To maintain a comfortable temperature in the cab and to power small electrical devices such as televisions, microwaves, and refrigerators, truckersat rest often keep their engines running, or idling. Idling, however, releases harmful air emissions and wastes a significant amount of fuel, creating a financial burden for the trucking industry. This article explores some new technologies that offer cost-effective strategies to limit air emissions at truckstops. The author first reviews the factors that drive therecent focus on finding alternatives to idling. These factors include the potential for significant energy savings, the ability to reduce criteriaair pollutants, and to reduce noise, engine maintenance costs, and adverse effects on driver health and safety. The author then reviews some of the solutions being tried, including engine control modules, automatic shutdown/turn-on system, direct-fired heaters, auxiliary power units/generator sets, battery-powered heating and A/C, and electrified parking spaces. A final section addresses funding for idle-reduction projects.
Abstract