Heavy-duty
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
Waste Management Field Testing Peterbilt Hydraulic Hybrid Waste Collection Trucks
November 14, 2008
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| Components of the Eaton heavy-duty hydraulic launch assist (HLA) system. Click to enlarge. |
Waste Management, Inc., North America’s largest waste management company, is field-testing parallel hydraulic hybrid waste collection trucks. Four parallel hydraulic hybrid-diesel collection trucks have been incorporated into Waste Management’s fleet and are being tested in Fort Worth to study and optimize the hybrid system’s efficiency and reliability.
The four Peterbilt 320 vehicles in Fort Worth use the Eaton Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA system). The HLA system can capture and store up to 75% of the energy normally lost as heat by the vehicle’s brakes in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid. (Earlier post.)
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Optare Shows Hybrid and Electric Buses
November 05, 2008
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| Optare is showing an all-electric version of the 8.8m Solo. Click to enlarge. |
Optare plc, the UK’s second largest manufacturer of buses, is highlighting new hybrid and all-electric models at the Euro Bus Expo taking place in Birmingham, UK on November 4 through 6, 2008.
Solo electric bus. An all-electric version of the 8.8-meter Solo bus features an Enova EDU 120 system comprising an electric drive unit and gear train, a central electronics unit, and related power management components. The system features a lithium-ion iron phosphate Valence battery pack which powers an Enova 120 kW Panther traction motor.
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GE Increases Investment in A123Systems; Total Position of $55M for 9% of Company
October 22, 2008
GE is making its sixth equity investment in lithium-ion battery manufacturer A123Systems, putting $30 million into A123’s $102 million Series E financing. GE is the battery manufacturer’s largest single cash investor, with 9% ownership. The investments were made by GE Commercial Finance - Equity and GE Energy Financial Services, bringing GE’s combined total investment in A123Systems to $55 million. (Earlier post.)
GE made the announcement at a Battery Technology Symposium held at its Global Research Center in Niskayuna, New York. In addition to receiving capital from GE, A123 is drawing on the research and technology development expertise of GE Global Research to design battery system components for automotive programs. A123Systems says that it is participating in GE’s exploration of a dual battery system—the combination of two battery chemistries, one biased toward power and the other toward energy, into a single battery pack, in a DOE-funded project with Chrysler. (Earlier post.)
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NREL Report Finds Operational Problems with CTTRANSIT Prototype Fuel Cell Bus Reduced Availability
October 14, 2008
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| CTTRANSIT’s fuel-cell hybrid bus. Click to enlarge. |
A report on the results of a preliminary evaluation of a prototype plug-in fuel-cell hybrid bus at Connecticut Transit (CTTRANSIT) in Hartford by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that while the experience for operators and riders with the fuel cell bus has been positive, there have been a number of specific problems and limitations that resulted in bus availability consistently below the 85% target.
These problems include initial quality assurance of the bus manufacturing/integration, the traction batteries, heating and air conditioning, operating in slippery conditions, maximum bus operating speed, and degradation of the fuel cell power system.
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Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Manufacturers Say Industry Needs Effective Fuel Efficiency Metrics and Global Fuel Regulations
October 13, 2008
Chief executives of the world’s leading heavy-duty engine and vehicle manufacturing companies gathered last week in New Orleans for the 6th Global Commercial Vehicle Industry Meeting (GCVIM). Participants in the meeting agreed that addressing climate change and fuel efficiency requires require developing effective fuel efficiency measurement metrics and methodologies and global fuel regulations.
The chief executives of the assembled companies agreed to continue working together with governments toward harmonized global standards with an emphasis on uniform measurement and testing protocols. The executives further agreed to meet jointly with the relevant national authorities to stress the need for a speeding progress towards the development of a fully harmonized WHDC (Worldwide harmonized Heavy-Duty emissions Certification procedure) Global Technical Regulation. They also agreed to work to improve fuel efficiency, develop hybrid technology certification procedures, and develop high-quality renewable fuels specifications.
