More electric from Cat

Caterpillar Electronics
Caterpillar Electronics says it has set the stage for significant fuel efficiency and reliability improvement with its new technology for on-highway trucks named MorElectric.

By converting the air conditioner, air compressor, water pump, and other accessories to be powered electrically versus engine belt or gear driven, this technology will deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption of up to 18% annually, and exhaust emissions, the company says.

The technology breakthrough is a collaborative effort of Cat Electronics, in a partnership research initiative with the U.S. Department of Energy, Kenworth Truck Company, Engineered Machined Products, and Emerson.

The MorElectric system will provide heating, cooling and accessory power , including battery charging , without idling the engine. Trucks with the MorElectric technology will be equipped to use “shore” power to reduce idling at truck stops, loading docks, or fleet terminals where electrical power is available. Another option will be an onboard Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to provide cab comfort for the truck driver, with the freedom to pull over anytime and anywhere until shore power electrical plug-in locations become more readily available. The first commercial application of Cat Electronics’ MorElectric technology is anticipated in late 2004.

Reduction of parts through “plug in” modules will reduce both assembly and repair times. The MorElectric modular components enhance under-the-hood configuration flexibility since the electrically driven accessories can be mounted in optimum locations because they are not belt or gear driven. Diagnostics and prognostics are enhanced as this capability can be easily incorporated into electrically driven accessories, the company says.