Demonstration of Integrated Mobile Idle Reduction Solutions

This research involved the demonstration and evaluation of mobile idle reduction technologies on heavy-duty trucks, either installed as part of the truck manufacturing process or prior to the truck being placed in service. Through a competitive solicitation process, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) selected and contracted with three motor carriers to lead each demonstration. After the carriers purchased and installed the selected idle reduction technologies, ATRI worked closely with the participating fleets to collect and evaluate the performance data and analyses. With the deployment of the selected idle reduction technologies, main engine idling comprised from 5% to 22% of total engine operating time. This represented a reduction in idling of 42% to 78% from baseline conditions. Idling continued to be highest during the hottest or coldest months, which may imply that the selected technologies were less effective during extreme temperatures. The estimated emission reductions from the use of the selected idle reduction technologies amounted to more than 27 tons per year of NOx, 0.6 tons per year of particulate matter and 1,265 tons per year of CO2. The payback periods for the selected technologies were generally longer than anticipated. Payback periods ranging from 16 to 45 months were identified for some of the units while other units were not expected to provide a payback within the period of ownership. Several factors influenced the payback periods including the level of baseline idling, usage of the idle reduction technology and initial and ongoing costs. Several features were identified which could facilitate the integration of commercially available idle reduction technologies into the truck manufacturing process. These features include improving cab insulation, improving air flow by designating vent locations and ducting paths, standardizing connections and components, coordinating main engine and idle system use, and developing system management tools. The further development of these features is expected to improve performance, decrease installation costs and provide better management oversight and utilization.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Transportation Research Institute

  950 N Glebe Road, Suite 210
  Arlington, VA  United States  22203

  Environmental Protection Agency

  1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20460
• Authors:
  • Tunnell, Michael
• Publication Date: 2009-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 45p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air quality management; Auxiliary power units; Carbon dioxide; Cost effectiveness; Demonstration projects; Engine idling; Exhaust gases; Heavy duty trucks; Idle time; Motor carriers; Nitrogen oxides; Particulates; Performance measurement; Technological innovations
• Uncontrolled Terms: Idle reduction; Payback
• Subject Areas: Environment; Motor Carriers; Vehicles and Equipment; I15: Environment; I90: Vehicles;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01141640
• Record Type: Publication
• Contract Numbers: XA-83268301-0
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 1 2009 4:15PM