Assessment of the Impact of Applying a Non-Factory Dual-Fuel (Diesel/Natural Gas) Installation on the Traction Properties and Emissions of Selected Exhaust Components of a Road Semi-Trailer Truck Unit

Abstract

Problems such as global warming and rising oil prices are driving the implementation of ideas to reduce liquid fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. One of them is the use of natural gas as an energy source. It is a hydrocarbon fuel with properties that allow the reduction of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions during combustion. Solutions are being implemented that allow for the use of natural gas to means of transport, namely in trucks of various categories and intended use. These installations are used in new vehicles, but also in the form of conversion for used cars, usually several years old. The article presents the results of tests of an engine from a used semi-trailer truck with a mileage of approx. 800 thousand km, with the compressed natural gas supply system installed. This installation (hardware and software), depending on the engine operating conditions, enables the replacement of up to 80% of diesel (base fuel) with natural gas. The impact of changing the fuel supply method on the traction characteristics calculated with the use of external characteristics of both conventional and dual-fuel mode was assessed. The emissions of exhaust gas components were also determined under the conditions of the UNECE Regulation No. 49. The test results confirm that compared to conventional fueling, dual fueling allows for a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, even in a used vehicle with high mileage. The use of a non-factory installation did not significantly affect the traction properties of the vehicle, and engine wear is of greater importance in this case (comparison with factory data). The work is a valuable supplement to the results of the research in which the impact of the use of a non-factory CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) supply system on the performance of a semi-trailer truck unit equipped with such an installation was assessed compared to a semi-trailer truck unit powered in a classic way with diesel fuel.

Empirical study of the effect of the air filter on the performance and exhaust emissions of a diesel engine

“…A reduction in maximum engine power, resulting from increases in flow resistance due to air filter contamination, is a detrimental phenomenon for motor vehicles, especially trucks. A reduction in maximum engine power can cause difficul-ties in climbing hills and reaching maximum speed in particular gears, especially when moving a loaded vehicle [69].…”

Influence of the Working Parameters of the Chassis Dynamometer on the Assessment of Tuning of Dual-Fuel Systems

“…In the opinion of the authors, further tests in the research system presented in this paper should focus on a more in-depth analysis of the problems presented in this paper. It also seems justified to test in the context of exhaust emissions on the test system presented in this paper, compared to work under standardized engine dynamometer conditions [23][24][25]. The authors of this work are considering taking up such a topic in the future.…”

Experimental Assessment of the Impact of Replacing Diesel Fuel with CNG on the Concentration of Harmful Substances in Exhaust Gases in a Dual Fuel Diesel Engine

“…In addition, increasing the weight of the semi-truck as a result of the usage of batteries that are still very heavy, reduces the weight of the load that can be transported, and the charging process is time-consuming. Both of these factors have a very negative impact on the logistical costs of using such a vehicle [27]. Therefore, a good direction of change is still the introduction of more environmentally friendly solutions into transport, mainly through the use of alternative and ecological fuels in relation to diesel, including natural gas in various forms: compressed natural gas and Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) and its ecologically produced varieties Renewable Natural Gas-RNG, BioCNG, or eCNG and natural gas enriched with hydrogen fuel-HCNG, or H2CNG.…”