The Effects of Ultra-Low Viscosity Engine Oil on Mechanical Efficiency and Fuel Economy

Yanyan Zhang, Ziyuan Ma, Yan Feng, Ziyu Diao and Zhentao Liu
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Yanyan Zhang: Power Machinery & Vehicular Engineering Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310007, China
Ziyuan Ma: Power Machinery & Vehicular Engineering Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310007, China
Yan Feng: Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Advanced Hydraulic Equipment, School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
Ziyu Diao: Power Machinery & Vehicular Engineering Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310007, China
Zhentao Liu: Power Machinery & Vehicular Engineering Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310007, China

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-20

Abstract: The development of a sustainable powertrain requires improved thermal efficiency. Reducing frictional power losses through the use of ultra-low viscosity oil is one of the most effective and economical ways. To assess the potential for efficiency enhancement in a new generation of future engines using low-viscosity oils, a technical analysis was conducted based on numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. This study proposes a numerical method coupling the whole multi-dynamics model and lubrication model under mixed lubrication regimes. Then, load distribution was calculated numerically and verified experimentally. Finally, this paper compares the bearing load and frictional energy loss of the main bearings when using The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) 15W40 and SAE 0W20 oil. The results indicate that the application of ultralow-viscosity lubricant can reduce the hydraulic friction loss up to 24%, but the asperity friction loss would increase due to the reduction in load capacity. As a result, the design of a new generation of high efficiency internal combustion engines requires careful calculation and design to balance the trade-off relations between hydraulic friction and asperity friction.

Keywords: high efficiency engine; low viscosity oil; friction loss; fuel economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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