Blackburn Energy Inc. has announced immediate availability of RelGen, a new technology the company says eliminates dependency on a truck’s alternator to generate electricity.
RelGen applies the principles of kinetic energy recovery systems, like those used in Formula One racing, to capture energy that otherwise is lost while braking, converts it to electricity, then saves it into a battery array. The stored energy can then be used, for example, to power electric auxiliary power units , like Thermo King’s Tripac and Carrier’s ComfortPro, that heat and cool the cabs of long-haul trucks, or to power liftgates and accessory systems, Blackburn says.
“We’re thrilled that the [U.S. Patent and Trademark Office] has allowed our patent and are excited to focus on new RelGen sales to fleets and independent truckers,” says Peter Russo, Blackburn Energy president.
The product eliminates the dependency on the engine’s alternator to create energy. RelGen’s new approach to capturing energy is easy to install and has a return on investment of less than a year, the company says.
Other benefits to using RelGen can include saving thousands of gallons of fuel through the elimination of engine idling and improved overall fuel efficiency, as well as lowering maintenance costs by reducing engine wear and saving on diesel particulate aftertreatment costs by removing the electric load from the engine, Blackburn says.
