Advanced Compressor and Air Dryer Charging Systems

This paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of the traditional charging and storage systems of a heavy duty air braked vehicle, versus an advanced air charging system. Traditionally separate components are installed on a heavy duty vehicle to perform the air drying and air distribution functions. Current air systems charge the primary and secondary reservoirs through a supply reservoir. As a result, current systems require more space, have more potential leak points and are more labor intensive to install. Charging and storage system Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) will discuss the various alternate strategies to simplify and enhance the air charging system. Furthermore, a look at future enhancements to charging systems is considered.