A collaboration between research teams at Shell and Gordon Murray Design (GMD) has led to the development of a concept engine lubricant capable, it is claimed, of achieving a 6.5% improvement in fuel efficiency.
Shell says this is a step change compared to the improvements of around 2.5% achieved in typical fuel economy lubricant development programmes.
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Using GMD’s new T.25 city car as the test bed, Shell engineers formulated an ultra low viscosity 0W-10 motor oil, ‘effectively tearing up the rule book in the search for even greater efficiency’ according to Shell.
A co-engineering approach between the Shell and GMD development teams used mathematical modelling techniques to define the optimum lubricant for the T.25 engine design, helping to achieve the lowest possible engine friction.
Selda Gunsel, Vice President Lubricants and B2B Products Technology at Shell Lubricants, says: “Blending low viscosity oil to improve fuel efficiency is actually relatively simple; the challenge comes when you look to balance it with engine protection and acceptable oil drain intervals. There are products on the market that have made great strides in achieving this balance, such as Shell Helix Ultra but they have to work within the parameters of current industry specifications. We believe that now is the time to start looking at lubricant technology that goes beyond current specifications to enhance the efficiency of the cars of tomorrow.
“Although in the concept stage, this represents a major advancement in lubricant technology; what we have learnt feeds in to the products we are developing for use in the near future. Of course, engine oil is just one part of the fuel efficiency story, but when we take into account the pressure and incentives for vehicle manufacturers to reduce CO2 emissions the contribution from lubricants can become very significant. This is due to the fact that with less engine friction comes less fuel use and ultimately less CO2 is emitted,” Selda adds.
NB: The figure of 6.5% for the fuel saving is derived from testing on an urban cycle (the urban cycle is designed to mimic the conditions of city driving). Combined cycle (the combined cycle is designed to mimic both urban and motorway driving) testing yielded a 4.6% benefit. The testing undertaken compares the concept lubricant to a 10W-30 oil which is a widely used viscosity in European markets.
