4 ms·
Engines are most efficient at WOT. Hilly ascents at WOT will burn the fuel more efficiently (even though you're using more). Add a descent in which the comput
by brc 11y ago
Engines are most efficient at WOT. Hilly ascents at WOT will burn the fuel more efficiently (even though you're using more). Add a descent in which the computer stops providing fuel and it's possible that you could get a better mileage.
It's known that you can get better fuel economy by oscillating speed on flat ground - using WOT to gain speed, coasting back down, opening up WOT again. This is because the engine is most efficient under load and the average consumption works out better. Adding in the hills would average this effect.
- TylerE 11y agoGenerally not wide open throttle - see the efficiency maps I linked to in another reply. Generally peak is at somewhere around 1/2 to 2/3rds maximum output.
- sokoloff 11y agoWide open throttle and percentage of maximum output are two different concepts. An engine operating at partial throttle has higher pumping losses (pulling air past the partially closed throttle plates). An engine operating at WOT but still producing a fraction of its maximum output is certainly possible (and generally more efficient than an engine producing the same output at a partial throttle setting). A diesel engine is almost always in this configuration (metering fuel but generally not restricting air with a throttle plate) and a gas engine at low RPM but WOT is also in this state. If tuned for efficiency in that config, it can be very efficient and is how many piston airplane engines are regularly operated where fuel consumption is an important part of range (and operating economics).