Parker Commercializes Unique Hydraulic Hybrid System for Delivery Vehicles

October 17, 2009 – Vol.14 No.30

Parker Commercializes Unique Hydraulic Hybrid System for Delivery Vehicles.

Parker Hannifin Corporation has announced initial commercial commitment for its new series hydraulic hybrid system, which is designed to completely replace the traditional drive train on delivery vehicles and has yielded significantly increased fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. The commitment came as part of a grant under the United States Department of Energy's Clean Cities program and was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) spearheaded the submittal of these winning applications which will support the purchase of 638 hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. Parker is the only supplier of the hydraulic hybrid systems for the vehicles. Twenty systems will be purchased by DTNA subsidiary, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation and incorporated into delivery vehicle models intended for use by United Parcel Service (UPS).

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation manufactures premium chassis for the motor home, delivery walk-in van, and school bus and shuttle bus markets.

The Parker series hydraulic hybrid system stores energy recovered during the braking process in an advanced accumulator. The energy stored in the accumulator is then used to accelerate the vehicle on the next launch. Once that energy is depleted, the engine is restarted. Unlike electric-hybrid systems which store energy in a battery, the series hydraulic hybrid can recover and reuse as much as 70 percent of the energy used from braking that otherwise would be lost energy. By comparison, traditional electric systems can recover only 20 to 25 percent of brake energy.

The system is one of a growing range of technologies Parker is developing to address energy-related challenges, with systems in development for renewable energy applications such as wind, solar and wave; and in making traditional energy more efficient. (10/16/09)

Links:

Parker Hannifin Corporation
http://www.parker.com/portal/site/PARKER

Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: Yes