VSP News: Kolman's Korner, Episode 137 - Engine Idling

In this installment, Fleet Maintenance editor David A. Kolman visits with Jeff Brakley, senior marketing and business development manager, Maxwell Technologies, about idling diesel engines and some of the issues associated with doing this.

July 18, 2017

Unnecessary idling creates a number of problems for fleets, say Jeff Brakley, senior marketing and business development manager for Maxwell Technologies. The company is a leading developer and manufacturer of capacitive energy storage and power delivery solutions.

An alternative to engine idling is auxiliary power. Another option to engine idling is the use of ultracapacitors – like Maxwell’s Engine Start Module. Ultracapacitors are capable of storing and discharging energy very quickly and effectively. The module, explains Brakley, handles the engine cranking needs.

Even if a truck’s batteries are discharged, the ultracapacitor will start the engine.

Brakley notes that ultracapacitors have a wide operating temperature range.