A New Economical and Environment-Friendly Solution to Improve Fuel Efficiency - Research Paper Example

In electric hybrids, kinetic energy is stored in batteries during the braking operation. This energy is used to run the motor which assists the engine in powering the vehicle. Hydraulic hybrid systems utilize the energy from regenerative braking to pump a working fluid into an accumulator in pressurized form. This pressurized working fluid later assists the engine by providing energy to a pump that powers the vehicle (Gilles, 223).
Hydraulic hybrid systems work best for urban transport vehicles or waste management vehicles which are required to stop at small intervals. Whenever the driver applies brakes, the pump forces the hydraulic fluid from the low-pressure tank to the twin high-pressure tank, thus energy is stored every time brakes are applied. In this way, up to 70 percent of the energy used in the braking action of the vehicle is again utilized by the vehicle (figure 1).
Hydraulic hybrid systems have several advantages over other hybrid systems and traditional engines. These systems have a much better power-to-weight ratio thus the heavier vehicles which require a lot of power for starting motion have an added advantage with hydraulic systems. Such high power cannot be provided by the batteries of electric hybrid systems. Moreover, in conditions of excessive braking, batteries can only be partially utilized and cannot store energy effectively, whereas accumulators can store up to 70% of the energy dissipated in braking. The considerable market advantage is provided by the lighter weight of hydraulic hybrids than electric hybrids because of improvements in fuel economy and maximization of payload (figure 2).
The cost of buying as well as the maintenance cost of hydraulic hybrid systems is also very low with much more reliable components than other hybrid systems. Since the weight and sizes are small, these components can easily be fitted in the vehicles with minor modifications. The service life of hydraulic hybrids is much greater than that of electric hybrid systems which adds to the number of economic advantages it offers. The life of the brakes of the vehicles is also increased because of lesser usage (Bennett, 747).
Another additional advantage of the components of hydraulic hybrid systems is their safe use with no risks of self-ignition, fire, or shock. The pressure in hydraulic accumulators is easily and safely discharged for storage and maintenance whereas automatic programming is also very easy in case of hydraulic accumulators for discharge in case the vehicle is switched off, enabling fuel economy.
Since the carbon footprint associated with the operation as well as the manufacturing of hydraulic hybrids is very low, therefore it is a clean technology that utilizes readily recycled materials and fluids. The increase in fuel efficiency also reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, there are no problems associated with the disposal of batteries as in the case of electric hybrid systems. These systems not only conserve the environment but also depict better stability towards environmental conditions. Hydraulic hybrids can work much more efficiently in intense operating temperatures and climates. They are very less affected by extreme heat, cold, and moisture conditions. Since the friction required for braking action is provided by the energy required to pressurize the accumulators, less friction occurs between the tire of the vehicle and the road resulting in lesser brake dust, which is an additional environmental advantage (Kutz, 192).
The vehicles currently running on the road have several hydraulic components being used in their regular operations. Therefore hydraulic hybrid systems can integrate very easily into the existing maintenance practices of vehicle owners. The maintenance staff can utilize their existing abilities and tools for working with the hydraulic hybrids thus the maintenance procedures are not very time-consuming. In case of any malfunction, the hydraulic hybrid system can easily be detached from the original vehicle capabilities allowing it to continue working productively (National Research Council, 83).
Hydraulic hybrids installed in urban utility vehicles such as waste trucks can also assist in the lifting mechanisms such as cranes and backhoes installed in such vehicles because this equipment also works on the principle of a hydraulic press.
With the increasing fuel prices and scarcity of resources, engineers are looking for more and more alternative solutions for increasing fuel efficiency. A hydraulic hybrid system is perhaps economically and environmentally most feasible solution presented by engineers because of the high reliability of its components, efficient energy exchange, easy maintenance, and less noise.