UPS introduces hydraulic hybrid vehicle

[Fledermaus]

UPS has ordered seven HHVs, which will have a high-efficiency diesel engine combined with a hydraulic propulsion system, replacing the conventional drive train and transmission. The vehicle uses hydraulic pumps and hydraulic storage tanks to capture and store energy, similar to what is done with electric motors and batteries in a hybrid electric vehicle. In this case, the diesel engine is used to periodically recharge pressure in the hydraulic propulsion system. Fuel economy is increased in three ways: vehicle braking energy is recovered instead of being wasted; the engine operates more efficiently, and the engine can be shut off when stopped or decelerating, UPS said.

“There is no question that hydraulic hybrids, although little known to the public, are ready for prime time use on the streets of America,” said David Abney, UPS chief operating officer, in a news release. “We are not declaring hydraulic hybrids a panacea for our energy woes, but this technology certainly is as promising as anything we’ve seen to date.”

http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2008/10/27/daily9.html

YouTube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKLcPWRnTbs

[Gregorian]

1. As predicted, shippers are the leading edge of the change.

Not only do they consist of huge fleets, but they operate on a frequent start/stop basis.

I'm quite glad to see this. Although the hydraulic system is about the only good way to increase efficiency until higher density batteries are introduced. Not a new concept at all. But a step in the right direction.

Using electrical regeneration is far better in many ways. But this at least brings the issue to life.

[NickB79]

2. This should be required equipment on all new semi-trailer trucks

Improving fuel efficiency just 1 mpg on the US trucking fleet would amount to massive gains overall.

[CRF450]

3. Those UPS trucks get around 6mpg.

I worked as a driver helper the last two Christmas seasons BTW. I'm hoping maybe that would lead me to a full time job with them. My summer jobs pay pretty damn good, but no benefits what so ever.

[drm604]

4. Here's an interesting article on this technology.

http://www.designnews.com/article/7232-Hydraulic_Hybrid_Cars_No_Batteries_Required.php

They do seem to have one advantage over electric hybrids.

What if there was a hybrid vehicle technology that could at least double the gas mileage of passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks? What if it could slash emissions by 50 percent or more? And what if it could challenge our usual mileage expectations by offering better fuel consumption in the city than on the highway?

Even better from an engineering and manufacturing standpoint, what if this hybrid technology didn’t rely on expensive, heavy, bulky battery technologies that aren’t really ready for prime time and instead used a time-tested energy storage method?

Well, there is just such a hybrid-vehicle technology, and it’s one based entirely on hydraulic components rather than electric ones.

(Emphasis is mine)

I'm guessing that you could also make plug-in versions of these using electric pumps to charge the hydraulics.

Make them diesel and you have a lot of flexibility as to fuel use, including various bio-deisels, like the fuel produced by the recently discovered patagonian fungus. http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2008/1103/1?etoc

Sounds like a win win idea to me.

[exboyfil]

5. Storing hydraulic potential energy is also bulky

Universities are looking at new types of accumulators that will reduce the amount of space required for storage. Another disadvantage of accumulators is that they are potentially dangerous if ruptured (high pressure hydraulic fluid).

I would assume that UPS is already implementing smart ignition systems to turn off when parked or stalled in trafic instead of idling. That would be there biggest efficieny gain.

[Fledermaus]

10. I have read some articles discussing plug-in options.

However, no one is building them with that option. At this time, it's more important to build and develop the basic technology.

Currently, there are no other manufactures with a full hydraulic hybrid in production. As far as I know, this is a first.

[no limit]

6. The article claims a 50% savings. Why didn't they do this sooner?

Sounds awesome and hopefully others follow.

[mzmolly]

7. Excellent move. Sounds like their made in Ohio as well?

:toast: to UPS.

[mzmolly]

9. "they're" made in Ohio, not their.

Sheesh. :blush:

[GreenPartyVoter]

11. Have you gone all spelling nazi on yourself? LOL

[mzmolly]

14. LOL

Somebody's gotta do it! ;)

[formercia]

8. Noisy motors

Not to be a stick in the mud but hydraulic motors are pretty noisy.

[GreenPartyVoter]

12. Noisier than a big ol' 18 wheeler air braking right outside your house?

Because if not, I say it's a good deal. :P

(Our cats were kittens when we lived in that place. You should have seen them scramble when a big rig came barreling through to a stop at the intersection. They could never get any traction on the linoleum on the kitchen floor. It was like watching a cartoon running in place. :rofl:)

[drm604]

13. There're probably some noise suppresion technologies that could help wit that. n/t