Customers using Meritor WABCO’s electrically controlled air dryer (ECAD) are now reporting proven fuel savings. According to the company, early adopter fleets of the newest member of the System Saver product family, the System Saver ECAD introduced in February 2012 in North America, are reporting an annual reduction in fuel consumption of 100 gal. or more.
The fuel savings, Meritor WABCO reports, are derived from the ECAD system’s ability to generate air pressure during low engine-demand cycles, reducing parasitic loss caused when the compressor diverts horsepower from the engine. ECAD employs two solenoid valves for air pressure generation and air dryer regeneration. The system’s control unit uses pressure, engine speed and operating time, road speed and ambient temperature to enable regeneration cycles only when necessary.