Bus Manufacturers Research Articles

Modelling and design of improved powertrain solutions for electric and hybrid buses

There is a growing interest worldwide in reducing pollution and CO2 emissions from transportation field. Indeed, in recent years bus manufacturers have developed hybrid and electric versions of their products. In this regard, this study shows through a structured methodology how to model and design powertrains for pure electric and series-hybrid buses. First step is aimed to define a simulation model of the existing bus, experimentally validated, and then modelling and design of pure electric and hybrid powertrains. After analysing main drawbacks of pure electric vehicles fed by large and heavy batteries, and hybrid vehicles fed by diesel fuel, alternative solutions have been considered. In particular, different fuels, i.e. compressed natural or liquefied natural gas, have been analysed for the hybrid version, while a pure electric vehicle equipped with a reduced storage system able to be quickly recharged at bus stops has been introduced. In all the considered cases, particular attention has concerned the sizing of the electrochemical storage.

Effects of glass scraps powder and glass fiber on mechanical properties of polyester composites

One concern in bus manufacturing is the high cost of glass fiber reinforced in polyester composites parts. The composites of glass fiber and polyester are low elongation and high strength, and glass scraps powder displays high hardness and good chemical compatibility with the polymer matrix and glass fiber. This research aimed to study the effects of glass scraps powder and glass fiber on mechanical performance of polyester composites. Glass fiber was randomly oriented fiber and used as new. Glass scraps were obtained from a bus factory and crushed to powder sizes of 120 and 240 μm by a ball mill. Polyester composites were prepared using Vacuum Infusion Process (VIP).Polyester reinforced with 3 layers of glass fiber was an initial condition. Then, one layer of glass fiber was replaced with glass scraps powder. Flexural strength, tensile strength, impact strength and hardness of the polyester composites were determined. Hardness was increased with a combination of smaller size and higher volume of glass scraps powder. Pictures of specimens obtained by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed that the powder of glass scraps packed in the layers of glass fiber in polyester composites.

Exploratory analysis of the variables prevailing on the effects of product modularization on production volume and efficiency

Product modularization is considered a strategic alternative supporting companies in their search for competitive advantages. Such advantages are acceleration of product development process, increase in the variety of products and improved operational performance. However, there are few studies verifying and quantifying the effects of product modularization on the performance of companies. This research, through a case study, aims at identifying and comparing variables influencing most effects of product modularization on production volume and efficiency of a bus manufacturer. To achieve such a purpose, a longitudinal analysis of Product Engineering and Production Process indicators was performed considering products before and after modularization. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) were used as analytical methods. Among the main results, the variables that influenced most increase in efficiency after product modularization resulted from strategic decisions made during the modularization process. Among these decisions, the most important are standardization of modules, rationalization of resources and specialization of tasks. Variables related to physical resources outweighed effects on production volume and efficiency for products before modularization. However, after product modularization, variables related to strategic resources begin to prevail.

The co-operation of manufacturers of buses and coach hauliers from present the football organizations as way on building picture of these enterprises

Present of soccer organizations is the aim of present article. The test of qualification of part moreover was undertaken also, what fulfils the transport of footballers on games in correct functioning the present, professional soccer organizations. It soccer clubs in first part article were introduced was similarities among present, and enterprises from different trades. Talk over on league games the matter of coach transport then in Lotto the Top-league in season 2016/2017, and also the forwarding protection of footballers as well as important it entertains and the delegates during soccer tournament final Euro 2012. In article were introduced the and hauliers coach co-operating from organizations chosen of bus manufacturers soccer the as well as ways utilization of this co-operation by manufacturers and hauliers to building the picture.

MANUFACTURING CELL APPLIED TO COMPOSITE MATERIALS ASSEMBLY INTO BUS MANUFACTURING COMPANY

Este artigo propõe a implementação de um layout celular em um setor de acabamento e montagem de componentes compósitos em empresa fabricante de ônibus, visando elevar o aproveitamento operacional com redução das perdas e melhor aproveitamento do espaço físico. Para realização da proposta do trabalho, foi projetada uma célula de manufatura piloto, com base na formação da família de peças com processos semelhantes, com a análise dos fluxos de produção e o acompanhamento no aproveitamento dos recursos utilizados para o atendimento das demandas de peça. A partir do estudo das informações coletadas foi possível verificar o balanceamento das tarefas por meio do diagrama de precedência emétodo de utilização incremental. Neste sentido foram atendidas as expectativas para a proposta implementada em relação ao arranjo anterior, com destaque na redução das perdas por movimentação e ociosidade, consequentemente elevação nos tempos produtivos.

