This Month’s Theme: Air Conditioning Systems
Anti-Idling A/C Systems Conform to Environmental Standards While Meeting Customer Demand
dling gets you nowhere is a common refrain. Yet drivers of heavyduty diesel vehicles typically rely on idling their engines to keep the engine and fuel warm, mask out noises and smells, ensure safety, and keep the cab warm or cool during rest periods. The consequences of this practice are staggering; they paint a disturbing picture of the total output of ener-
tion. The Sleeping Well series is one AC brand described as extremely efficient with a 12 volt air conditioning no-idle system that burns no fuel, discharges no emissions, runs quietly, requires little maintenance, and offers fast payback. The Campellford, Ontario-based Wilson Instruments is one supplier of the Sleeping Well. The company was instrumental in establishing a distribution network for the Italian made product which was popular in Europe and later modified to meet the demands of the North American market. “We needed something that was more component-oriented that could
gy, financial costs and environmental damage. Studies indicate that in a single year idling trucks consume in excess of 1 billion gallons of diesel fuel. The fuel cost savings alone amount to more than $2,000 per truck per year. In the wake of widespread anti-idling legislation, spearheaded as usual in California, heating and air conditioning systems are undergoing sweeping changes. New technologies enable drivers to shut off the main engine while parked, relying on onboard battery storage or auxiliary power units (APU) which, in some cases, are powered by a “shore power” connec-
be easily installed and taken out,” says company president, Gary Wilson. Sleeping Well systems rely on battery powered auxiliary power units (APU) that are capable of providing 10 hours of power before recharge. They are a three-component system consisting of an evaporator which is mounted high in the cab where the highest concentration of heat is located, compressors are placed in the kick box below, and a condenser mounted to the outside of the cab. This system is available in two sizes - 3200 and 6000 BTUs. Measured against larger air conditioners that run as high as 10,000 BTUs, Sleeping Wells’ units are
By Marek Krasuski
I
6 July 2010
relatively small. Wilson cautions against subscribing to the assumption that bigger is better. “These units are strategically located in order to maximize the conversion of warm air and humidity into cold.” “We are able to use a smaller BTU unit because our evaporator is up high in the vehicle where it works most efficiently. Our systems work in the heat where they are most needed.” Wilson explains that many competitor units are located at the bottom of the cab where cold air is pushed upward. Sleeping Well, conversely, extracts the heat and humidity from the upper part of the unit, leaving only cool air behind. The key to successful air conditioning is the power source. “It’s all about the batteries,” continues Wilson. “As batteries get better, they provide a longer running time.” Wilson Instruments matches AC units to the individual demands of drivers. Truckers with more frequent runs to hot and humid regions like Texas or New Mexico require larger units and longer running batteries to counteract extreme climactic conditions. Innovative Transportation Solutions (ITS) Distributing, another supplier of the Sleeping Well series, recently announced its units will come equipped with 48530 Battery Isolators which promise a more flexible solution than traditional isolators. The battery is smaller, lighter, and generates less heat than its competitors. The battery reduces the charging system workload by not connecting to the auxiliary battery unit, the primary battery is charged to 13.2 V, resulting in lower strain on expensive charging components and extending product life, according to informa-
tion posted on the ITS website. Auxiliary power units that support air conditioners, heaters, and other devices are known to extend engine life, save fuel, reduce air and noise pollution and fall under the radar of highly punitive engine idling regulations. Some industry watchers, however, deride the APU system for its overall inefficiency. “There is not one APU out there which is not a problem,” says one representative. APUs can run as high as $12,000 and require additional maintenance that results in higher costs for oil and filter changes and more vehicle downtime. Among the best claims of high efficiency units is the Bergstrom NITE system provided by Espar Heating Systems. This latest version of the NoIdle Thermal Environment, known as NITE Plus, boasts a 30 percent higher cooling capacity that is generated with less battery power, promising a longer running cycle and cooler environment. It features new heat exchangers and redesigned airflow, making for efficient cooling with a capacity of 4,680 BTU/hour. Another AC brand which does not rely on auxiliary power units is the Arctic Breeze Truck AC by Hammond Air Conditioning.
This 12V/DC air cooling system is quiet, vibration free, and uses sustainable energy resources. With a potential payback cycle of just 12 months, the Arctic Breeze draws 45 amps
Dynamic and Compact models can be easily mounted on the cab wall or roof. The evaporative cooling systems are comprised of the unit itself and a water tank. A control
and provides a significant 8000 BTUs of cooling. “Based on a duty cycle of 50 to 60%, the system consumes only 350 watts per hour on average,” says the company website. The Arctic Breeze is powered by 6 truck batteries that maintain an optimum level of comfort from 12 to 16 hours, depending on time of day, colour of truck and the number of operating accessories. Cool Moves, a Concord, Ontario-based company, offers a series of ecofriendly cooling solutions. Both its Bycool and Minicool products are lightweight, low power systems that meet all environmental standards. The Mochila, Revolution,
panel allows the driver to moderate the rate of water delivery, fan speed, and shut off times. The pump mounted on the tank, which controls water flow, runs silently and in accordance with the panel setting. The process eliminates heat, leaving only slightly moisturized cool air. Tanks only need to be refilled with tap water every few days. Demonstrations at trade shows confirm that the units are energy efficient; each unit ran for three days on one Group 31 battery each. No-Idling air conditioning systems, once again, demonstrate industry flexibility in meeting the challenges of stricter environmental standards.
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