A self-sufficient energy supply plays an important role in the planning and design of special vehicles. Above all, the area of use is decisive. If a vehicle is to be used for long periods of time in unpaved or undeveloped terrain, it makes sense to equip it with a self-sufficient power supply to cover the constant demand for electricity.
Installation in special vehicles poses particular challenges for engineers and technicians. The additional technology that is often installed in special vehicles requires quantities of energy that conventional vehicle batteries are not designed for. There are several ways to implement a self-sufficient energy supply.
Self-sufficient energy supply: Implementation
One of the best-known solutions for a self-sufficient energy supply is certainly the use of solar energy with the help of a photovoltaic system. This principle, which has been known for many years from house construction, can be used for containers or shelters, for example. The technology behind it is mature and therefore a very solid method of ensuring the energy supply and thus functionality even in remote locations.
Another solution for a self-sufficient energy supply is fuel cells, which can reliably supply the technology installed in the special vehicle or container with electricity over a long period of time. This includes computer workstations, the air conditioning system and radio or measuring devices. However, a certain supply of hydrogen or methanol should be available. This can be carried by using one or more tanks brought along.
Another solution for a self-sufficient energy supply is to generate electricity via the special vehicle's auxiliary drive. Diesel-powered generators also provide valuable energy and can be permanently installed in the vehicle to secure the power supply.
Energy supply management is also of great importance for an effective self-sufficient energy supply. Intelligent systems check the energy requirements for different areas and regulate the supply to make the best possible use of the available resources. This ensures that no energy is wasted and that all connected systems are adequately supplied. The ideal solution here is a short-term storage system, such as a battery, which stores surplus energy and can feed it into the self-sufficient grid as required.