Field-Based Evaluation of Physiological Fatigue Reduction in Fuel Cell Refuse Collection Vehicle Using Heart Rate Variability

This study compared the physiological fatigue of drivers and accompanying workers operating diesel-powered (DI) and fuel cell-powered (FC) garbage compactor trucks under real-world working conditions. Reducing driver fatigue is critical for ensuring occupational safety and maintaining work efficiency, as fatigue in waste collection tasks is influenced by multiple factors such as vibration, noise, and vehicle operation characteristics. In this study, heart rate sensors and smartwatches were used to continuously monitor physiological responses during identical driving routes. Fatigue was evaluated using heart rate variability (HRV) indices—specifically, the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and Lorenz plot (LP) area—calculated from RRI data. The results indicated that the RMSSD of drivers in FC trucks was approximately 60% higher and their LP area about 50% larger than those in diesel trucks. For accompanying workers, RMSSD was around 20% higher and LP area approximately 45% larger in FC trucks compared with diesel counterparts. Furthermore, vibration and noise levels were simultaneously measured to assess the physical work environment of both vehicle types. These findings suggest that electrified garbage compactor trucks effectively reduce physiological fatigue among both drivers and workers, highlighting the potential occupational health advantages of vehicle electrification and providing quantitative evidence supporting the shift toward cleaner and safer urban logistics systems.