Air Conditioning: The Key to Rider Comfort

This article examines air conditioning systems aboard bus, rail or motor coach vehicles, particularly in light of increasing efforts by transit agencies to go greener. Air conditioning is considered vital in the American market, particularly in hot areas of the country; if the air conditioning doesn’t work, the bus is taken out of service in communities like Broward County, Florida. But air conditioning systems typically use mechanical power from fuel-powered engines. With the switch to hybrid buses with smaller engines there is a need to electrify the air conditioning system. In addition, low-floor buses and the mandated phasing out of Refrigerant-22, which contributes to ozone depletion, has prompted several heating ventilation and air condition (HVAC) manufacturers to move air conditioning systems from the rear to the roof. The component most affected by these changes is the air conditioner’s compressor. The article provides a list of companies in the HVAC manufacturing business for transit vehicles.

• Authors:
  • Curry, Jenna
• Publication Date: 2008-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 56-59
• Serial:
  • Metro Magazine
  • Volume: 104
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Metro Magazine

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air conditioning systems; Air quality management; Emission control systems; Passenger comfort; Passenger service; Refrigerants
• Subject Areas: Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01095703
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 30 2008 7:30AM