Multi-DS™
DOES2™
Concentrator
Emulsification
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"After Four Years"
The OC Transpo Multi-Dynamometer Simulator™ Experience
OC Transpo-the Ottawa Carleton region�s public transit company-approached Environment
Canada�s Environmental Technology Centre (ETC), to create a driving simulator that was
more flexible and less costly than existing models. Under a joint development agreement
with OC Transpo, ETC engineers designed, fabricated and installed the OC Transpo Multi-DS™
unit now in operation. The OC Transpo unit is based on the design concepts of similar devices
used for emission testing at the ETC laboratories. OC Transpo has been using the unit on a
daily basis to service its 800-vehicle fleet for over four years.
OC Transpo managers and operators have indicated that they are very impressed with the
Multi-DS™ and have found it is very easy to work with, realizes significant cost-savings,
and is environmentally friendly. One of their most telling comments is that they would like
to replace the other two existing OC Transpo dynamometers with Multi-DS™ models.
Feedback from OC Transpo:
Provides accurate diagnostics and verifies if repairs are satisfactory - not dependent on
a mechanics judgment - reduces the number of occurrences where a mechanical problem is not
corrected the first time.
Simple to use - little cost or loss of time in training staff
One-man operation - complete diagnostic test can be done in 1.5 hours - no road test required -
less time consuming - save on labour costs and downtime - by having dedicated operators, these
individuals take pride in their equipment and problems have not been experienced as is often
the case where a variety of employees use a single piece of equipment
Brakes - the Multi-DS™ can test bus brakes on both drive and non-drive wheels, in the
same testing session as engine and the drivetrain - this function had to be done previously
using a separate machine - maintaining brakes and identifying problems in advance is very
important to OC Transpo - buses are becoming heavier and increased use on transit ways
(steeper deceleration curves) result in great reduction in brake life
Multi-Functional - unit addresses engine, drivetrain and brakes - previously several different
processes had to be employed - at the OC Transpo installation the Multi-DS™ can be used
to perform emissions testing at the same session as diagnostic and repair verification - very
efficient
The Multi-DS™ has an automatic calibration feature to ensure accurate loading for
performance testing - the older generation dynamometers that were in use required time-consuming
calibration procedures and when set up, did not provide the accuracy that is available with the
Multi-DS™
Because engines can only stand overheating a few times before rebuilding is required, OC
Transpo rely on the Multi-DS™ to diagnose and verify repairs as complete to avoid
problems. OC Transpo now put all busses in for repair that have a probability of overheating,
on the Multi-DS™ to ensure problems are corrected, and therefore reduce potential engine
damage and resulting repair and replacement costs
The Multi-DS™ can handle each bus more quickly than the other dynamometers that OC Transpo
has in service - therefore one Multi-DS™ could service more buses the existing OC Transpo
dynamometers
Printout and Information storage capabilities - diagnostic test printout in MS Word gives
mechanical condition of the bus at a given time and mileage - can be downloaded to a storage
database - provides accurate ongoing records of each bus over time, that can be broken down
and retrieved by various mechanical components (engine, drivetrain, brakes) - enables analysis
of fleet operation- this functionality is not fully integrated yet
Test remanufactured engines - OC Transpo have found and remedied problems on remanufactured
engines that are covered by warranty. These problems may not have been identified in time
for warranty coverage without the Multi-DS™.
OC Transpo appreciate the capability of the Multi-DS™ to handle the larger horsepower
buses now being produced - their older existing dynamometers did not have this capability
Newer buses have DDEC computerized electronic engine control on board. The Multi-DS™ is
complementary to this technology and is able to address potential problems in the drivetrain
and braking system and can provide an electronic record of the total system. It provides and
overall quality control check.
Over the first three years of operation at OC Transpo, the Multi-DS™ has proved to be
very reliable. OC Transpo�s existing dynamometers (in excess of 20 years old) were breaking
down and becoming expensive to maintain and keep operational - parts for these older
dynamometers are hard to get, sometimes requiring customized fabrication, and are expensive -
the Multi-DS™ has not required repairs and is perceived as being robust (fewer parts,
standard/readily available components, software is reliable)
OC Transpo appreciate the environmental benefits (reduced green house gases and pollution,
to fuel/energy savings), as well health and safety benefits
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