Engine start module options
Truck OEMs such as Peterbilt and Kenworth have recently made ultracapacitor engine start modules (ESM) available as a factory-installed option. The ultracapacitor replaces one traditional battery dedicated to starting the vehicle. RELATED: Dealing with growing electrical demand issues? Check out our in-depth story charting all of your truck options. The ESM gives fleets assurance their
Answering your electrical load questions
Q: What specific battery maintenance is necessary to stave off low voltage concerns? A: For battery maintenance, diligent and frequent monitoring of battery voltage when the engine is switched off for more than several hours is very important. Also, be sure to maintain clean battery terminals that are torqued solidly. These clean, tight connections are
How to test for a voltage drain
What’s the proper testing procedure to find the source of the voltage drain? Mark Burnside, senior product manager of engine starting products for Maxwell Technologies, walks through the steps.
Low voltage lowdown: Dealing with growing electrical load demands
With the massive amount of electrical demand placed on today’s trucks, the dangers of low voltage demands are a real consequence faced by today’s fleets. The entire start and charge process of the truck’s electrical system is impacted by low voltage situations. You’ll see the effect in lift gates, electric APUs, hotel devices or any
How to run a parasitic load test
Jeff Brakley, senior business portfolio manager for trucks at Maxwell Technologies, told FE his method for determining the parasitic load on a truck: This can be accomplished with a digital multimeter (DMM). Prior to running a parasitic load test, the truck must be off, all doors closed and lights turned off. Many onboard computers and other
Equipment options that can help avoid parasitic loads
Each of FE’s interviewed battery manufacturers on the topic of parasitic loads were quick to mention the products they offer that will help trucks avoid parasitic load issues. Exide recommends their Road Force AGM 200, which they say has two times better cycling and 40% greater charge acceptance when compared to conventional flooded batteries, for
Keep the truck running: Fighting parasitic loads
Recruiting and retaining experienced, high-quality drivers is a challenge. The job demands long hours on the road away from family. To keep up with driver demand and support recruitment efforts, many of today’s trucks are decked out with all the latest in technology: GPS; TVs; refrigerators; entertainment systems; you name it. While this is certainly
Kenworth Advanced Charge Start system now in production
Kenworth has begun production on new trucks equipped with the Maxwell Engine Start Module (ESM). The ultracapacitor-based module will be a factory-installed option on new Kenworth T680 and T880 models. The module provides dedicated power to start the truck and frees the truck’s standard batteries to focus on powering accessory devices, such as a laptop,
Peterbilt offers Maxwell ultracapacitor-powered Engine Start Module
Maxwell Technologies Inc. and Peterbilt Motors Co. have announced that Peterbilt trucks will now begin offering Maxwell’s ultracapacitor-powered Engine Start Module (ESM) on new Model 579 and 567 trucks as a factory-installed option. Maxwell’s ESM enables fleets to give their drivers the starting reliability they demand while increasing payload, according to the company. The ultracapacitor
Beating the cold weather ‘no starts’
“Battery drain is an issue for fleets at parking facilities where drivers require hotel loads for comfort and convenience items, especially during rest periods required by new hours-of-service regulations,” says Ryan Bennett, vice president of product and marketing at Idle Smart. “With the right technology, fleets can monitor and eliminate battery drain so trucks are
Pulling power: Plugging into battery options
Starting, cycling, electrical systems, onboard computers, hotel loads—the demand for power from the truck is at an all-time high. As a fleet manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure the truck starts day-in, day-out, while drivers demand today’s advanced creature. It all comes down to one basic premise: “Energy in needs to exceed energy out. Batteries
Empowering components: Electrical products play an vital role in the truck’s operation
Whenever you talk about batteries, you have to talk about the electrical systems and the components they power. While the latest technology and devices might come to mind, electrical products such as starters, alternators, EGR valves, ignitions, sensors, turbo actuators, engine control units and headlamps play an vital role in the truck’s operation and have