Topography/hill-neutral technology

Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM) is a feature of the cruise control function on Detroit DT12 automated manual transmissions and is the topography/hill-neutral technology referenced earlier, according to Gedert. The purpose of IPM is to use the momentum of the vehicle most efficiently by eliminating unnecessary fueling, engine braking and shifting, while minimizing the impact on travel time. IPM uses terrain maps and GPS to know the route ahead for up to 1+ miles and uses shifts, acceleration, engine braking and coast (versus eCoast optimization) to efficiently operate the powertrain.

Some details of IPM are:

• Only active in cruise control;
• Uses kinetic energy of the vehicle to save fuel in the most optimal fashion;
• Works to prevent unnecessary engine brake events, shifts, and fueling;
• Logic is designed to minimize the increase in travel time;
• The maps in the software do not need updating like other GPS products.

According to Gedert, eCoast is the final piece of the topography/hill-neutral technology and is a feature of the DT12 but not a cruise function. When coasting down a grade or reducing speed, eCoast temporarily opens the driveline and disengages the powertrain to save fuel, preserves vehicle momentum, and selects the appropriate gear upon acceleration. Requirements of eCoast are as follows:

• Minimum vehicle speed threshold is exceeded;

  

• Vehicle acceleration and engine speed limit is not exceeded;
• No accelerator pedal, brake pedal or engine brake input;
• Upcoming eCoast event exceeds a minimum estimated time requirement;
• No active regeneration;
• Weight does not exceed 100,000 lbs.

Gedert adds that the Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems protects drivers and businesses by delivering a new level of on-road control and protection in Freightliner Cascadia and Cascadia Evolution trucks.

“Fleets are seeing benefits of the DT12 automated manual transmission because it is easy to put an inexperienced driver into a DT12 and see optimal performance, due to a faster learning curve,” she says. “There will also be a continuing trend for experienced drivers to ask to drive an AMT because of the ease of operation, the safety features available like creep mode and hill start aid and reduced driver fatigue—all while providing optimal power and fuel efficiency. The DT12 combines operational ease of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual transmission, resulting in enhanced fuel economy, vehicle performance and safety.”

Adaptive cruise and collision mitigation

“Adaptive cruise control technology works in conjunction with cruise control systems,” says Alex Stucky, global product strategy manager of commercial vehicle transmissions for Eaton. “The system monitors vehicles ahead and automatically adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a consistent following distance. Some adaptive cruise control systems include collision mitigation technology, which can engage service brakes if collision potential is detected. Eaton’s AMT logic has been developed to optimize gear selection and coast behavior, while adaptive cruise control systems are active.”

Eaton GearLogic is a suite of intelligent technology features for automated transmissions that improve performance, fuel efficiency and driver confidence. The Neutral Coast feature is a GearLogic technology that takes advantage of vehicle momentum by disengaging the driveline on slight downhill grades, notes Stucky.

“The transmission shifts into neutral, allowing the engine to operate at idle speed, thus reducing drag and improving fuel economy,” he explains. “The transmission seamlessly returns to the appropriate gear after the coast event. GearLogic technologies are ideal for fleets seeking improved fuel economy, performance, and driver satisfaction over the road.”

Eaton does not set the final price for these technologies, Stucky adds; the OEMs do in the cost of the truck. “The ROI on any investment is a fleet-by-fleet calculation based on a variety of factors, such as the numbers of trucks being spec’d and with which technologies.”

Cost uptick and ROI

When asked if there was an uptick in cost, DTNA’s Gedert says that it depends on the safety system or powertrain components a customer is using.

“The change in costs could be minimal or somewhat significant,” she says. “Going from no safety system to having a complete safety system will be more of an up-charge than just adding additional features to the safety systems on a truck. Moving from a manual transmission to the automated manual DT12 involves a larger investment. ROI is not an exact science and is dependent on many factors including the level of change in technology, driver experience, company routes being driven, use of cruise control and the amount of time the truck is in use.”