CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NOV 2018

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP – FUEL EMISSIONS

Five machine innovations promising to cut fuel emissions With the rise of fossil fuel prices and the pressure to lower carbon footprints, many consumers and companies are demanding more fuel-efficient vehicles. This article explores the truth behind some of the big advancements in engine design to the small adjustments of your wing mirrors to see how new innovations are plugging the drain on fossil fuels.

1. Cameras instead of side mirrors In 2016 Japan made it legal for car manufacturers to eliminate side mirrors and replace them with cameras. It is also a controversial decision and one that has not necessarily caught on in other parts of the world. The main argument against removing side mirrors in passenger and commercial vehicles is safety. Road users are used to mirrors and, although a simple idea, they are highly reliable. It is also very easy for law enforcement to notice a damaged side mirror, but it is near to impossible to quickly detect broken side view cameras. However, there is also an argument that cameras could actually make driving safer as it could eliminate blind spots that occur with conventional side mirrors. But Japan’s decision is an important one as eliminating side mirrors is estimated to improve fuel efficiency by as much as 5%. As the drain on fossil fuels becomes more intense other countries might follow suit. Maybe it’s time to look forward?

One way Volvo Construction Equipment has cut down on excessive fuel consumption is by introducing an automatic engine shut-down option.

2. Engine design regulations Proving that climate change is high on government agendas, the EU brought out their first ‘emissions standards’ in 1992 – a set of rules that define the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of passenger cars sold in the European Union and EEA member states. Now these requirements extend beyond passenger cars to buses, trucks, commercial vehicles and heavy machinery. In 2019, the EU Stage V emissions standards for off-road machinery will be implemented. To assist original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in making this transition simple and effective, Volvo Penta has created a Stage V off-road engine range. 3. Biofuels Biofuels are renewable and clean burning fuel made from living matter, which work by sucking carbon dioxide out of the air as they are grown. They come from vegetable oils, animal fats and even recycled restaurant grease. Although relatively underused, biofuels have been around as long as cars have. In the very earliest diesel engines, for example, peanut oil was used as the primary source of fuel. When burnt in automobiles, they release carbon dioxide, but as it is the same carbon that the plants absorbed while growing, biofuels are known as zero net emitters. However, the reality is slightly more nuanced. Biofuels reduce our reliance on the diminishing fossil fuel resources and if sourced correctly greatly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions too.

4. Vibrating foot pedals Bad driving habits, like hard acceleration, have been shown to be responsible for 25% of overall fuel consumption. But old habits die hard and sometimes we all need a little helping hand to identify what we could do better. The good news is that technology is here to help you. There have been recent developments in intelligent haptic gas pedals that provide feedback to drivers, in the form of vibrations and resistance. For example, the pedal might vibrate when you exceed the recommended speed, prompting you to ease off a bit. Or the pedal might provide counter pressure when the car has an opportunity to coast. All this can help you reduce your fuel consumption by up to 7% and help you drive more safely. 5. Auto engine shutdown It is estimated that each year in the United States alone, passenger cars, trucks and heavy-duty vehicles consume more than 6-billion gallons of diesel fuel and gasoline without even moving. Construction machines can often be idling for as much as 40-60% of its operating time. This puts a strain on your wallet and the environment. One way Volvo Construction Equipment has cut down on excessive fuel consumption is by introducing an automatic engine shut-down option. This reduces consumption without impacting on productivity – by automatically cutting the engine off when it’s been idling for more than four minutes in a stationary position. The system is said to help boost fuel efficiency by up to 10%. b

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS NOVEMBER 2018 23