What is Fuel Economy ?

Fuel economy concept is identified all over the world keeping in mind its scarcity measure. It relates to the amount of fuel required to move a vehicle over a given distance. Fuel efficiency relates to the efficiency of converting energy contained in the carrier fuel to kinetic energy or work. It is normally expressed in terms of power per unit engine displacement (specific output). Fuel economy and fuel efficiency are two different words.

Fuel economy is expressed in one of the following two ways
• The amount of fuel used per unit distance. For example: litres per 1000 kilometres (L/1000 km). If this value is less that means the vehicle is more economical i.e. it needs less fuel to travel a certain distance.
• The distance traveled per unit volume of fuel used. For example: kilolitres per litre (km/L) or can be expressed as miles per gallon (mpg). In this case, if this value is higher it means that the vehicle is more economical i.e. it can travel more distance with certain amount of fuel.

Most of the countries in the world depend up on the imports of oil, which affects the country’s economy and the energy sector.

Adopting fuel economy will
• Conserve the resources.

• Increase people’s participation for getting high benefits.
• Reduces the dependency on others.
• Lead the manufacturers (vehicle makers) to manufacture energy efficient vehicles.
• Provide extra information for people while purchasing vehicles.

Corporate Fuel Economy (CAFΙ)
It is defined as the average fuel economy expressed in terms of the miles per gallon. In the United States Corporate Fuel Economy is a step to regulate and improve the fuel economy of different types of vehicles. The rules for CAFΙ are changeable from time to time.
 

From the definition of fuel economy it is very clear that it reduces the oil consumption. Though this concept is not fully successful, technologically advanced countries like the United States are partially successful. But developing countries that lack technological advancement are in search for energy such as bio-diesels infact bio-diesels.

Following are the examples to show how much the countries are depending on bio-diesel
• British Petroleum, global energy major has announced to invest $4.9 millions in bio-diesel production in India.
• India based Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is planning to set up a bio-diesel refining at Kakinada in Andra Pradesh with an investment of about $500 million.
• A $40 million diesel refinery is to be built in Grays Harbor County, in western Washington State of the United States.

How to improve fuel economy
Fuel economy is improved if certain procedures are followed as given below:
• It is a good idea to monitor Average fuel economy regularly.
• Driving It is not good to drive aggressively. Increasing or mashing the accelerator, putting hard brakes, speeding up, all contributes to a decrease in fuel economy. Driving should always be steady and smooth. On a highway, it is seen that every 5 mph a person drives over 65 mph it represents a 7% decrease in fuel economy.
• Maintenance of tires Tires must be properly inflated since under inflated tires require more energy to roll. If the tires are inflated properly then fuel economy can be improved by 3.3%. It is important to refer to the user manual and fill in the pressure in the tires as required. The psi number written on the side wall of the tire is not the proper inflation level of the car instead it is the maximum pressure of the car. It is better to have a tire-pressure gauge and check the air pressure of the tires regularly
• Vehicle maintenance Like maintaining the tires it is important to maintain the vehicles also. If a vehicle is well maintained that means it operates at a greater efficiency i.e. it improves fuel economy. Proper maintenance also includes using the right octane gas and the recommended grade of motor oil. Dirty air filter or clogged fuel filter, fouled spark plugs will affect fuel economy. Replacing a clogged air filter and an oxygen sensor could increase the mileage by 10% and 40% respectively. By using recommended type of vehicles we can save money as well as it gives optimum fuel economy.

• Excess load Heavy vehicles require more energy to move. So carrying excess weight will have direct impact on mileage also. It is always better to empty the trunk or the backseat of unnecessary loads. 100 pounds extra load can reduce the fuel economy by 1-2% in a particular vehicle. Roof carrier or roof rack must be attached or installed only when necessary because it not only adds on to extra weight but also increases the aerodynamic drag on the vehicle that altogether combines to a loss in fuel economy.
• Planning Planning is very important since a little planning can make a big difference in fuel economy. Engines uses more fuel when it is cold compared to when it is warm. Longer trips can keep engines warm for a long time so combining errands can improve gas mileage. Several short trips beginning with a cold start can use twice the amount of fuel as a single, longer trip that covers the same distance.
 

Article Contributed By: Shilpa V

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