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Eco-driving techniques applied in a transport fleet in Ecuador: A case study with quantifiable and measurable techniques

Abstract:

Transport demand in Ecuador, located in the Andes highlands in South America, is challenging because of the highly topography variability. In fact, half of the total consumption of the local energy stands from transportation. For this reason, this study analyzes techniques for fuel consumption reduction in a transport fleet. This fleet has 26 vehicles from the same model which drive the same route of 201 km between two cities in the highlands of Ecuador where altitude range from 1889 to 3460 meters above sea level. The test was conducted before and after a transport fleet driver was trained in a vehicle that was fitted with a GPS and a fuel flow meter. Data was collected to determine driving parameters like time, speed, acceleration, road slope and instant fuel consumption. Five measurable and quantifiable techniques (idling, constant speed, hard braking and acceleration events, inertia, rpm) were evaluated. Results show that when applying eco-driving techniques compatible with vehicle and route analyzed, it is possible to generate a total fuel reduction of 8%, and reductions between 11% and 51% for each evaluated technique. The eco-driving techniques evaluated could help a transport logistics in order to reduce the fuel consumption with a low investment.