Walmart has revealed its WAVE Concept semi-trailer. The Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience, or WAVE, introduces the concept of a full efficient and next generation semi-trailer.
The WAVE concept is the latest of Walmart fleet efficiency program.
The Walmart WAVE concept truck has very advanced, one of a kind set of aerodynamics that sets it apart from any semi-trailer on the road today. It is powered by a prototype advanced turbine-powered, range-extending series hybrid powertrain placed entirely underneath the cab.
The trailer is made almost exclusively with carbon fiber, saving around 4,000 pounds which can then be used to carry more freight.
Powering Walmart WAVE concept truck is a Capstone Turbine engine coupled to an electrical powertrain.
With just a video announcement being the first the public has heard about this project, we’re all ears as to what Wal-Mart will do with such a revolutionary design.
Capstone Turbines is a California based gas turbine manufacturer that specializes in microturbine power along with heating and cooling cogeneration systems. Key to the Capstone design is its use of foil bearings, which provides maintenance and fluid-free operation for the lifetime of the turbine and reduces the system to a single moving part. This also eliminates the need for any cooling or other secondary systems .Their light weight, small size, and quick starting time make them ideal as “instant-on” backup power to recharge the main batteries. An example of a hybrid vehicle is the Capstone CTM-380, with a 30 kW gas turbine generator running on diesel, that recharges Li-Poly batteries when necessary. The CMT-380 has a proposed range of 80 miles on battery alone, but when combined with the micro turbine that range is pushed to over 500+ miles.
