Want to know more about ESCALATE’s novel solutions? Keep on reading and learn more about digital tools, algorithms & AI!

Besides the development of battery- & drivetrain technology, the research of digital solutions to enhance the range and operability of the tested HGV will have a profound impact on the performance.

These novel solutions include AI-based fleet management tools, predictive maintenance tools, and thermal management algorithms. Whereas the first will support the traffic managers in their vehicle routing plans, the second and third elements will help to enhance the performance and durability of the vehicle. All three digital elements will promote the uptake and integration of BEV- and fuel-cell HGVs into fleets of commercial freight forwarders and logistics companies.

 

AI-based maintenance tool: 

The community of international researchers has made advancements in three areas related to AI-based tools, which are:

  • Green conventional vehicle routing (deals with minimising the negative impact of transport on the environment).
  • EV routing and fleet management (aim to determine the least cost generated by an EV fleet minimizing energy consumption).
  • Mixed fleet management systems (focus on the composed models of capacitated EVs and conventional vehicles with time windows).

All the above-stated research topics have a common component, which currently has a low technology-readiness level: charging and refueling. Since these processes currently already take a relatively long time for battery-electric passenger vehicles (between 20-60min at a fast charger), one can imagine the required time for recharging an entire HGV.

The calculation tool will therefore help users to predict the utility of the vehicles by assessing the detailed cost and lifecycle inventory and modeling the zero energy consumption and operating emissions of the battery-electric and hydrogen trucks in close coordination with the operational dynamics.

 

Predictive maintenance tool: 

This tool will gather data from the various vehicle sensors, which measure parameters in the e-powertrain such as vibration, temperature, pressure, and various other electrical and mechanical data. This monitoring and assessment will help to overcome the challenges of predicting the health and viability of key components of these next-generation trucks.

Since real-world test data and information are relatively limited, new maintenance assessments and protocols need to be established, similar to routine maintenance cycles of ICE vehicles. This new “mission guarantee” idea will boost customer satisfaction, as it offers not only a safe journey but also promises no more breakdowns before the destination is reached.

 

Thermal management algorithms: 

An energy management strategy for bidirectional and grid-friendly charging will be developed, that considers price for electrical energy and battery degradation. A predictive operating strategy will be developed, which allows to increase the vehicle performance just by software interventions. This will enhance the utility of the zero-emission fleet for future users.