 |
PRESS RELEASES
Kenworth Clean Power System Will Make Idling a Thing of the Past
Download a PDF of this release.
LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 22, 2006 – If Kenworth Truck Company has its way, idling will soon be a thing of the past.
The Kenworth Clean Power System features a battery-powered climate control system with the capability to provide engine-off heating and cooling, plus 110v “hotel load” power to drivers for a full 10 hours.
The Kenworth Clean Power System is an exciting development and departure from other truck OEM solutions, according to Mike Dozier, Kenworth chief engineer. “Idle reduction is becoming a critical issue for the industry, and the solutions offered to date do not meet the true needs of the industry in terms of cost, approach or length of operation,” said Dozier. “Many engine-off heating solutions last only four to six hours, which is not adequate for many operations.” Kenworth has been notified by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that the Kenworth Clean Power System will be awarded a patent. Other U.S. and foreign patents are pending.
“Kenworth will optimize engine-off performance to 10 hours, the same as an entire off-duty period. We believe our approach is the cleanest and the most cost-efficient,” Dozier said. “The system’s payback can be measured in months, not years.”
According to Dozier, the Kenworth Clean Power System offers the potential for as much as an 8% improvement in overall fuel economy by eliminating the one gallon of fuel typically burned per idle hour.
“The available savings is significant and is sure to figure into the calculations of those fleets and owner-operators interested in ordering fuel efficient, aerodynamic trucks to help offset some of the anticipated costs of the new EPA-mandated 2007 engines entering into next year,” said Dozier.
Cooling and electric capacity is generated and stored as the truck is driven down the road, or when the truck is connected to shore power. “Once the truck is shut off, the battery-powered cooling system takes over and a thermostat regulates the driver’s desired sleeper temperature,” said Dozier. “A dial-controlled fan circulates chilled air through a duct located near the bunk. For dual bunk set-ups, a second duct keeps the upper bunk area cool.”
Extensive testing has shown that the Kenworth Clean Power System is able to keep the sleeper cool for 10 hours, even with outside ambient temperatures of up to 95 degrees.
Kenworth Truck Company, a division of PACCAR Inc, is a leading manufacturer of heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth is the recipient of the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates awards for Highest in Customer Satisfaction for both Over the Road Segment and Pickup and Delivery Segment Class 8 Trucks, and for Heavy Duty Dealer Service. Kenworth is also the recipient of the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates awards for Highest in Customer Satisfaction in the Medium Duty Conventional Truck Segment and for Medium Duty Dealer Service. Kenworth’s Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth. The World's Best.
|
