Clean Engine Vehicle A Natural Gas Driven Euro-4/SULEV with 30% Reduced CO2-Emissions

Abstract

The goal of the Clean Engine Vehicle project (CEV) was the conversion of a gasoline engine to dedicated natural gas operation in order to achieve a significant reduction in C0 2 emissions. The targeted reduction was 30% compared with a gasoline vehicle with similar performance. Along with the reduction in emissions, the second major requirement of the project, however, was compliance of the results with Euro-4 and SULEV emission limits. The project entailed modifications to the engine and the pre-existing model-based engine control system, the introduction of an enhanced catalytic converter and downsizing and turbocharging of the engine. As required by the initiators of the project, all components used were commonly available, some of them just being optimized or modified for natural gas operation. Such technology represents one of the cleanest powertrains for motor vehicles, especially if an effectbased assessment of exhaust emissions regarding greenhouse gases, ozone-forming potential, acid formation and toxic exhaust emissions is considered.

Technical overview of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a transportation fuel

“…flame speed and volumetric efficiency, the conventional CNG engine yields less brake power than that of gasoline. Several experimental studies have shown that gasoline vehicles retrofitted to CNG are subjected to a 15% to 20% loss in total brake horse power while running on natural gas [14,[35][36][37][38][39][40][41]45,47,54,[58][59][60][61]. Many experimental works have been done on the performance analysis of CNG fuelled engines.…”

Pd/Co3O4 catalyst for CH4 emissions abatement: study of SO2 poisoning effect

“…Nowadays natural gas, which consists primarily of methane, represents a promising alternative energy source in automotive and heavy-duty field, because of the low negative impact on air quality [1]. Nevertheless, emissions of unburned CH 4 (a much more powerful greenhouse gas than CO 2 ) must be reduced by an effective catalytic after-treatment of the exhausts [2].…”

The Potential Reduction of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions from Gas Flaring in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry through Alternative Productive Use

“…On a well-to-wheels basis, CNG produce less greenhouse gases as compared to conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles and when used in public transportation can contribute to the improvement of urban air, reduce adverse health effects and social costs of air pollution [99]. In compliance with Euro-4 and SULEV emission limits, CNG operation in small sedan (model year 2000 and a curb weight of 1020 kg) reduced 30% CO 2 emissions compared to gasoline vehicle with similar configuration [100]. Dondero and Goldemberg [101] reported an average reduction of 20% in CO 2 emissions from the conversion of 21 gasoline light vehicles (24% of GMBlazer vehicles, 28% of VW Kombi vehicles and 48% of VW Quantum vehicles) to CNG.…”