Diesel Engine Improving Fuel Economy
CHALLENGE
Efforts for improving fuel economy have paid off for a major freight line by applying Rewitec Nanocoating. Several 2006 Volvo Sleeper units with Cummins ISX engines with a periodic route from Atlanta to Texas were treated with the coating. Mileage of these trucks was between 50,000 (80,000 km) and 120,000 miles (192.00 km). Based on the steady climb of diesel prices during the last year, it became vital to lower fuel consumption.
These units were treated in Atlanta with Rewitec Nano Coating before starting the normal route in order to evaluate the improvement in fuel economy. The ECM unit was reset at that time and the average trip consumption of the units was documented to be 6.4 mpg, (37.1 L/100 km).
OUTCOME
An engine treatment is performed like a vaccination against friction and wear, in 2 shots. A second part of the coating treatment was performed and the engine ECM was reset again for another trip evaluation. The units′ consumption was monitored for several weeks. In the first 10,000 miles (16.000 km), fuel economy improved gradually on average from 6.4 mpg to 6.9 mpg (37.1L/100 to 34.5L/100 km), or 7%. The fuel economy will continue to be evaluated in the long term. In the meantime, the freight line ordered the treatment of a large number of units with the immediate benefits of higher fuel economy.
RESULTS
- For a yearly mileage of 150,000 (240.000 km), the increase from 6.4 mpg to 6.9 mpg (37.1L to 34.5L/100km) gives an average economy of 7%. Considering a $2.70 per gallon (Can $ 1.40L) cost of diesel fuel, the company is saving $4,100 per unit per year in fuel costs (Can $ 6240)
- The Coating is expected to stay efficient and avoid wear for 3 years, giving a total saving of over $12,000 (Can $ 18.700) per unit in that period, with fuel economy at the current diesel prices
- Additional savings in engine maintenance are expected in the life of these units