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Introducing NITE, the Smart No-Idle Solution
Finally, there is a smart solution to the problem of how to give up idling for extended periods. Bergstrom Inc. introduces the NITE (No-Idle Thermal Environment) system, the world's first truly efficient engine-off heating and cooling system.
As its name indicates, the NITE system keeps the sleeper compartments of long-haul trucks cool in hot weather and warm when it is cold outside, with the engine turned off. The result is year-round comfort for the driver, with less fuel consumption and reduced engine wear.
With more than 50 years of experience in the design engineering and manufacture of mobile climate systems, Bergstrom is an industry leader in providing cab comfort.
"Developing an effective alternative to engine idling was a natural progression for us," explained Joe Nett, director of marketing for Bergstrom's Aftermarket Group. "Long-haul truckers are on the road for days and weeks at a time, driving hundreds of miles each day before pulling over for a good night's sleep. As pressures increase further to reduce our dependence on imported petroleum products and improve air quality, idling-reduction systems have become essential equipment."
Throughout the United States, freight haulers typically idle the engines of their heavy-duty trucks to keep the cab/sleeper warm or cool while they are sleeping or resting on long-distance runs. Although 19 states currently have anti-idling regulations and more restrictions are pending in other cities and states, overnight truck idling still wastes 900 million gallons of diesel fuel annually and produces significant levels of emissions.
Higher fuel prices and stricter laws provide compelling reasons to quit overnight idling. Fortunately, the NITE system tackles many of these problems without sacrificing driver comfort or convenience.
A comfortable night's sleep
The NITE system combines a fully independent air-conditioning system and a compact air-heating system designed to work instead of the truck's main engine. It also includes a smart control system and an engineered power source.
The air-conditioning system is designed to produce a comfortable temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit inside the truck's sleeper compartment when the outside temperature is 90-plus degrees Fahrenheit. The air conditioner draws no energy from the truck's electrical system when the truck engine is shut down. It is driven by the exclusive NITE rechargeable power source, which incorporates a deep cycle battery system that operates up to 12 hours between charges.
In cold weather, the NITE heating system keeps the sleeper compartment continuously warm, no matter what the weather brings. The energy requirement to heat the sleeper area is extremely low. The heating system uses a tiny fraction of the diesel fuel that is burned by an idling engine: 0.03 to 0.06 gallons per hour, compared with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per hour.
The smart control system features electronic variable functions for optimum comfort and power management. The engineered ductwork efficiently circulates air, providing exceptional cooling in even the largest sleepers. Built-in protections include a low-voltage cutout to safeguard the independent NITE battery and a status indicator to notify the owner when recharging is needed.
Fits any truck
The NITE system is heavy-duty, yet compact. It weighs just 342 pounds. The space-efficient design allows for easy installation.
The NITE system fits any truck, old or new. Owner-operators and fleet owners can retrofit existing trucks or spec new trucks with the NITE system. It comes standard with Bergstrom's service plan and award-winning technical support.
Bergstrom is marketing the NITE system to owner-operators and major fleets. It is available from various outlets across America.
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