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Kuehne+Nagel shows off solar-powered delivery trucks

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As part of the goal to create more sustainable supply chain solutions, Kuehne+Nagel is reducing CO2 emissions in the Netherlands with photovoltaics – solar panels – installed on top of trucks.

The solar panels reduce fuel consumption by up to 1.200 litres per year, per vehicle. This reduces a truck’s overall fuel consumption by up to 6 percent, lowering CO2 emission per truck by 3.8 tonnes on an annual basis.

Traditionally, trucks consume a large amount of electricity which is generated by the alternator. The photovoltaics now supply the trucks with solar electricity. When driving, there is a decreased load on the engine which lowers fuel consumption. [Read more…] about Kuehne+Nagel shows off solar-powered delivery trucks

How to Ensure Your Drivers Stay Safe on the Road

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If your business has a fleet of vehicles and employs drivers, one of your top priorities needs to be how to ensure they’re always safe on the road.

You don’t want to be dealing with accidents that could have been avoided had further steps been taken.

We’re going to talk today about what some of those steps might look like, so read on to find out more about them. [Read more…] about How to Ensure Your Drivers Stay Safe on the Road

Ranpak launches ‘completely automated packaging solution’ in North America

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Ranpak, a provider of paper-based packaging solutions for e-commerce and industrial supply chains, has launched its AutoFill solution in North America.

AutoFill is described as a “next-generation, fully automated end-of-line packaging solution that enhances throughput, reduces labor costs, and ensures the optimal amount of void fill in each package”.

Ranpak’s proprietary solution uses smart sensors to scan the package, computing the box size and the volume of objects inside, and then dispenses the optimal amount of paper needed to protect items during shipping. [Read more…] about Ranpak launches ‘completely automated packaging solution’ in North America

BMW’s Spartanburg plant doubles battery production capacity

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BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the US state of South Carolina has doubled its capacity for production of high-voltage batteries.

The plant’s own battery facility now produces the new fourth-generation batteries.

These are intended for the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW X5 and the future BMW X3, also produced in Spartanburg. [Read more…] about BMW’s Spartanburg plant doubles battery production capacity

Tests reveal potential of truck ‘platooning’ in Germany

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A pilot project on truck platooning has been successfully completed by DB Schenker, MAN Truck & Bus and Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

‘Platooning’ is when two or more trucks drive in a tight convoy on a motorway, benefiting from reduced air drag. All vehicles driving in the platoon are electronically linked to each other

Operating electronically linked trucks on German motorways is safe, technically reliable and easily applicable in the routine of a logistics company.

[Read more…] about Tests reveal potential of truck ‘platooning’ in Germany

Komatsu develops electric mini excavator

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Komatsu Ltd has unveiled its electric mini excavator, based on its accumulated technological expertise of hybrid construction equipment and electric forklift trucks.

Equipped with an in-house developed new charger, high-voltage converter and other devices, it offers excavation performance on a par with the internal combustion model of the same power output, while achieving zero exhaust gas emissions and a dynamic reduction in noise levels.

Komatsu expects a wider range of applications for this machine, including construction work near hospitals or schools or in residential areas, where contractors pay special attention to exhaust gas and noise during work, as well as inside tunnels or buildings.

[Read more…] about Komatsu develops electric mini excavator

Panasonic says it has sold 100 million household refrigerators

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Panasonic says its production of household refrigerators reached a grand total of 100 million in 2018, 65 years since the company first began to manufacture them in 1953.

Panasonic began working on refrigerators as well as televisions and washing machines in anticipation of the approaching electrical age after the Second World War.

In 1952 an alliance was formed with Nakagawa Kikai Company, a specialist machine tool manufacturer that had made refrigerators. [Read more…] about Panasonic says it has sold 100 million household refrigerators

Office building in Montreal given top energy-efficiency certification

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A landmark building in Montreal, Canada has been given an energy-efficiency certification.

Le 1500, an office building on Robert-Bourassa Boulevard in Montreal, is now “Leed” certified in the category of “Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance” by the Canada Green Building Council.

The building was designed and developed by real estate company Ivanhoé Cambridge.  [Read more…] about Office building in Montreal given top energy-efficiency certification

Geolux updates traffic radar product to consume less power

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Geolux RSS-2-300 T Doppler radars and RSS-2-300 OEM radar modules are used worldwide in various traffic monitoring and law enforcement applications, including LED speed signs.

LED speed signs are often placed on locations where there is no connection to electric power grid, so they rely on solar power and batteries.

For solar-based setups it is critical to reduce power consumption of all components of LED sign, including radar sensor unit. Geolux has recently improved its firmware that controls the radar operation, to include a special low-power mode which greatly reduces radar current draw. [Read more…] about Geolux updates traffic radar product to consume less power