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A significant driver for the development of future commercial vehicles is likely to be the introduction of fuel consumption related legislation in various regions around the world. The application of a waste heat recovery system to the powertrain of such vehicles is seen as a possible step, amongst many, to help them achieve the required fuel economy. In particular, the Rankine Cycle (a closed steam cycle) is often proposed as a potential means for deriving work from the engine exhaust heat. Rankine Cycle systems are already in use in off-highway applications, such as stationary engines or marine power-packs. However, the technical and commercial viability of these systems for on-highway, principally long haul truck application is as yet unproven. Aspects such as the in-use economy benefits, the system performance density, the component robustness and all interactions with the other vehicle systems have to be evaluated.

Aluminum has a number of features which make it superior to the other non-ferrous metals (copper and brass) normally used for radiators in the past. Apart from the low specific weight, there are additional advantages, such as outstanding heat conductivity, strength, corrosion resistance and convenient forming and processing qualities. Brazed aluminum radiators with flat tubes and louvered serpentine fins are used for high horsepower engines and/or in confined spaces, while mechanically assembled round tube or oval tube radiators are preferred for smaller engines and/or where there is sufficient space. The excellent field results with car radiators have led to the use of aluminum radiators in trucks as well. More than 10 million fluxless brazed flat tube radiators with serpentine fins have been manufactured by Behr since 1975. Serial production for trucks was started in 1988.