Krone/Trailer Dynamics: E-Trailer Awarded - and Effective Immediately

The award, endowed with 10,000 euros, was presented by NRW Innovation Minister Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart and ZENIT Network Chairman Thomas Eulenstein. Tests with an initial prototype confirm the high expectations for the innovative system. Electrifying one of usually three trailer axles saves energy, reduces CO2 emissions, and conserves fuel in the European standard long-haul semi-trailer. In electric-powered semi-trailers, the e-axle in the trailer can also significantly increase range. Therefore, the primary target group for Trailer Dynamics initially includes the existing fleet of diesel-powered semi-trailers.

“We assume that these systems will represent the predominant motorization of long-distance freight transport for the next 20 to 30 years,” predict the managing directors Michael Nimtsch, Abdullah Jaber, and Jochen Mählmann.

Since there are already solutions to reduce emissions for trucks primarily operating on short distances, Trailer Dynamics focuses on diesel trucks covering more than 500 kilometers on their routes. Their fuel consumption is expected to be reduced by more than 20 percent, thus saving at least 20 tonnes of CO2 per semi-trailer annually. Assuming a market share of just ten percent for eTrailers, this would lead to an annual emissions reduction of more than one million tonnes of CO2 in Germany. Not only the environment but also logistics companies are expected to benefit from the eTrailer. Thanks to the additional power from the e-axle, the semi-trailer truck is supported in its drive, in reverse, the tractor unit could be sized one performance class smaller, thus reducing ongoing operating costs.

Compatible with all common tractors

The system can be combined with all conventional semi-trailers. This is made possible by an "intelligent" kingpin developed specifically by Trailer Dynamics. The redundant coupling system measures and processes the force exerted on the kingpin during acceleration or deceleration of the train. The introduced technology is robust and, according to Abdullah Jaber from Trailer Dynamics, can be maintained in any workshop and easily replaced in the event of damage.

The special Trailer Dynamics sensors enable the direct measurement of the push and pull forces exerted by the trailer on the semi-trailer. The analog signals generated are amplified, digitized, and used to control the downstream drive module (E-Trailer axle) in the eTrailer. This allows the eTrailer to support the semi-trailer by minimizing its driving resistances and making itself as "light" as possible. Conversely, the electric drive system in the eTrailer can recuperate braking energy when driving downhill (push). All of this happens entirely automatically and autonomously from the trailer.

What does this mean?

Depending on the route profile, substantial amounts of energy can obviously be saved with this E-Trailer technology. This is well-known. The best part of this development, however, is that the E-Trailer operates completely independently of the semi-trailer through the sensed kingpin - without any connection to the towing vehicle. Additionally, the system immediately helps in significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Therefore, it is an ideal bridging technology.