Engine Control Systems also offers AZ Purifier and AZ Purimuffler diesel oxidation catalysts for school buses. They are certified by CARB and the EPA for two- and four-stroke diesel engines, and they reduce particulate emissions up to 40 percent.
The AZ Purifier is contained in a separate converter that is installed upstream of the vehicle’s original muffler. The AZ Purimuffl er incorporates the catalyst into a direct-fit muffler that replaces the original vehicle muffler.
Dana Brewster, central east regional sales manager, says the Purimuffler is the more popular option between the two. It is made of stainless steel, which enables it to withstand harsh weather and road salt, and Brewster says Engine Control Systems builds a replica of the original equipment muffler that the Purimuffler will replace.
“If we need a muffler that’s a certain size and shape and we don’t have it in our system, our engineering team creates a new part so that we can spec it to match,” he explains, adding that he feels the company’s ability to provide a replica of the original equipment muffler is one of its strengths.
Pictured is the Hybrid Drive Unit forEaton’s hybrid system. It comprises the transmission and the motor/generator. The system can reduce emissions by more than 30 percent.
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Eaton hybrid system reduces emissions, fuel consumption
Diesel particulate filters, diesel oxidation catalysts and crankcase filtration systems are not the only types of technology available to help school buses run cleaner. Another option to consider is operating buses powered by a hybrid system.
James Parks, manager of global communications for Eaton Vehicle Group, says the company’s hybrid system is available through IC Bus with its CE Series unit and through Thomas Built Buses with its Saf-T-Liner C2e unit.
IC Bus’ hybrid bus combines the Advanced EGR-equipped MaxxForce DT and an electric motor with a peak power output of 44 kilowatts.
Thomas Built’s hybrid bus is powered by a Cummins diesel engine, an Eaton transmission and an electric motor developed jointly by Thomas Built, Eaton and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp.
“We use the electric motor to help launch and drive the bus from a stop, and then through regenerative braking we slow the bus down and recharge the batteries so there is always energy to launch and drive the bus,” Parks explains.
He adds that the hybrid system reduces fuel consumption and there is less wear and tear on the drivetrain, which can provide maintenance cost savings.
“The system is also quieter than a traditional bus, which is an added benefit,” Parks says.
Thomas Built’s hybrid Saf-T-Liner C2e can reportedly reduce emissions and improve fuel economy by 30 percent or more, while the IC Bus CE Series hybrid unit can reportedly provide up to a 30-percent improvement in fuel economy, up to a 35-percent reduction of NOx emissions and up to an 85-percent reduction of diesel particulates.
“School districts across the country are looking for ways to reduce their fuel costs and provide a greener footprint for their community without compromising passenger or driver comfort, and we think we’ve given them a pretty compelling story with the IC Bus and Thomas bus options. Customers of our hybrid systems have gone well over 100 million miles with reliable service,” Parks says.