Press Release
Energy recovery on the trailer
BPW publishes a forward-looking concept study for the ECO Vision E
Hanover/Wiehl, 2012/09/19 --- Jointly with the University of Bremen, BPW Bergische Achsen KG has investigated the possibilities of energy recovery on the trailer. Based on the ECO Vision GFRP module, the concept study shows how a trailer with autonomous energy properties can be implemented.
The goal of the cooperation was to undertake a feasibility study to answer the question of which phases energy can be recovered in. As part of the analysis, the research team formed around Prof. Dr.-Ing. Karl-Ludwig Krieger from the University of Bremen determined that energy recovery is possible whenever the driver requires no power. In addition to braking, this also includes use of the retarder or the period when the vehicle is in coasting mode. This is made possible using generators that are installed in both hubs of the ultralight GFRP module from BPW.
The recovered energy powers initially the electrical loads of the lighting systems, the electronic and the compressed air system for the air suspension and the brake systems. The surplus energy obtained is stored in a battery. As well as the necessary inherent consumption, the generators can provide as much as 9 kilowatt hours of surplus electrical energy which can be used for customer-specific electrical components such as cooling units. On average, says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Karl-Ludwig Krieger, ECO Vision E is capable of providing a continuous energy recovery of more than 3 kilowatt hours. This power could be used to assist the engine, in order to reduce fuel consumption. The realistic concept from BPW permits fuel savings of about 1 to 2 percent, depending on the driving profile and the energy actually drawn. Considering an annual mileage in the six-digit range, the environmentally-friendly GFRP module leads to a significant cost saving.
The visionary GFRP air suspension module, ECO Vision, sets new standards in weight optimisation for trailer running gear systems with a weight reduction of 20 percent – from 400 kg to 320 kg. It permits particularly economical and thus CO2-friendly driving. The concept has convinced the jury of the Trailer Innovation Prize 2013, which awarded it first place in the Components category. With energy recovery on the trailer using ECO Vision E, BPW is taking yet another decisive step into the future.
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Anne Bentfeld
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www.bpw.de/presse
BPW Bergische Achsen KG, Ohlerhammer, 51674 Wiehl, Deutschland, www.bpw.de