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BAE Systems Introduces Improved Version of HybriDrive
October 06, 2008
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| BAE’s HybriDrive applied in an inline configuration in a Daimler Buses North America Orion VII NG (next generation). Click to enlarge. |
BAE Systems introduced an improved version of its series hybrid propulsion system that can be used on multiple bus platforms, is mechanically simpler, reduces maintenance costs, and makes possible the use of electric accessories. The company unveiled the latest HybriDrive system at the American Public Transportation Association’s Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego.
Based on the company’s series diesel-electric hybrid technology already in use, the new system can be configured with the diesel engine and generator arranged inline or transversely to make it adaptable to a wider range of bus models. It also can generate power for electrically operated systems such as air conditioning, power steering, engine cooling, and lighting, serving these electrical loads without belt-driven alternators.
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Volvo Introduces Hybrid Version of 7700 Bus; Up to 30% Reduction in Fuel Consumption
September 25, 2008
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| The Volvo Hybrid 7700. Click to enlarge. |
Volvo has unveiled the hybrid version of its 7700 bus at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany. (Earlier post.) With up to 30% lower fuel consumption and cost-effective hybrid components from Volvo, bus operators can earn a payback on the extra cost in five to seven years, according to the company.
The 7700 Hybrid features a parallel hybrid system with the Volvo MD5 diesel engine and Integrated Starter Alternator Motor (I-SAM). The 4-cylinder, 4-stroke turbocharged and intercooled in-line diesel engine delivers 158 kW (212 hp) of power at 2,200 rpm and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque at 1,200 to 1,700 rpm. Continuous output from the I-SAM motor is 70 kW (94 hp), with 120 kW (161 hp) peak; continuous torque is 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), with 800 Nm peak. A 600V, 4.8 kWh Li-ion battery pack is roof-mounted and water-cooled.
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Kenworth Expands Hybrid Offerings, Introduces New T370 Class 7 Hybrid Tractor Targeted at Local Haul Applications
September 24, 2008
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| The T370 hybrid. |
Kenworth Truck Company has introduced a new Kenworth T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid tractor for local haul applications, including beverage, general freight, and grocery distribution. Kenworth, a division of PACCAR, already offers a T270 Class 6 hybrid-electric truck. Peterbilt, also part of PACCAR, also offers its version of the T270, the Model 335.(Earlier post.)
Both the T270 and T370 share the same hybrid drive system, developed by Eaton. The Kenworth T370 tractor is powered by the PACCAR 6.7-liter PX-6 engine, which is rated at 300 hp (224 kW) at 2,600 rpm, with 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque at 1,600 rpm.
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Bosch Highlighting Hydraulic and Electric Hybrid Systems at IAA
September 23, 2008
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| Components of the hydraulic hybrid Hydrostatic Regenerative Braking System. Click to enlarge. |
Bosch will highlight its hydraulic hybrid drivetrain at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany as one of its solutions to help reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions in the commercial vehicle sector. Bosch will also showcase its hybrid-electric, CNG, exhaust aftertreatment, and new higher-pressure common rail injection systems.
The Bosch-Rexroth Hydrostatic Regenerative Braking system (HRB) for heavy commercial vehicles reduces fuel consumption by up to 25%. The hydraulic hybrid drivetrain converts kinetic braking energy into hydraulic energy and stores it. The next time the vehicle accelerates, the stored energy is fed back into the powertrain, thereby reducing the load on the combustion engine.
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Volvo Group Plans Wide Application of Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drive
September 22, 2008
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| The Volvo FE hybrid refuse truck. Click to enlarge. |
The Volvo Group plans to apply its I-SAM (Integrated Starter, Alternator Motor) hybrid solution (earlier post)—what it calls its fourth-generation hybrid solution—across its range of products in buses, trucks and construction equipment.
Volvo has been testing various types of hybrid solutions since the 1980s. Volvo Group unveiled what it considers a viable hybrid solution for heavy vehicles in March 2006 (earlier post) in the form of the I-SAM. The I-SAM is a parallel hybrid system comprising a starter motor, drive motor and alternator fit between the clutch and the I-Shift automatic transmission.
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Daimler to Showcase Alternative Drive Systems at the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show; Three Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Premieres
September 19, 2008
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| The Mercedes-Benz Econic BlueTec hybrid makes its debut at the Hanover show. Click to enlarge. |
Daimler AG is presenting 11 vehicles with alternative drive systems—including natural gas, hybrid-electric and fuel cell technologies—at this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles in Hanover (25 September - 2 October). (Earlier post.)
