The requirement for a computer simulation model of the fuel consumption of heavy goods vehicles is identified and a model defined. Different operating conditions are simulated and the results compared with those produced by an instrumented articulated vehicle operating at different gross vehicle weights. A comparison is made over short distances and defined conditions on the TRRL test track, and definition of driver behaviour enables the experimental situation to be represented. Large percentage differences in fuel consumption were found to occur when small amounts of fuel were used over short distances but good overall agreement was achieved. The largest discrepancy occurred in the unladen situation on the test track, a condition which coincided with the least accurate input data. Longer road routes including sections of urban, rural and motorway roads were also simulated and the model accurately predicted the fuel consumption for all gross vehicle weights tested. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting