ARFCOM: MODELS FOR ESTIMATING LIGHT TO HEAVY VEHICLE FUEL CONSUMPTION

A model, known as arfcom, is described for estimating the fuel consumption of vehicles ranging from cars to 40 tonne articulated trucks. Arfcom contains three forms of fuel consumption model (instantaneous, four mode elemental and running speed) which use vehicle speed data ranging from second by second to average travel speeds. Arfcom is a detailed power based model which is capable of estimating the fuel consumption due to speed changes induced by curvature, grade or traffic control devices and due to the extra power required to overcome grade and cornering resistance. Expressions and/or tables are given for calculating the power components and default vehicle parameters from a small number of easily observable parameters. The model and the default parameters are validated using data from a number of sources. The limited input data requirements, accuracy at a trip and driving mode level and the three forms of fuel model make arfcom suitable for use in the areas of rural and urban traffic and transport management. Use of the model in conjunction with traffic models in rural and urban applications is discussed and examples of the use of arfcom are given. Vehicle parameters for ten vehicle classes and typical proportions of vehicles kilometres of travel in each class are given (a). The isbn of the microfiche version is 0-86910-354-7.