Central tyre inflation system sees more progresses over 22 years
TRT Australia has launched an update of its central tyre inflation (CTI) system, Traction Air, dubbing it “a complete evolution in technology and its look”.
The local arm of Tidd Ross Todd states that the new multi-channel system is available to Australian and New Zealand customers this month.
The update, called E Series, is based on a 2½ year research and development project by TRT, based in Scandinavia.
“TRT have always ensured that as technology in vehicles and operations has advanced so too has the capability of Traction Air,” the company says.
“Traction Air was developed more than 22 years ago by TRT, with the first installations on road trains in the Australian Outback.
“Traction Air is installed on more than 4,000 vehicles throughout NZ, Australia and the Asia Pacific region.”
However, TRT has not focused on CTI solutions regionally until now.
Read about the NHVR’s PBS tyre management review, here
“About four years ago, we looked at CTI in Europe, and in particular Scandinavia,” national sales manager Gavin Halley explains.
“With some of the most extreme operating environments, we wanted to understand how, and if, Traction Air could be adapted for any condition.
“With a bit of TRT blue-sky thinking, an investment in research, development and product testing in NZ and Sweden over the past 2½ years, we have created a brand new CTI system with greater capabilities that integrates with the vehicle using a common BUS protocols.”
The new system offers multi-channel options from single axle to drive, steer and trailer axle solutions.
To add this variability, TRT have had to develop a complete new CTI system from the ECU and software to the wheel ends and pressure cells. For example, the pressure cell is now made of stainless steel to withstand salt roads of European winters and thermal switches for operation in -40 degrees,” Halley says.
While the E Series is still autonomous, design allowances mean it can be interfaced with the vehicle and other third-party applications in the future.
“This new system does not replace the current system the G Series,” Halley says.
“This is a new option for our customers to consider. While some fleets may choose to migrate to the new E Series, we will be fully supporting both systems for the foreseeable future.”