Mercedes-Benz will present three hybrid world premieres at the motor show, including the Axor BlueTec Hybrid truck, its first hybrid prototype for use in long-distance transport. For local transport applications, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the Econic with two hybrid variants: the Econic BlueTec Hybrid with diesel engine and the Econic NGT Hybrid, a concept with a natural-gas-powered engine.
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Transport Consortium Establishes LNG Refuelling Infrastructure for 120 Heavy Duty Trucks in Tasmania
September 08, 2008
LNG Refuellers Pty Ltd (LNGR), an Australia-based consortium comprising seven Tasmanian transport operators, has struck a deal with industrial gas company BOC for the supply of LNG fuel for more than 120 LNG-powered heavy-duty vehicles. Tasmania is an Australian state—and island—located 240 kilometers (150 mi) south of the eastern side of the continent, being separated from it by the Bass Strait.
The trucks will mostly be new vehicles with Westport engines with some existing Caterpillar powered vehicles fitted with the Clean Air Power Dual-Fuel system (earlier post).
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MAN Introduces Euro 5 and EEV Diesels Without SCR, Hybrids
August 27, 2008
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| The MAN D08 CR engines meet Euro 5 and EEV limits without any SCR aftertreatment. Click to enlarge. |
At the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover, Germany (25 September - 2 October), MAN Nutzfahrzeuge will premiere a range of new diesel engines with EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) that meet Euro 5 and EEV (Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicles) standards without the use of urea-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment systems, as well as new hybrid models and numerous changes to its vehicles.
To achieve Euro 5 / EEV, the MAN engine designers use a Lambda-controlled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) with recirculation rates of 30% and higher; two-stage turbocharging with indirect intermediate and main intercooling; and common rail technology with high injection pressures of up to 1,800 bar.
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Sainsbury’s Begins Food Delivery With Biomethane-Fueled Heavy-Duty Truck
August 18, 2008
Sainsbury’s is beginning daily food deliveries from its depot in Bristol (UK) to the supermarket’s new environmental store in Dartmouth—a 500 km (311 miles) round trip—using a Mercedes-Benz Axor truck fueled with biomethane produced from landfill gas.
The truck is retrofitted with UK-based Clean Air Power’s Genesis Dual-Fuel system, which enables heavy-duty diesel engines to operate primarily on natural gas, with diesel fuel acting as a “liquid spark plug”. (Earlier post.) Using biomethane from landfills can save up to 60% in CO2 emissions compared with diesel fuel, according to Sainsbury’s.
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In-Use Study on B20 in Transit Buses Finds Slight Decrease in Fuel Economy, Equivalent Reliability to ULSD Buses
August 08, 2008
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| Average fuel economy of the B20 and ULSD buses. The data shows a continuous slight decline in fuel economy for both. Click to enlarge. |
A 12-month evaluation by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the in-use performance of buses operating on B20 biodiesel (20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel) found that the B20 buses exhibited 1.7% lower fuel economy than the ULSD (ultra low sulfur diesel) study group. Reliability, as measured by MBRC (miles between road calls), and maintenance costs between the two groups were comparable.
This evaluation of buses in the St. Louis (Missouri) Metro fleet was conducted under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). The study is the first B20 in-use fleet study using exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) equipped buses, and is also the first study to compare the use of B20 to ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD).
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Volvo to Field Test 14 Trucks with Third-Generation, 13-Liter DME Engines
July 09, 2008
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| Field trials involving fourteen dimethyl ether (DME)-powered Volvo trucks will begin in the next 18 months. |
Volvo companies Volvo Powertrain, 3P and Volvo Technology will field test 14 trucks equipped with Volvo’s third-generation, 13-liter DME-fueled (dimethyl ether) engines in Sweden beginning in late 2009 to early 2010 as part of a project owned by Volvo Powertrain and funded by the Swedish Energy Agency and the European 7th framework program. (Earlier post.)
