Fuel efficiency options: Application informs your specs

Fuel efficiency options: Looking to application to inform your specs

Stemco, the provider of TrailerTail rear trailer aerodynamic equipment, recently announced its DataLogger fuel efficiency testing technology. Developed in partnership with IOSiX, LLC, DataLogger plugs into a tractor’s J1939 diagnostic port and accesses engine data while a field technician conducts a test with the fleet’s tractor-trailer and driver.

According to Stemco, the DataLogger testing protocol and filtering algorithm were developed to isolate aerodynamic variables such as inconsistent wind, temperature and traffic when measuring fuel economy improvements. In the more than a dozen fleets that have tested TrailerTail using DataLogger, the company adds, results were consistent with fuel savings reported in actual use.

Complicated element

The FPInnovations’ Performance Innovation Transport (PIT) Group, a not-for-profit engineering and research group for the North American trucking industry, is a neutral testing organization for green transportation technologies.

In its “Fuel Consumption Tests for Evaluating the Accuracy and Precision of Truck Engine Electronic Control Modules to Capture Fuel Data,” an SAE paper, the group states, “Fuel consumption has always been an important component in transportation costs and a very complicated element to measure.”

That’s especially true when it comes to diesel engines, the PIT Group explains: “Engine ECMs record information referring to engine and vehicle performance and operation: fuel consumption, idle time and fuel use when idling, engine speed, engine load, gearing, PTO time, speed and engine load versus engine speed, cruise control use, braking, engine and transmission oil and coolant temperatures, stoppage information, operational history etc. Original equipment manufacturers provide fuel consumption via the ECM using a comprehensive algorithm, which takes into consideration parameters such as engine speed, road speed, distance, volume used in each pump stroke, etc. However, this measure does not account for fuel energy content, density or temperature.”

The PIT Group goes on to note that as fleets make extensive use of ECMs to gather fuel consumption data it conducted testing on the accuracy and precision of truck engine control modules concerning fuel consumption data. The tests compared the ECM fuel consumption data with fuel consumption measurements using portable tanks and high precision scales, converting pounds of fuel used into gallons.

Click “Next Page” to continue reading.

You May Also Like

Class 8 orders strong in February

Even when seasonally adjusted, ACT says preliminary order numbers for February are up 5% over January.

ACT-Class-8-Feb-truck-orders

According to the latest numbers from ACT Research, preliminary North America Class 8 net orders were 27,700 units, up 600 units from January and 16% from a year ago. With the fourth-largest seasonal factor of the year at 8%, seasonal adjustment reduces February’s Class 8 intake to 25,600 units, up 5% from January.

“Weak freight and carrier profitability fundamentals, and large carriers guiding to lower capex in 2024, would imply pressure in U.S. tractor, the North American Class 8 market’s largest segment,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “While we do not yet have the underlying detail for February order volumes, Class 8 demand continuing at high levels again this month suggests that U.S. buyers continue as strong market participants.”

Freightliner M2, SD Plus Series launch updates its medium-duty truck offering

Freightliner introduced the new Plus Series–enhanced versions of its M2 and SD models, including the M2 106 Plus, M2 112 Plus, 108SD Plus, and 114SD Plus. The enhanced models provide a major update to the interior and electrical systems of the M2 and SD models. The OEM noted that the Plus Series is designed to

Freightliner-MD-SD-Plus-Series-1400
Truck cruise control technology that looks at the road ahead

If you’ve ever visited the Northeast region of the country, you’ve most likely encountered intimidating terrain. The winding roads. The steep hills. The intricate routes that challenge any seasoned driver, and, most recently, advanced cruise control systems that aim to improve fuel efficiency and driver comfort.   Related Articles – Four ways A.I. can help cut

Four ways A.I. can help cut diesel fuel costs

The fluctuation of fuel prices has made it more challenging to operate day-to-day. Drivers get paid by the mile, and, when fuel costs go up, margins shrink, impacting how fleets profit and pay their employees. Intelligent technology can lessen the impact of high prices by improving overall fuel efficiency. Related Articles – New ways to

trucking-technology-hacking
Peterbilt GM Jason Skoog charts today’s truck support, tomorrow’s truck solutions

Peterbilt made headlines recently when it became the first major North American OEM to open orders for an electric truck, the Peterbilt 220EV. In this exclusive interview, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President Jason Skoog details the technology investments that are keeping fleets productive during this year’s trying pandemic and laying the groundwork for

Peterbilt General Manager PACCAR Technology Electric Truck

Other Posts

Stemco expands extended warranty coverage to P.S.I. products

The Platinum Performance System Plus now includes Stemco P.S.I.-ready hubcaps and additional Stemco components.

P.S.I.-STEMCO-products-extended-warranties-pressure-systems-international
Kenworth delivers 15-liter natural gas-powered truck to UPS

The truck is equipped with the Cummins X15N, which Kenworth says will meet CARB and EPA Requirements for both 2024 and 2027.

Kenworth-delivers-CNG-truck-to-UPS
ACT Research: 2024 could see trucking recovery

Despite trucking demand remaining weak, ACT Research says imports and international data indicate positive trends in 2024.

ACT-for-hire-index-Jan-24
Navistar progressing toward autonomous hub-to-hub transport

Autonomous truck testing is underway, and the company expects customer pilots to be delivered later this year.

Navistar-Autonomous-partnership-Plus-international-truck