Propane heaters for school buses (article)

[TygerCub]

Found this PDF article while surfing the web last night and thought it might be of interest to folks...
http://www.propanecouncil.org/upload...eaters_web.pdf

And here's a link to the heater they discuss using for the conversion:
http://www.precisiontemp.com/pt_rvmd_rv500.html

[baadpuppy]

Originally Posted by Smitty

I can't view PDF files (for some reason), but I'm wondering if they require 110VDC for DSI pilot or ignitor? Be OK for shore or gen power.

Smitty

The second link isn't a PDF.

Looks like it is 12V DC based, and uses DSI. Microprocessor based. About a grand for just the RV500.

jim

[TygerCub]

Originally Posted by Smitty

I can't view PDF files

Sorry 'bout that Smitty. I didn't think they'd be a problem.

So... in a nutshell, here's a quote of what they propose for city school buses to avoid running the engine for an hour in the winter time just to heat the interior of the bus...
"In the proposed propane bus heating system design, a hightemperature water pump and Precision Temp RV 500 tankless water heater are linked into the bus engine coolant line. Coolant moves through the pump and into the water heater, which draws propane fuel from a 40-lb. steel horizontal-mounted fuel tank and combusts the fuel to heat the bus engine coolant. The heated coolant then moves though the engine, radiator, and cabin heaters.

The RV 500 tankless water heater, originally designed for use in recreational vehicles, can withstand the vibrations and outdoor conditions of on-the-road use. The horizontal-mounted fuel tank is certified for on-the-road use and meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards."

It sounds like a reasonable way to heat the bus using the existing heater systems. But only if you still have all the original stuff hooked up. I thought it might help others who don't want to tear out EVERYTHING in their bus and could use a combo space heater and water heater.

[the_experience03]

So it's pretty much a propane fired Webasto heater? I think a diesel powered Webasto (or similar) would be the way to go since it would require only one fuel source. My bus had a Webasto when I got it, but the expensive brain box on it was fried.