Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Conversions: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Experience
4/1/1996
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory contracted with conversion companies in six states to convert approximately 900 light-duty Federal fleet vehicles to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This report shows how this program has been successful in helping the Federal government meet the vehicle acquisition requirements of EPACT, establishing infrastructure, increasing the displacement of imported oil, and evaluating the emissions performance of converted vehicles.
Authors: Motta, R.;Kelly, K.;Warnock, W.
CMAQ Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program - Innovations in Transportation & Air Quality: Twelve Exemplary Projects
4/1/1996
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program has been a hallmark of innovation and flexibility under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). By targeting transportation funding to air quality improvement, it is also unique. The CMAQ program has transferred a far greater percentage of funds to transit improvements than any other "flexible funding" program in ISTEA. In addition, the CMAQ program has created opportunities to build new partnerships in the public and private sectors. This brochure highlights several exemplary projects that received CMAQ funds. These projects provide a range of benefits in addition to improved air quality and mobility.
Clean Cities Drive - Spring 1996 (Vol. 3, No. 2)
4/1/1996
This issue includes articles on: 1) technical and training centers for skilled mechanics; 2) new training standards; 3) the promotion of AFVs by stakeholders; 4) Ford's first light-duty propane vehicle; 5) Clean Cities updates; and 6) a calendar of events.
A Guide to the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program
4/1/1996
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program has been a hallmark of innovation and flexibility under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). By targeting transportation funding to air quality improvement, it is also unique. The CMAQ program has transferred a far greater percentage of funds to transit improvements than any other "flexible funding" program in ISTEA. In addition, the CMAQ program has created opportunities to build new partnerships in the public and private sectors.
Alternative Fuels In Trucking, Vol. 4, No. 4
2/1/1996
This issue includes articles on: 1) New Natural Gas powered Trucks Available in 1996; 2) Truck Standards in the Works; 3) Cummins Announces New Natural Gas Engine; 4) LNG Pavilion to Travel the Nation; 5) Weight Limits Challenge LNG Adoption
Round 1 Emissions Test Results from Compressed Natural Gas Vans and Gasoline Controls Operating in the U.S. Federal Fleet
1/1/1996
The first round of emissions testing of light-duty alternative fuel vehicles placed in the U.S. federal fleet under the provisions of the Alternative Motor Fuels Act was recently completed. This undertaking included 75 Dodge B250 vans, of which 37 were dedicated compressed natural gas models, and 38 were standard gasoline controls. Data were collected on regulated exhaust emissions using the federal test procedures, and on a number of other quantities, through a statistically controlled program of investigation. All test vehicles were operated in routine federal service activities under normal working conditions, adhering as closely as possible to Chrysler's prescribed maintenance schedules. The data analysis conducted thus far indicates that the compressed natural gas vehicles exhibit notably lower regulated exhaust emission, on average, than their gasoline counterparts, and that these values are well within U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. In addition, lower levels of toxic constituents are emitted by the compressed natural gas vehicles relative to their gasoline counterparts and they produce lower levels of ozone precursors as well. Performance measures include driver acceptance, fuel economy, operational cost, cost and level of maintenance, and emissions output. The most extensive effort of its kind, the AMFA evaluation program targets three alternative fuels - methanol, ethanol, and compressed natural gas (CNG) - and encompasses several different types of vehicles, makes, and models operated in a number of federal service applications at various sites around the country. This paper specifically addresses the emissions performance of light-duty federal fleet AFVs operating on CNG. The data represents solely from Round 1 of a three-round testing program (hence, emissions deterioration is not specifically addressed).
Authors: Kelly, K.;Bailey, B.;Coburn, T.;Eudy, L.;Lissiuk, P.
FTP Emissions Test Results from Flexible-Fuel Methanol Dodge Spirits and Ford Econoline Vans
1/1/1996
The first round of emissions testing of flexible fuel methanol vehicles from the U.S. federal fleet was completed in 1995. The vehicles tested include 71 flexible fuel M85 1993 Dodge Spirits, 16 flexible fuel 1994 M85 Ford Econoline Vans, and a similar number of standard gasoline Dodge Spirits and E150 Ford Econoline Vans. Results presented include a comparison of regulated exhaust and evaporative emissions and a discussion of the levels of air toxins, and the ozone-forming potential (OFP) of the measured emissions. Three private emissions laboratories tested vehicles taken from the general population of federal fleet vehicles in the Washington, D.C., New York City, Detroit, Chicago, and Denver metropolitan regions. Testing followed the standard U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Federal Test Procedures (FTPs) and detailed fuel changeover procedures as developed in the Auto/Oil Air Quality Improvement Research Program. Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) were tested using fuels consisting of 85% methanol to 15% gasoline (M85), 50% methanol to 50% gasoline (M50), and California Phase 2 reformulated gasoline (RFG). All vehicle/fuel combinations showed emissions well below the certification standards (including the more stringent Tier I standards). At these levels, the magnitude of the fuel-to-fuel differences in emissions from FFVs was relatively low. In general, there appeared to be a small drop in non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), and carbon monoxide (CO), and an increase in oxides of nitrogen (NOx) for M85 compared to the same vehicles tested on RFG. The OFP (expressed in grams of ozone per mile) from the M85 tests were 40% to 50% lower than the RFG tests performed on the Dodge Spirits and Ford Econoline vans. The M85 tests also showed lower levels of benzene and 1,3-butadiene but increased formaldehyde.
Authors: Kelly, K.;Bailey, B.;Coburn, T.;Clark, W.;Eudy, L.;Lissiuk, P.
Clean Cities Drive - Post Conference Issue ( Vol. 3, No. 1)
1/1/1996
This issue includes articles on the following: Clean Cities Stakeholders First Annual Conference, GRI Announces Grants for Clean Cities, Antelope Valley Schools use Creative Funding To Keep Smog in Check, New Clean Cities Designations,
Federal Test Procedure Emissions Test Results from Ethanol Variable-Fuel Vehicle Chevrolet Luminas
1/1/1996
The first round of Federal Test Procedure (FTP) emissions testing of variable-fuel ethanol vehicles from the U.S. Federal fleet was recently completed. The vehicles tested include 21 variable-fuel E85 1992 and 1993 Chevrolet Lumina sedans and an equal number of standard gasoline Luminas. Results presented include a comparison of regulated exhaust and evaporative emissions and a discussion of the levels of air toxics, as well as the calculated ozone-forming potential of the measured emissions. Two private emissions laboratories tested vehicles taken from the general population of Federal fleet vehicles in the Washington, D.C., and Chicago metropolitan regions. Testing followed the standard U.S. Environmental protection Agency's FTP and detailed fuel changeover procedures as developed in the Auto/Oil Air Quality Improvement Research Program. Variable-fuel vehicles were tested on single respective batches of E85, E50 and California Phase 2 reformulated gasoline (RFG) blended specifically for this test program.
Authors: Kelly, K.;Bailey, B.;Coburn, T.;Clark, W.;Lissiuk, P.
Alternative Fuels In Trucking, Vol. 4, No. 3
1/1/1996
This issue includes articles on: 1) a debate over the LNG tax rate ruling; 2) incentives for clean HD engines; 3) LNG demonstration programs; 4) Cummins announcement of a new natural gas engine.
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.