» INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS TOP STORY
School bus technicians learn how to diagnose propane-autogas engine technology developed by CleanFUEL USA.
KEEPING UP WITH TECHNOLOGY TRAINED TECHNICIANS ARE KEY TO ENSURING NEW ALTERNATIVE-FUEL SCHOOL BUSES REMAIN IN SERVICE
WRITTEN BY JOHN WHELAN M
adison County School Dis- trict located in Phoenix was looking for a self-sustainable hybrid school bus that would
not require an infrastructure. Te district is the first in Arizona to acquire a Tomas C2e hybrid electric, which uses hybrid power for acceleration and restores power while braking. In this case training was provided by the selling dealer, which included hybrid system familiarization, operational tech- niques and safety. Tis is a common agreement between dealers and fleet operators since hybrid electric school bus technology is new and very different from standard diesel powered buses. Te most notable difference being the high voltage battery pack known as a PEC (power electronic carrier). “Te local school bus dealer in Phoenix
Auto Safety House works closely with our technicians, sharing their factory training knowledge and experience. In turn, we share
16 School Transportation News July 2013
our hybrid experience with other districts interested in this technology,” said Arman- do Cuellar, transportation supervisor for Madison Elementary School District 38. “With no infrastructure required, along with a significant increase in fuel mileage, we are pleased with the results.” With the slow yet steady growth of
hybrid school buses across the nation, fleet technicians need training to keep up with this new technology. Working on a hybrid-electric and
alternate-fuel vehicle requires specialized training because of the high voltage and pressure fuel components within these sys- tems. Having the training to maintain and repair hybrids translates to a safer working environment and the technical knowledge to reduce costs and down time. Just as important as it is for technicians to keep up with hybrids in the shop is to go online for research purposes. Eaton’s Road- ranger website provides online information
on the hybrid electric system used in the Tomas C2e school bus. Details can be found in the customer
support literature center. One exception to access is the Hybrid installation instructions, which requires special permission. Te site has several videos and PDF
files covering emergency response guides, installation guides, illustrated parts lists, operation/driver instructions, servicing, troubleshooting and service bulletins. Safety information includes the Hybrid Electric High-Voltage Service Shutdown Procedure and high voltage isolation instructions when working on a Hybrid Serviceable PEC (power electronic carrier). Eaton officials didn’t return calls seeking comment at the time of this writing.
HYBRID ELECTRIC TRAINING PROGRAMS Tomas Built Buses, for example, offers hybrid training to the customer right from
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92