International Truck and Engine Corporation introduces no idle system

WARRENVILLE, Ill. International Truck and Engine Corporation has announced its plans for an integrated factory-installed reduced idle system to be available this spring.

The International No Idle System provides a means to reduce idling times and save an operator up to 0.8 gallons of fuel every hour, based on proven technologies including a fuel fired coolant heater system and self-contained electric a/c system powered by a choice of battery, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) or 110 volt ac shore power, says International.

The company estimates, by reducing idling time by five hours a day, an operator could save 1,450 to 1,650 gallons of fuel annually, depending on whether the battery system or APU is used. At three dollars per gallon that equates to $4,950 per year.

The International No Idle Power Pack battery and International No Idle APU both feature a thoroughly tested heating-and-air-conditioning system. Components are protected from the environment by being placed inside the cab or installed in their own durable, corrosion-resistant enclosure.

An externally chassis mounted, fuel-fired coolant heater supplies heating for the No Idle Heat System. The No Idle Heat System is coupled with current HVAC system to deliver the heat, and is integrated into the current controls for operating ease and convenience. The fuel fired coolant heater also provides a preheat solution for engine coolant. The No Idle coolant heater system supplies 17,000 BTUs an hour in heat.

The electric air conditioning system is a compact cooling system conveniently packaged under-the-bunk and accessible for maintenance from the right hand (passenger’s side) luggage-compartment door. The controls for the air-conditioning system are integrated into the current sleeper control module/panel. The electric air conditioning system provides 4,000 BTUs an hour of air conditioning.

The No Idle System is also available with an automatic transfer switch to transfer to 110 volt ac shore power when available. Its shore power option allows a truck to operate the heater and air conditioner using an external, auxiliary power source. Shore power will also provide power to keep the batteries charged, operate running lights and some hotel loads (refrigerators, microwave, etc.).

The No Idle Battery System, Enhanced Cab and Sleeper Insulation, Fuel Fired Heater with Engine Preheat Option, and Electric HVAC will begin limited production in March 2006. The APU will begin production in May 2006.