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iTECH: Harnessing the Sun to Recharge Trailer Batteries
Considering that all batteries have a finite life span, harnessing sunlight is one way to keep tracking systems running for long periods on far-flung trailers.
Solar power “is not a flash in the pan; it is here to stay,” said Thomas Konditi, head of General Electric’s VeriWise Asset Intelligence division, which recently purchased competing Terion Inc. to bolster its own position in the tracking market. Terion, too, offers solar power.In the GE system, an optional solar panel extends the life of its military-grade battery with a trickle charge when the trailer is uncoupled — “untethered,” in industry parlance — and can’t draw power from the tractor.This article appeared in the February/March 2007 edition of TT's iTECH supplement. For the full story, see the Feb. 19 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.