Additional Idle Solutions

Additional Idle Solutions

The report identified technologies that fleets can use to reduce engine idling:

  • Automatic engine start/stop start systems
  • Battery HVAC systems
  • Diesel APUs
  • Fuel-Operated/Diesel-Fired Heaters

However there are number of ancillary technologies that can be beneficial to a fleet’s idle-reduction efforts. Most of these sleeper tractor additions are passive, and can be used in conjunction with other active idle-reduction systems, to achieve even better levels of idle reduction.

They include:

  • Additional cab insulation decreases the energy demanded by the heating and cooling systems. Insulated bunk curtains, windshield curtains, and extra insulation are options.
  • Light-colored paint helps reduce the heat loading of the sun on interior of the vehicle. A black vehicle requires 26.3% more energy to cool on a sunny summer day than the same baseline vehicle painted white.
  • Auxiliary CPAP battery powers a CPAP machine through the night, which can help relieve the truck’s batteries from having to power the machine.
  • Ultracapacitor starting system can alleviate the strain on discharged batteries and help start the engine. The system can store energy and deliver power.
  • Sleeping quarters, such as hotels or dormitories, may be the most radical method of reducing idling by getting the driver out of the vehicle altogether for the HOS restart period.
  • Truck Stop Electrification is similar to hookups at RV parks and allows trucks to power everything drivers need from an external power source. Some systems require special wiring and equipment. Others provide everything through a console that fits through the window frame.
  • Off-board AC power systems (also known as shore power) combine elements of both vehicle and truck stop electrification as they require both AC wiring and power ports to be installed inside the sleeper as well as infrastructure to be deployed for an external AC power source.
  • Solar panels can augment the amount of power generated by the alternator, but they are especially useful for charging the battery HVAC system to allow longer running time. And to help prevent hotel loads from draining the batteries.
To learn more, download the Idle Reduction Confidence Report.