SAVING FUEL * USA: Downspeeding can generate 2% to 3% fuel savings
* DC - NACFE report: Downspeeding is now a “primary” powertrain-focused strategy among OEMs
-- A new confidence report issued by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) this week indicates that downspeeding – the practice of using fast gear ratios that lower the speed of the engine – can cut commercial truck fuel consumption by 2% to 3% because it allows the engine to operate at the most fuel-efficient RPM when generating only the minimal horsepower required under cruise conditions... NACFE added that downspeeding is now a “primary” powertrain-focused strategy among OEMs to improve fuel economy for both long-haul regional-haul day cab tractors that operate at highway speeds much of the time – largely because complementary technologies make it “more attractive” in heavy-duty truck applications... The group said it researched nine different downspeeding applications using both proprietary and supplied engine and transmission combinations configured in one of two formats... NACFE suggested that an automatic or automated mechanical transmission (AMT) should be spec’d on any downsped engine. But if a manual transmission is selected, the engine’s torque response during clutch engagement must be specifically tailored to the drivetrain to gain the expected fuel savings... The group stressed, however, that downsped-configured powertrains can come with higher cost and higher risk of damage...
(Photo: The Cummins/Eaton SmartAdvantage powertrain combination is one of the downspeeding packages NACFE examined for its report, to improve fuel economy for both long-haul and regional trucks that operate at highway speeds much of the time) -- Washington, DC, USA - Fleet Owner, by Sean Kilcarr - Oct 28, 2015
Labels: fuel savings
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