National Energy Technology Laboratory

Description

The goal of Area of Interest 1 is to develop and demonstrate a 50% improvement in overall freight efficiency on a heavy-duty Class 8 tractor-trailer measured in ton-miles per gallon. This improvement will be achieved through the application of advanced vehicle system technologies and advanced engine technologies. At least 20% of the improvement will be through the development of an engine capable of achieving 50% Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE). Over the 3 to 5 year period of this activity, the selected participants will develop, test, and ultimately demonstrate these advanced technologies on a full-scale vehicle. A pathway to compliance with prevailing federal safety and environmental regulations must be shown. Candidate vehicle system technologies may include reductions in aerodynamic drag, vehicle mass, and rolling resistance, and other technologies as appropriate. Electrical or mechanical drivetrain hybridization, including energy storage/regeneration and main engine idle and other ancillary load reductions, may also be considered. In an effort to bring the best possible resources to bear on this transformational vehicle development, teams are expected to include but are not limited to a vehicle OEM, engine manufacturers and critical suppliers. The project will be organized in phases with well-defined stage gates at the end of each phase. An in-depth review will be held at the end of each phase and a determination made concerning continuing the project into the next stage. Changes to DOE program priorities as well as the current state of technology and the marketplace will be factors considered when making decisions to proceed.The goal of Area of Interest 2 is to accelerate the development of cost-competitive engine and powertrain systems for light-duty vehicles capable of attaining breakthrough thermal efficiencies while meeting future emissions standards. Development of the engine and powertrain system can include improvements to in-cylinder combustion, engine mechanics, waste heat recovery, friction reduction, emission control, fuels, materials, electrification, and reduced ancillary load requirements. The engine system can be designed to accommodate a hybrid system, CVT or other advanced transmission. The project will be organized in phases with well-defined phase gates at the end of each phase. Over the three-to-five year period of this activity, the selected participants will develop, test and eventually demonstrate these advanced technologies and the associated efficiency gains on an engine dynamometer and full-scale vehicle. Emissions will be measured to show compliance. Technologies that are compatible with or can support future fuels and are adaptable to bio-fuels with relatively minor modifications will be taken into consideration during the comprehensive merit evaluation process. Achievement of the stated fuel economy goals may require improvements to the entire powertrain system although engine system efficiency improvements will play a significant role in this effort. In order to bring the best possible resources to bear on this problem, appropriate teaming arrangements among suppliers, national labs, universities, and vehicle OEMs are encouraged. Proposed activity coincides with the multi-year program plan and Fiscal Year 2010 to 2014 budgets.

Who can apply

• Unrestricted

Contact

National Energy Technology Laboratory <br/>Meghaan Hampton <br/>Contract Specialist
Meghaan.Hampton@netl.doe.gov