Mercedes Mullins
Auxiliary power units (APUs) are on-board generators that power heating and air conditioning systems. The fuel consumption of an APU depends on the type of vehicle, the type of APU, and the power generated. For example, the APU of a B738 aircraft with a generator only consumed 10kg of fuel in 5 minutes, while the same APU with a generator and packs consumed 10kg of fuel in 4.5 minutes. In another instance, a truck APU was observed to burn 0.5 gallons of fuel per hour, while another source suggests that the industry average for fuel consumption at idle ranges from 0.6 gallons to 1.1 gallons per hour. Most APUs burn 200-250 lbs per hour under full load, which is equivalent to 31-39 gallons per hour.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel burn rate: 200-390 lbs/hr or 31-39 gallons/hr
The fuel burn rate of an APU, or Auxiliary Power Unit, varies depending on the type of APU and its usage. For example, the fuel consumption of an APU used only for electrical power generation will be different from one used for electrical generation and air conditioning.
In general, APUs burn fuel at a rate of 200-250 lbs per hour under a full load, which equates to 31-39 gallons per hour. This can vary, however, with some APUs burning as little as 0.1 gallons per hour, and others burning up to 0.5 gallons per hour.
The type of aircraft or vehicle will also impact the fuel burn rate of an APU. For example, a Boeing 737 may use around 80kg of fuel per hour, while a B767 will use around 200kg per hour.
The cost of running an APU should also be considered, as jet fuel prices can vary. For example, Delta's average jet fuel prices over the last 5 years have ranged from $1.05 to $2.40 per gallon. This means that cooling an airplane during a 1-hour turn can cost between $32.55 and $93.60, depending on fuel prices.
It is worth noting that the fuel burn rate of an APU is not just about the start cycle, but also the duration of usage. While some airlines may be concerned about the cost of running an APU, the benefits of a comfortable cabin environment for passengers and crew should also be considered.
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Fuel cost: $32.55-$93.60/hr
The fuel cost of running an APU for an hour depends on the fuel consumption of the APU and the price of fuel. Most APUs burn 200-250 lbs per hour under full load, which is equivalent to 31-39 gallons per hour. Delta's average jet fuel prices have ranged from $1.05-$2.40 per gallon over the last five years. Therefore, the cost of running an APU for an hour is between $32.55 and $93.60.
The fuel consumption of an APU depends on the power generated and cooling load. For example, the APU of a B737-300/400/500 aircraft consumes around 80kg per hour, while the APU of a B767 consumes around 200kg per hour. The fuel consumption of an APU used only for electrical power generation is typically 400-450 kg/hour, while an APU used for electrical generation and one air conditioning pack consumes around 550-600 kg/hour.
In the context of trucks, the fuel consumption of an APU can range from 0.1 to 0.5 gallons per hour, depending on the power and cooling load. Some truckers have reported fuel consumption rates of up to 1 gallon per hour for their APUs.
It is worth noting that the cost of running an APU is not just about the fuel consumption but also the start cycle. Airlines may be wasting money by understaffing ground crews, forcing multiple planes to wait with engines and APUs running before they can block in. Additionally, anti-idling laws have led to the adoption of APUs to operate heating and air conditioning systems, as they help reduce fuel costs while still generating power for amenities and tools.
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Fuel consumption: 0.1-1.1 gallons/hr
The fuel consumption of an APU depends on various factors, such as the power generated, cooling load, and ambient temperature.
For example, the fuel consumption of an APU on a B737 aircraft can range from 80 to 120 kg per hour, depending on the APU type and bleed air usage. On the other hand, the APU with only a generator consumed 10 kg of fuel in 5 minutes, while the APU with a generator and packs consumed the same amount of fuel in 4.5 minutes.
In the context of trucks, the fuel consumption of an APU can vary between 0.1 and 0.3 gallons per hour, depending on the power and cooling load. Some truckers have reported fuel consumption as high as 0.5 gallons per hour when idling, while others have claimed it to be closer to 1 gallon per hour.
Overall, the fuel consumption of an APU typically falls within the range of 0.1-1.1 gallons per hour, with the lower end of this range being more common for APUs used in trucks and the higher end for those used in aircraft.
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Fuel efficiency: 10kg fuel consumed in 5 mins
Fuel efficiency is a measure of how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, which can be quantified by fuel economy, i.e., miles per gallon (MPG) or kilometers per litre (kmpl). For instance, an average large commercial jet like the Boeing 737-800 has a fuel efficiency of 6.69% increased by winglets, with fuel savings ranging from 4.6% to 10.5% depending on the route.
The fuel efficiency of an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) can vary depending on the power and cooling load. While some sources claim that an APU burns 200-250 lbs per hour under full load, which equates to 31-39 gallons per hour, others suggest that it can be as low as 0.1 to 0.5 gallons per hour. This means that in 5 minutes, an APU could burn anywhere between 0.08 to 6.5 gallons of fuel, which is less than 10kg of fuel.
To put this into context, a vehicle's fuel efficiency can be calculated by dividing the distance travelled by the amount of fuel consumed. For example, if a vehicle travels 800km and consumes 60 litres of fuel, its fuel efficiency is 7.5 litres per 100km or 7.576L/100km.
Improving fuel efficiency can be achieved through better aerodynamics, reduced weight, improved engine brake-specific fuel consumption, and propulsive efficiency or thrust-specific fuel consumption. Additionally, operational procedures and maintenance can contribute to fuel savings. For instance, a 10-minute reduction in APU usage can save 35kg of fuel.
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Fuel type: diesel or electric
The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is a power generator for semi-trucks that produces energy without idling the truck engine, which burns a lot of fuel. The most common versions of the APU consist of a small, 2-cylinder diesel engine that powers electrical appliances in the cab, including lights, air conditioning, TV, and refrigerators. Diesel-powered APUs require the purchase of fuel, but they still consume much less fuel than idling a truck engine. The fuel consumption of an APU ranges from 0.6 gallons to 1.1 gallons per hour, compared to 0.64 gallons per hour for a truck without a load and 1.25 gallons per hour when loaded, according to the US EPA.
Electric APUs, on the other hand, are powered by batteries recharged by the truck's alternator when the engine is running. They require much less maintenance than combustion APUs, as they only need simple electrical connection upkeep and occasional battery replacement. However, the power of electric APUs is more limited, providing about 12 hours of AC and a little more for heating. The battery charging time varies between 6 and 12 hours, either by running the truck engine or plugging into an electrical outlet.
The choice between a diesel or electric APU depends on the specific needs and vehicle size. While diesel APUs offer virtually unlimited power and can handle larger vehicles, they require regular maintenance, including oil and filter changes. Electric APUs have lower power capabilities and longer battery charging times but are more cost-effective in the long run due to reduced maintenance needs.
Overall, both diesel and electric APUs offer significant fuel savings compared to idling a truck engine, contributing to cost savings and environmental benefits by reducing fuel consumption and air pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel consumption of an APU depends on various factors, such as the type of aircraft, power generated, and cooling load. On average, an APU burns 200-250 lbs or 31-39 gallons per hour under full load.
When used only for electrical power, an APU can consume 400-450 kg/hour.
When used for electrical power and air conditioning, an APU's fuel consumption increases to 550-600 kg/hour.
The fuel consumption of a truck's APU varies, but it typically burns between 0.1 and 0.5 gallons per hour, depending on the power and cooling load.
While APU fuel burn costs money, it is often more cost-effective than alternatives like GPUs and ground air. Additionally, APUs help fleets reduce overall fuel costs while providing power for necessary amenities.
