OP 80/1 FUEL CONSUMPTION MEASUREMENTS AND TRENDS

Using currently-available engine and transmission technology, for a car of given inertia and drag, car manufacturers are likely to optimise design features around targeted test cycle conditions. Journey pattern and driving style cause significant changes to fuel economy. Cold start-up journeys cause large increases in fuel consumption and test procedures are being studied to quantify these effects. Variations on fuel consumption measurement can occur between testing laboratories. Inter-laboratory correlation studies have shown that variations up to -17.4% to +10.3% can occur over 17 successive laboratory tests. Dynamometer calibration procedures and measurement techniques are under review to improve the accuracy of fuel economy testing. Gaseous emission control can require changes of engine and transmission characteristics which adversely affect fuel economy. European constructors are currently meeting gaseous emission reductions of up to 62% compared with emissions from the untreated car and expect to achieve 10% improvement in fuel economy at these monitored emission levels by optimising engine calibrations around the 97 ron gasoline level. (Author/TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  ASSOCIATED OCTEL COMPANY LIMITED

  20 BERKELEY SQUARE
  London,   United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • Williams, D
• Publication Date: 1980-5

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 22 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air quality management; Calibration; Cold starts (Driving); Design; Errors; Exhaust gases; Fuel consumption; Fuel injection; Laboratory tests; Legislation; Measurement; Motors; Optimization; Starting (Driving); Test procedures; Variance; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Starting
• Geographic Terms: Europe
• Old TRIS Terms: Exhaust emission control; Optimum design
• ITRD Terms: 6171: Calibration; 1809: Cold starting; 6440: Error; 8034: Europe; 232: Fuel consumption; 1556: Legislation; 6136: Measurement; 1334: Motor; 6288: Test method
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Highways; Law; Vehicles and Equipment; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00331826
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Report/Paper Numbers: Monograph
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 15 1981 12:00AM