Solar cells on trucks for environmental friendly transport

Purpose and goal:

The main purpose of the project was to show how solar cells can be used in truck based transports to reduce CO2 emissions and in the project the main objective was to build a prototype for a truck for heavy transportation with solar cells on the truck´s trailer for energy for propulsion and charging batteries, which has not been done before. We managed to achieve this objective in the project and we have also tested the truck for a long time on a test-track and to some extent also in real transport missions.

Expected results and effects:

We have shown that it is possible to build a heavy truck partially powered by solar cells, and also investigated its function in operation. The expected effect of the solar cells is a reduced use of diesel in the truck and thus reduced CO2 emissions. In the project we have shown that system with solar cells works and contributes with energy to the propulsion of the truck, and measurements for the truck in real transport missions are underway to see how much diesel consumption can be reduced with the help of the solar cells.

Approach and implementation:

Through collaboration between users, vehicle manufacturers, solar cell manufacturers, energy companies and researchers, we have worked to develop a real solution that can be introduced in a relatively short period of time. With the help of these participants in the project, we were able to reach from an idea to a solution that we have shown works, and which can be developed further through continued collaboration.

In the project, the various participants have collaborated at all levels both in the work packages and in the management group for the project.