CleanFleet Final Report Vehicle Emissions, Vol. 7
12/1/1995
Measurements of exhaust and evaporative emissions from CleanFleet vans running on M-85, compressed natural gas (CNG), California Phase 2 reformulated gasoline (RFG), propane gas, and a control gasoline (RF-A) are presented. Three vans from each combination of vehicle manufacturer and fuel were tested at the California Air Resources Board (ARB) as they accumulated mileage in the demonstration. Data are presented on regulated emissions, ozone precursors, air toxics, and greenouse gases. The emissions tests provide information on in-use emissions. That is, the vans were taken directly from daily commercial service and tested at the ARB. The differences in vehicle technology among the three vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet) and differences in alternative fuel technology provide the basis for a range of technology options. The emissions data reflect these differences, with classes of vehicles/fuels producing either more or less emissions for various compounds relative to the control gasoline.
Fuel Economy Test Procedures Alternative-Fueled Automobile CAFE Incentives and Fuel Economy Labeling Requirements - Environmental Protection Agency - 40 CFR Part 600
10/1/1995
This final rule amends the fuel economy regulations to include alternative-fueled automobiles. The Alternative Motor Fuels Act (AMFA) of 1988 includes 1993 model year and later alternative-fueled automobiles (passenger automobiles and light trucks) in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program on a favorable basis to encourage the manufacture of these vehicles. The AMFA provides these CAFE "credits" for automobiles designed to be fueled with methanol, ethanol, other alcohols, natural gas, or dual-fueled automobiles designed to operate on one or more of these alternative fuels and gasoline or diesel fuel. Under the AMFA, these credits are only available for automobiles that meet certain requirements regarding: alternative fuel content (e.g., for alcohol fuels, a minimum of 85 percent by volume alcohol), energy efficiency, and driving range. Neither the AMFA nor the final rule will affect automobiles that do not meet these requirements; such vehicles would not receive the favorable CAFE treatment. Alternative-fueled automobile labeling requirements are also specified in the AMFA. This final rule codifies the requirements of the AMFA in 40 CFR part 600. Recently, AMFA was amended by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, to extend the CAFE credit to automobiles designed to operate on additional types of alternative fuels. However, this final rule does not include these additional alternative fuel types, as they were not included in the CAFE program at the time the NPRM was published and the final rule was developed.
Notes: Text of final rule to be published in the Federal Register
AFDC Update: News of the Alternative Fuels Data Center (Vol. 3, Iss. 2)
10/1/1994
This issue includes articles on: 1) emissions testing of Dodge Spirit FFVs; 2) the EPA's issuance of final gaseous fuel emissions standards; 3) the AFDC's new option for retrieving data; 4) emissions data which show varied results on 1992 CNG/gasoline conversions; 5) downloading files from the AFDC for non-internet users; 6) accessing the AFDC through the internet; 7) a new methanol video from DOE, NREL, and Los Angeles MTA; 8) an EPACT update; and 9) upcoming meetings and conferences.
Results of Combustion and Emissions Testing when Co-Firing Blends of Binder-Enhanced Densified Refuse-Derived Fuel (b-dRDF) Pellets and Coal in a 440 MW, Cyclone Fired Combustor
7/30/1994
This research project characterized the effects o f burning a combination of binder-enhanced densified refusederived fuel (b-dRDF1 pellets and coal in a commercial-scale electrical generating facility. Pelletized b-dRDF has been burned in coal combustors, but only in quantities of Jess than 3% in large utility systems. This research investigated using b-dRDF in quantities up t o 20%. Through this research, project participants gained operating, technical, and economic viability data that will be critical for the near-term commercial use of b-dRDF.
Authors: Ohlsson, 0.,; (Argon National Laboratory); National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Notes: This report contains the test data from the co-firing of b-dRDF pellets and coal in a MO-MW, cyclone- fired combustor. These tests were conducted under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). The CRADA partners included the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE); the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL); Argonne National Laboratory (ANL); Otter Tail Power Company; Green Isle Environmental, Inc.; XL Recycling Corporation; and Marblehead Lime Company. The report. is made up of three volumes. Volume 1 contahs a description of the test facility, the test program, test results, and study conclusions and recommendations; Volume 2 contains the field data and laboratory analysis of each individual run. Volume 3 contains other supporting information, quality assurance documentation, and safety and test plans. This multi-volume approach enables readers to find information at the desired level of detail, depending on individual interest or need.
Impacts of Alternative Fuels on Air Quality
6/1/1994
The objective of this project was to determine the impact of alternative fuels on air quality, particularly ozone formation. The alternative fuels of interest are methanol, ethanol, liquefied petroleum gas, and natural gas. During the first year of study, researchers obtained qualitative data on the thermal degradation products from the fuel-lean (oxidative), stoichiometric, and fuel-rich (pyrolytic) decomposition of methanol and ethanol. The thermal degradation of ethanol produced a substantially larger number of intermediate organic by-products than the similar thermal degradation of methanol, and the organic intermediate by-products lacked stability. Also, a qualitative comparison of the UDRI flow reactor data with previous engine test showed that, for methanol, formaldehyde and acetone were the organic by-products observed in both types of tests; for ethanol, only very limited data were located.
Authors: Taylor, P. H.;Dellinger, B.
AFDC Update: News of the Alternative Fuels Data Center (Vol. 3, Iss. 1)
4/1/1994
This issue includes articles on: 1) AMFA heavy-duty data which indicates that E95 and CNG fuel economies are virtually the same as diesel; 2) DOE funding of a heavy-duty demonstration program; 3) DOE funding efforts for a safe school bus; 4) hotline inquiries; and 5) the comparison of fuel economies of light-duty AFVs.
How Much Energy Does It Take to Make a Gallon of Soydiesel?
1/1/1994
Is more energy used to grow soybean feedstock and to process it into soydiesel than is contained in soydiesel fuel itself? This study addresses this question. This report concludes that soydiesel production in the United States is a net energy generator. Even under a worst case scenario, more energy is contained in esterified soybean oil and its co-products - glycerine and soy meal - than is used to grow the soybean crop and process it into soydiesel fuel and associated products. If soybean is grown as a rotation crop with corn using state of the art farm practices as much as four times the energy input can be realized from the various products generated.
Authors: Morris, D.;Ahmed, I.;Decker, J.
AFDC Update: News of the Alternative Fuels Data Center (Vol. 2, Iss. 2)
7/1/1993
This issue includes articles on: 1) the growth of the AFDC; 2) new AFDC software; 3) AFDC's provision of state AFV purchasing plans; 4) the WVU transportable lab; 5) the availability of heavy-duty emissions data; 6) the collection of heavy duty AFV performance data; and 7) the hotline's responses to tax questions.
AFDC Update: News of the Alternative Fuels Data Center (Vol. 2, Iss. 1)
3/1/1993
This issue includes articles on: 1) the inclusion of transit buses and operational data in the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC); 2) AFDC's information sharing with fleet operators; 3) preparation of a CNG safety video by DOE and NREL; 4) EPACT's expansion of the role of OTT and AFDC; 5) a concentrated demonstration program beginning in Atlanta; 6) the promising emission results of M85; 7) DOE expansion of light-duty vehicle emissions testing; 8) hotline responses to EPACT questions; and 9) funding for vehicle conversion and fuel supply services.