The tests are part of a wider €28.5 million (US$45 million) European project which covers the entire technology chain from biomass to fuel and also includes distribution and fuel stations for DME, a fuel produced through the gasification of biomass or raw fossil materials. The gas that is formed, synthesis gas, is then catalyzed to produce DME.
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National Research Council Review Calls for Continuation of 21st Century Truck Partnership But With Major Revamping
July 08, 2008
A recently-published review of the 21st Century Truck Partnership (21CTP)—a federal effort to reduce fuel usage and emissions while increasing safety in heavy-duty vehicles—by the National Research Council found that many of the key 21CTP program goals have not been met because some of the goals were not plausible, from either an engineering or funding perspective. Other goals were not met because some of the technologies proposed for meeting the goals were not applied, according to the report.
However, the 21CTP has also has had a number of successful programs since its beginnings in 2000, and the review committee recommended continuation of the program, but with it revised and better balanced to match current funding and technology levels.
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EMP To Supply Electrified Cooling Systems for Buses to New Flyer; Fuel Economy Improvement Up to 10%
July 03, 2008
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| The mini-Hybrid cooling system. Click to enlarge. |
Engineered Machined Products Inc. (EMP) will supply its electrified cooling systems to bus maker New Flyer Industries Inc. for use on municipal transit buses. The modular, fully customizable kit replaces the conventional cooling system on diesel-powered and natural gas engines. Use of the “mini-Hybrid” cooling system can improve fuel economy up to 10%, according to EMP.
The mini-Hybrid is a drop-in cooling module that replaces a conventional hydraulic system with an array of very efficient, controllable electric fans developed by EMP. The system also includes a highly efficient, air-cooled brushless alternator, the EMP Power 450, as an option that delivers best in class performance at low speeds and idle.
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Study Finds Fuel Economy of Gasoline-Electric Hybrid Buses Lower Than That of Conventional Diesel
July 02, 2008
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| The gasoline hybrids exhibited an average 4.3% lower fuel economy over the 24-month evaluation period than the conventional diesel buses. Click to enlarge. |
A two-year evaluation (July 2005 through June 2007) of gasoline-electric series hybrid buses in operation with Long Beach Transit (Long Beach, CA) found that on a volumetric basis, the average fuel economy for the gasoline hybrid buses is 3.35 mpg—4.3% lower than that of the conventionally-powered diesel buses also in service with Long Beach Transit.
The study by the Fleet Test and Evaluation Team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) concluded that the difference is likely due to the lower efficiency of a throttled, spark-ignited engine as well as the lower energy content of a gallon of gasoline versus a gallon of diesel. On an equivalent energy per volume basis, the hybrids had an 8.5% mpg increase.
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Maxwell Heavy-Duty Transport Ultracap Modules for Electric Buses in Milan
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| The HTM125 125V heavy-duty transportation module. |
Vossloh Kiepe GmbH, a producer of heavy vehicle drive systems, has selected Maxwell’s 125-volt BOOSTCAP ultracapacitor modules for braking energy recuperation and torque assist in electric buses it is producing in collaboration with Van Hool NV for the Milan, Italy, municipal transit system.
The Vossloh-Van Hool buses for Milan are low-floor articulated vehicles equipped with ultracapacitor-based energy storage systems that absorb and store energy from recuperative braking for reuse in powering electric motors. The basic drive system can use energy supplied via overhead lines or a 100 kW Euro-5 diesel genset.
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ITS to Showcase Heavy-Duty Plug-in Hybrid Retrofit at Sydney Truck Show
June 26, 2008
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| The Argosy Hybrid. Click to enlarge. |
Innovative Transport Solutions Pty. Ltd., an Australian startup that developed a retrofit plug-in hybrid electric conversion system for heavy-duty vehicles (earlier post), has entered into an alliance with Australia’s Cooperative Research Centre for Forestry (CRC for Forestry) and TimberCorp to produce a purpose-built 6x6 electric hybrid prototype retrofit and an electric hybrid road-train prime mover (truck/tractor) for the Australian forestry industry.
The prototype Argosy Hybrid will be shown at the Sydney Truck Show, 7-9 August 2008. The truck will be in service for preliminary trials on a Sydney-Melbourne route (about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) round-trip) soon after the show. Expected reduction in fuel consumption and emissions output is 25%.
