Systematic Opportunity Scan of Energy Recovery Technologies Applied to Trucks with Electric Refrigerated Units

• Published in: Inventions (Basel) Vol. 9; no. 3; p. 58
• Main Authors: de Carvalho, Áquila Chagas, Miranda, Matheus Henrique Rodrigues, Silva, Ludmila Corrêa de Alkmin e, Silva, Fabrício Leonardo, Kawano, Rafael Rogora, Eckert, Jony Javorski, Dedini, Franco Giuseppe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-06-2024
• Subjects: Diesel engines; Efficiency; Electric vehicles; Emission standards; Emissions; Energy consumption; Energy recovery; Fossil fuels; Functional analysis; Greenhouse gases; Infrastructure; Literature reviews; patent analysis; Refrigerated trucks; Refrigeration; Technology application; Temperature effects; transport refrigeration unit; Transportation industry; Trucking industry; Trucks; Useful life; Brazil; United States > US
• ISSN: 2411-5134; 2411-5134
• DOI: 10.3390/inventions9030058

This article presents an original research methodology that combines insights from patents and academic research, offering a unique perspective on energy recovery technologies for trucks equipped with refrigeration units. The purpose of the study is to perform a functional analysis of existing solutions and to suggest a mechanism for exposing unexplored areas and opportunities for innovation. To achieve this goal, a systematic opportunity scan is presented, investigating patents and conducting a state-of-the-art search of existing technologies. This scan classifies a diverse range of solutions, elucidating their interconnections and providing an overview of the existing technological area, covering system components and technical trends. Thus, the main functions and components are listed, as well as the system requirements. Once the functions have been surveyed, a morphological matrix is proposed, and five main functions are analyzed. This methodology makes it possible to list the majority of the possible solutions for the functions analyzed, taking into account the components observed in the literature review and patents, including new components raised by the research group. Finally, with the morphological matrix structure, it was possible to combine unexplored elements, achieving innovative solutions.