Product modularization and effects on efficiency: An analysis of a bus manufacturer using data envelopment analysis (DEA)

Improvement of efficiency and productivity is a contemporary challenge for industrial organizations. Product modularization is considered a strategic alternative to achieve such objectives. However, empirical evidence supporting these expectations are scarce in the literature. Thus, it is necessary to assess the effects of modularization on the improvement of the efficiency of a company field or a production system. In this context, this study aims to analyze the effects of product modularization on the efficiency of the Product Engineering and the Production Process of a bus manufacturer. The effects were evaluated through a case study using Data Envelopment Analysis, Analysis of Variance and Causal Impact. The results show that product modularization provided statistically significant improvements in efficiency. The results also establish and empirically support a causality (Causal Impact) between modularization and improvement in the efficiency of the Product Engineering and the Production Process of the company analyzed.

Product modularity and its effects on the production process: an analysis in a bus manufacturer

Improvements to efficiency and productivity have attracted growing interest from companies, and modularity is considered a strategic alternative to achieve these goals. However, empirical evidence to support the expected benefits of modularity is scarce in the literature. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the impact of modularity on the efficiency of, for example, an area or production system. The present work takes a case study approach to analyze the effects of the implementation of product modularity on the production process efficiency of a bus manufacturer. The effects of modularity are evaluated longitudinally using a combination of data envelopment analysis (DEA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), and causal impact assessment in time series (CausalImpact). The results show that the effects of modularity on efficiency are positive and significant. In addition, there are significant differences between modularized and non-modularized products. Finally, the research establishes causality between modularity and production process efficiency improvements in the examined company.

Parametric Study of Influence of Assembly and Design on the Center of Gravity of Public Buses

The bus is a vehicle for transport the passenger to the destination safely. The bus manufacturing is produced directly from the company and the bus has been modifying from the bus garage. The Bus modify into popular use in the domestic because it is cheaper. The modified bus is also a safety issue because these vehicles to the tilted test 30 degrees most of the test is not passed. The center of gravity is influenced to the stability of the bus. Which the Company or modify bus garage can not know the position of the center of gravity in advance. When the bus is used to build a center of gravity located in improper placement. Hence, the test does not pass 30 degrees tilt.Which required costs to adjustment and test again. This paper was intended to study the variables that affect the center of gravity of the bus include engine placement, adjustment pressure into air suspension before build bus body, bending chassis, characterized by mounting to the chassis frame. Studies using instruments find the center of gravity of the bus used computer simulation center of gravity nearby real bus. The variable adjustment in order to design a bus with the appropriate center of gravity. Research has found that different variables adjustment engine placement characterized by mounting to the chassis frame have an affect to bending chassis relate to the center of gravity change, Therefore, the variables to be optimized, it is possible to design a bus safety.

A comparison of energy vectors in powering hybrid buses

HORIBA MIRA's Derek Charters, Senior Consultant – Future Transport Technologies, analyses the different energy vectors used by bus manufacturers and introduces the benefits of utilising liquid nitrogen.

Niche experiments with alternative powertrain technologies: the case of electric city-buses in Europe

Using sociotechnical transitions literature, this paper analyses the early market introduction of electric city-buses in Europe. It identifies the role of bus manufacturers and their corresponding choices of alternative powertrain and charging technologies. The study results contrast the traditional dichotomy of incumbents versus niche actors and questions perceived role of incumbents as a homogenous group of actors. The paper proposes an alternative to the typical perception of industry incumbents as the guardians of the current sociotechnical regime, suggesting that a strong position in the established regime may actually facilitate introduction of radical technological solutions. The paper invites transition scholars to make more detailed analyses of actors constellations and it further suggests that policy makers need to pay attention to the diversity of individual actors' strategies.

