Validation of Vehicle Fuel Consumption - Essay Example

Using a comparison of different driving cycles, the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) was taken as the basic framework for testing. The research was carried out in two different phases i.e. laboratory testing and real-life drive tests. Laboratory testing was utilized to generate the major parameters that affected vehicle fuel consumption. This was then used to derive an empirical correlation that was then tested in the field to determine its validity. The proposed empirical correlation was tested against real-life driving conditions which proved the reliability of the empirical correlation.

A number of different driving conditions were simulated including urban driving, extra-urban driving and highway driving. The varied testing scheme ensured that the empirical correlation was valid for various driving situations at the same time. The derivation of such an empirical correlation through this work removed one of the chief defects of different driving cycles which were the lack of standardization for testing. With the application of this tested model, it would be easier and convenient to control pollution considerably through additional research in the future.

I dedicate this work to my dear parents for the lifelong and boundless love that I received from them as well their unwavering support. This work is also dedicated to my wife for her unfaltering encouragement throughout my study and my son Abu Bakr and daughters Yakootha and Remas. Without their support reaching this point would not have been possible. Firstly I would like to thank almighty God for providing the strength to complete my Ph.D. and his guidance throughout my life.Few goals are ever achieved without the help of teachers, mentors, colleagues, family, and friends.

For the assistance, support, and guidance I have received while completing the postgraduate studies I am indebted to my director of studies Professor Andrew Ball at the University of Huddersfield for all his guidance, encouragement and support throughout the four years duration of this research project.