ENERGY LOSSES IN HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

This report examines the factors affecting the fuel consumption of heavy commercial vehicles. From the experience gained in these preliminary tests it is apparent that some accepted driving cycle is required on which to base any comparative measurements. Dynamometer tests on multi-axle vehicles require extensive test facilities, therefore selected test routes covering a range of operating conditions would appear to be a requirement. The largest part of the power loss is in the engine and alternative methods of propulsion are being considered throughout the world. However it would appear that any improvement in the immediate future will be in further developing the diesel powered vehicle. Tyres account for a predominant part of the remaining power consumption, in rolling resistance, cornering and slewing forces. These forces also contribute to the tyre wear and will be affected by the type of tyre and the tyre inflation pressure. Vehicle warm-up is essential when making any comparisons of fuel consumption and this includes the combined effect of the engine, transmission and tyres. Aerodynamic shaping can materially improve the fuel consumption if the vehicle speeds are high enough. The problem of comparative testing where wind strengths are above certain mean levels must be carefully considered in relation to the test programme objectives.(a) /TRRL/

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/02667045
• Corporate Authors:

  Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)

  Wokingham, Berkshire  United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • Williams, T
• Publication Date: 1977

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 46 p.
• Serial:
  • Publication of: Transport and Road Research Laboratory
  • Publisher: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
  • ISSN: 0266-7045

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceleration (Mechanics); Aerodynamics; Alternatives analysis; Commercial vehicles; Diesel fuels; Dissipation; Driving; Dynamometers; Fuel consumption; Fuels; Heavy vehicles; Highway grades; Itinerary; Motors; Operating costs; Slopes; Steering; Temperature; Test procedures; Tires; Transmissions; Weight; Wind
• Old TRIS Terms: Cornering (Vehicle)
• ITRD Terms: 5405: Acceleration; 5492: Aerodynamics; 1855: Driving (veh); 3850: Fuel; 232: Fuel consumption; 2806: Gradient; 699: Itinerary; 1078: Lock (waterway); 1334: Motor; 221: Operating costs; 6722: Temperature; 6288: Test method; 1381: Tyre; 5485: Weight
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00172533
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Report/Paper Numbers: TRRL Suppl Rpt. 329 Monograph
• Files: ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Jun 28 1978 12:00AM