Idle Reduction Equipment

Idle reduction and operational strategies reduce emissions by maximizing efficient use of equipment and limiting the amount of time an engine needs to operate.

There are five categories of technology-based idling reduction alternatives:

Automatic Shut-Down/Start-Up Systems

Electronic diesel engines can be programmed to shut down after a preset time period. This requires changes to the engine control module that automatically controls the engine starting and stopping on a set time interval, ambient temperature and state of battery charge.
Battery Powered/Engine-Off Systems

A system that captures energy produced by the engines alternator and stores it in independent battery storage. When the engine is off, the energy can be useful for: powering A/C and heat systems, and keeping the truck engine warm.
Diesel Fired Heaters

Diesel-fired heaters are small, lightweight heating devices that burn diesel fuel from the vehicle tank or from a separate tank.
Auxiliary Power Units

Auxiliary power systems (APUs) are essentially small generator sets (5-10 hp) which produce greater amounts of stand-alone heat and power.
External Electrification Systems

External electrification refers to a technology that provides the truck driver with climate control and other needs from an external 120 VAC power supply.

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Reducing climate impacts and protecting human health:

School bus idle reduction programs are a win-win.

Minnesota: In 2002, the state adopted legislation to protect the health and safety of children from harmful diesel bus emissions. This law calls for schools to reduce the unnecessary idling of school buses in front of schools, and reroute bus parking zones away from air-intake vents (or if necessary, relocate the air-intake vents).

Oregon: An economic stimulus funded project in 2010 with the Klamath County School District, which covers the largest geographic area in Oregon, funded diesel particle filters and diesel oxidation catalysts on 37 buses. Average low temperatures are below 40^o F for 8 months of the year. This led to extensive idling in the mornings to warm the engines. Direct fired engine heaters were installed to reduce idling time and improve the operating efficiency of the newly installed exhaust controls. About 1.5 tons of PM is reduced and more than 9,000 gallons of fuel.