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It is widely understood that cold ambient temperatures increase vehicle fuel consumption due to heat transfer losses, increased friction (increased viscosity lubricants), and enrichment strategies (accelerated catalyst heating). However, relatively little effort has been dedicated to thoroughly quantifying these impacts across a large set of real world drive cycle data and ambient conditions. This work leverages experimental dynamometer vehicle data collected under various drive cycles and ambient conditions to develop a simplified modeling framework for quantifying thermal effects on vehicle energy consumption. These models are applied over a wide array of real-world usage profiles and typical meteorological data to develop estimates of in-use fuel economy. The paper concludes with a discussion of how this integrated testing/modeling approach may be applied to quantify real-world, off-cycle fuel economy benefits of various technologies.

This paper discusses the design and strategy for conversion of a vehicle to dedicated E85 (85% ethanol, 15% indolene clear) operation for participation in the 1998 Ethanol Vehicle Challenge by the University of California, Riverside. The primary focus of the design consists of: Development of a -7°C cold starting system utilizing a distillation process. Development of a close-coupled catalyst and secondary air injection system to decrease FTP cold start emissions. This paper begins with a theoretical description and design of a novel distillation system that can provide gasoline- enriched fuel for starting in cold weather. This is followed by a description of modifications to the engine, emission control system, and other vehicle components. Modifications included engine changes to increase thermal efficiency, to improve handling, and to reduce friction. Suspension modifications were made to improve handling.