Parker Hannifin has a hydraulic hybrid technology that improves efficiency on current diesel-fueled heavy vehicles in an innovative way.  Designed specifically for Class 4-8 trucks that drive in-city and do a lot of start-stop, the RunWise system dramatically increases fuel efficiency.

The technology was released in 2009 and in December of that year, several South Florida communities ordered 11 Autocar E3 trucks fitted with the RunWise hydraulic hybrid system.  Those trucks will be delivered in mid-year 2010.  A full month of testing of the system showed a 72% increase in fuel efficiency for Class 8 refuse (garbage) trucks similar to those to be fielded by Florida.

The system regenerates braking power from the trucks and stores it as compressed hydraulic fluid.  This fluid is then released, as needed, to help in acceleration and other fuel-heavy requirements.  Besides the fuel economy boost, the RunWise system also was shown to extend brake maintenance periods from 6 months to 24-30 months (estimated) as well as reduce wear on many drive line components.

The system works in tandem with the vehicles’ current drive system and braking.  It can be fitted by a dealership’s service department, so it can be sold as an option that requires no factory retooling.  Parker Hannifin plans to commit field trials through 2010 and offer the RunWise system to the market in 2011.

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