Admin
April 23rd, 2005, 22:27
Having recently invested in generators for some of our trucks, and experiencing less than acceptable performance from these units, we have begun to look at possible alternatives to provide our drivers with heating and cooling. A recent and growing number of states are now enforcing “no-idling” laws, and several companies are already offering alternatives to the APU’s (auxiliary power units) presently available.
It appears that some of these companies have had heating systems available for a few years, but the more recent development of alternative cooling systems have little if any actual on the road testing. Some of these companies have systems that rely entirely on batteries while others are using new techniques that offer space age technology to achieve the intended results. While the promise of heating and cooling without the need to idle or using high maintenance generators is certainly appealing, most owners and owner operators will probably be reluctant to invest in unproven technology.
The anti-idling laws will change the habits of the trucking industry hopefully for the better. However unless the generator companies can improve dramatically on their products, they too will be left behind for concepts that are more environmentally friendly. Even though the generators are normally quieter and much more fuel efficient than idling, the oil changes, belt changes, and control panel electronic issues make the majority of these units, simply more trouble than they are worth. However faced with the new laws and the simple comfort requirements of today’s drivers, they have until recently been the only viable alternative to idling. That is however with the also expensive alternative of heating, cooling shore power offerings at truck stops by a company called IdleAire.
Last week I spoke with Ken Einheuser with Webasto, an international company headquartered in Stockdorf Germany having over 100 years in business. Ken told me about their new system called Blue Cool. This unit uses only 24” of frame rail for the outside unit and weighs in at 250#’s. The unit is virtually maintenance free requiring only an air filter change about once a year. The in cab chiller/handler weighs 26 pounds and provides fan and temperature controls. The unit has been tested to provide up to 10 hours of cooling without a system recharge, which is accomplished through running or idling the truck. The ten hour testing was performed at night with an ambient temperature of 95 degrees and was effective in cooling the cab below 70 degrees. Ken was very upfront with me and stated that while the unit itself is not less efficient in the direct sunlight, the heat generated by the sun transferred heat into the bunk and places cooling restrictions on the hourly cooling ability. Ken estimated that at 95 degrees in direct sunlight the Blue Cool system would probably last only six hours. Starting the truck would then recharge the system and after approximately three to four hours. The unit can be wired to accept shore power which would then allow unlimited cooling time.
While it may not be perfect in all applications at this time, it appears that Webasto may have the answer to the majority of needs for the expedited trucker. The heating units evidently are designed to run directly off the fuel supply and apparently do not have the times limits of the Blue Cool system.
Webasto provides perhaps the strongest entry into this new technology with pricing far below that of the leading APU systems. Their heating system is designed to sell at $1000 installed, and the Blue Cool system for $3200 installed. The combined cost of $4200 is a minimum of $2000 less than the leading APU’s.
Their heating systems are offered as an unpublished option in Volvo and Freightliner trucks. The following clip is taken from their website... .
As the world's leading manufacturer of roof and temperature management systems Webasto creates increased comfort for all vehicles. Our statement "Feel the drive" is more than a promise; it's a requirement. Webasto has addressed every aspect of vehicle usage with solutions to increase comfort every step of the way. North American headquarters are located outside of Detroit, Michigan, with global support provided by strategic partnerships in 43 countries. Webasto. Feel the drive.
Here is a link to the Blue Cool sales brochure with product specifications http://www.webastoshowroom.com/images/bluecool_truck_flyer.pdf
The following link will take you to their main page where you can browse for truck heaters and other Webasto products.
http://www.webasto-us.com/home/en/homepage.html
Other companies involved in the anti-generator revolution for our specific industry are mentioned below with web links. New technology often arrives as untested and is considered risky by many in all industries. Solid in the field testing is needed with specific testing results published in order for most in our industry to feel comfortable in parting with our hard earned dollars. Warranties and service availability will also affect the typical purchaser’s decision on product selection. But let’s face it, most of us would love to part ways with our high maintenance generators.
Bergstrom Inc.
www.nitesystem.com/, (866) 204-8570
This company manufacture the No-Idle Thermal Environment (NITE) system which provides air conditioning and heat, but uses a battery pack to supply the power (it uses two deep cycle 6V batteries connected in series to provide 12V). The NITE system combines a fully independent air-conditioning system and a compact air-heating system with a smart control system and a self-contained power source. Both are installed under the bunk bed in the sleeper compartment. When fully charged, the batteries provide 10 hours of full operational use. It takes 4-6 hours to recharge. Total weight 210 lb (including the two batteries). It does not require major maintenance and installs within 7-9 hours. Cost: $3,495
Safer Corporation
www.saferco.com/english.htm, (877) 777-2337
This company manufacturers a product called "VIESA." Their device uses the truck's battery power and regular water to cool the cab without the use of the truck's engine. No fuel is consumed. The device does not provide heat or electrical power. The system consumes a low electric power consumption of a maximum of 8 amps in a 12-volt system and 4 amps in a 24-volt system. Average water consumption is less than 1 gallon per hour. Total Weight 126 lbs (including water) 1 -year warranty. Cost: $1450 Installed.
by Tom Robertson
Editor. Truckstop USA
It appears that some of these companies have had heating systems available for a few years, but the more recent development of alternative cooling systems have little if any actual on the road testing. Some of these companies have systems that rely entirely on batteries while others are using new techniques that offer space age technology to achieve the intended results. While the promise of heating and cooling without the need to idle or using high maintenance generators is certainly appealing, most owners and owner operators will probably be reluctant to invest in unproven technology.
