Bergstrom Inc. announced it developed a new battery-powered air conditioning system, designed specifically for day cabs. The NITE Day Cab No-Idle System was developed in response to growing demand for solutions to reduce idling in the day cab industry, as well as increasing Federal, State and local regulations against truck idling, the company said.
“Just like their long-haul counterparts, day cab drivers are subject to state and local idling restrictions,” said Bill Gordon, national director of aftermarket and director of global marketing for Bergstrom. “This truly offers fleets the opportunity to keep day cab drivers comfortable in the hot weather while adhering to anti-idling regulations.”
The NITE Day Cab No-Idle System utilizes one or two deep-cycle absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries to power the air conditioning system. The company said this keeps the driver cool when the truck’s engine is turned off. To assure there is sufficient battery power to start the truck, the starting batteries are protected from discharge by a separator.
The system uses the same technology as Bergstrom’s popular NITE Plus unit, but is installed as a split system. The compressor and evaporator are installed between the truck’s seats, and the condenser is mounted remotely to the exterior of the cab.
According to Bergstrom, the reduced fuel consumption offered by the NITE Day Cab No-Idle System is impressive. When the system is in the air-conditioning mode, no fuel is used as the Bergstrom NITE Plus system uses deep-cycle AGM battery power. With the optional heating unit, only 0.05 gallons per hour are consumed. The battery is charged by the truck’s alternator during normal operation.
“Innovating alternative idle-reduction options for today’s Class 7 and 8 trucks are critical as drivers try to address tougher emission regulations and fluctuating fuel prices. We are confident the NITE Day Cab No-Idle System offers a solid Green solution,” said Jack Shaffer, president of Bergstrom, Inc.
