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INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN |
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Cold Link Africa
NextDrive workshop .
environmental factors that can affect the quality of the perishable goods being transported . By using telemetry , companies can ensure that their products are being transported in the right conditions , which can help reduce waste and improve customer satisfaction ,” says Demartinis .
SOLAR-POWERED REFRIGERATION TRANSPORT ADVANCES GREEN LOGISTICS
In the pursuit of sustainable and energyefficient solutions , the comparison between solar-powered and traditional refrigeration
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systems has emerged as a topic of substantial interest .
Warren Hurter , co-founder and technical director of solar refrigeration transport business NextDrive , discusses the efficiency of solar-powered refrigeration in contrast to traditional systems powered by diesel motors . “ Such systems boast efficiencies exceeding 90 %, compared to traditional engines maxing out at around 25 %, in addition , the reduction in moving parts contributes to lower maintenance requirements .”
He highlights the significance of batteries and inverters . “ While the system design is
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relatively simple – mirroring a residential setup – the challenge with a transportation system lies in intelligently packaging it in a vehicle with its inherent exposure to rough conditions on roads , as well as to enable remote monitoring , and address safety considerations during accidents . The company imports key hardware components , rigorously testing and proofing them through multiple concepts to ensure quality .”
Ensuring the quality of imported components is a critical aspect of their process . Its approach involves conducting multiple proof of concepts and selecting hardware based on factors like durability , longevity and strength . Suppliers , predominantly from Europe , adhere to international automotive standards , with a minimum five-year warranty as a baseline .
The environmental benefits of solarpowered refrigeration systems are unequivocal . The elimination of diesel usage drastically reduces carbon emissions , aligning with the global push for greener practices .
As with any technology , solar-powered refrigeration systems have limitations . Battery sizing , rate constraints , and limited roof space for solar panels in smaller trucks are identified challenges . To address these , NextDrive customises designs to minimise damage risks and optimise efficiency . Hurter acknowledges ongoing technological advancements , emphasising the evolution of battery capacity and solar panel efficiency over the past six years . “ We started with
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250W ( and we now use 420W , as this is what fits well on the trucks ) though you get up to 600W now .”
NextDrive collaborates with major roleplayers in refrigerated transport – Transfrig , as well as retailers such as ShopRite , which through Transfrig has integrated solar systems into approximately 90 % of its fleet . The company manages around 1 600 trailers for ShopRite , each tailored to unique needs , and recently assisted Checkers to roll out its first fullyelectric truck . “ Solar systems power critical components , showcasing substantial savings , including an annual saving of close to R60-million in diesel costs alone for ShopRite ' s fleet ,” explains Hurter .
He notes that on average , customers save 4.8l of diesel each day per trailer , with the return on investment for a typical solar logistics investment being 1.4 years from date of installation , based only on diesel savings .
Given the extent of potential savings , he believes all refrigerated transport will ultimately go solar-powered unless physically unfeasible . This is an industry still at the commencement of a growth phase . Regarding competition , Hurter acknowledges emerging players in South Africa-based solar logistics , but considers the current landscape a ‘ blue ocean ’, and one in which they have a long headstart . However , he anticipates increased interest and competition due to growing tax incentives , making their approach more compelling .
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