Kenworth Truck Co. has announced that the Kenworth Clean Power no-idle system is fully compliant with California Air Resources Board (CARB) idling regulations going into effect Jan. 1, 2008, for sleeper trucks with 2007 and later model engines.
CARB’s new regulatory measures expand the 5-minute idling limit for heavy-duty vehicles to include sleeper berth trucks, ending by year-end their exemption to idle the engine during periods of sleeper and rest. CARB’s heavy-duty vehicle idling emission reduction program also sets requirements for anti-idling technologies, including auxiliary power units (APUs) and fuel-operated heaters. Both the idling and emission regulations apply to heavy- duty trucks operating in California, whether or not they are registered in the state.
“Customers operating Kenworth T660s equipped with Kenworth Clean Power can rest comfortably without idling and conform with California’s new, 5-minute idling limit when it takes effect on January 1, 2008,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth chief engineer. “Kenworth Clean Power also may enhance fuel economy by as much as 8 percent for customers with current high idling times.”
Kenworth Clean Power uses dedicated, advanced deep-cycle batteries that power a thermal storage cooler with 21,000 BTUs of cooling capacity. The system has the capability of providing engine-off cooling and heating, plus 120-volt power for hotel loads.
Once the truck is shut off, a thermostat regulates the desired temperature and a variable speed fan circulates chilled air through a duct located near the bunk. The system is able to keep the sleeper cool and provide accessory power for up to 10 hours, even when the outside temperature is as high as 95 degrees (overall performance may vary depending on battery condition, outside temperature, humidity and 12-volt DC and 120-volt AC accessory usage). When temperatures dip, the heater mounted under the bunk and controlled by a thermostat provides heat in the sleeper. A sleeper control panel is used to help maintain a comfortable temperature. Kenworth Clean Power also comes with an enhanced sleeper insulation package and high-output, low-current LED lighting for greater efficiency, its maker says.
More information on Kenworth Clean Power is available on Kenworth’s Web site (www.kenworth.com). Visitors to the site can watch a 4-minute video, calculate their potential savings, view an electronic brochure, and order a Kenworth Clean Power DVD video and brochure online.
More information on the new idling regulations is available at the California Air Resources Board Web site (http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/truck-idling/truck-idling.htm).
