Crosspoint Kinetics, a newly formed subsidiary of Cummins Crosspoint, has launched a second-generation parallel-electric hybrid system for small para-transit bus, shuttle bus and package delivery applications.
Cummins Crosspoint is the exclusive distributor of Cummins products in a five-state territory encompassing all or portions of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. Crosspoint Kinetics, a subsidiary of Cummins Crosspoint, develops and delivers solutions that conserve, capture and reuse energy for the benefit of customers and their communities.
Crosspoint Kinetics’ S3000 hybrid system leverages evolved designs and technologies with improvements in durability and control software, says the company’s product director John McNichols. The system simply interfaces to a vehicle, making it easier to access hybrid advantages, including acceleration performance, less fuel consumption and reduced emissions.
“We have addressed many of the problems with first-generation hybrids, such as expensive batteries, less-than-satisfactory reliability, and complex integration into a vehicle,” he explains.
“The S3000 deploys ultra-capacitors and offers a design that makes it easy to install and remove. It is compatible with gasoline, diesel, propane and compressed natural gas engines, and can be installed in new and used vehicles; even transferred from one vehicle to another.
“By addressing the inflexibility of first-generation systems,” he continues, “we have made it easier for operators and customers to participate in the greening movement toward alternative fuels.”
Electricity generation
Used for incremental boost when accelerating a vehicle, the system generates 100 percent of its own electricity when decelerating or braking.
Results from third-party and field testing have shown fuel-economy increases ranging between 10 and 30 percent varying by driving style and route selection.
“An operator has full control of how much electricity can be generated, captured, and reused for acceleration,” says McNichols. “Our system offers a choice of extra acceleration or fuel economy performance depending on how the operator wants to use it.”
American-made components
Crosspoint Kinetics’ S3000 hybrid uses more than 80-percent American-made components. Included are the advanced electric hybrid motor manufactured by Nidec Corporation - the World's No.1 Comprehensive Motor Manufacturer - in its Princeton, Ind., facility; the ultra-capacitors supplied by Maxwell Technologies - a global leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing energy storage and power delivery solutions for automotive, heavy transportation, renewable energy, backup power, wireless communications and industrial and consumer electronics applications - of San Diego, Calif.; and the control computer and inverter provided by ZBB Energy - a leading developer of energy storage and innovative power control technologies - of Menomenee Falls, Wis.
Crosspoint Kinetics also is working directly with key OEM bus and chassis manufacturers to ensure quality installations.
“We have successfully completed system-life, performance, reliability, and FTA/Altoona testing,” notes McNichols. “We are confident our second-generation hybrid will perform and bring many benefits to the communities where they operate.
Crosspoint Kinetics’ hybrid is in limited production and is available through select bus OEM manufacturers throughout North America.
Full production is expected during fourth quarter of 2013.
