Novel fluids for use in off-highway applications to enhance vehicle fuel and operational efficiency
Introduction Even at today’s temporary lower price, fuel still accounts for about 35% of an operators overheads. Therefore, any improvement in fuel economy is most welcome.
Novel lubricating oils can be employed to realise some of this fuel economy benefit. The biggest question from an operator’s point of view is “show me this in the real world”.
New measurement techniques and methodology must be used to relate this fuel economy benefit to actual vehicle operation.
Environmental Considerations Carbon dioxide reduction relating to improved combustion has been the focus of governments and environmental groups in recent years.
For example, ACEA’s ‘Vision 20-20’ strategy has shown its commitment towards an ever more sustainable transport in the future. Unveiled in 2008, the strategy is aimed at decreasing fuel consumption by 20% by 2020 compared to 2005 levels.
From a lubricant perspective, the drive for improved fuel economy has led to a shift in viscosity grades from the traditional 15W-40 to lighter, 10W-40, 10W-30 and now 5W-30 viscosity grades. Even lower 0W-20 grades have been introduced in some of the latest on-highway vehicles.
Cost of vehicle ownership Many fleet operators are still very much concerned about fuel
costs and have taken measures to improve fuel economy and therefore reduce the overall cost of operation. A few of these technologies are streamlined containers, driver training and software packages and fuel economy tyres.
The engine lubricant can also play a key part in fuel economy improvement.
As an example, for a fleet of 250 off-highway vehicles, a one percent improvement in fuel economy would be sufficient to cover the cost of a another vehicle every year. That is a significant cost saving.
Engine Friction losses and Lubricant High temperature viscosity There are a number of studies that have taken place to understand the friction in an engine. In general, around two thirds of the friction in an engine is present in the piston assemblies and bearings leading to significant efficiency losses, and in both these regions a high oil shear rate is produced.
The most obvious way to change the fuel economy of a lubricant is to change the viscosity, and in particular the High Temperature, High Shear parameter. Future ACEA HD oil specifications under consideration for 2017 or 2018 will also lead to reductions in HTHS engine oil viscosity. Lowering HTHS will lead to further fuel economy improvements but careful formulating will be required to maintain the balance between fuel economy and engine durability.
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LUBE MAGAZINE NO.128 AUGUST 2015
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