International Truck and Engine Corp. announced its plans for an integrated factory-installed reduced idle system to be available this spring.

The announcement came Friday at the TCA Fuel Economy Summit.
The International No-Idle System provides a cost-effective means to reduce idling times and save an operator up to 0.8 gallons of fuel every hour, based on proven technologies including a fuel fired coolant heater system and self-contained electric a/c system powered by a choice of battery, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) or 110 volt ac shore power.
The company estimates, by reducing idling time by five hours a day, an operator could save 1,450 to 1,650 gallons of fuel annually, depending on whether the battery system or APU is used. At three dollars per gallon, that equates to $4,950 per year. The International No-Idle Power Pack battery and International No-Idle APU both feature a thoroughly tested heating-and-air-conditioning system. Components are protected from the environment by being placed inside the cab or installed in their own durable, corrosion-resistant enclosure. An externally chassis mounted, fuel-fired coolant heater supplies heating for the No-Idle Heat System. The No-Idle Heat System is coupled with International’s current HVAC system to deliver the heat, and is integrated into the current controls for operating ease and convenience. The fuel-fired coolant heater also provides a preheat solution for engine coolant. The No-Idle coolant heater system supplies 17,000 BTUs an hour in heat.
The electric air-conditioning system is a compact cooling system conveniently packaged under the bunk and accessible for maintenance from the right hand (passenger’s side) luggage-compartment door. The controls for the air-conditioning system are integrated into the current sleeper control module/panel. The electric air conditioning system provides 4,000 BTUs an hour of air-conditioning.
The No-Idle System is also available with an automatic transfer switch to transfer to 110 volt ac shore power when available. Its shore power option allows a truck to operate the heater and air conditioner using an external, auxiliary power source. Shore power will also provide power to keep the batteries charged, operate running lights and some hotel loads (refrigerators, microwave, etc.).
The International No Idle System also reduces engine maintenance costs by eliminating wear caused by unnecessary idling. Finally, the system allows an operator to comply with the increasing number of anti-idling laws in effect or pending.
The No Idle Battery System, Enhanced Cab and Sleeper Insulation, Fuel Fired Heater with Engine Preheat Option, and Electric HVAC will begin limited production in March 2006. The APU will begin production in May 2006. Benefits include:
• Integrated Heating with Engine Preheat Option: Fuel-Fired Coolant Heater integrated into the truck’s cooling system, allowing for engine preheat and requiring one coolant fill maintenance location.

• Cold Starting: The Coolant Heating System provides enough engine preheating capacity to allow the truck to start at temperatures down to -20°F.

• System Protection: The APU incorporates comprehensive shutdowns to prevent damage to the APU, heating and air-conditioning systems. The Battery Solution is equipped with a low-voltage disconnect that reserves enough power to start the main engine. Both systems incorporate an audible alarm to alert the operator when the system shuts down and goes into safe mode.

• Easy to Use: The International No-Idle System is conveniently controlled through the existing sleeper control panel that combines the pre-heat and bunk heat and a switch on the instrument panel in the front of the cab for pre-heat only.

• Factory Installed: This system specifically has been designed and integrated for use in International products, eliminating the need for aftermarket add-on units.

• Compact: The APU consumes only 24 inches of frame rail space. The Battery Solution consumes only 18 inches of frame rail space.

• Quiet and Low Vibration: The International No-Idle System significantly reduces noise and vibration by allowing the operator to turn off the main engine. International’s advanced packaging ensures that the APU will be among the quietest and most vibration-free available in the industry. Using the No-Idle Battery version, the operator can enjoy even a higher level of noise reduction.

• Synchronized Maintenance: 500 hours between service intervals allows the operator to service the APU during the normal service schedule for the truck and the removable cover allows easy access for all maintenance.