Bendix has announced a new AD-HFi air dryer that the company says features the same design of the previous AD-HF dryer, but incorporates a solenoid-operated valve that replaces the traditional mechanical governor.
The new Bendix AD-HFi air dryer aims to deliver three key demands—more dry air for the systems today’s trucks depend on; improved energy efficiency; and air system diagnostics—with the addition of electronic pressure control, the manufacturer announced in a press release.
“An electronically controlled governor means we precisely regulate the dryer’s charge and regeneration cycles using Bendix’s Electronic Air Control (EAC) software,” explained Rich Nagel, Bendix director of marketing and customer solutions, Air Supply and Drivetrain. “This function enables the dryer to operate under different parameters in different conditions, increasing its dry air processing capability and saving energy. That same software also provides diagnostics that help fleets and owner-operators get the most out of their dryers and cartridges.”
The Bendix AD-HFi air dryer’s solenoid is controlled by EAC software monitors a range of data broadcast across a truck’s J1939 network, including speed, engine torque and RPM.
“With EAC software, the AD-HFi unit can modify its charge cycle based on air system and engine demands,” Nagel said. “If the software determines that the air system requires extra drying capacity – let’s say you’re hauling multiple trailers or have extra axles, for instance – then it can command additional short purge cycles. This patent-pending technology is called Interrupted Charge Regeneration (ICR). This enhanced purge capability provides significantly more dry air for vehicles that need it.”
Efficiency and energy savings are also built into the EAC software in the form of Overrun and Overtake functions, Bendix noted. When a compressor is building pressure, it consumes approximately 8 to 10 HP from the engine. EAC software uses the vehicle’s operating information to determine optimal compressor run times, Bendix says.
The EAC software provides air dryer-related status messages over the J1939 network, with the capability to monitor excessive air demand, which can indicate system leaks or other issues. It also monitors regeneration cycles and the amount of air processed during the service life of a dryer cartridge. Using this information along with other data from the compressor, the EAC can signal when it’s time to replace the cartridge.
A message that broadcasts the remaining life of the dryer cartridge can be reset after replacement using Bendix ACom Pro diagnostic software.
The AD-HFi includes field-serviceable, cartridge-style pressure protection valves (PPV) and is designed to work solely with a Bendix PuraGuard oil coalescing spin-on cartridge, Bendix notes.
The AD-HFi is available for order through several major North American commercial vehicle manufacturers.
