December 20, 2006

TriMet builds three ‘better buses’ this week

NASCAR technology saves up to 10 percent in fuel

Three more TriMet buses are being transformed into gas-savers by using NASCAR technology in the engine compartment, after a test bus showed up to 10 percent fuel economy gains during an eight-month test.

"TriMet is the nation’s first transit agency to try racetrack technology to improve fuel economy in a bus,” said TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen. “Now that we’ve tested the system, it is ready for production and other transit agencies are interested."

Other transit agencies lining up for the conversion package include: New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston and Minneapolis.

Teamwork leads to innovation

TriMet teamed up with Michigan-based EMP Inc. to produce the nation’s first transit bus cooled by a NASCAR inspired cooling system that runs on electricity. The conversion removes the original hydraulic and belt-driven cooling system, replacing it with electric fans and other components that kept the engine, fluids and lubricants at peak operating temperatures for more efficient engine operation. It includes adding a high-tech alternator that provides more electricity to power the new components.

Boosting efficiency

Traditional bus cooling systems draw up to 50 horsepower off the engine, draining power and consuming fuel. The electrical fans use less engine power, resulting in better fuel economy. Besides saving fuel, the conversion:

• significantly cuts maintenance time and costs
• is safer to maintain
• and reduces the overall vehicle weight by 20 lbs.

Refinements going forward

During the eight-month trial of the first bus, TriMet and EMP Inc. found ways to further simplify the system. The three new buses will use smaller cooling fans and a simpler, more efficient high-output alternator.