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Test results: Test have confirmed that thee-Traction® System is highly energy efficient even at higher speeds.
Now featuring the e-Mission™ Particle Eliminator on its roof, the Whisper™ has now been operated in simulated revenue service in and around Apeldoorn for more than six months. Measured over the total test distance covered by the end of 2005; the average electric energy consumption for this almost 11 metric ton empty-weight bus can be summarized as following: 650 Wh, or 2.34 megajoules, per city kilometer, and 600 Wh, or 2.16 megajoules on the highway at a sustained speed of 85 km/h.
* At the end of a duty cycle more than 30 kW
(75% of battery capacity) could instead also be
recovered from the power grid reducing diesel consumption by about 8 liters
per day
The results are consistent with to those measured by TNO in October of 2004 on the e-Traction® Bus, which also happens to be 1.5 tons lighter. The apparent improved efficiency is no doubt the result of the Lithium-Ion batteries, that have been installed since that time, and the improved energy management systems of the APU. Equally remarkable has been the surprisingly low energy consumption at higher speeds. The wind-resistance penalty had been expected to adversely impact the required energy to sustain the speed than now appears to be the case.
The environmental impact of this low energy consumption is commensurate, because a conventional diesel powered city bus uses at least three times the amount of fuel and thus its emissions are minimally 200% higher than those of the Whisper™. The combination of reduced fuel consumption and the use of the e-Mission™ Particle Eliminator result in a dramatic reduction in particulate emissions. Though the official TNO measurement report is scheduled for publication in mid-September, the tests to date reveal that the Whisper™ is expected to emit less than 10% of the particles its conventionally diesel powered sibling, the VDL Berkhof Ambassador 200, customarily produces. History: On October 14, 2004 we were informed that, a few details aside, our half year old proposals for conversion of "the Whisper™" to the "Whisper™" had been finally accepted and that work could commence. The delay in decision making stemmed in large part from uncertainty about the identity of the future public transit concession holder in Apeldoorn and surroundings. The decision ultimately made by the Province of Gelderland and announced in the middle of April 2004 caused the original partnership to fall apart. The conversion project required a change of ownership of the physical bus from Connexxion to e-Traction®. This unexpected step became necessary because Connexxion had understandably decide to withdraw after losing the concession in the region surrounding Apeldoorn. Sufficient funds could not be raised in a timely fashion from the other project partners to ensure an early continuation and operational test with passenger service. In the end it was decided to take e-Traction® up on its offer to assume ownership of the bus, while VDL Berkhof (Heerenveen), the builder of the original Ambassador 200 bus used, agreed to assist where possible needed.
"The Whisper™" with TheWheel™ SM700/3AL and the smaller TheWheel™ SM500/2FE before conversion This reconfigured bus, now officially dubbed the Whisper™, is scheduled to undergo a brief testing period in actual revenue service in Apeldoorn in May 2005. During that time the bus will be on loan to the town of Apeldoorn, but probably operated by the new concession holder BBA. The most significant changes from "The Whisper™" to "Whisper™" configuration comprised of:
Assuming that comparable fuel mileage, air and noise pollution benefits as demonstrated with the e-Traction® Bus manifest themselves; a decision on the acquisition of multiple units for early introduction communities such as Apeldoorn is anticipated. Primary conversion work The newly developed TheWheel™ SM500/2FE traction units have been thoroughly bench and road tested and have been mounted on a newly e-Traction® developed universal rear axle.
The Nickel-Zinc batteries have been replaced by much lighter and stable Lithium-Ion units. The generator has been equipped with an e-Traction® SM350/1AL unit, which allows it to produce direct current instead of alternating current. The newly configured auxiliary power unit makes it possible to vary the generator speed to the precise demand of the traction system and batteries, further optimizing fuel consumption. The 8 seats lost in the early version will be regained with the use of much smaller diameter super-single Michelin X One XDU, 455/45 R22.5 tire.
The Whisper™'s original generator, which is propelled by a 1.9 liter Mitsubishi diesel motor, has been thoroughly rebuilt and now includes an SM350, which is capable to internally convert AC to DC power, and which can operate at an on-demand variable speed allowing a significant voltage output range. At the same time all key components, such as the compressor needed for braking and suspension as well as the hydraulic pump needed for the power steering, have been housed in the sound dampening generator enclosure.
March 7, 2005 - note the excessive opening needed for the previous traction system The mechanical and most electronic work was completed by the end of February 2005. The Whisper™ returned on March 7 to VDL Berkhof for mostly "cosmetic surgery". This brought it almost back to the original coachwork configuration of June 2003 before room was created to fit the oversized traction system.
In the evening of March 24th, 2005 the Whisper™ returns from VDL Berkhof
The impact of the original oversized wheels on the interior of the original version of the Whisper™ is clearly shown on the left image. The Whisper™ configuration allowed the return of eight seats and very little interior and exterior evidence remains of this Ambassador 200 being any different than its conventional siblings.
On March 30th 2005 the Whisper™ arrived together with with the e-Traction® Bus, which had been used to test many of the innovations now incorporated in both buses, in front of city hall in Apeldoorn . Later that same day it was formally unveiled by Staatssecretaris van Geel (Environment), deputy van Haaren (Public Transit) of the province of Gelderland and wethouder van Beckhoven (Environment).
Shortly thereafter a brief test ride was made on the market square in front of Apeldoorn's city hall together with mayor de Graaf and wethouder Metz (Traffic).
While the road testing program is ongoing in Apeldoorn and surroundings, a number of technological improvements have been added to the Whisper™ since it introduction. It now includes the e-Mission™ Particle Eliminator that further reduces the emission of harmful particles beyond the 60+% reduction as a consequence of the reduced energy consumption. Other improvements include the further reduction of the noise from the wheel hub systems at low speeds and optimized management of the cooling systems. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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