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This article presents the development of a solution that uses solar energy to power refrigerated semi-trailers. The solution employs photovoltaic cells on the surfaces of the semi-trailer, combined with a battery pack, which take advantage of a significant area with solar exposure and generate sufficient electric power to supply the refrigeration unit responsible for controlling the temperature inside the climate-controlled chamber. In addition to providing energy for the refrigeration unit, the solar system can be integrated with the auxiliary traction system used in some semi-trailers, functioning as a range extender for the battery. To achieve the main objectives of this development, studies were conducted to evaluate solar radiation through simulations considering different regions of Brazil.

Brazil presents a very diverse road and traffic conditions and due to several factors the number of truck accidents is very high. Inside truck accidents group, the one that causes the highest number of losses and fatalities is the rollover crash and understanding rollover dynamics is very important to prevent such events. The diversity of cargo vehicles arrangements requires a detailed study regarding the dynamic behavior these vehicle combinations in order to increase operation safety. The same tractor unit can be used with different types and numbers of trailers and/or semi-trailers, each one with different suspension configurations. These truck combinations have distinct dynamic performances that need evaluation. In this sense, this work presents a first phase study on the dynamic behavior of different types of cargo vehicle configuration. A 6×2 tractor is combined with a two distinct grain semi-trailer with different types of suspension: pneumatic and leaf spring.