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Progress in Developing SOFC APUs for Heavy-Duty Trucks
June 13, 2008
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| Projected system efficiency of the Delphi prototype SOFC APU compared to that of a conventional diesel APU. Click to enlarge. Source: Delphi |
Two US DOE (Department of Energy)-funded projects to develop a SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell)-based APU (auxiliary power unit) system for heavy-duty trucks reported on their progress this week during the DOE’s Hydrogen Program annual merit review in Washington, DC.
One team is led by Cummins Power Generation and includes Protonex LLC and International Truck and Engine. The other is led by Delphi—which is leveraging its SOFC work in the Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) (earlier post)—and includes OEMs PACCAR Incorporated (producer of Kenworth, Peterbilt, DAF and Foden Trucks) and Volvo Trucks North America.
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Port of San Diego Launching Clean Truck Program
June 09, 2008
The Port of San Diego is launching its own clean truck program, in line with programs at other major California ports. At the 10 June Board of Port Commissioners meeting, the Board will vote on a resolution authorizing an agreement with the San Diego Air Pollution Control District for implementing the truck retrofit and replacement program.
Truck owners who voluntarily participate in the program will receive a range of subsidies from a combination of state grants and money provided by the Port of San Diego. The remainder of the retrofitting cost would be the responsibility of the truck owner.
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DEUTZ Introduces Mild Hybrid Drive for Off-Road Construction Equipment
June 04, 2008
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| The DEUTZ hybrid unit. |
Engine manufacturer DEUTZ has developed a mild hybrid drive system for off-road construction equipment that has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30%. The hybrid drive consists of a DEUTZ four-cylinder diesel engine, an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery pack and a control unit. The electric drive serves to assist the main diesel engine drive.
The electrical system provides a nominal 15 kW output, with a peak capacity of up to 30 kW, almost doubling the power of the DEUTZ engine. The electric motor/generator is situated where the engine’s flywheel and flywheel housing is normally located.
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Port of Los Angeles and South Coast Air Quality Management District Introduce Heavy-Duty Electric Drayage Truck
May 17, 2008
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| The Nautilus E-30 electric drayage truck. |
The Port of Los Angeles and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) introduced an all-electric heavy-duty short-haul drayage truck—the first of its kind—that can pull a 60,000-pound cargo container at a top speed of 40 mph, and has a range of 60 miles on a single charge unloaded and 30 miles loaded during an 8 hour shift. (Earlier post.)
Built by Balqon Corp. as a demonstration project co-funded by the Port and SCAQMD, the Nautilus E-30 features a 336V 140 kWh lead-acid battery pack and is the result of nearly a year of development and testing.
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California ARB Revises Proposed Rule To Clean Up In-Use On-Road Diesel Trucks, Buses
May 12, 2008
The California Air Resources Board has revised a draft regulation that will require retrofits and engine replacements for the estimated privately owned 300,000 diesel trucks and buses on California roadways beginning in 2012. The proposed regulation now calls for truckers to retrofit pre-2007 model year trucks with soot filters and then requires a gradual modernization of trucks beginning in 2012, so that ultimately all trucks are the cleanest, 2010 or newer models.
Staff re-worked an earlier version of the draft regulation, presented in January, to eliminate the need for truckers to replace two trucks in a nine-year span, instead relying more heavily on retrofits for the first two years of the regulation. The revised proposal has a lower cost while preserving important public health benefits.
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US Trucking Industry Launches Program to Reduce Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions
May 09, 2008
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| Reductions in CO2 emissions achievable by lowering the speed limit to 65 mph. Click to enlarge. |
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) launched a program of six initiatives to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Fully implemented, they can reduce fuel consumption by 86 billion gallons and CO2 emissions by 900 million tons for all medium-and heavy-duty trucks over the next 10 years, according to ATA President and CEO Bill Graves.
The six key recommendations to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 are displayed on a new website, www.trucksdeliver.org, and include:
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Dyno Testing of Enova Systems Plug-In Hybrid School Bus Shows 70% Improved Fuel Economy and Significantly Reduced Emissions
April 30, 2008
Recent dynamometer test results show that IC Bus school buses using post-transmission plug-in hybrid drive systems from Enova Systems (earlier post) can improve fuel efficiency by more than 70% compared to standard diesel-powered school buses. The Enova hybrid drive systems installed in the IC Bus school buses also significantly reduce carbon dioxide, NOx and particulate matter emissions.
