Photo courtesy of Next Generation Power |
Long-haul trucks idling overnight consume more than 838 million gallons of fuel each year. So why do truckers keep their engines idling when they're not in motion? Idling engines heat and cool the cabin, generate electricity for amenities, operate a generator, and eliminate the difficulty of starting a cold engine.
Alternatives to idling that don't involve using a truck's high-horsepower, high-torque engine to produce power for overnight needs could save a significant amount of fuel, reduce emissions, and cut operating costs.
The Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity (AVTA) team is investigating current technology alternatives to engine idling. Its goal is to find energy efficient ways to meet truckers' needs without idling the engine. The team initiated a study of idle reduction technologies and assessed the needs of the trucking industry for using these technologies. Using the results of the study, the team developed the following document that maps a route to idle reduction commercial acceptance through technology demonstration.
Idle Reduction Technology Demonstration Plan (PDF 557 KB)
(Download Acrobat Reader)
Workshops
In April 2003, DOE held the first idle reduction workshop, in Philadelphia, to solicit industry input on the Idle Reduction Technology Demonstration Plan. The input collected during this event was used to develop a request for proposals, or solicitation, from companies interested in participating in an idle reduction technology evaluation conducted by the AVTA team.
On September 12, 2003, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) hosted the second Heavy-Duty Idle Reduction Technologies Workshop in Cincinnati. The event followed the 2003 Fall Meeting of the Technology & Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Associations. It focused on identifying methods and establishing cooperative government/industry efforts to overcome cost barriers associated with idle reduction technologies.
Projects
Related Projects
Other organizations are also working on idle reduction. In 2004, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transportation Partnership announced a grant program to support States and non-profits in deploying stationary idle reduction technologies on major interstates.
For more information on idle reduction activities, contact Ken Proc.
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