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As part of the Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, the Fleet Test and Evaluation (FT&E) team is working with Espar, International Truck and Engine Corporation, and Wal-Mart Transportation to demonstrate and evaluate trucks equipped with Espar's combined heating and cooling system. The trucks also will be equipped with Espar engine pre-heaters to reduce idling done to avoid cold-start problems.
Combined Heating and Cooling Technology
Espar is providing the heating and cooling systems used in this evaluation. The truck cabs are heated with Espar's Airtronic bunk heater, a compact air heater that consumes only one gallon of diesel fuel per 21-23 hours of operation, according to Espar. The cabs are cooled with the DC Airco rooftop-mounted electric air conditioning unit, which operates on battery power. The test trucks also will be equipped with Espar's Hydronic 5 engine pre-heater. Using minimal battery power and fuel, the Hydronic 5 circulates hot coolant through a cold engine, providing a "warm start" and eliminating the need for idling to keep the engine warm.
Fleet Evaluation: Wal-Mart Transportation
The heating and cooling systems will be installed in 20 International class 8 heavy-duty trucks, which will be operated by Wal-Mart Transportation. Wal-Mart Transportation provides trucking services for Wal-Mart retail stores and distribution centers. The FT&E team is evaluating the 20 test trucks and two control trucks in cooperation with Espar, International, and Wal-Mart Transportation.
For more information on idle reduction activities, contact Ken Proc.
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