The KLEAN study investigates the potential of overhead contact line systems for the automation of commercial vehicles as well as the prerequisites for this. In the long term, this will make it possible to realize trucks without driver's cabins; in the short term, interruptions of the driving time will already be unnecessary for SAE level 4 trucks.
In addition to existing road markings, the contact wires provide for a much more reliable route identification and detection than labelling can provide. The study presents the technological and infrastructure requirements for highly automated overhead line operation. In addition, it analyzes and evaluates possible savings of resources, materials, and energy. The impact of such overhead systems on the traffic system is evaluated in traffic flow simulations. Finally, the political, technical, and economic conditions for the realization of the combined systems are determined.
The comprehensive analysis will provide a basis for the realization of the technology combination in the field of smart and highly automated commercial vehicles.
FZI Research Center for Information Technologies
KIT Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
