Posted on 04/01/2015 4:20:11 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Daimler Trucks North America’s (DTNA) SuperTruck program has achieved 115 percent freight efficiency improvement – surpassing the Department of Energy (DOE) program’s goal of 50 percent improvement and exhibiting the best results of all reporting OEMs.
Testing was also conducted at the DTNA Detroit engineering facility to demonstrate engine efficiency by achieving 50.2 percent engine brake thermal efficiency.
The final SuperTruck demonstrator ran a five-day, 312-mile round trip route on Texas Interstate 35 between San Antonio and Dallas, at a weight of 65,000 lbs GVWR at a speed of 65 mph, where it achieved an average result of 12.2 mpg.
Solutions of Tomorrow Today
Several commercially viable technologies developed in conjunction with the SuperTruck program have been introduced in DTNA production vehicles, including 6x2 optimization and the aerodynamic components found on the Freightliner Cascadia® Evolution and the integrated Detroit™ Powertrain.
Strategies such as downspeeding with a custom engine rating and using the predictive capabilities of Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM) components such as pre-loaded 3D digital maps to control shifting and eCoast events also increased efficiency and economy.
“By incorporating a mix of available technologies with future innovations, we were able to use the SuperTruck program to take the first steps in seeing what may be technically possible and commercially viable,” said Rotz. “We still have a long road ahead to determine ultimately what will be successful and what will achieve the greatest efficiencies.”
One key initiative was exploring how the tractor and trailer should be designed and optimized as a single system, not separate units. DTNA engineers also examined the impact and opportunities for efficiency gains with tire partners. Features such as energy-efficient, wide-based, low-rolling resistance single tires and highly engineered aerodynamic surfaces on the trailer also maximized efficiency.
“We took a clean-sheet approach and looked beyond just the vehicle and engine,” noted Rotz. “We examined and analyzed and tested every single angle on the truck and trailer in our quest to achieve the best results.”
Future Innovations
During the development of the SuperTruck, DTNA engineers investigated how high-risk, high-reward technologies used in other industries could be applied to Class 8 vehicles. Electrified auxiliaries, controlled power steering and air systems, active aerodynamics, a long-haul hybrid system, waste heat recovery and trailer solar panels were some of the items assessed.
“Part of our process included taking a deep dive into different systems to analyze not only what might be possible, but obstacles as well,” explained Rotz.
The SuperTruck team discovered that some of these components, due to regulatory or economic barriers, may not be commercially viable in the near future.
Added Diane Hames, general manager, marketing and strategy for Daimler Trucks North America: “The SuperTruck program is just one of many DTNA initiatives that underscore our deep commitment to developing and implementing best-in-class fuel efficiency and aerodynamic innovations that will benefit our customers and our industry for the long-term.”
That’s quite amazing.
Blowouts must be hell on fiberglass fenderskirts.
And I’ve been kicked by the wind
Robbed by the sleet
Had my head stoved in
But I’m still on my feet
And I’m willin’, oh, I’m willin’
The only thing the truck won’t be able to do is cross a railroad track, back down into a loading dock, or enter a parking lot with any kind of a curb.
I don't believe it. I-35 has been a mess for years. No way they could average 65. If they said I-20 Fort Worth to Abilene or perhaps 1-45 Dallas - Huntsville, I might buy the data.
Super single tire blowouts play hell with aluminum too. I had a 3 foot long - 6 inch wide gash in the back of a Peterbilt sleeper after blowing one on the front drive axle. The boss was not real happy with me after that one....red
Don’t know if they still have it, but in 1999, Univ. of Idaho had a stock Yanmar truck engine that was slightly modified that ran on 40% ethanol and 60% water without loss of horsepower.
I didn’t see any mention of costs either.
But it would probably be the winner at a science fair.
Yeah, I never get the mileage they post on the new car window sticker. They must do those tests with a 30 mph tail wind.
You would if you actually drove the test cycle under the test conditions.
http://www.epa.gov/nvfel/testing/dynamometer.htm#vehcycles
Also those tests are run with E0 fuel and you’re probably using E10.
It will not hold up here on the
bakken
First of all, 65000 pounds ain’t $hit.
My Pete and trailer weigh 20 tons alone.
It would .have to run totally on the highway. Should you hit a curb even a little hard you would ruin your vehiles
I always envisioned a jet nose for aerodynamic efficiency. Very cool. But how does it turn without crushing the baffle behind the cab?
I’m thinking it is jointed in a way we can’t see from the photos. Remember: Daimler-Benz invented the automobile, they’re not stupid.
Wal Mart’s future truck has a very aggressive front end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NER9X4_gtYk
Impressive? Yes.
But the maintenance costs are gonna be through the roof!
Our brand new Freightliner Cascadia Evolutions with the Detroit DD15 are getting 6.8 to 7mpg, but with all the electronic control modules installed, it is a REAL battle to keep the units rolling. Electronic problems galore!
Way too much technology, way too fast.
Whoa... Was it hauling Michael Moore around or something?
Simple. Just spend several billion dollars redesigning every RR crossing and building thousands of cross-docking facilities to transfer the load from the “supertruck” trailers to a normal truck and trailer. /s
-——The final SuperTruck demonstrator ran a five-day, 312-mile round trip route on Texas Interstate 35 between San Antonio and Dallas, at a weight of 65,000 lbs GVWR at a speed of 65 mph, where it achieved an average result of 12.2 mpg.-——
San Antonio to Dallas is a one day round trip...if you are keeping double logs....: )
Why five days.....?
I used to drive I-35 ....nobody drives 65 mph on that highway unless you want to get run off it...
I’m guessing they might have done a few trips there and back and there and back....
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