WINNIPEG, Man. –A study by FPInnovatrions-Feric in partnership with Bison Transport has confirmed that it’s not necessary to idle a diesel engine to warm it up.

A series of tests were conducted as part of Project Innovation Transport (PIT), which proved it was more efficient to idle the engine for a short period after a cold start and then to drive the vehicle at moderate load while it warms up to normal operating temperatures.

The findings debunk the myth that a diesel engine must first be idled for a lengthy period to bring it up to temperature.

The study also tested a coolant energy recovery system and found that it was effective in maintaining cab warmth with the engine turned off. The cabin remained a comfortable 17 degrees C two hours after engine shut-down, with the system turned on.

The system was found to keep cabin temperature 5-12 degrees C warmer for at least 1.5 hours after the engine was shut down, even though the ambient temperature was 4-9 degrees C colder for the system-on portion of the test. The study found the system is ideal for day cab applications where idle periods rarely exceed one or two hours. The outside temperature ranged from -7 degrees C to 2 degrees C during the test. FPInnovations says it plans to further test the device at colder temperatures.

In another test, FPInnovatios measured the effectiveness of Tire Pressure Control Technologies on hard-packed, snow-covered roads. Tom Fischer Logging in Huntsville, Ont. participated in the test.

The tests with loaded vehicles showed no significant impact on fuel consumption when the tire pressure was decreased from 100 psi to 75 psi on snow-packed roads.

The tests on unloaded vehicles found a 3.6% deterioration in fuel economy with the tire pressure decreased to 55 psi compared to the baseline of 100 psi.

The driver, FPInnovations reports, noticed a smoother and safer ride with the tire pressure reduced. For more information, contact Marius Surcel at: marius.surcel@fpinnovations.ca.