Transport Energy Conservation Methods Flashcards
Bulk transport
the movement of large quantities of goods (or people) on a few vehicles as possible, large vehicles must be at or near capacity to be an efficient method of transport
Active traffic management (ATM)
A method of controlling road lane usage and speed limits to smooth traffic flow and reduce congestion. Reduces acceleration and braking and therefore fuel use.
Aerodynamics
The study of airflow over surfaces to allow the design of surfaces that reduce wind resistance, turbulence, friction and noise generation. Improved aerodynamics reduces fuel use.
Reduced mass
vehicles of lower mass require less fuels to move/propel. Examples of reducing mass could be the use of plastics for interiors, replacing iron parts with aluminium, the use of stronger steel alloys rather than steel so that thinner panels can be used. More examples in the textbook.
Solid wheels/wheel design
solid wheels maintain the same area of interaction with road/rails and do not dissipate the same amount of energy that air filled tyres, however solid tyres cause a bumpy ride, used on rails but not roads.
Fuel combustion efficiency
Can be improved in the vehicle’s engine by controlling engine temperature using a fan when above optimum temperature. Ignition servicing to ensure fuel flow matches ignition. Increasing valves per cylinder to remove exhaust gases more efficiently.
Vehicle end of life design
easily identifiable, recyclable parts which are easy to dismantle and separate for reuse or recycling.
Vehicle embodied energy
reduce embodied energy by using recycled parts/metal/plastics
Driver behaviour
Education of drivers - reduced acceleration and baking and driving at optimum speed (driving smoothly)
Integrated transport systems
linking up road, rail and cycle routes to allow for the most efficient mode of transport for each part of a journey
Regenerative Braking / Kinetic energy recovery system (KERS)
When braking the wheels still move (have kinetic energy). Regenerative braking converts the kinetic energy of the wheels to electrical energy that is stored in the battery; later use of electricity (hybrid car) reduces fuel use.
Hydrodynamics
The study of the flow of water, often in relation to ship design to reduce resistance to movement to reduce fuel use.
Pantograph
The electricity pick-up on the roof of a locomotive that allows the use of electricity from overhead cables.
Aerodynamic pantograph
smooth covering for the metal pantograph that improves airflow, reduces friction, decreases energy use.
Smart motorways/Active Traffic Management (ATM)
A method of relieving traffic congestion which allows driving on the hard shoulder and reduces the speed limit during periods of heavy traffic flows to allow traffic to flow smoothly
Driverless cars
car driven at optimum speeds and reduced acceleration and braking reducing fuel consumption.
Wind assisted ships
The use of mechanically operated sails, kite sails or cylindrical rotors to reduce fuel consumption when wind energy can be utilised
