Idle Reduction Technologies are devices that reduce the need for the truck driver to idle the main propulsion engine during extended rest periods when the driver needs to rest comfortably in the truck’s sleeper compartment. Idle Reduction Technologies can also be used to maintain engine warmth during extremely cold weather, operate on-board appliances, and maintain battery charge.
Trailer aerodynamics can be improved by minimizing the gap between the tractor and the trailer, to reduce air turbulence. Specifying wheelbase and fifth-wheel settings that position the trailer as close to the rear of the tractor as possible can reduce tractor-trailer gap. Reducing trailer gap from 45 to 25 inches could improve fuel economy as much as 2 percent. Another innovative trailer option is to use side skirts. These panels hang down from the bottom of a trailer to enclose the open space between the rear wheels of the tractor and the rear wheels of the trailer. Cargo “profile” is also important. On flatbed trailers, reduce drag by arranging cargo as low and smooth as possible, securing loose tarpaulins and closing the curtains on empty curtain-sided trailers.
Automatic Tire Inflation
When not properly inflated, tires flex more under load, producing heat and increasing rolling resistance, which wastes fuel. Automatic Tire Inflation (ATI) systems can save tire maintenance costs and improve fuel economy by nearly 1%, saving 100 gallons of fuel and eliminating one metric ton of greenhouse gas emissions per year. Properly inflated tires also wear longer and have fewer punctures. ATI systems monitor and continually adjust the level of pressurized air in tires, maintaining proper tire inflation automatically, even while the truck is moving.
Low Rolling Resistance Tires
Recent research demonstrates that low rolling resistance tires can improve fuel efficiency. Tires that meet the preliminary rolling resistance criteria established by EPA are eligible to be classified as SmartWay qualified tires. These low-rolling resistance tires provide a 3% fuel economy benefit relative to mid-range rolling resistance tires. There are 2 recognized categories of Low Rolling Resistance Tires: Single Wide-Base and Low Rolling Resistance Dual Tires
SmartWay Certified Tractors
SmartWay Certified Trailers
Automatic Shut-Down/Start-Up System
An automatic engine shut-down/start-up (AESS) system not only turns off the locomotive main engine while idling but can re-start the engine when necessary. Re-start of the main engine is typically based on a set time period, engine or ambient temperature, and other parameters (e.g., battery charge). SmartWay has only verified AESS systems for locomotives. Systems generally incorporate technologies that continuously monitor existing conditions against a preprogrammed set of values. These systems monitor the following operating conditions: reverser and throttle position, air brake cylinder pressure, engine coolant and ambient air temperature, battery voltage and charging amperage.
Auxiliary Power Units (APU) or Generator Sets are small horsepower diesel engines placed on locomotives allowing idling locomotives to be shut down automatically while maintaining main engine systems. The APU keeps the locomotive engine coolant water and lubricating oil at preset temperatures and maintains the batteries charge. APU systems can also provide electrical current allowing for cab heating and cooling and provide electrical power for hotel loads.
Diesel Driven Heating System
Fuel Operated Heater (FOH) systems consist of a diesel fired burner/heat exchanger system which provides heat by combusting fuel. These systems provide heat only. The devices consume a small amount of fuel, emit some emissions. They draw diesel from the vehicle's tanks, and burn it with a continuous flame in a furnace-like combustion chamber. These systems can be combined with automatic electronic engine control start/stop functions and can monitor system operation, fuel consumption, coolant water temperature, ambient temperature, locomotive battery voltage, air pressure, oil, etc.
Buying the most environmentally friendly vehicle can be a real challenge. To help consumers compare the environmental performance of vehicles, EPA developed the U.S. EPA SmartWay designation. Light-duty vehicles that manufacturers certify to emit the fewest air pollutants and achieve the greatest fuel economy relative to other vehicles manufactured in the same model year will receive the U.S. EPA Certified SmartWay designation. The EPA's rating system utilizes a 0 – 10 scoring system with 10 being the best performing vehicle. A vehicle receives an Air Pollution score and a GHG score. If the vehicle achieves a score of 6 or better in both categories and a combined score of at least 13 it will qualify as a U.S. EPA SmartWay Certified vehicle. A vehicle that achieves a 9 or better in both categories qualifies as a EPA SmartWay Certified Elite vehicle.