Alternatives to engine idling

A number of technology options to reduce diesel engine idling are available now and more are on the way.

• Bergstrom, Rockford, IL (www.bergstrominc.com): No-idle HV/AC systems

• Cab Comfort, a division of Dometic Corp., Elkhart, IN (www.dometic.com): No-idle HV/AC systems

• Caterpillar Inc., Mossville, IL (www.cat.com): Idle shutdown timer for Cat engines

• Cummins Commercial Power Systems, Columbus, IN (www.onan.com): Diesel generators

• Espar Heating Systems, Livonia, MI (www.espar.com): Diesel-fired heating systems for cab and sleeper, independent coolant systems for engine preheating

• Frigette Truck Climate Systems Inc., Fort Worth, TX (www.scsfrigette.com): Self-contained AC-powered HV/AC systems for truck sleepers

• IdleAire Technologies, Knoxville, TN (www.idleaire.com): Truckstop-based system to provide access to HV/AC and 110-volt power plus phone, cable and Internet

• TruckGen, Jacksonville, FL (www.truckgen.com): Diesel generators

• New York State Thruway (www.thruway.state.ny.us): IdleAire systems available at selected Thruway Travel Plazas

• Phillips Industries, Santa Fe Springs, CA (www.phillipsind.com): Electrical systems to deliver AC power into the cab/sleeper regardless of the AC power source

• Phillips & Temro Industries, a division of The Budd Co., Eden Prairie, MN (www.zerostart.com): Freeze plug, immersion, cab and cargo heaters, and diesel fuel warmers

• Pony Pack, Albuquerque, NM (www.ponypack.com): Auxiliary power units that integrate with the truck's existing water, fuel, electrical and HV/AC systems

• Webasto Thermosystems, Lapeer, MI (www.webasto.com): Air and coolant auxiliary heater systems, air conditioning systems, and engine and sleeper preheaters

• Xantrex Technology Inc., Burnaby, B.C., Canada (www.xantrex.com): Inverter/charger systems that convert DC to AC power, transfer AC shore power and recharge batteries