Idle reduction technologies – the basics

Scope

Idle reduction technologies apply to all carriers that use internal combustion engines.

Regulatory citations

• Many jurisdictions in the United States and Canada have restrictions limiting idling.

Key definitions

• Idle reduction hardware: Mechanical systems designed to reduce idle time, such as auxiliary power units and generator sets (gen-sets).
• Idle reduction software: Software on the vehicle that takes action to reduce idling, such as a timer that shuts the engine off after the vehicle has been parked for a specific number of minutes.
• Idle time or idling: Periods when the main engine of a vehicle is running but is not being used to move the vehicle or drive necessary accessory equipment (such as loading or unloading pumps). Normally, warmup time, cooldown time, and time spent waiting in stopped traffic does not qualify as idling.

Summary of requirements

What is truck idling? It is not uncommon for a long-haul truck driver to park at a truck stop or rest area, leave the engine running, and climb back into the sleeper berth to rest. The driver leaves the engine idling to heat or cool the vehicle, and to operate on-board electrical appliances. Another reason the vehicle may be idling is to ensure the engine block, fuel, and oil remain warm in cold weather.

Studies have shown that a typical long-haul tractor-trailer idles approximately 1,830 hours per year. Across the industry, this practice consumes roughly 838 million gallons of diesel fuel annually. It also contributes to air pollution and noise.

Many states and municipalities have enacted laws to reduce idling, but the fact remains that truckers need to stay comfortable in the cab if they are to get a decent night’s sleep.

What are idle reduction technologies? Idle reduction technologies seek to reduce the idling time for long-haul trucks, reducing diesel consumption and emissions. There is a range of technologies that seek to reduce idling, both through on-board systems contained in the truck and off-board systems that provide electricity and other services to the truck cab.

Onboard devices include automatic engine shut down systems that cycle the main engine to maintain a desired cabin temperature. Direct fired heaters (another onboard option) produce heat from combustion of a small amount of diesel fuel in an auxiliary burner. Auxiliary power units (APU’s) and generator sets are small diesel engines installed on a truck to supply air conditioning, heat, and electrical power.

Offboard options (also called shore power), such as truck stop electrification, provide electrical power to a truck for powering accessories such as refrigerators and microwaves. If the truck is equipped with electrical heating and air conditioning systems, these can be powered as well. Systems are also in place at some truck stops that provide heating/air conditioning, electrical power, cable TV, and internet through a window-mounted unit.

What vehicles can use idle reduction technologies? Idle reduction technologies are intended for use in long-haul tractor trailers to provide cab comfort during extended rest periods. These technologies are readily available for purchase, and may offer a good return on investment based on the economic and idle reduction requirements of the drivers and their companies.

Some heavy truck manufacturers are offering idle reduction technologies or technology prep kits as factory options on their trucks. Additional technologies are offered as aftermarket retrofits for existing trucks. As noted above, there are also systems available that do not require any onboard truck equipment.

Why should trucks use these technologies? Implementing idle reduction technologies on long-haul tractor-trailers can have several positive impacts:

• Emission reduction. Nationwide, truck idling emits 11 million tons of carbon dioxide, 180,000 tons of nitrogen oxide and 5,000 tons of particulate matter annually.
• Fleet fuel savings. Idle reduction technology can shift energy consumption during rest periods from diesel to electricity, potentially saving the trucker money.
• Health benefits. Reduction in emissions reduce personal health risks.
• Truck wear and tear. Idling causes undo stress on many engine parts and components. Reduction in idling allows for a longer service-life for these parts.

Idle reduction technologies are financially beneficial and their initial costs can be recuperated by fleets in fuel savings in as little as two years. In addition, the federal government and several states have deemed idle reduction technologies essential enough to assist in financing.

Over 20 states, led by California and the Clean Air Resources Board (CARB), have enacted legislation that bans or severely restricts idling of commercial motor vehicles. This regulatory trend is expected to continue as more and more states develop their own clean air initiatives.

For a detailed list of the states that have anti-idling regulations in place go to FleetMentor’s state cross-reference.