Virtual Analysis and Optimization of Fuel Consumption for Diesel-Powered Buses

Abstract

In this study, fuel consumption test cycles and commonly used SORT cycles for buses were discussed. An exemplary bus model was extensively modeled in terms of power systems. In ad-dition to main components such as the engine, transmission, torque converter, and axle, the drags of engine-powered components such as alternators, engine cooling fan, and air conditioning compressor were integrated into the powertrain model to ensure that the calculated consumption comes as close as possible to the real-life values. The tire model, which determines the quality standard in vehicle simulation, was also discussed in detail. During the modeling of these components, necessary parameters were obtained through analyses and tests conducted on the sample vehicle using the CAN bus and added sensors. After the completion of the model, real-life tests were conducted to validate the virtual analysis results. Once the model was validated, virtual studies continued to reduce the vehicle's consumption. Particularly during these studies, reducing consumption and enhancing performance through automatic transmission optimization were emphasized. When virtual models validated with SORT simulations are optimized with route-specific virtual analysis, public vehicles will minimize environmental impacts by reducing carbon emissions and at the same time perform more efficiently.

Keywords

• Fuel consumption
• Fuel Economy
• SORT
• Simulation
• Test
• Optimization

References

1. [1] Chikishev E, Iarkov S. Evaluation of the impact of ambient temperature on fuel consumption by diesel and CNG buses. E3S Web of Conferences. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202236301056
2. [2] Rosero F, Fonseca N, López J, Casanova J. Effects of passen-ger load, road grade, and congestion level on real-world fuel consumption and emissions from compressed natural gas and diesel urban buses. Appl Energy. 2021;282:116195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.116195
3. [3] Ang B, Fwa T. A study on the fuel-consumption characteris-tics of public buses. Energy. 1989;14:797-803. https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-5442(89)90033-9
4. [4] Bayrakçeken H, Yavuz H, Arslan TA. Effect of Clutch Pedal Distances on Fuel Consumption Under Actual Operating Con-ditions. Engineering Perspective. 2023; 3(4):63-67. http://dx.doi.org/10.29228/eng.pers.72460
5. [5] SAE Fuel Consumption Test Procedure (Engineering Method). 2022. https://doi.org/10.4271/j1526_202205
6. [6] Wang J, Rakha HA. Fuel consumption model for conventional diesel buses. Appl Energy. 2016;170:394–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.02.124
7. [7] Klinikowski D, El-Gindy M, Tallon R. An overview of the Federal Transit Administration's bus testing program. SAE Technical Paper. 1998. https://doi.org/10.4271/982774
8. [8] Rempel G, George T, Regehr JD, Montufar J. Understanding and estimating in-service axle weights of transit buses. Transp Res Rec. 2016;2539(1):178-87. https://doi.org/10.3141/2539-20

9. [9] Edwardes WA. Modeling diesel bus fuel consumption and dynamically optimizing bus scheduling efficiency [Master's thesis]. Virginia Tech; 2014.
10. [10] Clark N, Wayne WS, Khan AS, Lyons DW, Gautam M, McKain DL, et al. Effects of average driving cycle speed on lean-burn natural gas bus emissions and fuel economy. SAE Technical Paper 2007-01-0054. 2007. https://doi.org/10.4271/2007-01-0054
11. [11] Gis W, Kruczyński S, Taubert S, Wierzejski A. Studies of energy use by electric buses in SORT tests. Combust Engines. 2017;170(3):135-8. https://doi.org/10.19206/CE-2017-323
12. [12] Irimescu A, Mihon L, Pădure G. Automotive transmission efficiency measurement using a chassis dynamometer. Int J Automot Technol. 2011;12(4):555-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12239-011-0065-1