Partnerships Lead to More Advanced Idle-Reduction Systems for Customers

Manufacturers of idle-reduction systems have begun combining their strengths to create solutions that meet user needs across a wider spectrum of applications. It’s a trend likely to increase with time. Last February, for example, Bergstrom, Inc. and Kohler Power Systems announced that the companies had joined forces to offer a “hybrid” idle-reduction system.

“We have partnered with Bergstrom to create a new hybrid power system,” said Sean Kenefick, sales manager for Kohler. “Basically, it pairs the new battery-driven NITE Plus system from Bergstrom, which is 30% more powerful but has the same footprint as the original NITE system, with Kohler’s 3APU power unit. The Bergstrom system manages the heating and cooling while the Kohler unit recharges the batteries. The only time that the system is not CARB-approved is when the battery charger is running, but we are working now to get full system approval.

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Updated state and local idling regulations have been added to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI)’s website, www.atri-online.org.

The updated listings are provided in both a cab card form which can be downloaded and as an online compendium with links to individual regulations. Recent updates include enactment of new idling limits in Chicago and Cleveland, fine increases in Illinois and a change in the sleeper berth exemption in New Jersey.

Click here to visit Fleet Owner and read the complete story.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has added another jurisdiction to its evolving list of state and local idling regulations.

The list was updated to reflect recent changes in Texas, which as of Sept. 1, will no longer allow drivers to idle their trucks while using a sleeper berth to comply with mandated HOS rest periods.

A number of Texas cities and counties have agreed to enforcement of a state regulation which limits idling to 5-minutes from April through October while providing some operational exemptions.

The updated listing, which can be found at ATRI’s site, comes in two forms, a cab card which can be carried in the glove box of a truck and the online compendium which provides links to individual regulations.

[source - todaystrucking.com]

]]> http://www.myettnews.com/2009/09/anti-idling-list-updated-to-include-texas/feed/ 0 http://www.myettnews.com/2009/08/idle-reduction-works-but%e2%80%a6/ http://www.myettnews.com/2009/08/idle-reduction-works-but%e2%80%a6/#comments Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:17:59 +0000 Rhonda Flathman http://www.myettnews.com/?p=1213 The payoff for using idle reduction technologies may take longer than expected, according to a new study sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The study found that the use of technologies such as auxiliary power units (APUs) and battery-operated air conditioning units could reduce idling by as much as 78 percent. Without specifying the technologies, the study concluded that the return on investment could take 16 to 45 months.

Study Finds Fuel, Maintenance Savings With Idle Reduction Technologies Take Longer Than Expected

A study sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that idle reduction technologies for trucks can cut idling up to 78%, but that ROI from fuel and maintenance savings are “generally longer than anticipated,” according to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). The non-profit research group, associated with the American Trucking Assns., conducted the study with the help of three fleets, evaluating auxiliary power units (APUs) and two air-conditioning systems utilizing battery power and thermal storage.

The study found the APUs and engine-off AC systems brought engine idling down to between 5 and 22% of total operating time. That represented a reduction of 42 to 78% compared to baseline idling numbers, ATRI reported. Idling was found to be highest during the coldest and hottest months, “which many imply the selected technologies were less effective during extreme temperatures,” according to the group.

ATRI estimated annual emissions reductions from the technologies to be more than 27 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx), 0.6 tons of particulate matter (PM), and 1,265 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the 324 trucks included in the study.

Without specifying technologies, ATRI said that payback ranged from 16 to 45 months for some units, while others “were not expected to provide a payback within the period of ownership.” It also pointed out that its ROI findings were based on “the level of baseline idling, the usage of the technology, and the start-up and ongoing costs.”

“This research captures some of the real-world challenges motor carriers face when deploying idle reduction technologies,” said Frank Molodecki, VP of safety and revenue for Diversified Transfer and Storage, one of the participating fleets. “It highlights the benefits provided by the various systems, yet identifies many of the uncertainties or areas where improvements could be made.”

Among the study’s suggestions for improving idle-technology performance or cutting installation costs were better cab insulation, standardizing components and connections, coordinating engine and idle-system use, and developing better system management tools.

Diversified Transfer and a second fleet – LTL carrier NFI – evaluated APUs for the ATRI study. Schneider National collected data on the battery-powered and thermal-storage AC systems tested.

[source - fleetowner.com] ]]> http://www.myettnews.com/2009/08/idle-reduction-works-but%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 http://www.myettnews.com/2009/07/get-to-know-your-idling-numbers-at-our-green-to-gold-module/ http://www.myettnews.com/2009/07/get-to-know-your-idling-numbers-at-our-green-to-gold-module/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:51:10 +0000 Rhonda Flathman http://www.myettnews.com/?p=909 With idling numbers regarded by a much more watchful eye considering climate-change regulations and running a business more economically, it is important for fleets to know where they stand. The “Green to Gold” module offered by Truck News , features videos, articles, blogs, stats and more on technologies, strategies and practices that can help your fleet go green and save green.

