VEHICLE FUEL EFFICIENCY REPORT
Introduction
Energy audit entails the survey, inspection, and analysis of the energy flow for energy usage in a vehicle. Because of that, the aim of this research was to analyze all the process which not only consume but also reduces the amount of energy (fuel) consumed by the vehicle without negatively impacting the output(s) (R.C & N.R.C, 2011). This was first achieved through expanding on the preliminary analysis and then collecting data regarding the functionality of the car through performing comprehensive evaluation of fuel consumption measures (Palocz, 2013).
Method
During the determination of the fuel efficiency of the car, first, the fuel tank capacity of the vehicle as determined, and then the Trip A function was reset to zero, and a photograph of the odometer was taken. Next, the volume of the remaining fuel was measured before refilling the tank again. Finally, the volume of the fuel consumed for the second trip was noted which was then used to compute the percentage change in fuel efficiency of the car. The following are some of the petrol saving measures which were researched, selected, and implemented;
1) Making fewer trips
2) Not driving during rush hour (Phoebe, 2016)
3) No carrying of unnecessary weight
4) Accelerating smoothly (R.C & N.R.C, 2011).
5) Sticking to the speed limit
6) Avoiding traffic congestion (Cleveland & Morris, 2015)
7) Watching one’s top speed
8) Being a smooth operator
9) Maintaining the car (I.C.N.S.M.T et al, 1985).
Results
From the graph, the vertical axis shows kilometers per one liter while the horizontal axis shows the days of the project. Conversely, Vehicle carrying capacity is some of the factors which constrain the rate of fuel consumption (Cleveland & Morris, 2015). From the data collected and graphed, it means that the capacity of carrying luggage is of great interest whenever fuel consumption was to be considered. The reason for that is because the general use of efficient vehicle may at times be limited at longer distances (Palocz, 2013). Initial data from the analysis indicates that potential fuel consumption of the car ranges from 50-70% as depicted by the percentage change of the fuel efficiency.
Discussion
In the process of determining the rate of fuel consumption of the car, a linear relationship of fuel consumption and weight of the car was the factors which were taken into consideration (Palocz, 2013). The reason for that is because fuel consumption remains to be the precise means of determining the performance of the vehicle (Cleveland & Morris, 2015). So as to analyze the data collected, the main challenge which was encountered was computing the efficiency per unit weight or weight specific efficiency of the car.
On the other hand, footnotes average fuel consumption was also used for the purpose of representing the weighted average of the car. Other than determining the fuel tank capacity of the car, several efficiency fuel consumption methods were used (N.R.C et al., 2006). In addition to that, fuel consumption information was outsourced from the car certification (N.R.C, 2010).
From the graph, it can be noted that fuel efficiency was the reciprocal of the two metrics which were computed in chronological manner when the other is known. Throughout this research, the fuel consumption rate remained to be the metric owing to the fundamental characteristics as well as the suitability of the car (N.R.C, 2010).
It can also be seen from the graph that fuel efficiency of the car was much dependent on various parameters i.e. weight, rolling resistance, engine parameters, and so on (I.C.N.S.M.T et al, 1985). Conversely, in order to avoid such problems, boosting the overall fuel efficiency of the car was essential. This mainly relies on maintenance as well as attention offered to the style of driving (N.R.C et al., 2006). Interesting information from the graph is that the petrol saving methods implemented was not effective because not all cars have the ability of reflecting accurate odometer reading. The results were not what were expected because the odometer not only reflected incorrect number of miles driven but also giving an erroneous picture of the cars MPG or odometer reading (Palocz, 2013).
Conclusion
It should also be noted that the energy audit taken was obtained under certain test conditions. As a result of that, it was relatively difficulty to achieve it under real life driving situation or condition. Some of the factors which influences actual fuel audit include driving style, environment, behavior, and conditions in which the car was operated. This means that the figures obtained ought to be treated as inductive only.
References
International Conference on New Survey Methods in Transport, Ampt, E. S., Richardson, A. J., & Brög, W. (1985). New survey methods in transport: 2nd International Conference, Hungerford Hill, Australia, 12-16 September 1983. Utrecht, Netherlands: VNU Science Press.
National Research Council (U.S.). (2010). Technologies and approaches to reducing the fuel consumption of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Washington, D.C: National Academies Press.
Cleveland, C. J., & Morris, C. G. (2015). Dictionary of energy.
National Research Council (U.S.)., & National Research Council (U.S.). (2011). Assessment of fuel economy technologies for light-duty vehicles. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
National Research Council (Etats-Unis)., National Research Council (Etats-Unis)., & National Research Council (Etats-Unis). (2006). Tires and passenger vehicle fuel economy: Informing consumers, improving performance.
Palocz-Andresen, M. (2013). Decreasing Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Gas Emissions in Transportation: Sensing, Control and Reduction of Emissions. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
Phoebe, C.H, (2016). Passenger Car Fuel Economy in Short Trip Operation:Energy conservation. Department of Energy, Division of Transportation Energy Conservation
