Hello all....I have a couple of questions about APU's. Is an APU essentially a diesel generator that charges batteries to power an inverter?
APU question
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Sisqscott, Jul 16, 2019.
Page 1 of 3
-
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
An APU is a small Diesel Engine that powers an AC system and an alternator that provides power to the batteries and the cab.
88228822, FlaSwampRat and Bean Jr. Thank this. -
Yes.
-
Tripac APU- Diesel ENGINE that runs A/C compressor and alternator. Alternator charges batteries and supply power to inverter. Inverter makes 120V. Also it has separate heater for cab heating(diesel fired).Last edited: Jul 16, 2019
bzinger, Dave_in_AZ and FlaSwampRat Thank this. -
Air conditioning !, heat for winter 110 power for whatever also makes your bed ,
FlaSwampRat and Bean Jr. Thank this. -
Thanks for the replies!
So the APU powers a separate A/C system from the engine powered one?
Does it have its own battery bank that it charges? -
bzinger, mhyn, Dave_in_AZ and 2 others Thank this.
-
I have not driven a Truck since Dec of 2012. Also, I do not wish to engage in a flame tossing contest. I am just going to ask a question. I have seen some comments in this thread that seem to say the APU is providing regular household voltages. Is this something new? I actually was under the impression that an APU only provided power to the truck's batteries, and it was the batteries that powered the truck's electrical system (inverter) when the main engine was off. If my understanding of this is wrong please correct me.
tscottme Thanks this. -
It really depends on what you get for an APU. There are some that not only keep the batteries topped off. Yet they also run the air conditioner in the summer as well as the bunk heater for colder winter. APU's are not just diesel. APU's are usually for what ever fuel the truck runs on. Average horse power on a APU is about seven horse power. The idea is that it is only a pint an hour to run a APU over the engine at one gallon of fuel per hour.
otterinthewater and FlaSwampRat Thank this. -
I was only asking about the comment's that seem to leave the impression the APU is putting out regular House voltages and current. Because if today's APU's are doing this it is new to me.
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
Page 1 of 3