Demonstration of Heavy Diesel Hybrid Fleet Vehicles

WP-200907

Objective

The Department of Defense's fleet of diesel powered vehicles and equipment generates greenhouse gases, criteria pollutants, soot, and noise. These emissions are hazardous to the environment and equipment operators. Rising fuel prices and logistics of delivering fuel to forward deployed bases increase the cost and risk of heavy equipment operations. The objective of this project is to evaluate the benefits and readiness of existing early-commercial hybrid platforms and establish a military link to the hybrid vehicle manufacturing industry. The project further will identify platforms that would benefit most from the hybrid technology.

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Technology Description

Emerging heavy hybrid electric vehicle technologies feature a supplemental power system that substantially improves efficiency. As with light hybrids, heavy systems recover energy normally wasted during braking operations. Hybrid systems supplement the conventional engine during peak power demands (accelerations, hill climbing, lifting, drilling, excavating, etc.). Use of regenerative braking also reduces maintenance required on braking systems.

This project will demonstrate field applications requiring periodic power for an auxiliary system during engine idling times, combination multistop work application, and an off-road heavy use application. The team will evaluate performance and durability against the conventional diesel platforms for each application. Performance verification will include an initial controlled duty cycle and a minimum of 6 months of in-field operational use. Monitored parameters include fuel economy, noise levels, unscheduled maintenance issues, reliability, and impacts to daily operations and overall mission readiness.

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Benefits

Hybrid vehicles reduce fuel use, air pollution (particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide), noise, and engine wear and also extend vehicle range. In tactical settings, hybrid vehicles can reduce logistical support requirements (e.g., fuel delivery) and may provide tactical advantages such as stealth operations (electric-only operation) at low speeds and power supplies without the need to deploy a stationary generator. Hybrid vehicles also permit electrification of control systems for enhanced safety and performance. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2012)

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Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Mr. David Cook

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC)

Phone: 805-982-3477

Fax: 805-982-4832

Program Manager

Weapons Systems and Platforms

SERDP and ESTCP

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.