Development of a fuel consumption measurement methodology for light duty vehicles in Colombia, based on metrology principles

Abstract

In this study, a methodology to measure fuel consumption for light duty vehicles (LDV) in Colombia was elaborated based on existing methodologies from road transportation worldwide. This methodology was proposed as a tool for the evaluation of energy efficiency strategies applied to vehicles, as well as establishing the baseline for measurement, control, and regulation of consumption of fossil fuels based on metrological criteria. Additionally, the capacities for measurement within Colombia were analyzed, and procedures stated by the Code of Federal Regulations of the United States of America were adopted for measuring fuel consumption of LDV by gravimetric methods. An uncertainty model based on the Guide to the expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) was elaborated, and the contribution of different variables associated to the measurement process the instruments, the equipment, and the ambient conditions over the uncertainty of the measurand, were analyzed.