Wabash National has requested that Purdue University EEE students conduct a high level life cycle assessment comparing their standard Reefer semi-trailer to the new molded structural composite Reefer semi-trailer, produced in Little Falls, MN.  To do this, they will need to rework the previously completed Dry Van lifecycle analysis and make necessary materials changes associated with Reefer trailers.  A primary objective is to compare the impacts of the two types of Reefer semi-trailers focusing on energy consumption and water resources.

UPDATE

Currently, we are working on completing two life cycle assessments (LCA) for Wabash National, one of the leading semi-trailer manufacturers in North America.  The life cycles will compare two trailers, a standard reefer trailer and a structural composite trailer. Currently, the team is working on finishing up the life cycle analysis for the standard reefer trailer that is manufactured in Lafayette, IN.  

The second LCA for the structural composite reefer trailer is in its early stages. The process to manufacture this trailer is very different from the standard trailer. The team is working on gathering the information for the chemicals and components of the composite trailer in order to input them into the LCA software.