Coca-Cola is the biggest drink brand in the world, and the company is trying to make the most of its position as market leader by showing other beverage firms the benefits of EV fleets. Electric vehicles and low-emission trucks have been integrated into the Coca-Cola fleet over the last few years, but they still use a lot of fuel to power the air-conditioning units in the cargo holds. However now researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University are working on an alternative energy option – a solar-powered air conditioning system for freight trucks.
This system would significantly reduce or eliminate beverage delivery truck emissions related to cooling. The project is being designed by HK Polytechnic, Green Power Industrial Ltd and Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong, and it’s currently being trialed on a prototype truck on campus. The rooftop-mounted system collects solar energy and stores it in batteries so it can be used during non-sunny weather.
PolyU President Professor Timothy W. Tong hailed the design as a practical solution to providing green energy for air-conditioning systems in Hong Kong fright trucks. “We look forward to having more fruitful collaboration with Green Power Industrial Ltd and Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong to build a low-carbon city. Together, we can jointly make a contribution for sustainable development of our community,” said Professor Tong.
Mr. Lance Wright, General Manager of Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong, said that “Swire Coca-Cola believes sustainability is fundamental to the way they conduct business and the support to this solar energy system research project is a prime example of the company’s commitment to a sustainable future.” The US Navy has in the past experimented with such a system, so it does not seem like a surprise that major companies such as Coca-Cola are now embracing the technology.
+ Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Via Clean Technica
Lead photo © Flick sillygwailo
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