Niche experiments with alternative powertrain technologies: the case of electric city-buses in Europe

Using sociotechnical transitions literature, this paper analyses the early market introduction of electric city-buses in Europe. It identifies the role of bus manufacturers and their corresponding choices of alternative powertrain and charging technologies. The study results contrast the traditional dichotomy of incumbents versus niche actors and questions perceived role of incumbents as a homogenous group of actors. The paper proposes an alternative to the typical perception of industry incumbents as the guardians of the current sociotechnical regime, suggesting that a strong position in the established regime may actually facilitate introduction of radical technological solutions. The paper invites transition scholars to make more detailed analyses of actors constellations and it further suggests that policy makers need to pay attention to the diversity of individual actors' strategies.

A European Initiative for More Efficient and Attractive Bus Systems: The EBSF_2 Project

In spite of genuine innovations in the field of bus manufacturing over the recent years, user acceptance of bus transport has not duly changed. Moreover, the economic situation today calls for further research development to make bus systems more attractive for passengers and, at the same time, more efficient and economical to operate. The European Bus System of the Future 2, coordinated by UITP, combines the efforts of 42 partners to tackle this challenge. The project is committed to complete the development and testing in real operational scenarios of a set of technological solutions to evaluate to which extent such innovations can contribute to improving the attractiveness and the efficiency of bus systems mostly in terms of operational costs and energy consumption. Demonstrations in real service in 12 cities address the following key areas for innovations: energy strategy and auxiliaries, green driver assistance systems, IT standards introduction in existing fleet, vehicle design (capacity, accessibility, and modularity), intelligent garage and predictive maintenance, interface between the bus and urban infrastructure. Key solutions that still require more steps for a wide acceptance in the market are also evaluated in the project through the use of prototypes and simulation tools. The paper presents the rationale of the project as well as its positioning and ambition with respect to the state-of-the-art scenario. It also describes the methodology developed to achieve the EBSF_2 mission and the scenarios and technological innovations addressed by the Gothenburg test site as an example of the approach implemented in all the demonstrations.

Estudo de um fluxo interno de materiais baseado na filosofia Lean Manufacturing

Nos últimos anos, é notória a evolução das empresas brasileiras no que tange a busca por otimizar os seus resultados industriais. Estudos do Lean Institute Brasil (2012) indicam que as indústrias do Brasil são, em média, as que necessitam o maior número de horas extras para o cumprimento das operações de manufatura, fato diretamente vinculado à elevada quantidade de estoques entre processos, desperdícios na movimentação e armazenagem de materiais. Logo, o artigo objetiva desenvolver uma metodologia que viabilize o estudo da maneira na qual funciona a cadeia de suprimentos interna de empresas fabricantes de ônibus do Brasil, em específico para os seus componentes comprados, com base no método denominado Making Materials Flow, para a correção das situações elencadas, havendo, ao final, uma redução em 40% do total de itens em falta para a linha de montagem e colaborando para o aumento de 37% na produção por dia.

Immersive City Bus Configuration System for Marketing and Sales Education

The paper presents a Virtual Reality system developed as a result of cooperation of the University and an industrial company – a major city bus manufacturer. Main objective of work presented in the paper was to obtain a tool suitable for daily work with the clients on configuration of visual features of customized city buses. A city bus can have more than 100 visible features (options), which can be changed to obtain virtually infinite configuration possibilities. Visual representation of many of these features was largely unavailable before the presented work was commenced, resulting in certain problems in process of communication between salesmen and clients. The developed Virtual Reality system allows for visual representation of the bus functions during the configuration process, so it solves many problems in the client-company communication. It is also a knowledge base of all visual options which can be changed in scope of the configuration process – knowledge from many departments of the company was used to develop it, including knowledge unknown to representatives of sales and marketing. As a result, the immersive configurator can be effectively used to train salesmen and marketing representatives in terms of technical knowledge about customization capabilities of the offered product. The paper presents shortly the overview and functions of the whole system. The system is a large, multi-modal solution built of many software and hardware components and is also integrated with other, existing systems. It allows to display high-quality images of a configured bus in real-time in stereoscopic 3D on a large screen, as well as using professional Head-Mounted Display or low-cost systems (e.g. Oculus Rift) for a virtual walk inside the configured bus, with full integration between all the visualization instances. Interaction with the system is divided into several groups of functions – configuration, navigation, animation and extra functions. Different devices are used for interaction: joystick, gyroscopic mouse and gesture recognition systems like Kinect can be used for navigation and animation, while most of the configuration and extra functions are launched using a graphical user interface, operated using a touch screen or a tablet. Efficiency of the system in the visual configuration process was confirmed by representatives of the company. Capabilities of the system for education was tested using a sample of non-technical users from the sales and marketing department, using the system and then leaving their impressions in a survey study. It confirmed high effectiveness of the system in terms of presenting variability of the product features in a clear visual way. Immersive aspect of the system was also valued very high – usage of the stereoscopic 3D and Head-Mounted Device allowed to present the bus in a more realistic way than it was possible earlier. In the near future, the system will be fully developed and implemented to use in the sales process.

