The latest in refrigerated transport technology
CVW hears from BPW about its work with Thermo King to develop refrigerated trailer technology that cools on the move and is chill when still.
In the ever-evolving landscape of refrigerated transport, where energy conservation and eco-friendly options are a necessity, BPW ePower is proving to be a symbol of innovation and sustainability. Unlike other systems that constantly engage the generator, contributing to increased emissions and fuel consumption, the technology stands out as a smart solution designed to operate intelligently, optimising energy usage and minimising environmental impact.
It is the result of a pioneering partnership for a greener future between BPW and Thermo King, two companies at the forefront of transitioning technology in the industry. Their collaborative effort is helping to shape the future of sustainable and efficient climate-neutral refrigerated transport.
What is ePower? In brief, it is a cutting-edge generator axle designed to propel the transportation industry into a greener future. With its dual generators, it doubles power output and reliability. However, what truly sets ePower apart, says the company, is its intelligent energy management system, ensuring that the cooling system always has access to sufficient battery reserves without unnecessary engagement, thereby minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Developed by engineers at BPW, the system is designed to adhere to automotive safety standards. It recovers energy when the trailer is moving, enabling a carbon-neutral and quiet supply of power to refrigeration units for temperature-controlled transportation. depending on the usage and equipment. This innovative solution not only presents the opportunity to save up to 4,000 litres of fuel annually per trailer, but also has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 10 tonnes per year per trailer.
How does it work? Unlike traditional systems that remain engaged throughout the journey, ePower does not engage or carry current until the vehicle reaches 15 kmh. Operating similarly to a bike dynamo, it efficiently converts wheel rotation into energy and temporarily stores it in a backup battery before feeding it into the system as needed.
It combines several standard components from BPW’s TS2 disc brake and ECO air suspension, including brake discs, and pads. it also integrates a slightly modified ECO Plus hub. It is important to note that the two generators are connected to the battery pack, meaning technicians must undergo high-voltage training before attempting to maintain the system.
The battery pack has two options: a standard (19 kw) or an extended (38 kw) autonomy pack. These were created with the help of telematics experts to ensure that drivers and fleet managers can get the best fit for their fleet. This way the kinetic energy typically lost by a trailer during transit is recycled efficiently.
Generator modes
Equipped with intelligent smart power management, which controls the engagement and disengagement of the generators, ePower additionally reduces resistance on the tractor unit and offers real-time battery charge status to both the driver and fleet manager. The settings for the system can be changed on demand via the BPW idem telematics Cargofleet portal, as well as Thermo King’s tracking web portal and the TK reefer app.
It is equipped with four generator modes and offers huge versatility tailored to various driving situations. Different operating modes make sure that energy is managed intelligently and, therefore, that the system in question is ideally supplied with electricity as needed – even during longer journeys or in congested traffic conditions.
1- active: the generator produces electrical energy depending on the power demand and driving situation.
2- active fast charge: continuously produces electrical energy with full power until the battery is charged.
3- recuperation-only: the axle produces electrical energy by recuperation only (i.e., while braking); this avoids additional fuel consumption of the vehicle.
4- passive: the axle generator will not produce electrical energy and remains on standby.
In an era when climate change and environmental concerns are at the forefront of global challenges, BPW and Thermo King are taking a proactive approach. They recognise that there is a perpetual urgency when it comes to developing new sustainable products. Partnering with industry experts is speeding up progress in bringing new solutions to the refrigeration industry and instigating change. BPW maintains it is committed to sustainability, and this partnership demonstrates its dedication to preserving the environment and supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future.
For those interested the system only comes factory fitted as an OEM trailer option.
