Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., a leading fire and rescue apparatus manufacturer, will showcase its GREEN POWER™ SG-09™ Anti-Idle Technology at the upcoming Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) 2015 in Indianapolis, Ind., in Booth #3536. First introduced in 2010, the technology has been gaining popularity among departments throughout North America, with particularly strong sales and adoption among large Canadian fleets. The system will be displayed on a 105’ (32M) heavy-duty aerial built for Toronto Fire Service, North America’s fifth largest fire department.
The Smeal GREEN POWER System has become popular among municipalities that have “green” initiatives with established emission reduction, idle reduction and energy consumption reduction targets. A few of the departments that operate Smeal apparatus equipped with GREEN POWER technology include Toronto Fire Services, Ontario; Charlotte Fire Department, North Carolina; Markham Fire & Emergency Services, Ontario; and Arlington Fire Department, Texas. In addition, Surrey Fire Service, British Columbia; Calgary Fire Department, Alberta; and Vancouver Fire & Rescue Service, British Columbia, have GREEN POWER equipped units on order.
“We have a deep commitment to ensuring the best apparatus and technological enhancements for the fire service, and our GREEN POWER Technology is just one example of that. The challenges facing many fire departments today include being good stewards of the environment by contributing to their communities’ “green” initiatives. Smeal’s GREEN POWER Anti-Idle Technology allows departments to meet that challenge while reducing one of their largest operating budget items, fuel. When you have the ability to
reduce emissions and fuel consumption – saving money and helping protect the environment, it’s a winning combination,” said Jeff Wegner, Smeal’s vice president of sales.
GREEN POWER ANTI-IDLE TECHNOLOGY
Once the chassis parking brake is set, and following a pre-set idle period, the GREEN POWER System automatically shuts down the main chassis engine and activates an auxiliary power unit (APU) without any interruption of power, heating and cooling. In addition, it constantly monitors the water pump and PTO to ensure there is no interruption on scene. The system can also be started manually for additional DC and/or AC power.
Benefits of the system include:
- Reduces fuel consumption by up to 75% during idle time, up to 20% overall, depending on response profile
- Reduces carbon monoxide emissions by up to 20%
- Maintains full power for all electrical, lighting and HVAC system operations
- Reduces chassis engine hours, maintenance intervals and regeneration requirements
- Features auto and manual modes, so the system can automatically activate and shut down the main engine, or be turned on-off from the cab or pump panel
- Monitors water pump and PTO status to ensure uninterrupted power while engaged in pumping operations
The system features a Caterpillar C1.5, 3-cylinder diesel engine that outputs 33 horsepower, providing power to a 9kW generator, and a 270-amp Leece Neville alternator. It is available in two versions, one with an auxiliary HVAC system, independent from the chassis, and one that uses existing chassis HVAC components, but mounts the air conditioner compressor on the GREEN POWER System. Both systems increase available primary engine horsepower because it’s not powering the A/C compressor.
Smeal Fire Apparatus Co.
Smeal Fire Apparatus Co., including US Tanker Co. and Ladder Tower Co., is recognized as a premier manufacturer, inventor and innovator of custom fire apparatus. The company offers a full line of custom and commercial pumpers, rescue pumpers, mini and rescue pumpers, stainless steel tanker/tenders, aerial ladders, platforms, TDA’s, wildland, and urban interface vehicles. Smeal is committed to leading the industry in high quality fire apparatus, delivery times and customer experience. Smeal sells its products worldwide and is based in Snyder, Neb. To learn more, visit smeal.com.
