Emissions From Trucks using Fischer-Tropsch Diesel Fuel

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

Abstract

The Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) catalytic conversion process can be used to synthesize diesel fuels from a variety of feedstocks, including coal, natural gas and biomass. Synthetic diesel fuels can have very low sulfur and aromatic content, and excellent autoignition characteristics. Moreover, F-T diesel fuels may also be economically competitive with California diesel fuel if produced in large volumes. An overview of F-T diesel fuel production and engine emissions testing is presented. Previous engine laboratory tests indicate that F-T diesel is a promising alternative fuel because it can be used in unmodified diesel engines, and substantial exhaust emissions reductions can be realized. The authors have performed preliminary tests to assess the real-world performance of F-T diesel fuel inheavy-duty trucks. Seven White-GMC Class 8 trucks equipped with Caterpillar 10.3 liter engines were tested using F-T diesel fuel. Vehicle emissions tests were performed using West Virginia University's unique transportable chassis dynamometer. The trucks were found to perform adequately on neat F-T diesel fuel. Compared to a California diesel fuel baseline, neat F-T diesel fuel emitted about 12%lower oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and 24% lower particulate matter over a five-mile driving cycle.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages119-128
Number of pages10
StatePublished - 1998
EventAlternative Fuels 1998: International Fall Fuels and Lubricants Meeting and Exposition - San Francisco, California
Duration: 19 Oct 199822 Oct 1998

Conference

ConferenceAlternative Fuels 1998: International Fall Fuels and Lubricants Meeting and Exposition
CitySan Francisco, California
Period19/10/9822/10/98

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-540-25288

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