Multi-Plate for Bus Heating
Customized solutions
The P8 Multi-plate is a hose manifold that connects to a parked bus, supplying it with hot water (antifreeze), compressed air and electrical power for heating purposes.
P8 Multi-Plate
CEJN’s P8 Multi-plate supplies buses parked at a depot with water/antifreeze, compressed air and electrical power, heating the bus and maintaining air pressure for brake systems, doors, etc. The old system was both impractical and uneconomical. With the P8 plate the driver no longer needs to wait for the bus to heat up, as the bus is already warm when he or she arrives. This is good for the environment and the health of the driver, who no longer has to sit in a cold vehicle, and has financial benefits.
Customer request and solution
The customer turned to CEJN for help in designing a secure, more efficient and easier-to-use multi-coupling system. CEJN designed a drip-free, easy-to-handle solution based on a multi-console installed on the bus. In one simple operation the system is fully engaged. Considerable health and environmental benefits have been generated by eliminating all heat and electricity waste. In addition, a safety feature makes it impossible to start the bus while it is connected.
The Multi-plate connects the bus console to an electrical supply, compressed air and circulated hot water + antifreeze while the bus is parked at the ramp. The design enables easy connection and disconnection in just one action, ensuring a reduced maintenance cost and minimal change over time. While the ramp is empty, the hose manifold is connected to a parking console to maintain water circulation in a closed system at the depot.
Design
The Multi-plate contains a battery contact, two non-drip couplings for water and glycol for warming up the engine and the interior of the bus using a waterborne system, and a compressed air coupling that supplies the brakes with air.The P8 plate has just been upgraded for better ergonomics. The new version also has a more robust charger contact, providing more power. A built-in start block sensor ensures that the bus cannot leave the ramp until the manifold has been disconnected, thus minimizing drive-away damage to both the bus and ramp and reducing maintenance costs.
