ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR HEAVY DUTY TRANSPORTATION

A study was conducted of the heavy-duty (air, ship and rail) transportation system to determine where opportunities exist for R and D that could substantially reduce future energy requirements and fossil fuel dependence. The results of this assessment indicate that a substantial reduction can be made while still accommodating the demand and intermodal shifts which are projected. The pivotal issue will be the extent to which air cargo will displace the traditional and more energy conservative modes of shipment. From six major efforts selected, programs for a national initiative have been formulated which fall into three major categories: Improved efficiency through advanced vehicle and engine concepts; improved effectiveness by providing options in intermodal shifts that are more energy conservative with the introduction of new vehicle concepts; and fuel diversification which would decouple the heavy-duty system from petroleum dependence by introducing new vehicle and engine concepts. Characteristically these categories, on a technology basis, require vehicle and engine R and D since these are the areas of the transportation system for which new technology exerts greatest leverage.

• Corporate Authors:

  Federal Council for Science and Technology

  Committee on Energy Research and Development Goals
  Washington, DC  United States 
• Publication Date: 1972-7-16

Media Info

• Pagination: 152 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air transportation; Consumption; Economic efficiency; Electric power plants; Energy; Energy resources; Engine efficiency; Engines; Forecasting; Freight transportation; Fuel conservation; Fuel consumption; Project management; Propulsion; Railroad transportation; Transportation; Water transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Energy crisis; Projects
• Old TRIS Terms: Cargo transportation; Energy forecasts; Mechanical efficiency; Power plant efficiency; Propulsive efficiency
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Energy; Transportation (General); Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00051570
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 25 1974 12:00AM