External Power Air-Conditioning System for Trucks Succeeds in Cutting CO2 Emissions and Fuel Costs

Tokyo Electric Power Co., a major utility company, and Hino Motors, Ltd., a leading truck manufacturer in Japan, announced on February 13, 2007, the results of a series of experiments involving their jointly developed air-conditioning system for parked trucks based on an external power source. After conducting the experiments for 14 months beginning in August 2005, the two companies have confirmed that the system can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by about 97 percent and fuel costs by about 98 percent as compared with the conventional air-conditioning systems powered by keeping the engine running. Thus, the new system, called Stop Idling, can be considered as a highly effective measure to reduce total emissions in the transport sector, which is emitting increasing levels of CO2.

Getting power from a feeding stand installed in the parking lot, the newly developed system cools or heats the driver's cabin without running the engine when the truck is parked. This feature contributes to cost reductions as well as reduced CO2 emissions. The Package cooler installed on the cabin roof cools the cabin, while an electric blanket and electric carpet are equipped in the cabin for heating.

Truck drivers participating in the trial use of the system favorably evaluated its usability and amenity, and enjoyed the fact that the cabin was quieter without the engine running. The two companies aim to start commercial production by the end of March 2008.

http://www.hino-global.com/news_release/24.html

Posted: 2007/07/07 10:56:44 AM
Japanese version