Rhenus High Tech has filed a patent for a transport rack for solar modules. The system was developed by Frank Dana, Facility Manager at the Niederaula site. The goal is to make the transport of solar modules more efficient, reduce packaging requirements, and cut down on materials and associated costs.
A Solution to a Logistical Challenge
The development was prompted by the significant effort required to securely package solar modules for transport during the “last mile” to the end customer. The wooden racks used to date are comparatively expensive, difficult to return, and susceptible to damage – for example, from moisture. They also require extensive wrapping and strapping.
The system, for which a patent has now been filed, consists of modular plastic elements that securely fasten solar modules to standard pallets. This allows up to 19 modules to be safely transported on 80 x 120 cm pallets and up to 30 modules on 120 x 120 cm pallets.
A System with Added Value
The new plastic components are reusable. Even damaged parts can be recycled and reintroduced into the production cycle. In addition, the transport components are space-saving and easy to return. The individual components can be returned in standard cardboard boxes.
This can also offer economic benefits: The new solution could save up to 50 percent on distribution costs. At the same time, it eliminates the need for strapping, which reduces handling effort.
Looking to the Future
The patent application is the result of about a year and a half of development work. After several prototypes, a practical solution was finally developed. Thanks to standardized processes, the system could also be loaded automatically in the future, for example using robotics.
The mastermind behind the invention, Frank Dana, emphasizes: “I’m especially proud that the idea actually works in the end. From the initial concept to the finished solution, we had to overcome numerous challenges. It’s all the more rewarding to see that the concept has proven itself in practice.”
