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Smart fuel management  CI OmniBridge marketing director, Terry Savage

Let's assume that, as a transporter committed to profit and environmental protection, you've bought new-generation trucks with the best filters and you've made sure the diesel you buy and store is super-clean. One would think you've got all your ducks in a row. Not so! What about the most important component of any truck - the driver? After all, fuel efficiency depends on both truck health and driver skill. If a driver is not aware of how much fuel is being used, how effective can he or she be in saving fuel? And saving fuel not only saves money, it saves the atmosphere. Paul Collings checks out a fuel consumption management system that empowers and saves at the same time.

We've seen them in luxury cars, those LCD displays that tell just how many litres per 100km you're doing at any given time. Control Instruments OmniBridge (CI OmniBridge) has two such-like systems, designed specifically for the commercial transport operator, bundled with added functionality.

The first of these devices is the EDM 1404, which consists of two basic components: a flow meter and an in-cab LCD display unit. Says Terry Savage, sales director, CI OmniBridge: "The display relays information to the driver from the dual measuring chamber, allowing him to monitor current consumption, total consumption, average consumption, distance traveled, average speed and driving time."

The benefit of a system like this, according to Savage, is that it empowers drivers with real-time information regarding fuel consumption, which assists them in improving their driving techniques, ultimately making them more professional and fuel efficient.
 

Wrong gear. Poor driving can defeat the object of low emission technology

The second of CI OmniBridge's fuel management systems is called ECO, a fuel gauge with an 'interactive' display showing current and average fuel consumption as well as accumulated operating costs. The real-time figures displayed on the sizeable display screen are compared with stored benchmark figures for specific geographical and topographical situations using a 'pictogram'.

"When the 'economy' symbol illuminates," explains Savage, "operation is particularly efficient. A diesel pump handle indicates particularly high fuel consumption. In addition, the unit has an audio signal, which can be set up to remind the driver of optimal gear-shifting points and other efficiency determinants."

Another selling point, Savage points out, is that the ECO can be connected directly to the vehicle electronics system, be it the CANbus or valve control. "This eliminates any manipulations in the fuel system," he says.

Used in conjunction with a fleet management system (and On Board Computer) like CI OmniBridge's FM200, fleet operators can determine fuel consumption per driver, vehicle and customer. 

"Impressive fuel savings are being achieved by fleets around the world," says Savage. "A 10-truck fleet that covers 120 000km per year with an average fuel consumption of 40l/100km per vehicle can save as much as 24 000 litres of diesel. That's a lot of money for a small fleet." Another advantage is that any drop in fuel tank levels while vehicles are switched off (i.e. siphoning) will be immediately transmitted via satellite to the base station, effectively putting a lid on fuel theft. 
 

Visually and financially effective. The ECO diesel management system helps drivers conserve fuel and the environment

Neat package CI Omnibridge Electronic Diesel measure... making a difference to fleet profitability

There can be no argument that a moderate, skilled driving style promotes not only fuel savings but also reduces engine wear and tear. Drivers who have 'fuel consumption intelligence' available to them in the cab will be able to drive more effectively and really make a positive difference to fleet profitability, road safety and air quality.