RESEARCH NEWS
An electric future beckons for truck transport
The ongoing electrification of truck transport poses complex challenges for the players involved . As part of the “ TruckConnect ” project , three institutes at the University of Stuttgart are identifying the varied requirements for a single data platform so that logistics companies , energy suppliers , charging station operators and other participants in the transport system will be able to manage the change smoothly .
The project is funded to the tune of 98,979.49 euros by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure within the framework of the “ mFUND ” innovation initiative .
“ The future of logistics is electric . At the 2022 International Automobile Exhibition ( IAA ), Alexander Vlaskamp , CEO of the manufacturer MAN , explained : ‘ We expect half of our trucks sold to run on electricity by 2030 ’. Martin Daum , Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck AG , even expects electric and fuel cell vehicles to account for 60 per cent of the total sales volume by 2030 . Not least , in terms of sustainable mobility , policymakers are focusing on the electrification of road freight transport ,” said the University of Stuttgart .
Image : Shutterstock . com .
“ The aim of the project is to create a catalogue of requirements for the implementation of a European data platform for battery-electric heavy transport . Because one thing is certain ; the transformation can only be successful if it is data-based . The intelligent platform is intended to enable the exchange of data between transport systems and energy systems as well as synchronise energy and transport requirements in such a way that , in the future , battery-electric trucks can be used as reliably as diesel trucks – while maintaining security of supply ,” it continued .
The catalogue of requirements identifies a variety of issues in the logistics system . The transition from conventional to electric vehicles entails a variety of changes and requirements in the logistics process , from delivery windows and ramp processes to operator models for the charging infrastructure .
“ In the project , we are striving for a European solution ,” Felix Otteny , project manager at the IAT , emphasised , because requirements for a logistics system do not end at national borders . “ If the Polish freight forwarder cannot register at the charging station or even book it in advance , the entire supply chain comes to a standstill .”
The operator issue , too , is central to the success of the data platform because when private-sector business models come into play , incompatible isolated solutions are created in the worst case scenario which , in turn , bring the logistics process to a standstill . The “ TruckConnect ” project is running from September 2022 to August 2023 . n
Laser radiation protection
Europe ’ s evolution towards the Industry 4.0 concept will enable it to maintain and improve its competitiveness , reaching the new standards demanded at a global level .
“ We are already seeing this transformation in sectors like the automotive and aeronautics industries and we will see businesses of all sizes and sectors adopting the new methods and technologies of industrial digitalisation in the near future ,” commented AFM , the Spanish Association of machine-tool manufacturers , accessories , parts and tools .
Laser is an essential technology for Industry 4.0 . It can be used to cut , weld , mark , texturise and even manufacture parts by particle deposition , more widely known as additive manufacturing . However , working with this element requires protection from accidental exposure to the laser beam .
“ There are several active protection systems on the market , such as laser equipment booths . However , these are costly to install and sometimes also to maintain . All of these require some type of intervention after each detection , incurring
the costs of the intervention itself and of the necessary machinery stoppage caused ,” added AFM .
“ There is a need for a solution to configure active booths for lower-cost laser installations and , most of all , a solution that can drastically reduce operating and machine stoppage costs . It is patently obvious that the metal-mechanical industry ( and others ) needs economical and reliable solutions that …. will not require major investments or lead to penalties for failure to meet client deadlines ,” it continued .
CLAUDIT is a project that has been touted as a solution , developing acquisition devices based on combining chambers in the close and long infrared range which can detect if any parts of the enclosure are being subject to intense and sudden irradiation and overheating .
“ The revolutionary idea behind CLAUDIT lies in detecting any fault with thresholds below the damage to the inside of the enclosure , thus avoiding costly repairs and long machine stoppages , and in turn improving productivity . It facilitates the adoption of laser technology by small and medium-sized businesses in the sector so they may achieve Industry 4.0 standards . In addition , this functionality is implemented in a compact and easy-to-install device ,” explained AFM .
A testing and optimisation phase has been included within the framework of the project , implementing a pilot installation in a real production setting to verify the performance of the equipment and analysing cases of use to guarantee reliability and prevent false alarms .
This initiative brings together the knowledge of Procarelight ; EXOM Engineering ; Danobat Group ; New Infrared Technologies ( NIT ) and the AFM together with the participation of Secpho as coordinator . The project was funded by the European Union-Next Generation EU and the Spanish Ministry of Industry . n
ISMR December 2022 / January 2023 | ismr . net | 17