As fuel demands continue to increase globally, so does its price. Therefore, alternative fuel sources, in addition to major breakthroughs in technology, are gaining widespread attention. These past years, electric vehicles and hybrid engines have made a steady rise in consumer markets. Innovations like these give us hope that not all technology that benefit man destroy the earth.
An example is the Auxiliary Power Units or APU. These devices are attached to vehicles, such as heavy trucks, mainly as a secondary energy source, to power its heating/cooling system, among others.
Nevertheless, in some areas, for large vehicles or trucks used for cargo transport or aircraft, fuel remains essential. Recently, however, the passing of Anti-Idling bills making it illegal for trucks to remain idle for some period, have forced truckers to look for other sources of energy to power the above mentioned. In contrast, APUs power up a vehicle’s secondary accessories and functions, in addition to other benefits, while the engine is turned off.
What You Need To Know When You’ve Decided To Buy An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)
Once you’ve decided to purchase an APU, the next step should be to determine what works best for you in terms of:
Energy Source
In general, the two types of APUs based on their power source is the Diesel/Combustion-powered and Electric-powered. A diesel powered APU doesn’t run on diesel fuel alone, though. Some models run on alternative fuels such as natural gas, whereas others are combined for future innovation. On the other hand, the electric powered APU is powered by cell batteries which vary with the size of the vehicle and the period they last and the required charging.
Capacity
An important consideration to be made when picking which APU best suits you is to ask yourself how much work you require it to perform, and the period of time it’ll be operating. If the job you perform is one where traveling some distance is required, then a diesel powered APU is the right choice.
Combustion-powered APUs last for as long as you need, provided fuel remains. By contrast, Electric-powered APUs last only until the batteries run out, and charging is required.
Budget
Diesel-powered APUs require purchasing fuel, increasing one’s budget. However, you get this back and more from its workload capacity. On top of that, combustion APUs require maintenance annually.
Electric APUs require no fuel to work and a minimal maintenance. It outshines its counterpart in this category, saving a decent amount in comparison.
The APU You Choose May Help Save The Planet
One of the biggest advantages APUs provide is not directed towards its owner but another: The Planet.
Apart from the significant amount of fuel emissions prevented from further polluting the atmosphere, APU technology is advancing rapidly. What requires fuel today may tomorrow need a few hours of sunlight. While this has yet to come, it is nonetheless important to note that there exist, at present, products that showcase the perfect balance between innovation and eco-awareness.
Green APU has the distinction of being the Diesel APU manufacturer whose product maintains the same high level of quality craftsmanship and performance, and is specially designed to emit the least amount of carbon emissions (on fuel use).
