The Climate Benefits of Electric TRUs in the Global Cold Chain

Logistics Transportation Review | Friday, November 17, 2023

E-TRUs represent a pivotal step towards a greener and more resilient future for industries reliant on temperature-controlled logistics as technology evolves.

FREMONT, CA: The convergence of the climate crisis, inequality, conflicts, and the recent pandemic has posed a significant threat to global food security. To combat this, maintaining a seamless cold chain from harvest to consumer is crucial to reducing food waste and ensuring temperature-sensitive healthcare products remain viable. As the demand for unbroken cold chains rises, the significance of reliable temperature-controlled trailers (TRUs) in transportation becomes even more pronounced. The existing TRUs effectively uphold the required temperatures for products but are powered by diesel engines, ironically contributing to the very problem they aim to solve. Among the main causes of climate change is the emission of carbon dioxide from diesel engines.

While the EU has imposed stringent limits on diesel-powered truck engines, emissions from TRUs in trailers remain unregulated. The industry must promptly integrate sustainable solutions to avoid potential restrictions and drive innovation. As the mobility sector increasingly shifts to electrifying its engines, extending this transition to TRUs is logical. Electric TRUs (eTRUs) are already available and equipped with electrically powered fans and temperature control systems that maintain low temperatures. Early performance results indicate their promise, with potential longevity and minimal maintenance. ETRUs also provide improved air quality, reduced noise pollution, and lower emissions than traditional TRUs. Furthermore, eTRUs have the potential to be more cost-effective than traditional TRUs.

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E-TRUs must be highly efficient in cooling while being reliable with low malfunctions. Battery innovation offers an avenue for progress, with lightweight yet powerful solutions emerging regularly. Charging e-TRUs can occur via power supply networks through outlets or onboard power generation methods like kinetic and solar energy. Although charging via power networks is currently cost-effective and easier to integrate, onboard power generation could hold long-term advantages by reducing grid dependency and offering greener solutions. Implementing charging infrastructure using outlets, similar to the privatized vehicle sector, would require minimal effort and leverage proven innovations. Onboard power generation would allow for more efficient charging, reducing the number of trips taken to the public charging infrastructure. Additionally, onboard power generation would reduce the amount of energy lost while charging, leading to lower emissions and a more sustainable system.

Adopting this new approach will require a shift in driver behavior, with consistent manual connection to the power network essential for charging. This behavioral change might pose challenges initially, but proper guidance and ease of usage can smooth the transition. The challenge lies in optimizing battery capacity for cost-effectiveness without compromising reliability. Generating electricity while the trailer is in motion offers a potential solution, enhancing the reliability of lower-capacity batteries and enabling emission-free energy generation.

The importance of unbroken cold chains in food and healthcare and the growing need for sustainability have elevated the significance of reliable temperature-controlled trailers. The transition to electric TRUs, powered by the grid or onboard generation, holds great promise for mitigating climate impact, reducing fuel consumption, and enhancing logistics efficiency. With a comprehensive strategy encompassing charging infrastructure, battery optimization, and behavioral shifts, the potential to revolutionize cold chain transportation for a greener future is within reach.

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