Testing emissions and efficiency of alternative fuels
Ricardo has worked to assess and independently test hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and gas-to-liquid (GTL) ‘engineered’ fuel as a replacement for traditional fossil fuel diesel in heavy duty diesel engines.
To measure the green credentials of HVO and GTL, Ricardo has carried out testing of diesel-powered generator sets from 30 to 500 kVA using engines certified at EU Stage IIIA emissions. Each unit was tested to relevant international standards and cycles for the class of equipment.
The emissions comparisons were made between a standard pump-grade EN590 diesel, HVO and GTL. By measuring emissions and the chemical analysis of each fuel, testers could determine a ‘carbon-balance’ fuel consumption for each fuel option, an essential part of making a fair comparison of the fuel options.
In this testing the results have demonstrated significant emissions improvements when operating on both HVO and GTL fuels, compared to pump-grade diesel. Particulate matter emissions were reduced by up to 42 percent, carbon monoxide by 14-35 percent, and hydrocarbons and NOx by 6-25 percent. These improvements to air quality are a welcome benefit which has the potential to improve station and depot air quality for both passengers and staff.
When comparing fuels, it vital to compare the fuel consumption for each. HVO showed a fuel consumption increase of 0.1 to 1.7%, with GTL fuels having a 2.0-3.9% higher fuel consumption which for most is an acceptable trade-off for the reduction in both carbon intensity and exhaust emissions.
Drop-in fuels allow reductions in both exhaust and carbon emissions and so are an attractive option for asset owners seeking to avoid early fleet replacement costs.
If you'd like to explore alternative fuels for your rollingstock then get in touch
Further details on testing of alternative fuels for our client Aggreko can be found here