By Dr Asish Kumar Sarangi and Dr Richard F. Jones
In the realm of commercial transportation, fuel economy is a critical factor influencing operational costs and the sectors’ contribution to CO2 emissions. However, over time, engines in commercial vehicles can experience degradation that can significantly affect their fuel efficiency. In a country like India, where trucks play a critical role in transportation and act as a lifeline for the economic exchange of goods, engine health becomes all the more important.
Understanding engine degradation
Commercial vehicles are designed to meet demanding emission regulations whilst minimising both fuel use and maintenance requirements for their designed life of several years. This, however, assumes that the vehicle is serviced correctly and that lubricants meeting or exceeding the manufacturer’s requirements are utilised. Similarly, diesel fuel should meet the IS 1460 :2017 standard and good housekeeping practices should be utilised to prevent fuel contamination and keep the fuel on specification.
Engine degradation can be accelerated over normal rates of wear and tear if lubricant and/or fuel quality is neglected. As an example, if a lubricant’s service life is exceeded this can result in depletion in its protective attributes and increase the friction and wear of the engine’s components, especially the bearings, valvetrains and piston/liners resulting in increased fuel consumption and reduced engine life. Hard particulates in fuel can accelerate pump wear that may produce additional hard particles which further exacerbate the problem and can result in damage to the profile of the holes in the fuel injectors, thereby compromising fuel atomisation and combustion. Fuels formulated without an effective detergent can also result in deposits in injector nozzles which can limit fuel flow and result in poor fuel-air mixing in the combustion chamber.
Effects of engine degradation on fuel economy
Engine degradation directly impacts the fuel economy of commercial vehicles, leading to increased fuel consumption. Worn piston rings and valve leakage can cause reduced compression ratio, resulting in incomplete combustion and decreased engine thermal efficiency. Fuel injector fouling and dirt deposits disrupt the fuel spray pattern, leading to inefficient fuel atomisation and incomplete combustion. These factors not only increase fuel consumption but also negatively impact engine power output and the overall performance of the engine.
Quantifying the fuel economy impact
Studies have shown that engine degradation can lead to a substantial decrease in fuel economy for commercial vehicles. This not only translates into higher operating costs for fleet owners but also contributes to increased engine-out emissions. The financial burden of decreased fuel economy is particularly significant for commercial fleets that operate on tight profit margins.
Mitigating the impact of engine degradation
To minimise the impact of engine degradation on fuel economy, regular and proactive maintenance practices are essential. This includes adhering to manufacturer-recommended service intervals, conducting routine inspections, use of high-quality fuels (i.e., those containing effective multi-functional additives) and promptly addressing any detected issues. The use of multi-functional additives in the fuel can help restoring and protecting the functionalities of the advanced fuel injection systems which in turn can prevent engine performance degradation and maintain the desired fuel efficiency.
The role of data and technology
Technological innovations, such as onboard diagnostics and telematics systems, offer valuable insights into engine health and performance. These systems can monitor various parameters, such as tailpipe NOx and fuel economy in real-time to detect early signs of engine degradation, and alert fleet operators and drivers to take necessary maintenance actions. Additionally, data analytics tools enable fleet managers to identify patterns and optimise maintenance schedules, thereby maximising the lifespan and fuel efficiency of commercial vehicle engines.
Engine degradation poses a significant challenge to the fuel economy of commercial vehicles, impacting operational costs, environmental sustainability, and overall engine performance. Recognising the importance of proactive maintenance and embracing technological advancements are, therefore, crucial steps for mitigating these effects. By implementing regular maintenance practices, leveraging advanced engine technologies, and utilising data-driven insights, fleet operators can minimise engine degradation, optimise fuel efficiency, and ensure a more sustainable and cost-effective operation of their commercial transportation fleets.
The authors Dr Sarangi is an Assistant Professor, Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India and Dr Jones is an Expert Technologist, Advanced Fuel Products, BP, Innovation and Engineering, United Kingdom.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the original author. These views and opinions do not represent those of The Indian Express Group or its employees.