Technology evaluation of Chinese hybrid electric bus demonstration

The development of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China is important to address energy and environmental issues. Conducting product and technology assessments of NEVs will help accelerate improved performance and enhance demonstration policies and programs. Relying on the project of Ten Cities & One Thousand Units in 2009, this evaluation mainly focused on hybrid electric buses (HEBs). A comprehensive research framework was adopted, including on-road driving tests, daily operation data collection, and a questionnaire survey. The technology evaluation focused on operating performance, including vehicle reliability, energy consumption and its affecting factors, and emissions. We selected and assessed 44 HEBs in eight demonstration cities—Kunming, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Dalian, Ji’nan, Zhengzhou, Wuhan, and Zhuzhou, China. The evaluation covered 17 HEB models (including 11 propulsion systems) from 16 bus manufacturers. As with technological progress, in general, HEB technology has become increasingly mature, with a number of good HEB models emerging. The fuel efficiency of some domestically manufactured HEB models is close to the international advanced level. This evaluation provides a basis for decision-making and evidence of the need to modify Chinese HEB demonstration policy. Recommendations include the promotion of the technical application of idling start-stop and brake energy recovery, the expansion of demonstrations nationwide, and continuous financial support for HEBs.

3D overlapped grouping Ga for optimum 2D guillotine cutting stock problem

The cutting stock problem (CSP) is one of the significant optimization problems in operations research and has gained a lot of attention for increasing efficiency in industrial engineering, logistics and manufacturing. In this paper, new methodologies for optimally solving the cutting stock problem are presented. A modification is proposed to the existing heuristic methods with a hybrid new 3-D overlapped grouping Genetic Algorithm (GA) for nesting of two-dimensional rectangular shapes. The objective is the minimization of the wastage of the sheet material which leads to maximizing material utilization and the minimization of the setup time. The model and its results are compared with real life case study from a steel workshop in a bus manufacturing factory. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is shown by comparing and shop testing of the optimized cutting schedules. The results reveal its superiority in terms of waste minimization comparing to the current cutting schedules. The whole procedure can be completed in a reasonable amount of time by the developed optimization program.

Determinação das Técnicas de Previsão de Demanda para a Manufatura de Ônibus do Brasil

