Clean Power System's on when engine's off

The Kenworth Clean Power System will be a factory option on the firm's T660 72-inch AeroCab sleeper beginning in the second quarter of 2007.

This system offers optimized engine-off performance for up to 10 hours, the same as an entire off-duty period, and provides 110-volt “hotel” load power.

Kenworth uses four dedicated, advanced glass mat, deep-cycle batteries that power a Thermal Storage Cooler through an inverter/charger. The Storage Cooler, about the size of a microwave, fits under the bunk. As the truck is driven down the road, or if the truck is connected to “shore power,” the liquid inside the Storage Cooler is cooled to freezing, or roughly 21,000 Btu of cooling capacity.

Testing has shown that the Clean Power System is able to keep the sleeper cool for 10 hours, even with outside ambient temperatures of up to 95° F.

When temperatures dip and the sleeper occupant needs heat, Kenworth uses a small diesel-fired heating unit that is also mounted under the bunk. Thermostatically controlled, with ducting below the bunk, the unit keeps the sleeper and cab warm in temperatures below freezing.

While the Clean Power System is totally self-contained, drivers will have the option to plug into shore power.

E-mail Jeff Parietti at [email protected] for more information.