Bergstrom Inc. has developed a new battery-powered air conditioning system, the NITE Day Cab No-Idle System, in response to growing demand for solutions to reduce idling in the day cab industry, as well as to meet increasing federal, state and local regulations against truck idling, the company said.
The system utilizes one or two deep-cycle absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries to power the air conditioning system. This keeps the driver cool when the truck’s engine is turned off. To assure there is sufficient battery power to start the truck, the starting batteries are protected from discharge by a separator.
The system uses the same technology as Bergstrom’s NITE Plus unit, but is installed as a split system. The compressor and evaporator are installed between the truck’s seats, and the condenser is mounted remotely to the exterior of the cab.
The system also offers reduced fuel consumption savings. When the system is in the air-conditioning mode, no fuel is used as the unit uses deep-cycle AGM battery power. With the optional heating unit, it consumes only 0.05 gal. per hour. The truck’s alternator charges the battery during normal operation, the company said.
The system runs quietly and requires minimal maintenance, its maker said. When the system is in air conditioning mode, the sound level doesn’t exceed 50 dBA, plus the unit is CARB approved.
The unit’s power system will be available in Summer 2009, from both Bergstrom Kysor and major OEM dealerships. It carries a two-year limited warranty. For more information, visit www.nitesystem.com.
