Case Study - Paducah Transit
The following tables represent the first successful commercial application of a SuperDrive CVT System that is currently in use at PATS in Paducah, Kentucky.Specifications
PATS Bus 16; Goshen 24 Passenger Bus, Freightliner Chassis; Class 5; 19,000 lbs GVW
Engine type: Cummins diesel
Engine displacement: 5.9 Liter
Engine horsepower rating: 190HP
Engine output torque: 520 ft-lbs
Route Characteristics:
Route Length: 69.3 miles
Number of stops: 251
Average distance between stops: 0.27 miles
Idle time: 0.833 hours
Total elapsed time: 4.18 hours
Engine performance:
Before retrofit:
Average engine RPM: 1733 RPM
After retrofit:
Average engine RPM: 1217 RPM
Fuel economy measurements:
Before retrofit:
Test Results: 7.4 MPG
After retrofit:
Test average: 10.0 MPG
Percent Increase in Fuel Economy: 35.1%
Observations
Paducah Area Transit System Bus Retrofit Results The observations and advantages learned from the Paducah Area Transit System bus retrofit are listed below:
Observations obtained from drivers and passengers
-Reduced driver input
-Reduced noise levels
-Less jerky motions, smoother operation
-No increase in route time required
Advantages to SuperDrive installation over similar buses equipped with automatic transmissions
-Reduced average engine speed
-Increased fuel economy
-Programmable control of operating parameters
-Hydrostatic braking
-Failsafe mode
-Extended transmission life
-Extended engine life
-Less frequent maintenance
-Reduced driver fatigue
The demonstrated and projected service results from the simplest SuperDrive installation are indicators of the capability of additional classes of medium and heavy duty truck installations and the potential for market acceptance.