In recent years, there has been a growing interest in sustainable and energy-efficient solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation industry, Eamonn Ryan writes. This is Part 1 of a three-part series.
One such solution is the use of solar-powered refrigeration systems in place of traditional diesel-powered systems. NextDrive, a leading provider of refrigerated transport solutions, has been at the forefront of this green revolution in South Africa.
By fitting refrigerated trucks with solar panels, the company has been able to significantly reduce carbon emissions while ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of perishable goods.
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.”
Hurter says: “Our primary focus is the transport sector: my background traces back to the University of Johannesburg where I was involved in the development of solar-powered racing cars – a venture that laid the foundation for our journey. Fast forward to the present; we started as consultants for ShopRite Checkers, assisting them in exploring the feasibility of running their trailers’ refrigeration units on trucks using a solar system instead of conventional fuel. After conceptualising the idea, we not only proposed it but also took the initiative to implement it for them. That marked the inception of our business.
“Six years down the line, we manage 1 600 of their trailers, offering comprehensive services covering refrigeration, security and more. In essence, our focus revolves around three core areas: solar logistics, solar refrigeration, and commercial solar. These areas define our expertise and commitment as we strive to contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly future.”
He highlights the significance of batteries and inverters. “While the system design is 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 the 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 solar-powered refrigeration systems are unequivocal. The elimination of diesel usage drastically reduces carbon emissions, aligning with the global push for greener practices.