Saving Fuel With Air Compressors

Voith is presenting new 2 and 3-cylinder compressors. Voith has been fitting buses and trucks with air compressors for several years. They are popular with vehicle operators, as they make a significant conttribution to lower fuel consumption. Voith is now launching a new generation of 2 and 3-cylinder compressors in the market. The units come in lightweight design (diecasting) and will initially be installed in the new Citaro and the Travego Edition 1 with Euro 6 driveline.

The compact units stand out by particularly high energy efficiency: due to unique two-stage turbocharging with inter-cooling, the system requires considerably less power during delivery operation. In idling operation, a special idling system allows significant fuel savings, without having to decouple the air compressor in a lengthy process. In addition, the electronic control system enables targeted, fuel-efficient delivery in braking and coasting operation.

When installed in coaches, buses or trucks, air compressors not only reduce fuel consumption by up to 1.8 liters per 100 kilometers. In braking and coasting operation, they also result in energy recuperation. The higher air quality provided by the air compressor extends service intervals and allows cleaner vehicle operation with fewer pollutants.

The largest Voith air compressor to date has long proven itself in practical operation in the Mercedes-Benz CapaCity. This bus runs in the Metrobüs Bus Rapid Transit system in Istanbul, Turkey. The buses operate at 30-second intervals. The reliability and the robustness of the air compressor has not deteriorated even after a mileage of 250 000 km, resulting in continuously high air quality. Similar reports come from operators in South America. There, practical experience with 2-cylinder air compressors has been gained with mileages covering several hundred thousand kilometers.

Voith Turbo, the specialist for hydrodynamic drive, coupling and braking systems for road, rail and industrial applications, as well as for ship propulsion systems, is a Group Division of Voith GmbH.

Voith sets standards in the markets energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transportation & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith employs almost 40 000 people, generates €5.2 billion in sales, operates in about 50 countries around the world and is today one of the biggest family-owned companies in Europe.