Delphi Technology Can Help Commercial Vehicles Meet Increasingly Stringent Truck Idling Laws

Battery monitoring device can optimize back-up power systems when trucks are at rest.

TROY, Mich. — Strict regulations are limiting the amount of time trucks can idle to as little as three minutes in some states and, as a result, trucks are relying more on back-up power to run heaters, air conditioners, entertainment and communication devices when drivers are at rest. Delphi Corp. (PINKSHEETS: DPHIQ) is ready to provide commercial vehicle manufacturers with a battery monitoring device to help manage the additional power load placed on the battery in this situation.

The Delphi Battery Monitoring Device combines an innovative IVT sensor with software that calculates the battery state of health (SOH) and state of charge (SOC) and will alert drivers to batteries that are in need of replacement or charging. It helps ensure optimal battery performance, making more electronics possible while ensuring sufficient power for starting the engine. When integrated into a vehicle as part of active battery management, the Delphi Battery Monitoring Device can also help improve fuel efficiency and extend battery life.

“Without the use of their engines, commercial vehicle drivers must rely on back-up power sources to remain comfortable and connected during rest stops. Traditional methods of determining battery SOC by measuring voltage do not provide the high level of accuracy, range of measurement and resolution that Delphi’s Battery Monitoring Device provides,” Paul Falete, commercial vehicle customer business unit director, Delphi Packard Electrical/Electronic Architecture, said.

“For commercial vehicle drivers trying to do their jobs in harsh weather conditions, this extremely precise information is helpful in allowing them to get proper rest on the road while complying with no-idle regulations to improve air quality and lessen the vehicle’s overall environmental impact.”

Delphi’s Battery Monitoring Device features Local Interconnect Network (LIN) or Controller Area Network (CAN) interface for data and diagnostic communication. It is mounted on the negative battery post or in a pre-fuse box on the battery, and is designed for use in passenger and commercial vehicles beginning with model year 2010. It can also be adapted for use in off-road vehicles and the marine industry.

Delphi Electrical/Electronic Architecture delivers power and signal distribution networks for today’s increasingly complex vehicles. Delphi engineers act as master architects by using proprietary design tools and software to create a virtual model of a vehicle’s E/E architecture - down to the last connector, electrical center, electronic module and wiring harness. In doing so, they evaluate the impact of various trade-offs to deliver a fully optimized E/E architecture system backed by Delphi technical centers and manufacturing facilities in 31 countries around the globe.