Idling presents a challenge. While driver comfort is essential, idling is costly—in higher fuel expenses and accelerated engine wear, and to the environment. Increasingly, fleets are looking to integrated idle management systems offered by truck and engine manufacturers as the answer.
“Integrated idle management solutions reduce engine idling to save fuel, lower carbon output and extend engine life,” says John Moore, Volvo Trucks product marketing manager-powertrain. “The measure of an integrated idle management solution’s value is increased fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.”
“Beyond fuel and engine wear savings,” says Kevin Baney, Kenworth chief engineer, “a not-so-obvious benefit for fleets in an integrated idle management system is that it frees up frame rail space. Packaging the system inside the vehicle means you don’t have to extend the wheelbase, which not only helps with maneuverability but also addresses the challenge of closing the tractor-trailer gap to improve aerodynamics.”
Tim Norton, product manager, powertrain marketing for Daimler Trucks North America, adds that fleet managers need to take into account the regulations that are in place where their vehicles are being operated. “Anti-idling regulations vary by state with different durations for idling limits,” he says.
“Fleet managers should work with drivers and dealers to assess needs and ensure idle management parameters are set accordingly,” says Stu Russoli, highway and powertrain products marketing manager at Mack Trucks. “The programming of idle management systems is done through customer settings in the electronic control unit.”
Cummins enables the setting of numerous parameters within its PowerSpec tool. “Customers can adjust desired idle speed to the optimal level,” explains Spencer Dell, senior marketing communications specialist. “Additionally, the idle shutdown parameter gives operators the flexibility to limit idle time for increased fuel economy while still balancing the need for cab heat and air conditioning.”
All current Detroit engines include an idle shutdown timer with several modes and overrides that can be selected based on a customer’s needs. The DDEC Optimized Idle feature, activated by drivers, reduces idle time by running the engine only when it’s needed to keep oil temperature between factory set limits, the batteries charged, and the cab and sleeper at a desired temperature. An ambient air temperature override lets a fleet manager control when the driver may override the idle shutdown, allowing continuous idle to maintain comfort in extreme temperatures.
Volvo Trucks customers can enable automatic idle shutdown during the truck ordering process and choose a preprogrammed value in a range from 1 to 300 minutes. Customers also can choose to activate ambient override, which allows the engine to run and the air conditioning or heating system to operate when the outside air is above or below a preselected temperature.
Mack’s integrated idle management enables fleets to program engine shutdown parameters into the vehicle electronic control unit. These parameters, which can be set for as few as three minutes, shut the engine down once the preset idle time limit is reached.
For Paccar and Cummins engines, Kenworth offers its Idle Management System and Peterbilt delivers the technology in a product called SmartAir. Four batteries that are isolated from the starting batteries power the factory-installed, battery-based solution. System components, integrated with existing sleeper HVAC systems in certain models, include a remote condenser installed on the exterior back wall of the sleeper, and a DC compressor and evaporator. A diesel fuel-fired heater is optional.
International Trucks offers customized idle shutdown control strategies that vary according to time, ambient temperatures and application demands. The system’s idle shutdown timer automatically shuts down the engine but leaves electrical accessories active until the key is turned off. A battery-powered HVAC system is available in sleepers.
“We’ve encountered the potential for tampering,” says Dominik Slomba, senior electrical system integration engineer at International Trucks. “There have been cases where a broom handle was used to keep the throttle depressed so the idle timer isn’t activated, and others where ice packs or hand warmers can trick the temperature sensor into keeping the engine from shutting down. The answer is educating drivers about the value of idle management systems.”
Fleets have alternatives in integrated and auxiliary idle control solutions. Based on applications and needs, these systems can save fuel and engine maintenance costs, and reduce health effects from emissions and noise.
