot longer than ten days and a win situation in terms of the environment because generating power via solar energy is, of course, CO2 neutral.
