AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Do not adjust the heat the computer will do it

24th July 1982, Page 35
24th July 1982
Page 35
Page 35, 24th July 1982 — Do not adjust the heat the computer will do it
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

'COULD you turn the heat up please, driver? it is too hot down live; it is stuffy here."

How many times on an averige long-distance coach trip oes the driver have to adjust le heater controls in an attempt ) keep the back and front of the aloon the same temperature nd how often is the resultant )mperature a compromise? Too ften with coach travel has it een impossible to please all of le people all of the time And it an undoubted extra imposion for the driver to have to fidle with heater controls in addiion to his main driving )sponsibility.

One manufacturer that recogises the problem is the West ierman firm of Kassbohrer. It as devised a computerontrolled system which it has tted in its top-of-the-range Sea coaches: The driver merely Ms the computer to a minimum )mperature and then gets on rith the driving.

The Setra PDW system uses a

number of sensors which tell the computer of the interior temperature of the saloon. The heating or ventilators are then activated as required. Two of the sensors are mounted on seat brackets, one at the front of the saloon and one at the rear, and four are mounted in the roof.

Once the driver has set the computer to the required temperature, which can be varied between 21 degrees Centigrade and 28 degrees. Centigrade, the Webasto heater is activated and the temperature of the water around the engine is warmed to 60 degrees Centigrade.

Once the temperature has been reached, valves are automatically opened and the water circulated through the roof and the floor of the vehicle.

Eight heat exchangers (four in the roof and four under the floor) are fitted and these are controlled by magnetic regulating valves governed by the temperature set on the computer.

Ventilation flaps above the window line, similarly, provide ventilation as necessary; the hotter it is outside, the wider the flaps open. Individual electric fans above each seat can be controlled by the passengers.

The system can also be extended to incorporate air conditioning for cooler interior temperatures.

Although the system is designed to operate independently, driver override-controls are fitted. The override controls, which have a flashing amber warning light to ensure the driver does not forget he is overriding the computer, allow him to open the vents or turn off the heaters.

The Setra is fitted with a timer to allow the Webasto heater to be activated before the vehicle starts work. On the latest Setras, the usual circular pre-heat timer has been replaced by a modern digital display.

The system should mean that problems with passengers leaving their bags in front of an underfloor heater or with those sitting too near the heater getting too hot and those sitting far away getting cold will no longer exist, The PDW heating system is standard equipment on the Setra 215 H and HD models currently available in Britain, although it is not included in the more basic "Universal" specification.

Satre coaches are available from Kassbohrer (UK) Ltd of Borden, Hampshire. Built in Ulm, the self supporting integral vehicles are currently available in Britain with Mercedes-Benz V8 engines although it is possible that other engine options will be available in future.

Tags


comments powered by Disqus