Certain idle reduction technologies can improve idling and reduce emissions, according to recent research by the American Transportation Research Institute.
While idling was reduced by 42 to 78 percent from baseline conditions using these technologies, the research found that payback periods were longer than expected, ranging from 16 to 45 months for some technologies.
"A number of technologies exist that can generate cab power without operating the truck's main engine," ATRI said in its results. "However, the in-cab performance and related return-on-investment of these technologies has not been well documented."
ATRI's project, which was sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, tested such idle reduction technologies as auxiliary power units, battery-powered air conditioning systems and thermal storage air conditioning systems, with the goal of providing recommendations for integrating these technologies into the truck manufacturing process.
"This research captures some of the real-world challenges motor carriers face when deploying idle reduction technologies," said Frank Molodecki, vice president of safety and revenue equipment 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."
According to ATRI, the estimated annual emission reductions from the use of these technologies was more than 27 tons of nitrogen oxides, 0.6 tons of particulate matter, and 1,265 tons of carbon dioxide. The research found that idling was the highest during the hottest or coldest months.
As part of the research, carriers provided areas where integration can be improved, including cab insulation, air flow, connection and components, engine coordination and system management.
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