Hong Kong Standard
With the ban on idling engines just a day away, the territory has unveiled its first automatic system to keep cool drivers who have stopped.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
With the ban on idling engines just a day away, the territory has unveiled its first automatic system to keep cool drivers who have stopped.
Developed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the system aims to ease the problem of high in-vehicle temperatures during idle stops while improving roadside air quality by cutting emissions.
“With this system, when a vehicle comes to a complete stop, the engine will stop automatically, cutting emissions caused by idling,” council chairman Clement Chen Cheng-jen said.
“Also, once the engine stops, the auxiliary air-conditioning system will kick in immediately and can keep running for up to an hour.”
The system, funded by the government Environment and Conservation Fund and the Woo Wheelock Green Fund, is currently undergoing patent registration and can cut fuel consumption, Chen said.
“We plan to commercialize the technology through licensing to auto parts manufacturers for sales and production, creating business opportunities for the industry.”
The council is also upgrading the system to extend air-conditioning supply to up to two hours, a feat that will be tested early next year.
Under the ban taking effect on Thursday, drivers cannot leave their engines idling for more than three minutes in any 60-minute period, subject to a fixed penalty of HK$320.
Taxis at stands are exempt, as are the first two minibuses at stands. All drivers are exempt during very hot weather or rainstorm warnings. STAFF REPORTER