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EPAct LIGHT-DUTY VEHICLE FUEL EFFECTS
CRC Project No. E-89
Leaders: J. P. Uihlein
J. Koupal
Scope and Objective
This study, initiated by EPA and also including the participation of DOE/NREL, will examine the effects of fuel parameters on emissions of late-model light duty vehicles. It has these specific objectives:
- Phases 1 and 2 are in support of the ‘Renewable Fuels Standard 2 – Notice of Proposed Rulemaking’
- Phase 3 is to establish the effects of RVP, T50, T90, aromatics and ethanol content on exhaust emissions from Tier 2 vehicles
Current Status and Future
After review of the test matrix, CRC funded a small project to review the matrix and recommend a expansion of the project by two additional fuels, supported by statistical analysis, to improve the value of the project. These two fuels will enhance the understanding of the effect of the fuel distillation parameters.
EPA agreed to partner with CRC and has incorporated the recommended additional fuels for testing in the main program, funded as mutual recognition of CRC’s support for EPA objectives in the E-74b project. The project is structured as follows:
- Objective: Program Design
- Phase 1:
- Testing 75°F over LA92
- 3 ‘typical’ fuels E0, E10, and E15
- 19 high sales volume Tier 2, 2 high-emitter and 1 high- mileage NLEV vehicles
- Phase 2: Repeat of Phase 1 except at 50°F
- Phase 3: Main Program
- 27 fuels tested in 19 Tier 2 vehicles, E85 tested in 4 FFVs that are included in the 19
- Fuel Matrix, 5 variables in matrix
- 2 levels of RVP, T90, aromatics
- 5 levels of T50
- 4 levels of ethanol (E0, E10, E15, E20) plus E85
- 2 additional fuels from CRC for resolving potential T90 non-linear effects
- Variables span the 5th and 95th percentiles of in-use fuel properties
- Measured emissions: PM, CO2, NO2, VOCs, ethanol, carbonyls, N2O, NH3 and HCN by FTIR, and SVOC speciation in Phases 1, 2, and 3
Testing is expected to continue through the third quarter of 2009, with final reporting near the end of 2009.
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