SKF is launching an innovative tire pressure monitoring device for use on heavy goods vehicles. The SKF Tyre Pressure Monitoring System comprises robust modules that are mounted externally on each wheel and monitor tire pressure and temperature, as well as being designed to eliminate the problems of air leakage that can often be found with other methods using external monitoring air-tubes.
Data is captured and transmitted wirelessly using a high signal strength of 2.4GHz to a central control unit. This uses advanced algorithms to calculate tire pressure accurately, with the output being shown to the driver in real time on a dashboard display. The entire system is efficient, reliable and simple to both install and use.
Stephanie Petremont, SKF project manager – automotive, said, “Research has shown that 32% of all truck downtime is related to problems with tires. In particular, incorrectly pressurised tires will increase fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, reduce tire life and, in extreme conditions, cause potentially dangerous blow-outs.
“As an example, over or under inflation of a tire by 15% can reduce tire life by as much as 10%, while 10% under inflation of all tires on a vehicle leads to an increase in fuel consumption; in real terms, the SKF Tyre Pressure Monitoring System would help a three-axle semi-trailer truck driving 160,000km per year to cut CO2 emissions by 7.58g/km and save 500 litres of diesel per year.”
April 15, 2015