TORONTO, Ont. — Do you know how much your fleet is idling? In this economy, you can’t afford not to, according to David Konopka, director of quality at A.D. Transport. Konopka was speaking at the Same Roads…New Challenges conference sponsored by Natural Resources Canada and FleetSmart in October.

Hear Konopka speak about getting to know his company’s idling numbers in the video section of our Green to Gold module. Go directly to the video here.

Trucknews.com’s Green to Gold section features videos, articles, blogs, stats and much more, focused on profiling the technologies, strategies, and practices that are good for the environment and your bottom line. To learn more visit www.trucknews.com/greensupplement.

[source - trucknews.com]

]]> http://www.myettnews.com/2009/07/get-to-know-your-idling-numbers-at-our-green-to-gold-module/feed/ 0 http://www.myettnews.com/2009/07/atri-updates-idling-regulations-listing/ http://www.myettnews.com/2009/07/atri-updates-idling-regulations-listing/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:14:47 +0000 Rhonda Flathman http://www.myettnews.com/?p=751 More than 40 states and localities now have idling regulations, according to the American Transportation Research Institute. The latest updates include several cities and counties in Missouri and Texas that have enacted 5-minute idling regulations, as well as a 1-minute idling limit near public schools in New York City. More details on these and other idling regulations updates can be found on the ATRI’s website at www.atri-online.org.

The American Transportation Research Institute has updated its listing of state and local idling regulations, noting that 41 states and localities now have idling regulations.

The updates include:

* Reducing the idling limit in St. Louis to 5 minutes from 10 minutes, and adding several operational exemptions.

* Also in Missouri, establishing 5-minute limits in Clay, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Platte, St. Charles and St. Louis counties

* Adopting the state’s 5-minute idling limit from April through October in several areas of Texas, including the cities of Arlington, Benbrook, Celina, Colleyville, Dallas, Euless, Georgetown, Hurst, Hutto, Keene, Lake Worth, Lancaster, Little Elm, Luling, Mabank, McKinney, Mesquite, North Richland Hills, Pecan Hill, University Park and Westlake, and the counties of Collin, Kaufman and Tarrant.

* Enacting a 1-minute idling limit adjacent to public schools in New York City.

In addition to the updates, the listing includes new information regarding idling regulations in Florida, Maine, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

ATRI, a non-profit research arm of the trucking industry, said will continue to monitor the development of idling regs, maintaining the compendium as a free service to help trucking companies and drivers comply with local laws.

The updated listing can be found on ATRI’s Web site, www.atri-online.org.

[source - ttnews.com]

]]> http://www.myettnews.com/2009/07/atri-updates-idling-regulations-listing/feed/ 0 http://www.myettnews.com/2009/06/bergstrom-unveils-no-idle-ac-system-for-day-cabs/ http://www.myettnews.com/2009/06/bergstrom-unveils-no-idle-ac-system-for-day-cabs/#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:58:38 +0000 Rhonda Flathman http://www.myettnews.com/?p=699 Touted as a green solution for day cab drivers, Bergstrom’s Nite Day Cab No-Idle Solution is a battery-powered air-conditioning system that helps conserve fuel and reduce idling. Compliant with new California Air Resources Board regulations, the system uses no fuel, but is charged during normal operation.

CARB-Approved System Offers No Idling for Day Cabs

Bergstrom has unveiled its Nite Day Cab No-Idle System, a battery-powered air conditioning system designed to comply with idling regulations. The system, which accommodates day cabs, was created out of demand for products that reduce idling and is approved by the California Air Resources Board.

“Just like their long-haul counterparts, day cab drivers are subject to state and local idling restrictions,” said Bill Gordon, national director of aftermarket and director of global marketing for Bergstrom. “This truly offers fleets the opportunity to keep day cab drivers comfortable in the hot weather while adhering to anti-idling regulations.”

Powered by one or two deep-cycle absorbed glass mat batteries, the Nite Day Cab No-Idle System uses the same technology as Bergstrom’s Nite Plus unit, but is installed as a split system. The compressor and evaporator are placed between the truck’s seats, and the condenser is mounted remotely to the exterior of the cab.

The battery-powered system uses no fuel, while the optional heating unit consumes 0.05 gallons per hour. The battery is charged while the truck runs normally. The system produces a sound level of less than 50 A-weighted decibels, the company says.

“Innovating alternative idle-reduction options for today’s Class 7 and 8 trucks are critical as drivers try to address tougher emission regulations and fluctuating fuel prices,” said Jack Shaffer, president of Bergstrom. “We are confident the Nite Day Cab No-Idle System offers a solid ‘green’ solution.”

For more information, visit www.nitesystem.com.

[source - truckinginfo.com] ]]> http://www.myettnews.com/2009/06/bergstrom-unveils-no-idle-ac-system-for-day-cabs/feed/ 0