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The challenge of providing adequate stored electrical energy for heavy-duty vehicles is an increasing one. Batteries must provide the power needed to crank the engine, and still have the energy capacity to supply power to the electrical loads used when the engine is not running. The use of electrochemical capacitors may permit more optimum design of the electrical energy storage system to reduce some of the compromises required in today's systems. This paper discusses the evaluation of electrochemical capacitors and how they could potentially be used to enhance the performance of energy storage systems for heavy-duty vehicles.

The electrical system of a commercial vehicle is a critical component for reliable vehicle operation. While the demands on today's electrical system have increased dramatically due to higher horsepower engine environments and increased key-off loads, the design of these systems continues to evolve in order to meet these demands. Unfortunately, this design evolution has not kept pace with user expectations for enhanced performance, durability and reduced maintenance of the electrical system. In support of the TMC's S.1 Tomorrow's Truck initiative, this paper offers the following vision of future alternator requirements that will fulfill the expectations of commercial vehicle drivers, maintenance and support personnel. The intent of this vision is that it be used by designers and vehicle manufacturers as a guideline of desirable features for the alternators of tomorrow's truck.