How to improve vehicle CO₂ emissions by several g/km

DSD’s presentation will take delegates through the sources of energy loss and how they can be reduced through better management of the lubricant without adversely affecting wear, load capacity, cooling or NVH. In one example, oil with a higher Viscosity Index (VI) reduced losses by 36%; in another, designs to reduce oil churning saved 2g/km in CO₂ emissions over the NEDC test cycle.

“Chinese car manufacturers are currently working towards a 2020 CO₂ emissions target of 120g/km and are facing a significant challenge to achieve the necessary efficiency improvements,” explained Alex Tylee-Birdsall, Technical Director, DSD. “Optimising the lubrication of the transmission and driveline can make an important contribution without adding cost or affecting reliability, if done as part of an integrated, systems approach.”

Every aspect of transmission design must be considered if the highest level of efficiency is to be achieved, according to Tylee-Birdsall. “The detail design of components such as synchronisers and wet clutch assemblies can have a significant effect on drag losses through fluid shearing, which can be greatly improved by correctly specifying features such as clearances and oil flow rates,” he said.

The paper, entitled ‘Lubrication Efficiency’, draws on DSD’s experience of improving transmission and axle efficiency for many clients across a range of sectors and will be presented on 17^th September in Session C at 4:45pm at the Marriot Hotel Parkview, Shanghai.