preheaters to warm engines and passenger compartments during colder climates. In general, preheaters run off diesel-fueled
or electric outlets, and like at the ones Tulsa uses, some include a programmable timer to automatically start or stop the heating. Paula Bishop, manager of transportation
and environmental affairs at Espar Heat- er Systems, said utilizing fuel-operated heaters can virtually eliminate the need for prolonged idling for heat and defrost. Te heaters warm the coolant system on the bus, which creates warm defrost and increased heat inside. “Tis type of prolonged idling not only wastes fuel, but also creates wear on the engine, increases maintenance and is partic- ularly bad for exhaust emission control sys- tems, which require more frequent regener- ation with prolonged idling,” she explained, and noted that fuel-operated heaters are recognized by the EPA SmartWay program as a verified idle-reduction technology that saves fuel and emissions. She added that suppliers can be a source of information
if there are grants to help with the cost of adding idle-reduction equipment to buses. Houston ISD doesn’t utilize preheaters, as the district is located in a traditionally mild-to-warm climate. However, Paul Baczewski, national account manager of bus products at Webasto, noted that buses in milder climates still benefit from preheaters. “Even on an 80-degree morning, the engine
is still 100 degrees below optimum operating temperature. Starting a ‘cold’ engine is when it gives off the most emissions,” he said. “By pre- heating the bus, you can reduce the amount of emissions emitted from the engine.” Generally, idle reduction policies are good
Espar_Act_half_Dec12_Layout 1 12/18/12 1:33 PM Page 1
for good-climate conditions, but even then Baczewski said a bus with frosted windows in the morning will require more than three or five minutes of idling time to do the job. “So during these times, the reduction-idle policies are kind of put on the backburner because safety will always come first. With preheaters, drivers can still conform to that policy, even under the most extreme condi- tions,” he said.
Proheat offers an auxiliary coolant heater
that, according to Brian Curliss, product manager, heaters and military, can reduce all instances of idling to “an absolute mini- mum” during winter months. Tree main modes are offered for operation: preheat, supplemental and standard. Curliss said standard mode is used to maintain engine temperature while the bus is stopped. “Tis is especially important if the bus is
sitting, waiting to pick up passengers either during school hours or an event. Tere is no longer a need to idle the engine to keep the interior of the bus warm and the windows clear,” he said.
DRIVING THE MESSAGE HOME What has boosted the policy at Hous-
ton ISD is a training program for drivers launched last October that covers the concept of “eco driving.” Swackhamer connected with an Arizona-based company that specializes in customized eco driving training programs. Sixteen driver trainers became certified eco driving trainers.
Bus Climate Control Solutions SYSTEMS • PARTS • SERVICE • TRAINING ACT EV-2 In Wall Evaporator
•Enhanced Airflow •Easy Installation •Light Weight •2 Colors
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•Lightweight, Rugged, Low Profile •Attractive Durable TPO Cover •Available in 12- and 24-volt Models •Easier to Service, Less Downtime
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ACT and Espar Climate Systems offer air conditioning and heating products for any size or type of bus.
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