InfraStructures - February 2010 - RunWise® Hydraulic Hybrid Technology Dramatically Improves Fuel Efficiency

RunWise® Hydraulic Hybrid Technology Dramatically Improves Fuel Efficiency

Parker Hannifin Corporation recently announced commercial commitment for its new hydraulic hybrid technology system, which dramatically increases fuel efficiency for Class 8 refuse trucks even as it improves drivability and performance.

The RunWise® Hydrostatic technology performed so well in South Florida field trials last summer that the communities of Hialeah, Miami-Dade County, and the City of Miami chose to upgrade their refuse collection fleets and purchase a total of 11 Autocar E3 trucks with the new RunWise® technology. Delivery is expected in mid-year 2010.

“These orders build on our ongoing development and commercialization of our unique hydraulic hybrid technology platform and demonstrates the adaptability of our technologies to different vehicle classes,” said Jeff Cullman, group president, Hydraulics for Parker Hannifin. ”A variation of this technology platform has already received commercial scale orders for use on walk-in delivery vehicles. We are particularly pleased to see our public agency partners lead the way in recognizing the benefits that this technology can bring in terms of lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact.”

Vance Zanardelli, manager of Parker’s Energy Recovery business unit, added, “This is a technology that holds great promise as a contributor to reduced environmental impact and increased fuel efficiency. We are on the cutting edge of advancements in hydraulic hybrid technology, which has application not only in refuse trucks and delivery vehicles but also for yard hostlers and city buses.”

RunWise features proprietary software that allows for seamless shifting and smoother braking, improving drivability. During a full month of testing in South Florida, the RunWise system registered a 72% improvement in fuel efficiency. On an annual basis, the green technology reduces each truck’s carbon footprint by an estimated 28 tons along routes with frequent stops. In addition, the technology extends the brake maintenance period for each truck from every 6 months to once every 24 months to even 30 months depending on duty cycle.

The system is in pre-production. Full production is expected in 2011.

Source: Parker Hannifin