The use of energy in logistics and the effects on the environment are two topics that should be taken under consideration in research projects nowadays. CO2-reduction, life cycle assessments, energy efficiency, electromobility, durability, material efficiency and disposal/recycling are approaches for an ecological design of future logistics. In order to achieve this, processes must be executed in a more resource-efficient and environmentally friendlier way.
These aspects have been the subject of a wide variety of measures at the IFT for years. A selection of former research projects is listed below.
Intralogistics:
- ELKoB (Energy optimization of conveyor technology)
- GreenRGB (Energy-efficient control of storage and retrieval systems)
- ReKom (Efficient reorganization measures in manual picking systems)
Disposal:
- MSN (Waste transportation by rail or barge (e.g. Neckar); Research of alternative concepts in combined transport for waste transport)
- Training methodology for an optimized vehicle selection and ecological route planning for municipal waste logistics
The FELSeN project (flexible energy supply in logistics centers to provide system services in electrical networks) searches for flexible measures in the logistics center, as well as the effects produced by the electrification of vehicles in logistical processes and electrical networks.
This study is a collaboration with the Institute for Power Transmission and High Voltage Technology (IEH) with the purpose of a flexible and useful network integration of logistics centers using renewable energy and electromobility. Electromobility is a very important topic, due to climate neutrality goals, and could enable an electrified delivery between cities in the near future.
Other potential fields of this research are load carriers and packaging. Sustainable and resource-saving materials and structures can create new container and packaging concepts. To this end, the IFT stands for company’s support and for an increasement in the research activity.
Teaching
Questions from the subject areas of energy and environment are dealt with in various lectures of the IFT. For students we offer different student research projects in the described fields of activity. If you are interested please contact Mr. David Pfleger.