Overview
There is a need of reducing the fuel consumption in transport work, for environmental as well as for economic reasons. This project aimed to provide truck drivers with information regarding their fuel consumtion and exhaust emissions.
The aim of the REDUCE project was to find a way to reduce the fuel consumption in transport work.
This is done by the installing 'DV4' equipment in two trucks for round-wood transportation. The equipment enabled instant feedback to the driver about fuel consumption and exhaust emission. Data on fuel consumption per driver and per road class were collected from the two trucks, and from another two trucks without DV4. Reports could be generated from a web interface. In conjunction with the installation training was provided concerning the equipment and fuel-saving driving. Learning and use of DV4 was studied.
- Adjustment of hardware and software;
- Installation of hardware and software;
- Training concerning the equipment and fuel-saving driving and learning and use of DV4;
- Data on fuel consumption per driver and per road class were collected from the two trucks, and from another two trucks without DV4;
- A development of the instant feed-back to the driver about fuel consumption and exhaust emission. Reports could be generated from a web interface;
- Studies and analysis of collected data and how the use of the equipment.
Funding
Results
The drivers were trained in fuel-saving driving, and they were considered skilled in fuel-saving driving behaviour. Nevertheless, the fuel consumption decreased immediately after training and installation of DV4. Also the variation between drivers decreased after training. One of the trucks lowered the fuel consumption wit some 20% the month after training and installation. However, it is not possible to attribute the training or DV4 to all of the decrease. Other factors, e.g. temperature, weather state of the road, etc also influenced the results. One important parameter for decreased fuel consumption is the shut-off distance, i.e. when the driver is not pressing the throttle pedal in order to use the kinetic energy of the vehicles. The shut-off distance increased with 15 - 42% after training and the new technical possibilities.
Reporting and feedback are crucial factors in order to create and maintain the motivation and understanding among the drivers and their supervisors. The report tells the status for every driver individually in relation to the previous period and the average for the trucks. Comparisons with other trucks are possible. Unnecessary fuel consumption was specified in component such as idling, braking and high velocity. In addition, total shut-off distance and other positive parameters were specified.
In the project, functionality of the technical equipment was emphasised (hardware as well as software), as well as the design of reports to the drivers and their supervision in a manner as clear and useful a way as possible.
Policy implications
In conclusion the organisations involved experienced sufficient utility from the project. The objectives were generally reached in relation to the expectations. Future activities bases on the project will be conducted immediately after the project. Activities include initiation of master thesis work for further analysis of the database, information seminars, presentations and publication in various newspapers and magazines of the business.