The series of fuel consumption and emissions tests were conducted to simulate actual route cycles and conditions using the West Virginia University Suburban Test Cycle. The tests were conducted at an independent commercial laboratory accepted by the California Air Resources Board that is properly equipped to perform specialized tests in accordance with applicable federal and California test procedures.
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San Diego Launches CNG Hybrid-Electric Bus
April 29, 2008
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| The CNG hybrid bus. |
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has launched its first commercial bus with a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) hybrid-electric drive system (CNG Hybrid Drive System). ISE Corporation (ISE) developed and supplied the system, a variant of its ThunderVolt gasoline hybrid drive, and integrated it into a standard 40-foot transit bus supplied by MTS.
The $1-million CNG hybrid prototype bus will further cut emissions and fuel consumption of the CNG buses in the MTS fleet, providing more power and a quieter ride. Funding for the program was provided by grants from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), San Diego Air Pollution Control District (APCD), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
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Scania Double-Decker Ethanol Hybrid Bus to Go On Trial in the UK
April 22, 2008
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| Reading Buses’ single-decker ethanol-hybrid prototype. |
Reading Buses, the transport company owned by Reading Borough Council in the UK, says it will have a double-decker ethanol-electric hybrid bus from Scania fully operational and on the roads within the next 2 years. The concept bus has been going through refinements since last year and is currently only a single-decker bus.
Reading Buses currently has successfully trialed a double-decker bus that uses Scania’s heavy-duty ethanol engine, and will introduce a further 14 ethanol buses into service from this month. Scania, which has built more than 600 ethanol-powered city buses since 1989, currently has four single-decker ethanol hybrid buses on trial in Stockholm.
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Aerodynamic Heavy-Duty Truck Trailer Cuts Fuel Consumption and Emissions By Up to 15%
April 17, 2008
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| Trailer with aerodynamic sideskirts. |
Creating an improved aerodynamic shape for heavy-duty truck trailers by mounting sideskirts can cut fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15%, according to road testing by the Dutch research partnership PART (Platform for Aerodynamic Road Transport). PART is a partnership between TU Delft, TNT, Scania Beers BV, FOCWA Carrosseriebouw, Ephicas, Kees Mulder Carrosserieën, Van Eck Carrosseriebouw, Syntens, Squarell Technology, Emons Group and NEA.
Sideskirts are plates which are mounted on the sides of trailers, primarily with a view to underrun protection. The new aerodynamic design of the sideskirts substantially reduces the air currents alongside and under the trailer and thereby also the air resistance.
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Scania Extending Heavy-Duty Ethanol Engine Technology to Trucks
April 15, 2008
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| Scania’s third-generation CI ethanol engine. |
Scania is now extending the application of its third-generation heavy-duty, ethanol-fueled engines to a range of trucks.
Scania’s ethanol engines work according to the diesel principle (compression-ignition, CI). At 43%, the thermal efficiency of Scania’s new ethanol engine is on a par with its diesel engines (44% thermal efficiency). The ethanol used for diesel combustion contains 5-7% additives that improve ignition and lubrication.
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Guangzhou Armada Development and Guangzhou Yiqi Bus Co. to Purchase 207 Additional Eaton Hybrid Systems for Buses
April 09, 2008
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| One of the first Foton-Eaton hybrid buses in Guangzhou in January. |
Guangzhou Armada Development Corporation and Guangzhou Yiqi Bus Company, Ltd. will purchase 207 additional diesel-electric hybrid power systems from Eaton Corporation for application in new buses in Guangzhou.
This purchase adds to the initial installation of 30 Eaton hybrid-powered buses announced in January. (Earlier post.) The buses will be placed into passenger service throughout the year. Once deployed, this will be the largest single placement of hybrid-powered buses in China. It is also Eaton’s largest single hybrid power systems order to date.
