Trailar is a British start-up offering solar mat kits for commercial vehicles. These mats supply auxiliary equipment with solar energy, reducing fuel costs and CO2 emissions. Thanks to these savings, the user can achieve a return on investment in less than 2 years. Users also benefit from reduced maintenance costs as well as longer battery and engine life. Trailar systems are equipped with Souriau UTS connectors.
Trailar provides solutions for new or existing vehicle fleets which reduce fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and extend battery life, thus making a significant contribution to preserving the environment. They also reduce maintenance costs. The flexible solar mats are lightweight, aerodynamic, durable and impact resistant, weighing only 2 kg per m2 and with a thickness of 3 mm. They are equipped with an intelligent charge controller for exceptional charging efficiency, and a GPS which displays the vehicle’s geolocation data in real time. Aaron Thomas, co-founder and CEO of Trailar, explains why he chose to work with Souriau: “We were looking for a high-end, quality, premium connector that best supported our needs. We made contact with a couple of companies, however when we got in touch with Mark Richardson, Account Manager at Souriau UK, his professionalism, product knowledge and most of all his friendly, helpful attitude, we knew from the first contact that a working relationship was going to be a good one. We chose Souriau’s UTS connector because it was the one that best suited our multiple requirements.”
Trailar solar modules are installed on vehicles and are therefore subject to all types of weather conditions and vibrations. The connector had to be resistant to these environmental conditions and have an IP68/69K protection rating. The connectors also had to support and withstand various current ranges from 3 to 15 amps. In addition, Trailar wanted connectors that could use coil crimp contacts to automate the wire termination process and speed up production.
Connectors designed for outdoor use
Souriau’s UTS plastic circular connector meets these requirements perfectly: it is designed specifically for outdoor use. Its water and UV-resistant capabilities and its IP68 / 69K sealing level ensure a long service life. It operates in a temperature range from -40°C to 105°C. A unique design allows the UTS Hi-Seal variant to maintain an IP68 protection rating even when not coupled. The UTS series offers a wide range of configurations with options for mixing signal and power or copper and optic in the same connector. A 1/3 bayonet coupling allows for rapid connection of the connection system, secured with an audible click to ensure correct connection.
Aaron Thomas concludes: “As part of our ongoing development, we are excited about our future product developments. So the relationship we now have and the support Souriau have given us over the last ten months that confidence that we will carry on working together.”
SOURIAU-SUBANK Connection Technologies: EATON Group SOURIAU-SUNBANK is a global leader in interconnect solutions engineered to withstand the harshest of environments (aeronautics, space, defence, transport, energy, industrial equipment, healthcare devices, and lighting).
It invests in R&D and manufacturing facilities to produce solutions that comply with environmental requirements and international trade rules¤
SOURIAU-SUNBANK’s wide range of products are designed using cutting-edge electrical and optical connection technologies. All are suitable for use in non-hazardous environments as well as those involving extreme temperatures, strong vibrations and corrosive liquids, and meet specific international market standards.
