Courtesy EU and Volvo, Trucks with No Electric Cables Soon
Published On Nov 22, 2016
Mobiles phones with wireless charging technology have become a rage these days. Such phones are charged with help of wireless sensors transferring electricity via air. The technology is a gem as it reduces dependability on electrical conductors, but the big question is, can this be used on a scale as big as the trucking industry?
The European Union is currently busy finding the answer for this. A research project being conducted by the Union is trying to find the scope of replacing cables with wireless sensors in trucks. Volvo Group is actively taking part in the research.
Wires used in manufacturing trucks are made up of metals that conduct electricity. The move will help better the environment by curbing mining activities. Wires, alone use millions of tonnes of metals and curbing the same may just prove helpful for the nature. Dhasarathy Parthasarathy, development engineer, Volvo Group said, “We believe that wireless sensors have a great deal of future potential. One important consideration is that we may no longer need to use large amounts of copper and plastic, which is good for the environment.”
Electrical wires are also prone to wear and tear caused by elements like water, air and rust. Wireless sensors may also prove to have upper hand here as these might lead to decreased maintenance costs. The move can also prove to be futile in countries like India as the road conditions usually lead loads of mud and water ending up inside the engine cabin. Wireless sensors may find it difficult in sending signals through the mud cover.
The use of sensors might also cut truck assembly time as wiring a trucks eats major part of a worker’s day activities. Wireless sensors on the other hand will have predefined spots with plug and operate facilities.
Mr.Parthasarathy sounding confident about the technology said, “We really believe in this technology and we will go on developing it. In this project, we have focused on replacing a small part of the large amount of cables in the truck. In the future, we hope to be able to replace more.”