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Volvo Puts Two Hybrid Refuse Trucks Into Final Trials; Production May Begin in 2009
April 07, 2008
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| The Volvo FE Hybrid refuse truck. |
Volvo has launched two hybrid refuse trucks into trials in regular daily operations in Sweden with refuse collection firms Renova and Ragn-Sells. (Earlier post.) Although both trucks use a charge-sustaining hybrid system for motive power, one of the trucks is equipped with a second, grid-charged battery that powers the refuse compactor.
The hybrid system used in the refuse truck is a version of Volvo’s I-SAM (Integrated Starter, Alternator, Motor) parallel hybrid system. The I-SAM system comprises a starter motor, drive motor and alternator fit between the clutch and the I-Shift automatic transmission.
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Swedish Energy Agency Grants Volvo $2.1M for Heavy-Duty Vehicle DME Field Tests
April 02, 2008
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| DME produced from biomass offers the most cost-effective avoidance of CO2 of transportation fuels under consideration, according to Volvo. (Data shown is for light-duty vehicles.) Click to enlarge. |
The Swedish Energy Agency has granted AB Volvo SEK 12.8 million (US$2.1 million) in support for field testing of the third-generation DME (dimethyl ether) technology for heavy-duty vehicles. The field tests with the 14 trucks is part of a project comprising demonstration of the entire technology chain, from biomass to fuel in the trucks and also includes distribution and tanking stations for DME. The first trucks are scheduled to be placed in traffic at the end of 2009.
In June 2006, the Swedish Energy Agency granted AB Volvo SEK 62 million (US$10.3 million) in support for development of third-generation DME technology. (Earlier post.) It is this technology that will be tested in the field trials. AB Volvo is also investing in the projects.
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Capstone Turbine Receives $5M Order from DesignLine International for Systems for HEV Buses
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| The EcoSaver IV series hybrid bus. |
Capstone Turbine Corporation, a manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, has received an order for 150 C30 (30 kW) Capstone MicroTurbines to be applied in ECOSaver IV series hybrid electric buses manufactured by DesignLine International. This is the largest order to date for Capstone products in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) application.
In the DesignLine application, the MicroTurbine powers an auxiliary power unit (APU) to maintain an approximately 40 kWh battery pack at a medium state of charge. Under normal conditions, according to DesignLine, the buses will return to the depot with approximately 60% SOC remaining within the battery pack. The New York City Transit (NYCT) agency, the largest in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) network, has been testing a diesel-fueled turbine series hybrid version. (Earlier post.)
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Peterbilt to Begin Full Production of Electric Hybrid and Hydraulic Hybrid Trucks
April 01, 2008
Peterbilt Motors, a division of PACCAR, will begin full production of its Model 330 and Model 335 medium-duty hybrid vehicles in summer 2008, and of its Model 320 Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA) vehicle in the fourth quarter of 2008. (Earlier post.)
Both the Peterbilt Model 330 and Model 335 Hybrid Electric vehicles feature the Eaton Hybrid Power system and provide up to a 30% improvement in fuel economy in an urban driving cycle. The Model 335 Hybrid Electric utilizes these same components to provide up to a 60% improvement in overall fuel efficiency, when configured for utility applications. The Model 330 Hybrid Electric can be configured for non-CDL operation with hydraulic brakes for a greater range of driver options.
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Hybrid Truck Users Forum WG Selects Electric and Hydraulic Hybrid Suppliers
March 31, 2008
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| Rexroth hydrostatic regenerative braking system (HRB) reduces fuel consumption by up to 25% and can be retrofitted as an add-on system even in vehicles without hydraulics. Click to enlarge. |
The members of CALSTART’s Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) Refuse Working Group have selected the supplier team of Crane Carrier/ISE/Bosch Rexroth to negotiate with for validation and testing of Class 7 & 8 heavy-duty electric hybrid and hydraulic hybrid refuse vehicles.
The hybrid trucks are expected to yield 30% to 50% reductions in fuel use with an accompanying reduction in emissions, to be demonstrated in chassis dynamometer and field testing. The working group members taking part in the hybrid refuse truck pilot project include the Department of Sanitation, City of New York; Solid Waste Management Department, City of Houston; and the City of Chicago.
