Fuel prices are high enough to burn a hole in your wallet. In a world scampering for more fuel and lower prices, a number of studies have come out to reduce fuel consumption. The latest remedies have been advocated by PHH First Fleet, a dedicated truck group that combines the truck expertise and capabilities of PHH Arval, a leading fleet management company, and First Fleet Corporation, a national provider of asset management, financial services, and high technology operational support to the trucking and transportation industry throughout North America.
The results of its eighteen-month telematics-based fuel-study of US truck fleets gives some innovative measures to increase fuel economy. The best part is, it does not simply talk of the obvious like driver behavior and what the driver should do to reduce costs (and putting the drivers to task), but also comes up with engineering and mechanical solutions to the problem. As with all others, this study is marred by a number of ifs and buts, but comes out clean suggesting upto 5% increase in fuel economy (translating to $2000 per year, per tractor assuming 100,000 miles are driven per year) or more simply at 0.3mpg.
The initial findings revolve around two issues - the engine specs and the gear ratio. In addition, engine over-revving has come up as a major culprit that increases fuel consumption. Five-tips to a better fuel economy (and less weight on your wallet) are:
Increase engine torque ratings: A simple way to reduce the time you spend in the high output torque zone. Driving at high torque causes engine over-revving which leads to lower engine life causing high maintenance costs and lower fuel economy (as simple as that!)
Decrease gear ratio: Lower gear ratios increase fuel economy, engine life and speeds at lower RPM. So why don’t OEMs do this? Higher gear ratios provide increased overall performance and added power in lower gears. Go for the decreased gear ratio if fuel economy is your prime concern.
Spec APUs: Auxiliary Power Units allow drivers to run peripheral units like air-conditioners without keeping the engine on. APUs have weight, so the payload must decrease to remain in weight limits.
Engine Specification Parameter Controls: No, this study does not leave the drivers completely out of its purview. Here’s what the driver must do to better the fuel economy.
Don’t ’step on it’; At speeds above 70mph, a lot of work must go into overcoming the aerodynamic drag, demanding nearly 60% of the engine’s horsepower forcing the engine to drink a lot of fuel. Go at speeds below 55mph, if you are at the right gear, you use only 40% of the horsepower and save a lot of fuel.
Progressive Shifting; Prevent over-revving by shifting quickly in lower gears and save your fuel.
Idling; Don’t idle! Shutdown that engine while at stops.
Chassis Improvements: Simple improvements in the chassis go a long way in saving your precious fuel.
Aerodynamics; Decrease the wind drag by adding roof and side fairings, bumpers and side skirts. The decreased wind drag implies lower required horsepower and more savings in fuels (and they look good too).
Lower Weight; With new materials, the weight of the chassis and trailer can be reduced to better your fuel economy. This may prompt increased payloads and offset the advantage.
Low Profile Radial or Wide Based Tires: Research says the use of these wheels can improve fuel economy by as much as 2-5%. This is due to lower rolling resistance and decreased weight.
Get wise on how you use your fuel. Save your fuel, your money and your environment. These tips surely will help to cut on that fuel bill.
[Image: GM]
