Hybrid Refueler Truck Could Cut Energy Use

ENERGY TECH

The R-11 hybrid electric refueling truck is expected to save the Air Force energy dollars. U.S. Air Force photo.

by Holly L. Birchfield
Robins Air Force Base GA (AFPN) Oct 27, 2005
The Air Force is looking for a way to save fuel and energy, while meeting mission needs. The R-11 hybrid electric refueling truck is one answer.

The truck - which is undergoing a series of tests before its release later this year - is the first step in a spiral development between the Advanced Power Technology Office here and the Mack-Volvo Corporation to incorporate hybrid electric technology for military and commercial use.

The vehicle has a 6,000 gallon aviation fuel tank. It operates with a diesel engine, an electric motor and battery pack to optimize fuel efficiency, said Mike Mead, chief of the technology office.

"One of the reasons we're going toward hybrid electric technology is to advance the capability of the warfighter, reduce maintenance costs, reduce environmental impact and reduce our dependency on foreign energy sources," he said.

Robert David, an office engineer, said the congressionally funded $1.2 million R-11 prototype uses a regenerative braking system to capture energy "bled out" during drivers' "stop and go" process. This saves fuel.

"We can't give exact numbers at this time because we're building the prototype," Mr. David said. "But Mack-Volvo is planning a similar design, with a 20 percent fuel economy savings, which we think will provide similar results for this prototype."

Harvey Collier, a program manager, said once the R-11 prototype completes its battery of tests, it will go to Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. There the technology will be demonstrated and validated for heavy duty vehicles.

ENERGY TECH

World's First Biogas Train Makes Maiden Voyage In Sweden

Stockholm (AFP) Oct 24, 2005
The world's first train to run on biogas, a renewable energy source made up of organic waste, on Monday made its maiden voyage in Sweden, a country that has high hopes for biofuels.

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