The extensive amount of research performed by IdleAire in developing its product has made the company one of the recognized experts in fields ranging from energy and technology to health and the environment. Some of the most significant results of that research are summarized in a collection of factsheets.

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Diesel Idling & The IdleAire Solution
Our studies indicate there are 4.2 million large diesel trucks in America and 1.3 million of them are long-haul trucks with sleepers. Drivers of these trucks have traditionally idled their engines during required rest periods or while waiting on loads. Idling engines provide power for air conditions, heating and various household-type appliances that may be in the cab. In addition, some of these trucks have refrigerated trailers that are cooled by an independent, diesel-driven cooling unit commonly referred to as a "reefer."


The Technology
As its core service, IdleAire provides individual electrical service for each parking space. This has traditionally been referred to as "truck stop electrification (TSE)." On top of TSE, IdleAire provides other layers of services that comprise Advanced Travel Center electrification (ATE), a flexible package that can be altered and customized to industry needs. Currently, a heating, cooling and ventilation unit sits above each parking space. The unit is connected to the Service Delivery Module by means of a flexible, reinforced, concentric hose, which also houses the delivery mechanisms for the communications and entertainment packages. All TSE and ATE services, including temperature, fan speed and all other service selections, are delivered to and independently controlled by each individual driver in the truck cab via the Service Delivery Module.


Energy Implications
An idling diesel engine is a terribly inefficient source of energy for heating, cooling and ventilating a truck cab. During winter, when idling keeps the engine as well as the sleeper cab warm, 85% of the energy in diesel fuel is wasted as heat and atmospheric pollutants. In summer, when used for cooling, the efficiency falls and more than 94% of the fuel's energy is wasted.


Environmental Benefits
The IdleAire system provides immediate, measurable, long-term air quality improvements, removing 100% of emissions associated with extended diesel idling, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide(C02). The system has a net reduction of 98% of criterial pollutants under the Clean Air Act after accounting for the electricity from the grid used to power the system, and an overall 83% net emissions reduction.


Health Implications
Research linking diesel exhaust and many of its components to health impacts has been exhaustively compiled by well-recognized organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control, the Environmental Protection Agency and others. Components of diesel emissions include carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter. The emissions from commercial diesel engines can produce a range of short-term and long-term health risks and effects.