Dry Sump Lubrication System Fluid Supply

Abstract

The National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Lab, part of the EPA, has teamed up with UPS in order to create fuel efficient hybrid delivery vehicles. Preliminary estimates on the hybrid system show that UPS will save over 35% on fuel expenditures. The hybrid system that is integrated into the delivery trucks consists of two hydraulic motors and a hydraulic pump, driven by the existing diesel engine. The hydraulic motors driving the rear wheels currently operate while immersed in hydraulic fluid for lubrication and cooling purposes. This lubrication method introduces efficiency losses due to drag on the moving parts. Our goal is to create a hydraulic motor lubrication system that removes this oil (leaving the case empty) and reintroduces it into the motor in a jet lube system, which will lead to an increase in efficiency.