What equipment is used on the Northern Gas Networks vehicles?

The solution combines an Air Drive underfloor screw compressor with a DLG Driveline system, together with hydraulic pump and generator systems.

Why is low operating noise important for emergency response vehicles?

Utility teams may need to operate equipment close to residential properties at night. The customer reported that the quieter power unit was useful in these circumstances and resulted in fewer complaints.

How does an underfloor compressor benefit vehicle design?

For this application, the compact system contributes to improved space utilization. The customer specifically reported having more storage space in the new vehicle.

Does the DLG Driveline affect vehicle driveability?

According to the case study, the DLG Driveline fits into the drivetrain assembly and does not affect the driveability of the vehicle.

What support is available for the on-board power system?

The case study states that UK support included 10 mobile service engineers, 20 OEM truck dealerships and a drop-in clinic at Gardner Denver's Bradford facility.

On-Board Power for Emergency Response Vehicles

Overview

Emergency response and utility vehicles need dependable mobile power while operating in demanding environments, often close to homes and other noise-sensitive locations. Equipment size and installation layout are also important because every part of the vehicle competes for limited space. Northern Gas Networks (NGN), a UK gas distributor, selected Gardner Denver to provide on-board power for new emergency response vehicles replacing older units in its fleet.

The solution combines an Air Drive underfloor screw compressor with the DLG Driveline system, alongside hydraulic pump and generator systems.

Challenge: Mobile Power for Emergency Response Vehicles

Northern Gas Networks needed new emergency response vehicles equipped with reliable on-board power for field operations. The vehicles would replace some of the oldest units in the NGN fleet. The application required a solution suited to hard-working utility environments while addressing practical vehicle requirements such as:

Lower operating noise, particularly when working near customers' homes at night.
Compact installation to make better use of vehicle space.
Reliable on-board power for field operations.
Integration that would not negatively affect vehicle driveability.
A system suitable for demanding emergency response applications.

The customer benefit identified in the case study was a quieter, more compact system that provided better space utilization and greater overall vehicle capability.

Solution: Air Drive Compressor and DLG Driveline System

Gardner Denver evaluated both automotive vane and screw compressor technologies for the application and determined that both were suitable. The chosen solution combines the Air Drive automotive compressor with a DLG Driveline system. The DLG Driveline unit integrates into the vehicle drivetrain assembly without affecting the vehicle's driveability. The Air Drive underfloor screw compressor, together with hydraulic pump and generator systems, provides mobile power for applications in which power is required in the field. Mounting the system beneath the vehicle also helps make more effective use of the available vehicle space. Gardner Denver engineers and installs the mechanical, electrical and electronic elements of these vehicle systems at its Bradford facility in West Yorkshire.

OPERATING NOISE

Quieter

Night-time operation

Customer feedback highlights reduced operating noise near homes.

STORAGE

More space

Compact installation

Underfloor technology increases usable vehicle storage.

MOBILE SERVICE

engineers

UK support

Mobile service network stated in the case study.

Customer Quote

"The new van is kitted out really well, there is more storage space and the new power unit is much quieter. This is very useful when you are working outside a customers house at night, it means fewer complaints."

Mathew MathersGas Operative at Northern Gas Networks

Impact and Results

The new on-board power system delivered practical improvements for both Northern Gas Networks and its field operators.

Quieter operation: Lower noise was particularly valuable for teams carrying out work outside customers' homes at night. Customer feedback specifically identifies the new power unit as much quieter than the equipment on the previous vehicle.
More vehicle storage space: The compact installation provides more usable storage space within the van. This allows the vehicle layout to support equipment and operational requirements more effectively.
Greater vehicle capability: Combining the compressor, driveline, hydraulics and generator capabilities provides Northern Gas Networks with a mobile power solution designed around utility and emergency response work.
Service and support: At the time of the case study, UK support included 10 mobile service engineers, 20 OEM truck dealerships and a drop-in clinic at the Bradford facility.

Key Takeaways

On-board power for emergency response vehicles must balance performance with vehicle space, noise and integration requirements.
The Air Drive underfloor screw compressor and DLG Driveline provide a compact mobile power solution.
The DLG Driveline integrates into the drivetrain without affecting vehicle driveability.
Quieter operation is valuable for utility teams carrying out work near residential properties, particularly at night.
The compact installation provides additional storage space and contributes to greater vehicle capability.
The system combines compressor, hydraulic pump and generator technologies to support mobile power requirements in the field.

Further Proof & Recognition

Download the Emergency Response Vehicle Case Study

Discover how Northern Gas Networks uses a compact, quieter on-board power system to support field operations while increasing usable vehicle space.

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Frequently Asked Questions

An on-board power system integrates equipment such as compressors, hydraulic pumps, generators and driveline technology into the vehicle to provide power where it is needed in the field. In the Northern Gas Networks application, the system supports emergency response vehicles used by gas network teams.

Download the PDF

Quieter On-Board Power for Emergency Response Vehicles