Modeling the Effects of Transmission Gear Count, Ratio Progression, and Final Drive Ratio on Fuel Economy and Performance Using ALPHA

Author(s):  
Kevin A. Newman ◽  
Paul Dekraker
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-45
Author(s):  
Benjamin Leard ◽  
Joshua Linn ◽  
Yichen Christy Zhou

Abstract During historical periods in which US fuel economy standards were unchanging, automakers increased performance but not fuel economy, contrasting with recent periods of tightening standards and rising fuel economy. This paper evaluates the welfare consequences of automakers forgoing performance increases to raise fuel economy as standards have tightened since 2012. Using a unique data set and a novel approach to account for fuel economy and performance endogeneity, we find undervaluation of fuel cost savings and high valuation of performance. Welfare costs of forgone performance approximately equal expected fuel savings benefits, suggesting approximately zero net private consumer benefit from tightened standards.


Author(s):  
Daniel Crunkleton ◽  
Robert Strattan

The fuel economy and emission advantages of diesel-electric hybrid powertrain modifications and an auxiliary fuel cell subsystem over those of a conventional midsize crossover SUV are discussed. The vehicle architecture is representative of one selected for the multiyear ChallengeX intercollegiate student design contest. To analyze the fuel economy, a simple “top-level” approach is used to estimate the fuel economy characteristics and performance potential to illustrate the advantages of the hybrid-electric powertrain configuration and the auxiliary fuel cells. Chained energy efficiency assumptions for the powertrain components lead to gasoline equivalent fuel mileage estimates. In the emission analysis, the greenhouse gases, regulated emissions, and energy use in transportation model is used to track the environmental impact of the powertrain on a well-to-wheels basis.


Author(s):  
Muhammad Salman

Abstract Motorcycles have been a mode of transportation since 1894, when the first batch of motorcycles were manufactured for consumer use by Hildebrand & Wolfmüller. Motorcycles provide a fast and cost effective, specifically fuel economy, way to commute. They are also used in recreational settings such as motocross and performance racing activities. Over the years, there have been many different design generations for the various manufactures and custom shops. The customer demand for motorcycles is always increasing as well. However, the biggest drawback to someone owning and operating a motorcycle has always been safety concerns. One of these safety concerns is the motorcycle falling over and being damaged while being parked. Fall overs occur for a multitude number of reasons, the most common occurrences due to being parked on an uneven level or someone pushing the motorcycle over. Current safety devices to prevent this from occurring are crash bars and center stands. However, these devices are either not applicable to all motorcycle makes and models or do not appeal to the motorcycles look per the owner’s discretion. A “no fall over” automated mechanical kickstand would solve both of these problems and, at the same time, prevent fall over accidents.


2012 ◽  
Vol 160 ◽  
pp. 346-350
Author(s):  
Guang Hui Zhang

This paper studies the evaluation methods on model selection, matching scheme and matching program of automotive engine, transmission and final drive. Based on the given matching condition of the engine and transmission, the complete vehicle parameters, engine stand test data and drive line parameter, the program can quickly conduct selection and matching to the engine and drive line in the database and display the simulation results of the vehicle power, fuel economy and emissions corresponding to the each matching program, with which to do comprehensive evaluation to the corresponding matching program, provide a reference for users with drive line match and design and lay foundation for software system completion.


Author(s):  
Chengsheng Miao ◽  
Haiou Liu ◽  
Guoming G Zhu

Traditionally the transmission gear-shifting schedule is based upon the throttle position and the vehicle (or engine) speed. This paper proposes to add a third parameter, called the terrain coefficient, to form a three-parameter gear-shifting schedule for improving the fuel economy of a vehicle. The terrain coefficient is a compound parameter consisting of the road grade and the rolling resistance coefficient. It can be estimated in real time by the proposed multi-step recursive least-squares method. The dynamic programming and the moving least-squares method are adopted to optimize the gear sequences and to generate the three-parameter gear-shifting schedule. The proposed gear-shifting schedule is evaluated against the traditional two-parameter gear-shifting schedule via Simulink simulations and on-road experiments using a heavy-duty vehicle. The simulation results for the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule and the US06 Supplemental Federal Test Procedure driving cycles show that the fuel economies of the proposed gear-shifting schedule are improved by 3.3% and 2.7% respectively over that of the traditional two-parameter schedule. The experimental results indicate that the three-parameter gear-shifting schedule improves the fuel economy by 3.5% over the traditional schedule with a satisfactory acceleration performance.


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