TIP trials axle energy recuperation refrigeration technology

Lease and rental firm TIP is trialling zero emission ‘e-reefer’ temperature-controlled trailer technology in the UK.

The technology used in the trial enables the trailer’s refrigeration unit to be powered using energy that is recovered by an ‘e-axle’ during braking or driving downhill and that is subsequently stored in a high voltage battery.

The unit’s energy management system is then said to provide power from the battery to the refrigeration unit ‘intelligently’ by engaging the system’s generators when it is most efficient to do so.

The AxlePower energy recovery system and e-Power axle have respectively been developed in collaboration by transport temperature control solution provider Thermo King and axle and suspension system provider BPW, and the solution has already undergone rigorous field testing.

The trial sees a brand new TIP e-reefer refrigerated trailer go into real life operation in the cold chain sector.

TIP says a number of its customers will have the opportunity to experience the new technology and better understand if the solution meets their operational and business needs, whilst helping meet any decarbonisation goals that their business may have.

Mike Furnival, managing director of TIP UK and Ireland said: “TIP continues to investigate and trial innovative and sustainable systems that are set to form the backbone of the temperature-controlled sector of the transport industry.

“TIP’s trial of this particular technology on UK roads will enable us to better understand just how an axle energy recuperation system can benefit our customers that operate within the sector. We look forward to the outcome of the trial.”