FEV announced the second
application of a hydraulic hybrid powertrain system in conjunction with a
project led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Port
Authorities of New York and New Jersey. The project incorporates an
EPA-patented hydraulic
hybrid propulsion system into terminal tractors used
in
moving freight containers in port terminals. The hydraulic hybrid system
was first used in an in-service UPS truck, which was displayed in the FEV
exhibit at the 2007 SAE World Congress. Two prototype tractors will be
introduced into service in the Ports of New York and New Jersey, operated
by A.P. Moller Terminals.
FEV will serve as the sole engineering contractor to the EPA for the project, providing systems-level integration support in addition to its
role of designing, fabricating and integrating the hydraulic hybrid
powertrain.
The hydraulic hybrid system stores kinetic energy captured during
braking. This high regenerative efficiency is more than twice that of other hybrid technologies and translates into significant fuel economy
improvements. The hydraulic hybrid technology replaces the torque converter
and conventional transmission, and allows an engine operating mode that is
independent of speed. This allows the engine to be used most efficiently,
and even turned off during stops, slow speed cruising and during
deceleration, when stored hydraulic energy can be utilized. Hydraulic
hybrid technology can increase fuel efficiency by 60 - 70 percent, and
lowers greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent.