{"id":10826,"date":"2021-04-26T13:44:48","date_gmt":"2021-04-26T11:44:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/?p=10826"},"modified":"2021-04-26T13:44:48","modified_gmt":"2021-04-26T11:44:48","slug":"fuel-efficiency-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/2021\/04\/26\/fuel-efficiency-3\/","title":{"rendered":"How to increase fuel efficiency with a streamlined fleet"},"content":{"rendered":"

Maintenance for aerodynamic devices can be tricky, but when done right, fleets can see an increase in fuel savings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fleets are constantly looking for ways to reduce fuel consumption while also improving operational efficiency. The industry has responded to that demand by creating aerodynamic technologies and vehicle designs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe fuel consumption of a commercial vehicle can contribute to [the total cost of operations],\u201d said Patrick Kealy, North American OE trailer business leader for Commercial Vehicle Control Systems (CVCS). \u201cAerodynamic products reduce air drag which can lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, so any improvements through reduction of aerodynamic drag is favorable to fleets and drivers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

CVCS (formerly WABCO) is a division of ZF that specializes in vehicle technology manufacturing and brakes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though aerodynamic technologies offer fleets advantages, it should be noted this is not true on all trucks, said Dave Walters, manager of warranty and field service for Alcoa Wheel Products.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re a city truck or a regional truck, you really don’t see the benefits of these [aerodynamic] devices,\u201d Walters explains. \u201cBut if you’re the over-the-road type of truck, there is definitely an advantage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Streamlining with aerodynamic products<\/span><\/h3>\n

When it comes to adding aerodynamic products to a vehicle, fleets have a variety of choices to mix and match to find what works best for them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA variety of areas on the tractor can be improved, including how the air hits the tractor, travels down the side of the tractor, and then transfers to the trailer,\u201d said Allison Athey, product marketing manager for Volvo Trucks North America. \u201cThis translates on a Volvo tractor into bumpers with air deflectors underneath, chassis fairings with ground effects, cab side fairings with extenders, roof fairings with a trim tab, and the FlowBelow Tractor Aerokit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

On other trucks, an aerodynamic setup may look quite different. According to Walters, who acted as chairman for the Technology and Maintenance Council\u2019s (TMC) Recommended Practice (RP) 261, Considerations for Aerodynamic Wheel Covers, he worked with many fleets on this committee, and they found skirting and wheel covers to be beneficial.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, what works best for one fleet may not be best for another.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs you start adding different components on, it\u2019s not intuitive as to what will actually reduce drag,\u201d said Doug Mason, global technical manager for Alcoa Wheel Products.<\/span><\/p>\n

He uses the example of a fleet that adds a trailer skirt and sees 5 percent savings. The fleet then adds another component that should provide an additional 2 percent savings, but instead of seeing a total 7% in savings, they only realize 4 percent. The interaction between the two components did change the airflow, but because of the complexity of the truck and trailer designs themselves, the addition of the second aerodynamic device actually created more drag, Mason explains.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the end, fleets looking to streamline their vehicles will need to go through some trial and error in order to find a good fit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe aerodynamics of trucks are just so complex, and the best data out there \u2026 belongs to the fleets,\u201d said Mike Yagley, global program launch manager for Alcoa Wheel Products. \u201cThey know exactly what they get for the aerodynamics, when they add a hub cover \u2026 and they are going to know how that works with their boat tail, and they are going to know how that works at the fairing. And when they take [it] off, and they do all sorts of studies, they get all that data. They are really the experts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

OEM vs. aftermarket aerodynamic products<\/span><\/h3>\n

OEM and aftermarket aerodynamic products each have their own benefits and drawbacks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe benefit of installing at the OEM assembly plant is that it is a more controlled environment with a process that helps to ensure proper installation for maximum efficiency,\u201d CVCS\u2019s Kealy said. \u201cThe ZF products are CARB and Smartway certified and not all competitive products are, including some sold through the aftermarket.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, Volvo\u2019s Athey points out, OEM products have been tested and verified by the OEMs for efficiency benefits and durability. Those products also have a factory warranty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes though, it isn\u2019t about whether the product is OEM or aftermarket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s how easily it is assembled onto the vehicle,\u201d Alcoa\u2019s Mason said. \u201cIs that component going to be easy to maintain? If it is not, they are not going to order it from the OEM, and they are not going to buy it from the aftermarket. I don’t know if there is really a question [of] either\/or \u2026 it is the effectiveness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Installation and upkeep of aerodynamic devices<\/span><\/h3>\n

Proper installation and maintenance of aerodynamic devices are essential to achieving improved fuel efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before installing any aerodynamic devices, fleets should be sure the device will give them the benefits desired, Kealy said. This means there should be documented and certified proof of fuel savings for that application. Next, fleets should follow the manufacturer\u2019s installation guidelines, as designs can vary depending on trailer type and application.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the aerodynamic devices have been installed, upkeep is crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t ignore the aerodynamic devices during the scheduled periodic maintenance of the truck or trailer,\u201d Kealy said. \u201cFollow recommended service and inspection intervals. Perform visual inspection for any damage or signs of impact to the product, check bolt torques, and check the fit and clearance from the device to the truck or trailer. Check for cracks, dents, and deformations that would reduce overall airflow; the clearance and flow around the devices are what improves the aerodynamics and improves fuel economy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

While using aerodynamic devices, fleets must also be aware that of the issues that come along with maintaining them. According to TMC\u2019s RP 1110 \u2013 Inspection and Maintenance Recommendations for Aerodynamic Devices \u2013 there are three reasons aerodynamic devices can increase maintenance requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Some aerodynamic devices themselves are easily damaged and require replacement.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. The devices can damage parts of the vehicle to which they are mounted, such as the cab roof or the back of the cab.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Devices may obstruct access to items on the vehicle requiring maintenance, increasing time required to perform maintenance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    TMC also notes that ground clearance is becoming an issue, as some aerodynamic devices are causing tractors decreased maneuverability into locations that were accessible before the devices were added.<\/span><\/p>\n

    With this information in mind, fleets must do their research prior to adding aerodynamic devices to their vehicles. If a fleet does decide to add them, proper installation and maintenance are key.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n

    By Emily Markham<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    Source: https:\/\/www.fleetowner.com\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    CUT COTS OF THE FLEET WITH OUR AUDIT PROGRAM<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n

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    The audit is a key tool to know the overall status and provide the analysis, the assessment, the advice, the suggestions and the actions to take in order to cut costs and increase the efficiency and efficacy of the fleet. We propose the following fleet management audit.<\/p>\n

    FLEET MANAGEMENT AUDIT<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Maintenance for aerodynamic devices can be tricky, but when done right, fleets can see an increase in fuel savings. Fleets are constantly looking for ways to reduce fuel consumption while also improving operational efficiency. The industry has responded to that demand by creating aerodynamic technologies and vehicle designs. \u201cThe fuel consumption of a commercial vehicle…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":10827,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[116],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10826"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10826"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10826\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10828,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10826\/revisions\/10828"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10827"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10826"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10826"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10826"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}