The anti-idling laws will change the habits of the trucking industry hopefully for the better. However unless the generator companies can improve dramatically on their products, they too will be left behind for concepts that are more environmentally friendly. Even though the generators are normally quieter and much more fuel efficient than idling, the oil changes, belt changes, and control panel electronic issues make the majority of these units, simply more trouble than they are worth. However faced with the new laws and the simple comfort requirements of today’s drivers, they have until recently been the only viable alternative to idling. That is however with the also expensive alternative of heating, cooling shore power offerings at truck stops by a company called IdleAire.
Last week I spoke with Ken Einheuser with Webasto, an international company headquartered in Stockdorf Germany having over 100 years in business. Ken told me about their new system called Blue Cool. This unit uses only 24” of frame rail for the outside unit and weighs in at 250#’s. The unit is virtually maintenance free requiring only an air filter change about once a year. The in cab chiller/handler weighs 26 pounds and provides fan and temperature controls. The unit has been tested to provide up to 10 hours of cooling without a system recharge, which is accomplished through running or idling the truck. The ten hour testing was performed at night with an ambient temperature of 95 degrees and was effective in cooling the cab below 70 degrees. Ken was very upfront with me and stated that while the unit itself is not less efficient in the direct sunlight, the heat generated by the sun transferred heat into the bunk and places cooling restrictions on the hourly cooling ability. Ken estimated that at 95 degrees in direct sunlight the Blue Cool system would probably last only six hours. Starting the truck would then recharge the system and after approximately three to four hours. The unit can be wired to accept shore power which would then allow unlimited cooling time.
While it may not be perfect in all applications at this time, it appears that Webasto may have the answer to the majority of needs for the expedited trucker. The heating units evidently are designed to run directly off the fuel supply and apparently do not have the times limits of the Blue Cool system.
Webasto provides perhaps the strongest entry into this new technology with pricing far below that of the leading APU systems. Their heating system is designed to sell at $1000 installed, and the Blue Cool system for $3200 installed. The combined cost of $4200 is a minimum of $2000 less than the leading APU’s.
Their heating systems are offered as an unpublished option in Volvo and Freightliner trucks. The following clip is taken from their website... .
As the world's leading manufacturer of roof and temperature management systems Webasto creates increased comfort for all vehicles. Our statement "Feel the drive" is more than a promise; it's a requirement. Webasto has addressed every aspect of vehicle usage with solutions to increase comfort every step of the way. North American headquarters are located outside of Detroit, Michigan, with global support provided by strategic partnerships in 43 countries. Webasto. Feel the drive.
Here is a link to the Blue Cool sales brochure with product specifications http://www.webastoshowroom.com/images/bluecool_truck_flyer.pdf
The following link will take you to their main page where you can browse for truck heaters and other Webasto products.
http://www.webasto-us.com/home/en/homepage.html
Other companies involved in the anti-generator revolution for our specific industry are mentioned below with web links. New technology often arrives as untested and is considered risky by many in all industries. Solid in the field testing is needed with specific testing results published in order for most in our industry to feel comfortable in parting with our hard earned dollars. Warranties and service availability will also affect the typical purchaser’s decision on product selection. But let’s face it, most of us would love to part ways with our high maintenance generators.
Bergstrom Inc.
www.nitesystem.com/, (866) 204-8570
This company manufacture the No-Idle Thermal Environment (NITE) system which provides air conditioning and heat, but uses a battery pack to supply the power (it uses two deep cycle 6V batteries connected in series to provide 12V). The NITE system combines a fully independent air-conditioning system and a compact air-heating system with a smart control system and a self-contained power source. Both are installed under the bunk bed in the sleeper compartment. When fully charged, the batteries provide 10 hours of full operational use. It takes 4-6 hours to recharge. Total weight 210 lb (including the two batteries). It does not require major maintenance and installs within 7-9 hours. Cost: $3,495
Safer Corporation
www.saferco.com/english.htm, (877) 777-2337
This company manufacturers a product called "VIESA." Their device uses the truck's battery power and regular water to cool the cab without the use of the truck's engine. No fuel is consumed. The device does not provide heat or electrical power. The system consumes a low electric power consumption of a maximum of 8 amps in a 12-volt system and 4 amps in a 24-volt system. Average water consumption is less than 1 gallon per hour. Total Weight 126 lbs (including water) 1 -year warranty. Cost: $1450 Installed.
by Tom Robertson
Editor. Truckstop USA