Benteler Engineering Services develops progressive “Metropolis” concept for MAN Truck & Bus
Helmond/Salzburg, September 2012. - In collaboration with MAN, Benteler Engineering Services has created the innovative refuse collection vehicle "Metropolis" based on a MAN TGS 28-tonner. The new vehicle, completely developed and realized by Benteler Engineering Services in Helmond, Netherlands, provides impressive proof of the efficient use of electrically driven commercial heavy-haul vehicles. The MAN Metropolis was conceived as a plug-in hybrid refuse collection vehicle that operates at an extremely low noise level without any CO2 emissions. The vehicle will be presented to the public at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2012 trade fair in Hannover, Germany for the first time (Hall 12/ B14).
Benteler Engineering Services has concentrated numerous innovations as well as both new and already developed technologies in this project. Its energy storage, a lithium-ion battery in modular construction, is located beneath the cab, guaranteeing maximum space for the body, optimal weight distribution and the highest safety levels. A quiet and efficient diesel engine generates on-board power and recharges the main battery at high vehicle speeds, assuring sufficient energy for the next low-emission use in the city. The MAN Metropolis will already be integrated into the fleet of a large-scale disposal company by the end of 2012, starting a two-year field test as a refuse collection vehicle.
Background: The logistical supply and disposal process in cities is facing new challenges. In the future, increasing numbers of people will live and work in cities and megacities – metropolitan regions with several million inhabitants. The cities must overcome the challenges presented by a rapid rise in population and simultaneous increases in air-purity and noise-reduction requirements. More and more conurbations are expected to introduce zero-emission zones in the future, admitting only vehicles that can travel a defined route ultra-quietly and without generating emissions. Delivering supplies at night, for example, or waste disposal in the early hours of the morning could also help to space and distribute the volumes of municipal traffic. 2 With the Metropolis, MAN in cooperation with Benteler Engineering Services is researching the technical feasibility of a vehicle concept that will meet these future requirements for heavy trucks in an urban environment.
MAN Metropolis undergoes hard practical testing as refuse collection vehicle In order to test the practicality and economic viability of the vehicle concept, MAN chose one of the toughest types of operation for a heavy truck in an urban environment: the Metropolis will be operated as a refuse collection vehicle for about two years in the Antwerp-Brussels region. To make this possible, the MAN Metropolis was fitted with the appropriate body. In low-noise mode, the MAN Metropolis drives using only electricity; the drive to lift the refuse containers and compress the waste is electro-hydraulic. Operating noise has been significantly reduced by the electrical powering of driving and collecting operations. The MAN Metropolis is way within the usual noise-restriction limits applying in inner cities. This means that in the future, operators will be able to provide both supply and disposal services in the mornings and evenings when traffic volumes are reduced, without disturbing residents or impeding other municipal traffic. The refuse collection vehicles also offer better capacity utilization.
Vision for greater road safety in urban areas The MAN research vehicle is equipped with a so-called "Birdview" system which visualizes traffic in the vicinity of the vehicle for the driver from a bird's-eye perspective. In this system, MAN is testing an innovative technology aimed at further enhancing road safety for commercial vehicles in urban environments and simplifying maneuvering.
The system integrated by Benteler Engineering Services automatically selects the viewing angle to suit the actual driving situation, and evaluates this information. For example, if the driver indicates a right turn, the perspective changes and visualizes the area to the front right of the vehicle, where there may be pedestrians or cyclists. The all-round bird's eye perspective is also very useful for maneuvering in areas where the driver has no clear view.
Brief information: Benteler Engineering Services
Benteler Engineering Services offers engineering, prototype building and testing support. These services are delivered in various market segments such as Automotive, Public Transportation, Defense and Industry. Benteler Engineering Services employs approximately 700 professionals in 13 locations in Europe, China and Brazil. Benteler Engineering Services belongs to the Benteler Group.