ABOUT VOLVO BUS
Founded in Sweden in 1927, Volvo Bus is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of buses and coaches. It has developed a global reputation for safety, efficiency and innovation. As a company at the technological forefront of vehicle development, Volvo Bus is widely recognised as the world leader in commercial transportation.
Volvo Bus is passionate about shaping the future and driving innovation that improves everyday life for people and communities; based on the core values of Quality, Safety and Environmental Care.
THE CHALLENGE
For Volvo Bus, and their customers too, vehicle reliability has always been an important factor. Back in 2012, Volvo Bus wanted to guarantee that their vehicles always had starting capacity. The many technological developments made by Volvo Bus, had resulted in a bigger demand for power than ever before, to support on-board systems and equipment such as customer information / entertainment screens, interior lighting and USB charging points, that were placing huge demands on the alternator and starter battery. Volvo Bus wanted to introduce a solution that would provide sufficient power for all on-board systems and equipment, without running down the starter battery.
At the same time, Volvo Bus was looking to help their customers address cost-efficiencies to reduce battery spend and vehicle downtime (due to flat batteries).
“We were looking for a charging solution to support our new dual battery system, developed to guarantee that our vehicles always had starting capacity”
THE SOLUTION
Supporting its commitment to safety, reliability and environmental care Volvo Bus introduced a dual battery system that featured two separate battery sets - one to start the engine, and the other to power electrical systems and equipment, guaranteeing their vehicles always had starting capacity.
This exciting new system was supported by an on-board DC/DC charging solution from CTEK, that would deliver a powerful charge to the starter battery whilst on the move. This highly reliable unit was already being supplied as an aftermarket product for use with buses and trucks.
The product introduced as part of this solution was the CTEK D250TS, a 24V fast, fully automatic, 4-step DC/DC battery charger and conditioner for dual battery systems.
This highly effective unit prioritises the starter battery set, delivering up to 10A of charge. When the starter battery set is fully charged, the D250TS will then automatically equalize unbalance in the 24V service battery set, caused by 12 V equipment connected to the battery set. This maximizes capacity and significantly extends battery life.
Whilst the D250TS formed the basis of the solution, CTEK worked in partnership with Volvo to customise and verify the product for compatibility with Volvo systems and compliance with rigorous Volvo specifications & standards.
CTEK worked with Volvo on the project from initial concept, testing and development through to implementation and installation.
