Potential fuel savings by the use of low-friction engine and transmission lubricants
by W.J. Bartz
International Journal of Vehicle Design (IJVD), Vol. 7, No. 1/2, 1986

Abstract: Applying lubricants is one of the most important measures to reduce friction and wear. By improving the mechanical efficiency of engines and gears by reducing the frictional losses in the mixed film as well as in the fluid film lubrication regime the reducing of the fuel consumption of the engine or of the energy needed to operate the cars is possible in principle. Using the efficiency analysis of engines and gears an estimation of the theoretically possible maximum consumption reduction by lubricating measures is performed, evaluating the proportionate effects of lower viscosity and using friction reducing additives. The estimation is done on the basis of the given relationship, between friction and fuel consumption. Obviously the possibly existing consumption reductions at partial loads and lower temperatures are higher than at full load and operating temperature. By this fact the relevant consequences regarding the possibly existing total energy reductions under political economy aspects are given. It will be shown that these states of operation, resulting in the highest reductions of fuel, only cover a relatively small range of the total operating times of vehicles. Therefore the possibly existing total reductions are more limited than normally is assumed using especially unfortunate conditions as a basis for estimating the effects by lubricant-based measured. The results of this analysis leading to realistic full reductions are compared with published data, which will be critically evaluated.

Online publication date: Sun, 25-May-2014

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