RICHMOND, Va. – May 14, 2009 – Peterbilt Motors Company is now offering Dometic battery-powered air conditioning systems as a factory-installed option with its new Model 386 Hybrid Electric (HE) diesel-electric hybrid trucks developed by Eaton Corp.
Dometic’s patented high-efficiency 7,000-BTU air conditioning system consists of an external condensing unit mounted on the back of the cab and a compact compressor/evaporator/blower unit, which is enclosed in a heavy-duty composite cover and mounts between the driver and passenger seats. The inside and outside units are connected by reusable precharged refrigerant linesets with quick-connect fittings for easy installation and service. The air conditioner is powered by the lithium ion batteries in the Eaton electric drive system.
The Model 386 HE combines aerodynamic styling and the versatility of a detachable sleeper with fuel-efficient hybrid technology for on-highway and bottom-line performance. When coupled with a more constant speed drive cycle, the Model 386 HE can increase fuel economy. While driving, the Model 386 HE system recovers energy normally lost during braking and stores it in the system’s batteries. The system’s motor/generator uses this stored energy to provide torque to the truck’s driveline to improve vehicle performance, operating the engine in a more fuel-efficient range or to operate only with electric power.
The Dometic system also improves fuel efficiency and lowers emissions by powering the heating, air conditioning and vehicle electrical systems while the engine is off. When the idle-reduction mode is active, engine operation is limited to battery charging, an automatically controlled process that takes approximately five minutes per hour to fully charge the system.
“The system being deployed on the Peterbilt 386 hybrids is not a bunk cooler, but a high-capacity 7,000-BTU air conditioning system designed to cool the entire space under high ambient temperature conditions,” said Lou Siegel, senior vice president, Dometic Automotive. “Our engineering team has worked closely with Peterbilt to develop an integrated solution that works smoothly with the Eaton hybrid electric drive system.”
Dometic also offers battery-powered HVAC packages tailored for Peterbilt’s full line of hybrid trucks, according to Siegel.
About Peterbilt
Peterbilt Motors Company (www.peterbilt.com), a division of PACCAR Inc (Nasdaq: PACR), manufactures premium quality trucks for a wide range of markets, including over-the-road, construction, municipal and medium duty. Based in Denton, Texas, Peterbilt combines classic styling, innovative design and superior-quality features in a custom-engineered truck that stands as the “Class” of the industry. Through its 240-plus North American dealer locations, Peterbilt also provides a comprehensive array of TruckCare® aftermarket support programs, including preventive maintenance plans, expedited QuickCare services, automated parts inventory replenishment and 24/7 complimentary customer assistance through 1-800-4-Peterbilt.
About Dometic Automotive
Dometic Corporation’s Automotive business group is a leading international supplier of mobile refrigeration, power supply systems, electronics, automotive comfort systems and air conditioning for OEM and aftermarket customers. It includes the extensive WAECO product lines, acquired by Dometic in 2007. In the U.S., Dometic is a major supplier of air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers for the trucking industry, with headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Richmond, Va.
About Dometic Group
Dometic Group is a customer-driven, world-leading provider of leisure products for the caravan, motor home, automotive, truck and marine markets. Dometic supplies the industry and aftermarket with a complete range of air conditioners, refrigerators, awnings, cookers, sanitation systems, lighting, mobile power equipment, comfort and safety solutions, windows, doors and other equipment that makes leisure life more comfortable away from home.
Dometic Group supplies a wide range of workshop equipment for service and maintenance of built-in air conditioning. Dometic Group also provides specially designed refrigerators for hotel rooms, offices, wine storage, and the transport and storage of medical products.
Dometic’s products are sold in almost 100 countries and are produced mainly in wholly owned production facilities around the world. Dometic has approximately 6,000 employees.
