Construction vehicles waste fuel by remaining on full power while they idle. New research is working to make vehicles more fuel efficient and cheaper with electrical systems, say investigators. Through a new Innovate UK research program, WMG in collaboration with partners JCB and Pektron PLC are working to optimize the fuel economy of the next generation of off-highway vehicles. Dr James Marco from WMG is leading the University's contribution to the project that aims to introduce new intelligent power systems for improved engine operation. Dr Marco's team is analyzing JCB's current fleet to better understand the opportunities for emissions reduction and intelligent control. Today's construction industry is more environmentally conscious than ever, and the amount of CO2 emissions released by vehicles is a significant factor in deciding which ones to use during an assignment. As a result, it is now imperative that all construction fleets reduce their emissions -- so greener, more efficient vehicles will be more in demand in an increasingly competitive market. WMG is analyzing the suitability for micro/mild hybridisation (MMH) -- a feasible solution that represents a simple, low-cost implementation to create high fuel efficiency with less energy use and fewer emissions. Many off-highway vehicles are left running at full power whilst idle for much of their life -- such as telescopic handlers, heavy excavators and wheeled loaders -- potentially wasting fuel with a direct impact on local air quality. The intelligent use of MMH could provide the opportunity to shut down the engine, or shift it to lower power, during these idle periods. This would have a measurable impact upon reducing fuel consumption, CO2 output, NOx formation and particulate emissions. Read more from Science Daily.
JCB is working with WMG and Pektron to develop intelligent power systems to improved engine operation in construction vehicles. WMG is evaluating the suitability for micro/mild hybridisation to maximise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions including shutting down engines or shifting to lower power in idle periods.