Why choose a DClimate Hybrid APU?
To effectively deliver on a fleet’s Return On Investment (ROI) expectation it’s important for any APU system to provide the driver with a comfortable, stress-free experience…
- The driver must have confidence that the system will be able to meet their heating & cooling needs, no matter how extreme the conditions or how long their break period is.
- The system must be able to support auxiliary loads to allow the driver discretion in the use of both essential (c-pap machines etc.) and discretionary items (television, game consoles etc.).
- Use of the system should never compromise the starting capability of the truck, never compromising the driver’s ability to do their job!
- The driver should always feel that they “want to use the system”, preferring it to the alternative of idling, rather than feeling they are “being forced” to use a sub-standard alternative to idling.
While diesel APU solutions may adequately address these requirements, they do come with significant penalties. High price and inconsistent reliability coupled with high maintenance and operational costs results in a questionable ROI, at best. This has led many fleets to seek alternatives, while others begrudgingly continue to use them to increase their ability to recruit and retain drivers.
Traditional electric APUs, on the other hand, have fallen short on both fronts. They can neither consistently meet drivers’ needs nor can they provide the fleets with a compelling ROI because of design architecture deficiencies.
DClimate’s unique and patented hybrid architecture provides the perfect blend of performance and return on investment … addressing all the drivers needs without any of the headaches associated with diesel or electric APUs. For more detailed information on how this is achieved. (Link to white paper).
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
7000 btu/hr (2.1 kW), cooling capacity.
7500 btu/hr (2.1 kW), heating capacity.
400 CFM, airflow.
+/- 2F temperature control.
4-60 Amps @ 12Vdc.
48Vdc variable speed compressor.
320 Amp Delco Remy brushless alternator.
Eberspacher Airtronic heaters.
420 lbs, system weight including batteries.
Limited Warranty.
1-year parts and labor.
2-year parts.
4-year batteries*
*Backed by Enersys DClimate Application Warranty
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Auxiliary Power Unit for Trucks?
The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is a game-changer for the trucking industry – it produces the power needed to keep the heating or cooling systems running independent of the truck engine.
Coupled with an Auto-Start system and an Inverter, the APU can deliver climate comfort and allow the driver access to all their electrical plug-ins while ensuring that the truck engine can start up to charge the batteries as needed.
APUs are engineered to reduce wear-and-tear on the engine, maintain comfortable bunk temperatures, and save truckers money on fuel costs.
Auxiliary Power Units : Diesel vs. Electric
Diesel APUs are designed for drivers who spend extended periods of time in more extreme hot or cold temperatures. Diesel APUs use fuel from the truck tanks in a combustion engine to run and can run for 10 hours or more at a time. However, these APUs have higher maintenance costs and rely on the truck’s engine to restart more often which leads to a faster loss of battery health.
Electric APUs are designed for a different type of driver – one who only travels for a few nights at a time. Electric APUs are battery-powered and have less runtime than their Diesel APU counterparts. Additionally, with an Electric APU, the driver needs to recharge the battery between trips for an extended time which can be anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. However, Electric APUs are much simpler to maintain.”