Fig.: Eraneos
Artificial intelligence could significantly help to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption in temperature-controlled logistics. This was the conclusion of the general assembly of the Swiss Association for Temperature-Controlled Logistics (SVTL) at the Conference Center on Lake Sempach.
In times of climate change, but also increasing demands on punctuality, reliability, and predictability of supply chains, the requirements for processes and technologies that maintain specific temperatures or temperature ranges during the transport and storage of goods are rising. This clearly presents a broad field for introducing adaptive systems that, within minutes, can calculate hundreds of models for the energy-efficient control of cooling systems, condensers, valves, and evaporators, taking into account the complex interplay between energy costs, physical capabilities, and system availability, without impacting actual operations.
For example, Holm Riedel, consultant and service provider for a company called "Energeering", which deals with electricity procurement, load management and digital opportunities for large consumers and has so far "delighted" .
At its general meeting on Lake Sempach, the Swiss Association of Logistics Companies (SVTL) featured expert presentations on AI in logistics and frozen food logistics, as well as energy supply and sustainability. President Marco Manzetti stated that the association used 2023 as an opportunity to reposition itself, partly through new initiatives and partly by expanding its scope to include other relevant areas. A survey conducted following the change in management from Georg Burkhardt to Christian Pauli confirmed that the association is "on the right track.".
M. Manzetti, Chr. Pauli
In 2023, the SVTL (Swiss Association of Energy and Water Industries) pursued a relevant course of action, including an online event on energy saving, an on-site event at Transgourmet in Kriens on warehouse automation, a guided tour of the Umweltarena (Environmental Arena) in Spreitenbach during the AGM, and an evening event on occupational safety and accident risks. Manzetti: "Initiatives to reduce energy consumption and to use environmentally friendly technologies are gaining in importance; advances in digitalization and automation contribute to increasing efficiency and securing real-time data for faster decision-making.".
With the globalization of markets, however, the demands placed on temperature-controlled networks are also becoming more complex and extensive. Switzerland is keeping pace with this trend effortlessly. The SVTL, with a budget of nearly six figures, actively participates in supporting and shaping technical innovations. Manzetti: "We're not a feel-good association; we want to move forward.".
Case study «Swissdrink». Graphic: AWK/Eraneos
As part of the supporting program, Raphael Pfarrer, who, under the consulting umbrella of Eraneos (AWK), navigates the terminological jungle of machine learning, deep learning, and autonomous artificial intelligence, seeks to transform digitalization and AI into logistics. Because, as he says, he sees "enormous potential" here.
Take the example of Swissdrink: They once had to coordinate 75 manufacturers and 110 wholesalers with 12,364 different products. Using a manually managed paper-based system, they were able to correctly allocate 75 percent of their inventory. With AI, they have now achieved 95 percent accuracy in this extremely dynamic environment characterized by constant inventory turnover.
Examples already implemented at Emmi, the Swiss Post, route optimizations, customs (where unfortunately "racial profiling" also occurred) and in the commercial departments of several companies showed that a lot is already happening here.
The quality of existing datasets is of great importance. "Pay attention to this," the IT expert advises. Otherwise, the result will quickly suffer from the "garbage in, garbage out" problem: the output cannot be better than the accuracy of the collected data allows.
Holm Riedel, CEO of Energeering, compared two refrigeration systems, each with a capacity of approximately 400,000 m³ or 100,000 pallet spaces, operating at 89% and 91% capacity respectively, with nearly identical electricity prices (around 24 cents/kWh). With sophisticated energy management, one company achieved energy costs of 4.2 million kWh and €1.02 million. The other, currently undergoing optimization, achieved 7.1 million kWh and €1.72 million in electricity costs. The cost advantage gained through comprehensive energy management using approximately 500 data points from compressors, adjustments to operating pressures, readjustments to evaporators, valves, and condensers, as well as the targeted use of off-peak electricity rates (high share of renewable energy, especially at midday) amounted to €691,748.
Comparison of two systems. Graphic: Riedel
Even electricity suppliers, who must receive load forecasts in 15-minute increments at least the day before, "appreciate this!" says Holm. This allows them to factor the pre-reported demand into their electricity procurement, switching power plants and/or additional facilities on or off as needed. "Energeering" makes money from this.
Mauto Renggli acts as an electricity "broker." He points out that even during periods of energy shortages perceived by the public, utilities like Bernese Power Plants (BKW) have been able to generate profits of up to 1 billion francs in the electricity market, and still 600 million francs in the following year, through skillful market maneuvering. However, the electricity supply is becoming increasingly unpredictable due to the numerous feed-in from wind and solar power plants, making the work of "electricity procurement" companies like BKW all the more important. Renggli's platform, "Renergy," offers large consumers such as cold storage facilities the opportunity for sophisticated responses through joint online electricity purchasing on the spot market. For this, the specialist says, "AI" is not necessarily required.
