April 10, 2019. The results of the tests carried out on the Scania-dedicated natural gas engine bus, reference F340 HA 8×2, with Euro VI emissions standard and capacity for 250 passengers, and which has been operating for more than a year in Transmilenio, mark the pattern of what will be the operation of the 741 units that will begin to gradually enter the capital of Colombia from June.
The report was carried out by the firm specializing in efficient generation of energy, reduction of harmful emissions to the environment and diversification of primary sources of energy, IDAE Ingeniería SAS, under the operating standards of the Massive Public Transport System of Bogotá.
The vehicle, once it reaches the optimum speed, remains with an impulse (inertia) and the consumption drops significantly. Between greater weight, greater consumption and one of the peculiarities of the bus was to develop a profile of similar speed before different conditions of weight. This is one of the reasons why the biarticulate with natural gas generates savings of more than 25% for the integrated transport system.
During the start-up processes, the vehicle was evaluated in acceleration hundreds of times, highlighting that the natural gas biarticulate does not need a pre-heating time to start operation, as required by vehicles of this type with other fuels (up to one hour). 100% of the drivers surveyed stressed that the vehicle turns on the first attempt.
The unit exceeded the most demanding topographical and operational conditions of the Transmilenio system, demonstrating that this technology is ready for the capital’s terrain.
The most harmful pollutants to health are the emissions of particulate matter and oxides of carbon. Among the results of the tests carried out on the biarticulate, it is highlighted that the CNG fleets allow a 100% reduction of these emissions.
