Overview

The battery-based Idle Free electric APU is the complete, year-round electric APU solution for sleeper trucks and day cabs pulling a dry van.

This system captures energy produced by the engine's alternator and stores it in an independent AGM battery bank. When the engine is off, this energy can be used to:

• Power A/C and heat systems
• Provide 120 volt AC electricity for televisions, microwaves,
  and other hotel needs
• Keep the truck engine warm

The battery-based system is CARB-compliant. It is also an EPA SmartWay-verified technology, which means it is one of the cleanest and most fuel-efficient technologies available on the market.

The battery-based system works with any make or model of truck.

How It Works

When its engine is running, a truck's alternator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy to charge the truck's starter batteries and, in turn, power A/C, heat, and other systems.

More often than not, the energy produced by the truck's alternator exceeds the amount of energy needed. This energy is usually wasted.

The battery-based Idle Free electric APU captures this energy and stores it in an independent battery bank consisting of four absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. The AGM battery bank is mounted on the frame rail using a specially-designed mount that requires only 18 inches of space (see image to the right).

When the truck engine is off, the driver can switch on the system by pressing a remote switch located in the bunk where the driver can easily reach it.

When the system is on, an inverter converts the 12 volt DC energy stored in the AGM battery bank into 120 volt AC electricity. This provides a constant source of electricity identical to what is delivered to homes for regular use.

Alternatively, the system can use the standard shore power outlet to tap an external electrical source, when available. Shore power can also be used to recharge the AGM battery bank and the truck's starter batteries (if the optional battery charger is included).

Configurations

The battery-based Idle Free electric APU comes in three configurations: combined heat and A/C for year-round idle elimination in all climates; heat-only; and A/C-only.

• The standard and A/C-only configurations include a patent-pending A/C system that delivers 10,000 BTUs and can run for 10 or more hours. The A/C system consists of a condenser and compressor mounted on top of the battery bank on the frame rail and an evaporator located on or in a bunk closet. The components are connected by two pre-charged, quick-connect Freon lines that can be installed easily and without a certified A/C technician.
• The standard and heat-only configurations include a heat system with a CARB-approved water heater mounted on top of the battery bank on the frame rail (standard configuration) or beneath the bunk (heat only configuration). The water heater, which is integrated into the truck's coolant system, delivers 17,000 BTUs to heat coolant and pumps it to the bunk, where it is distributed using the bunk's heater core and fan (or a separate heater core and fan). The coolant is also circulated to the truck's engine (and possibly the fuel tank), keeping both warm.
• In all configurations, heat and/or A/C are controlled by a thermostat with simple push button controls and an easy-to-read digital display. An optional programmable timer, similar to the kind found in homes with central air and heat systems, can be used to set the temperature for up to seven days in advance.

Module Specifications

Frame Rail Unit

Power Module

Evaporator

Digital Thermostat

Download the Idle Free Brochure

For more information about the benefits and specifications of the Idle Free electric APU, please review our latest brochure.

The brochure is available for download and printing as a PDF. Please click on the image to the left to download it.

For more information or to request a print version of our brochure, please visit the Contact Us page for contact information or to access our convenient online contact forms.