ENERGY SAVING POSSIBILITIES IN COMMERCIAL VEHICLE OPERATION WITH TRACK-TRAILER COMBINATIONS IN LONG-DISTANCE TRAFFIC

The paper illustrates possible methods of reducing energy consumption in long-distance road transport of goods in Federal Germany. The conclusions apply equally to other European countries. Vehicle design changes such as improved aerodynamic shapes or the fitting of spoiler devices can reduce fuel consumption by 5-10 per cent. Reducing engine speed and supercharging can save 10-20 per cent. Other improvements are gained by the use of radial tyres and a more efficient cooling system. Changes in the legal requirements regarding speed and gross vehicle weight could increase economy by about 20 per cent. If all other factors were ignored the author claims that some 35 per cent improvement in fuel consumption alone can be gained by reducing engine speed and power. Adverse effects on national and operating economy make this saving impracticable, but it could be as high as 20 per cent. The diesel engine is regarded as the most efficient for commercial vehicle operation, and its development should be encouraged by economic policies in all countries. /TRRL/

• Corporate Authors:

  Daimler-Benz A.G.

  Mercedesstrade 136
  Stuttgart-Unterturk,   Germany 
• Authors:
  • Stifler, A
• Publication Date: 0

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 33 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamics; Chemical reduction; Commercial vehicles; Conferences; Conservation; Diesel engines; Distance; Energy; Energy conservation; Freight transportation; Fuel consumption; Gross vehicle weight; Improvements; Intercity transportation; Laws; Methodology; Motors; Radial ply tires; Radials; Speed; Superchargers; Tires; Traffic; Trailers; Trucks; Vehicle design; Weight
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• Old TRIS Terms: Long distance traffic; Radial tires; Reduction
• ITRD Terms: 5492: Aerodynamics; 1058: Air space; 8525: Conference; 1314: Diesel engine; 212: Energy conservation; 232: Fuel consumption; 9108: Improvement; 1236: Lorry; 1334: Motor; 9065: Radial; 5408: Speed; 1381: Tyre; 8119: United Kingdom; 5485: Weight
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Environment; Freight Transportation; Highways; Law; Motor Carriers; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00139113
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Report/Paper Numbers: Analytic
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 9 1977 12:00AM