Fuel consumption is essential for consumers and manufacturers, both for economic and environmental reasons. And yet, current thermal engines are not a model of economy since two thirds of the fuel consumed is not used to move the vehicle.
30% of energy lost by friction
If Europe has decided to ban the marketing of vehicles with thermal engines from 2035, the fact remains that currently, most vehicles operate with gasoline or diesel type fuels. However, if consumption is of great concern to consumers, any “waste” in the form of loss of energy is obviously unwelcome. However, an international study published in 2019 demonstrated that internal combustion engines (or thermal engines) transform between 40 and 50% of the energy supplied by the fuel, the rest being evacuated in the form of heat.
Above all, this mechanical energy is not totally dedicated to the wheels of the vehicle. Another study carried out in Finland also in 2019 demonstrated that approximately 30% of mechanical energy is lost through friction. In fact, the energy that the pistons transmit to the crankshaft first passes through the gearbox and the transmission shaft before arriving at the wheels.
How to limit this friction?
Logically, improving the energy efficiency of thermal cars requires a limitation of friction around the engine block. As The Conversation explains in an article from July 7, 2024, manufacturers are trying to make better lubricants. However, individuals also have their role to play, particularly in checking the oil level. It turns out that any lack or overflow of oil will generate unnecessary friction. This can also cause parts to wear out more quickly, and therefore the appearance of mechanical problems that are usually easily avoidable.
Furthermore, you should know that infrastructure can have an impact in terms of vehicle efficiency. Other research has thus raised the possibility of halve the friction forces between the wheels and the road by simply using the right construction tools.
Managing to reduce this friction could therefore make it possible to drastically reduce fuel bills individuals and businesses, especially during long highway journeys. On the other hand, experts agree that the best way to reduce consumption remains to make vehicles lighter, as well as reducing their size. Indeed, heavier and larger vehicles tend to be much more fuel intensive.
Another lever for reducing fuel consumption lies in the optimization of energy recovery systems. Indeed, many modern vehicles, particularly hybrids, use energy recovery systems during braking or deceleration, which make it possible to recharge the battery and power auxiliary equipment. These devices, although already present in certain models, could still be improved and generalized to increase their efficiency and contribute to a notable reduction in overall consumption. By minimizing energy losses, these innovations make it possible to better utilize each drop of fuel used, thus making thermal vehicles more energy efficient.
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