Teleflex Incorporated - Idle Reduction Systems

Teleflex Ecotrans is one of the leading international suppliers of idle reduction solutions for the railway industry. Our idle reduction products include auxiliary power units (APU) and automatic stop-start systems. We are committed to helping our rail customers significantly reduce the idling of their locomotives. We are a global leader in alternative fuel components and systems, fuel savings, and emissions reduction solutions for the locomotive and heavy-duty truck industries.

Auxiliary power units

Our APUs are designed to help reduce locomotive diesel fuel consumption and help meet emission regulations. We take care to do this without compromising crew comfort and safety. The Teleflex APU has the capacity to reduce users' idle time fuel costs by 80%. It will also self-protect by issuing an audible and visual alarm (which operates a wireless interface) for high temperature, low oil pressure, and over-speed or over-cranking.

The two key components of the idle reduction system are the APU and an engine shutdown timer (EST). The heart of the K9 APU consists of a Kubota V2003-T-B diesel engine that is governed at 1,800rpm. The engine drives a 60Hz, 240V single phase, 16kW generator set and ancillary main engine systems that heat the coolant lube oil and charge the locomotive batteries.

Engine shutdown timer

The EST shuts down the main locomotive engine after a preset period of idle time. Shortly after a shutdown, locomotive lights will automatically drop out to conserve the main engine batteries. The main APU can also be used to power appliances such as air conditioners, lights and heaters.

Teleflex channel 60 years of experience into meeting the requirements of our customers in a safe and cost-effective manner. Our infrastructure is designed to support effective communication with customers, ensure that we are meeting their needs, and provide them with the networking required for the major quality issues.

Our studies, coupled with field data, demonstrate that our APU reduces carbon dioxide (the primary greenhouse gas) and nitrogen dioxide emissions by up to 91%, compared to when the main engine idles. The dramatic reductions in emissions, coupled with fuel savings up to 20,000gal per year, can make the APU a very solid investment.