Feeling powerless doesn’t feel good, but we’ve all experienced it at some point. Nothing seems to be in your control anymore. Because of that, you might feel like there is nothing you can do. A lack of power can be particularly troublesome for long haul truckers, especially those who still rely on standard batteries and APUs to provide power when they need it. Whether it be to run the hotel loads needed to keep them comfortable during mandatory hours of service downtime or otherwise, power is critical.
Truck drivers have come to rely on the following amenities:
- Refrigerators
- Coffeemakers
- Televisions
- Microwaves
- Electric blankets
- Satellite entertainment systems
- Portable cell phone tech
- Laptop computers
According to the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) Confidence Report, the combined load of all these devices might only be sustained for about eight to 10 hours by a truck’s batteries before the battery runs out of the necessary power it needs to keep them going. Yet, engine idling is not the answer, even though it has traditionally been how these devices are kept powered if the battery runs out.
Why Engine Idling is not the Answer
There are significant downsides to engine idling, not the least of which are excessive noise and air pollution. Yet, you must also contend with the impact of wear and tear on the vehicle engine and the cost of wasted fuel.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), excessive idling doubles the wear and tear on just about every engine component, from piston to rod and so on. You’ve also got to take environmental factors into account. State and federal agencies are proposing stricter laws to reduce emissions caused by idling.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB), as one example, has adopted phased-in regulations which would require current NOx (nitrogen oxides) standards be cut about 75% below current standards beginning in 2024 and 90% below current standards in 2027. And as everyone knows, regulations that happen in California do not stay in California.
Fortunately, technological solutions exist as answers to these problems. Vendors around the country are providing advanced idling solutions to truckers without huge additional costs. What you need to do is investigate anti-idling solutions. The best part about these technologies is that they basically transform your conventional truck into a hybrid when it is parked.
How Anti-Idling Solutions Work
Exactly as it says, anti-idling solutions provide a reliable onboard power supply without the need for constant idling, which is perfect for long haul truckers who need to power multiple devices. Once a vehicle is in park, an effective anti-idling system automatically shuts down the engine and draws power from high-density lithium-ion batteries. The batteries, also provided by a third-party vendor, are charged natively from a 12-volt alternator, and can also be integrated with solar panels and shore power. This flexibility gives trucking companies and truck drivers a lot of power options.
Still, sometimes truck drivers need power for an extended period. In these situations, a comprehensive anti-idling solution should manage the engine start/stop function to recharge the batteries as needed. An onboard computer should do this automatically. Make sure to look for this capability as you are shopping different anti-idling solutions.
You might not think that a little idling would add up to a lot, but fleets that have made the investment in anti-idling technology are reducing idling by more than four hours per day on average, and typical payback from fuel savings alone can be achieved in less than three years. Imagine the cost for this system recovered in full, then the savings just add up over time. It is a no-brainer solution for fleet managers across the country.
Effective anti-idling solutions operate as more than just rechargeable electric APUs. Instead, they are completely integrated systems that work within existing electrical architectures to supply automatic engine-off A/C and heating through factory vents, plus full power for hotel loads in the cabin including fridge, microwave, and induction cooktop. They are a one-stop-shop power solution for just about any truck driver no matter the application.
Look for a Fully Customizable Solution
When you shop around for an anti-idling solution, make sure you go with one that leverages the long-lasting performance of today’s advanced lithium-ion batteries. There is no reason why you should not have access to a thousand recharges or more.
Also, look for a solution that supports charging from both a second alternator and shore power. You want to make sure a second alternator is included with the deal. Some solutions even offer batteries equipped with a heating pad. This allows for safe operation in colder climates which may be an issue with cheap lithium-ion battery brands.
Look for inverter/chargers in 2000W/100A and 3000W/150A models. You want to ensure a continuous supply of 120V true sine wave power. Ensuring consistent power like this is especially important for proper function of surge-sensitive electronics and medical devices such as laptop computers and CPAP machines. And with sleep apnea being a big problem among truck drivers, ensuring those machines stay functional is of critical importance.
Why Lithium-Ion is the Answer
But why are Lithium-Ion batteries the best of all possible options? There are many reasons. Let’s talk about the benefits of Li-Ion batteries. One of the main benefits is that they can be completely discharged without damage. This means if you have a 600-amp hour lithium battery, you have 600-amp hours of usable power. The typical traditional battery banks on commercial vehicles having 400-amp hour capacity, which only gives you only 200-amp hours of usable power. Making that even less effective, most OEMs only allow you to discharge the batteries 30%, so in that case, you’re hardly getting any usable battery power at all.
But don’t just blindly assume just because you have more capacity that the battery will be bulkier or take up too much space. You might assume more capacity means more bulk. Yet, that isn’t actually the case. Did you know that lithium is actually the world’s lightest metal? Compared to other metals, Lithium has a huge weight advantage. Li-Ion batteries are up to 80% lighter than lead batteries, which represents a huge gain. A typical Group 31 battery weighs about 75 lbs. while a similar Li-Ion battery only weighs just under 30 lbs.
You may also want to consider investing in an electric APU. Electric APUs that use Li-Ion battery banks also have a distinct advantage over diesel APUs. Why? Because they generally still require fuel and maintenance to remain fully functional. That’s why you want to use an inverter paired to a Li-Ion battery bank. This way you can supply both DC and AC power. No matter what kind of load you want to power, a Li-Ion set up will allow you to do it.
Utilizing Solar Power to Recharge Your APU
There’s one more charging source that adds to the efficiency of Li-Ion batteries, no matter where you are. And it’s a source that will help you burnish your sustainable credentials, whether as part of anti-idling system or not, and that’s solar power.
Consider using the power of the sun to top off and support battery levels. Using solar power allows you to cut out idling time completely because the truck engine won’t need to run at all. Solar power also prevents you from having to hunt down adequate shore power. Solar energy might be just what you need to optimize your power needs. Many anti-idling vendors also provide solar energy solutions for trucks simply because it makes sense.
But how do you connect your solar energy source? Typically, solar panels connect to the batteries through the use of a charge controller. This controller regulates the power being delivered and insures it’s the right voltage for the specific type of battery. Many vendors who offer these solutions also have products that integrate with their inverters and chargers so that truck drivers can see pertinent data related to the system’s proper functioning.
Wondering how practical solar panels are on a truck? Well, unlike the thick, hard solar panels used on most buildings, solar panels on trucks are thin and flexible to better fit their curved surfaces. And in many cases, these panels can be retrofitted in different power levels or incorporate mesh grid-technology that allows the panel to be contoured to curved surfaces without impacting power output.
Are you considering solutions like these to ensure your truck drivers have power when they need it? Contact a local third-party vendor today to find out how to use advanced APUs, anti-idling, and solar power technologies to the benefit of your fleet.