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Johnson Matthey SCRT System Cut NOx Emissions by 84% in Fleet Trial of Retrofitted Class 8 Trucks
March 27, 2008
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| Retrofit SCRT System Diagram. Click to enlarge. |
In a demonstration using 16 older retrofitted Class 8 grocery trucks that are part of Raley’s fleet, the Johnson Matthey (JM) SCRT four-way control heavy-duty system reduced NOx by an average of 84% compared to pre-retrofit levels.
The trucks involved had 2004 Cummins, 400 hp ISM engines with an EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system. The ISM is a commonly used engine in Class 8 trucks hauling heavy loads. Working with partner Cummins Emissions Solutions, the Johnson Matthey emissions system was tested for more than 1,000 hours as the trucks traveled throughout Northern California hauling grocery products to Raley’s family of grocery stores.
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Volvo CE Unveils Hybrid Wheel Loader
March 13, 2008
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| The hybrid powertrain in the Volvo L220F Hybrid. Click to enlarge. |
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) unveiled a pre-production prototype of its L220F Hybrid wheel loader at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibition, 11-15 March 2008 in Las Vegas. The L220F Hybrid offers more power, better performance and a 10% reduction in fuel consumption, according to Volvo.
Leveraging its position as the world’s largest manufacturer of heavy-duty diesel engines in the 9 to 18-liter class, the Volvo L220F Hybrid’s parallel mild-hybrid technology has been developed within the Volvo Group and uses the D12 engine as its platform.
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Transit Agency Finds Total Operating Cost of Its Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses 32X That of Diesel
February 26, 2008
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| The significant increase in operating cost for hydrogen buses is largely, but not entirely, due to parts cost. Click to enlarge. |
A memo prepared by the Santa Clara Valley (California) Transportation Authority (VTA) for the Transportation and Planning Committee of its Board of Directors reports that the average total operating cost per mile of the agency’s three hydrogen fuel cell buses is $51.66—32 times the average total cost per mile for the conventional diesel fleet.
In addition, the memo states, the fuel cell buses—part of the Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) demonstration program required by the California Air Resources Board (ARB)—exhibit a limited service life compared to diesel buses, while the reliability and availability remain significantly lower.
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Wal-Mart to Introduce Four Class 8 HPDI LNG Trucks Into Service in California
February 05, 2008
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| The Peterbilt aerodynamically-styled 386 Class 8 truck. |
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. will introduce four liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuelled Peterbilt 386 trucks equipped with Westport Innovations’s HPDI LNG system and Cummins ISX engines into service at its distribution center in Apple Valley, California. HPDI uses a small amount of diesel to ignite the natural gas in the engine and provides diesel-equivalent torque, horsepower and a range of 400-450 miles. (Earlier post.)
The deployment will be supported in part by funding from the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District’s (MDAQMD) Mobile Source Emission Reductions Competitive Bidding Program.
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Traction Technology Opts for Enova Hybrid Drive in Bus Project with Supercaps
February 04, 2008
UK-based Traction Technology Plc. is using the Enova 120kW hybrid drive system in combination with a supercapacitor energy storage system in four series hybrid Optare Solo Buses contracted by Merseytravel. The award follows competitive trial evaluation by Merseytravel.
Optare’s Solo is a low-floor midi-bus that is available in six lengths ranging from 7.1 to 10.2 meters. Conventional models are powered by either a Cummins 5.9L, 150 kW (201 bhp) ISBe Euro4 six-cylinder turbodiesel or a MAN 4.6L 132 kW D0834 Euro 4 four-cylinder turbo diesel.
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ISE Gasoline Hybrid Drive Systems to Power New 35’ and 40’ Buses for San Diego MTS
February 01, 2008
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| Energy flow in the Thundervolt hybrid drive. Click to enlarge. |
New Flyer Industries has been awarded a contract to provide hybrid buses equipped with ISE’s gasoline series hybrid drive systems to the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). ISE has received an initial order from New Flyer Industries for the supply of 12 gasoline hybrid drive systems to be delivered in the third quarter of 2008.
The Metropolitan Transit Development Board (MTDB) authorized the purchase of up to 20, 35-foot gasoline hybrid buses for delivery this fall, and up to 350, 40-foot CNG or gasoline hybrid buses over the next five years.