Austin-based Energy Xtreme, a power solutions company, has designed the Independence Package, a power management system that operates a car’s electrical system while the gasoline engine is turned off.
The Independence Package is proving useful at law enforcement departments where the everyday demand of electrical systems can take a big toll on engines and lead to frequent dead batteries. Leaving the vehicle’s gasoline engine on creates air pollution, wastes gasoline and can create an opportunity for criminals.
The Independence Package installs in the trunk of a police cruiser, where it uses minimal space and can power the car’s entire electrical system, including the lights, radio, laptop and camera for up to four hours at a time. The Independence Package automatically recharges while the car is being driven and also can provide engine ignition power in case of a dead engine battery.
Lt. Dale Barnard of Dallas Police Department (DPD), said: “The Independence Package allows us to have our electrical systems running at the scene of a crime without having to leave the vehicle running. That’s good for several reasons: We don’t run the risk of running out of gas, we don’t run the risk of the car being stolen and we aren’t pumping unnecessary emissions into the air. In my 22 years in law enforcement, this is the first thing invented that lets us do something green without sacrifice. In fact, it actually makes the car better – more fuel efficient; longer battery life.”
Ross Johnson, Director of Business Development at Energy Xtreme, said: “We developed the Independence Package specifically with law enforcement departments in mind. Using our own proprietary software, we also have the ability to gather and track savings and emission reduction data.”
By using the independence package, the overall emissions are also reduced at a large extent instead of the car’s regular gasoline-powered engine. The Dallas Police Department is eliminating an estimated 72.75 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per vehicle per day.
The independence package was used by DPD for an average of 4.85 hours per day over a 30-day period. Assuming 300 work days per year, a gas price of $3.26 per gallon and 0.75 gallons of gas burned per hour while the vehicle idles, the department is saving $11.86 per day in fuel costs and an astounding $3,131 per year per vehicle. These applications include emergency backup systems, anti-idling products, remote power generation and storage systems, power management systems as well as proprietary carbon tracking and reporting software.