O presente artigo objetiva determinar os modelos de previsão de demanda que se adequam com maior precisão a manufatura de ônibus do Brasil. A fim de facilitar a visualização, separou-se o conjunto conforme os quatro principais tipos de carrocerias produzidas nacionalmente, dos quais foram submetidos a cada uma das sete técnicas de previsão, sendo escolhidos, segundo as menores estimativas de erro, o Amortecimento Exponencial Simples (Urbano), o Amortecimento Exponencial Simples com Taxa de Resposta Adaptativa (Rodoviário e Intermunicipal) e a Média Móvel (Micro-Ônibus), que permeia os períodos compreendidos entre Janeiro de 2010 a Março de 2013.Palavras-Chaves: Previsão de demanda, Manufatura de ônibus, Competitividade, Gestão estratégica.Determination of Demand Forecasting Techniques for the Buses Manufacture in BrazilAbstract: Faced with a scenario where the current global strategic management has a crucial role in the conduct of organizations, the demand for forecasting-related techniques are essential to check at the moment the manner in which the company will behave in the future. To this, this article aims to determine the demand forecasting models that adjusts with better precision for the buses manufacture in Brazil. The justificative of this approach is related to the necessity of applications that aid in the establishment of goals and prognostics more consistent to the reality if compared to the traditional methods of verification, seen its intrinsic complexity, considered highly customized, beyond helping in the moment of formation the inventory of feedstock and inputs to the future periods. Therefore, it can be affirmed that the arrangement of the subjects proposed in this research regarding the thematic can be treated as an inedit issue in analogy to the conjuncture addressed. In order to facilitate the visualization of market behavior, the data was splitted in a set of four main types of national products manufactured (Urban, Road, Intermunicipal and Micro buses). These were submitted to the seven forecasting techniques approached in this study, Simple Moving Average, Double Moving Average, Weighted Moving Average, Simple Exponential Smoothing, Adaptive Response Rate Simple Exponential Smoothing, Brown's Double Exponential Smoothing Method, and the Holt's Method, chosen according their ability of modeling the historical series. The selection of the one that better adjusts the reality found was conceived in accordance with the lowest estimative of error found for each measures proposed. By consequence, the Simple Exponenteial Smoothing (Urban), Adaptive Response Rate Simple Exponential Smoothing (Road and Intermunicipal) and the Moving Average (Micro-bus), submitted to a database that permeates the months comprised between January 2010 and March 2013, were indicated as the most propense to generate better estimatives to the context approached. In relation to the objective, it is possible to affirm that the present article has accomplished the proposed, where the models of demand forecast chosen in each segment have adjusted in a reliable way to the reality, what turns possible in the future the achievement of a more accurate projections regarding to the context of sales in each one of the cases. As future expectations, it is waited the application of the models selected in the next demand forecastings for the national bus productions, in order to detail the presented research to each one of the companies addressed, beyond the continuous seek por other techniques able to deliver a better accuracy in the results.Keywords: Forecasting, Bus manufacturing, Competitiveness, Strategic management.

Portuguese

The use of plastic (ABS) or composite (glass fiber reinforced polymers) parts has always aroused the interest of industry engineers from different areas mainly due to its low specific weight combined with good stiffness and endurance. The use of ABS or glass fiber composite components is quite significant in the general industry and is replacing the use of metal plates in many cases. Such materials have mechanical properties that justify their use, however, their recycling of those, differently of metal plates, depends on each type of raw material and condition of the residue after processing the final product. This article presents particularities of manufacturing of components in ABS and fiber glass composite which are used in a bus manufacturing company in southern Brazil, with the intention of addressing the environmental aspects of the case. Based on the above theme is agreed that the fiber glass composite are extremely useful and have a big market in the lightweight materials industry, however, one should also pay attention to the dangers that the fiber glass represents to the environment. Therefore, the ABS is advantageous because it is a thermoplastic polymer (100% recyclable), alloying return to the process as raw material directly. Keywords: Fiber Glass, ABS, Recycling, Reuse, Bodywork.

Effect of foam application in bus structure for conservation of residual space during rollovers

Rollovers are complex crashes that have serious consequences for vehicle safety and human life. Bus manufacturers are focusing on passenger life against bus rollovers. Different materials and assembly techniques have been tried out by manufacturers to reduce the deathly impacts of rollovers. The Economic Commission for Europe enforced Regulation No. 66 (ECE R66) for the superstructure strength of buses to provide vehicle safety and protect passenger lives. Thus, design characteristics must satisfy ECE R66 under various load applications, without fail. This paper presents the evaluation of foam applied on the sidewalls of a non-commercial bus during rollover. The non-linear explicit dynamics code LS-DYNA as a solver and ANSA software as FEA pre/post-processors were used throughout the rollover analysis. Results showed that foam application on the sidewalls enhanced the impact resistance of buses during rollovers without making the body structure heavier.

Innovation exploitation, exploration and supplier relationship management

This paper describes how supplier relationship management facilitates innovation exploitation and exploration in brewing and bus manufacturing. In the two industries examined, strong ties are associated with exploitation whilst mixed features of strong and weak ties benefit exploration. This is in contrast to the findings of Gilsing and Nooteboom (2005) and suggests that tie strength associated with exploitation and exploration differs according to the industrial context in which firms operate. The findings also suggest different streams of capabilities are required to manage supplier relationships. In exploitation strong ties facilitate capabilities to identify new opportunities, to form a collective to pool resources and to work across organisational boundaries. In exploration weak ties are conducive to the search for new ideas but impede firms’ capability to realise potential innovations. Relationship management becomes challenging when innovations are radical, with high complexity in communication and coordination of actors across organisational boundaries.