A Strategic Investigation for Fuel Economy Improvement of Medium-Duty Tactical Truck : Preliminary Simulation and Experimental Results

This paper reports the planning efforts and preliminary results of increasing fuel economy in the current fleet of medium-duty tactical truck. A strategic plan was developed through investigation of current and future technology offerings from original equipment manufacturers and after market suppliers. Research efforts consisted of an initial phase where a broad range of integration candidates were collected and a secondary phase where in-depth analysis was conducted to target those to be considered for inclusion in the strategic plan. The strategic plan lays out the integrated technologies in the near term including auxiliary electrification of engine cooling fan and hydrogen injection. For the mid-term time frame, the plan involves implementing an engine stop/start system and electrifying other auxiliaries. The final step in the plan is the development and implementation of a full hybrid population. The preliminary results include simulation of the electric cooling fan and mild hybrid powertrain, and experimental test of hydrogen injection.