Eaton offering four new enhancements for hybrid power system

Enhancements include a new high-capacity battery, a new single-phase 115-volt AC Auxiliary Power Generator (APG), a higher capacity clutch to expand applications up to 860 lb-ft of torque, and a new remanufactured battery for aftermarket purchase.

High-capacity battery

At the heart of the high-capacity lithium-ion battery is new technology that officials say employs the latest battery cell architecture, according to officials. The new design aims to increase the fuel savings of Eaton’s hybrid power system an additional 5-10% while also improving vehicle performance. In addition, the new battery is designed to more than double the engine-off capability of the system for job-site operations and extend battery life.

“Not only will fleets realize greater fuel efficiency and reduced C02 emissions, but drivers will notice faster acceleration with the updated hybrid propulsion system,” said Kevin Beaty, product strategy and manufacturing operations and strategic sourcing manager, hybrid power systems for Eaton. “The new battery is designed to allow for simplified servicing of internal components.”

Auxiliary Power Generator

Eaton is also introducing a new single-phase five-kilowatt Auxiliary Power Generator this fall. The APG option converts high-voltage DC current from the battery to 115-volt AC current that can be used by any number of tools on the job site. The APG unit is more compact and 25 lbs lighter than Eaton’s previous offering.

“The new APG unit offers a soft-start function that can handle high inrush loads that require an immediate boost of power,” notes Gerard DeVito, engineering director – Eaton hybrid power systems. “The APG is also a fully isolated system from the high-voltage battery, which eliminates the need for a separate isolating transformer to further reduce cost and weight.”

Both the new high capacity battery and APG will be rolled out during the fourth quarter of this year to serve utility applications. The high capacity battery will be available for city delivery and beverage tractor applications in the third quarter of 2012.

Higher capacity clutch

In addition to the new battery and APG, Eaton is now offering higher capacity clutches designed to handle engines up to 860 lb-ft of torque and 300 hp. Officials say the increased torque capacity will results in greater vehicle performance for heavier applications, including select tandem axle configurations.

Remanufactured battery

Lastly, Eaton will begin offering a remanufactured battery in July that officials say will provide fleets with an aftermarket battery option at an affordable cost.

“Fleets can now extend the life of their hybrid power system for a fraction of the cost of new service units,” said Beaty. “Our goal is to provide the greatest possible value to hybrid customers who want more sustainable fleets at the best possible cost.”