Amsterdam, Netherlands: TIP Group and Valoe Corporation have signed a contract for integrating Valoe solar systems onto TIP’s refrigerated trailers.
The aim of the €20m deal is to equip hundreds of trailers by the end of 2025.
“The current diesel-powered solution is not meeting the sustainability goals we aspire in the mobility sector, TIP says.
“That is why TIP is actively looking into electrical trailer refrigeration units that can operate with zero emissions.” By replacing diesel in trailers with electricity, a significant proportion of which is generated by trailer-integrated solar panels, emissions and other negative impacts are minimised.
TIP’s strategy is to reduce CO2 emissions by 12 million kilograms a year. Under ideal conditions, a photovoltaic system can save 3,500 litres of diesel and consequently reduce 9,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions annually for every single trailer.
Electrifying 1,000 refrigerated trailers would meet 75% of TIP’s annual target.
“TIP has more than 16,000 reefers globally. We play an important role in the industry and strive to reduce the impact on the climate. Our partnership with Valoe allows us to offer our customers another sustainable solution for their refrigerated trailer fleet management needs,” Rogier Laan, vice president sales and marketing, TIP Group, said.
“We are excited to be at the forefront of the industry in implementing green technology to reduce our carbon footprint,” he said.
In a Valoe solar module, the solar electricity is derived from a module-sized conductive backsheet, not through electrical wires. Therefore, the conductive backsheet is vibration-resistant and functions even if cells are mechanically damaged by an impact or other means.
Electricity alone is not always an option for all transport, and in such cases, diesel is needed as a backup. Valoe’s photovoltaic system allows to switch automatically from electricity to diesel. The automatic optimisation system of the photovoltaic system first uses electricity from the battery and automatically starts the diesel engine when electricity runs out.
Valoe’s truck module is protected by a tempered glass or polymer. The module is mounted on an aluminium fastening and cooling element. The floating structure cools the panel and prevents heat from transferring to the goods. Thanks to the fastening mechanism, damaged modules can be replaced quickly. In addition, the Valoe module meets EU lead-free criteria pursuant to the RoHS Directive.
