Road Testings and Evaluations for Waste Collection Vehicles Fueled with Biodiesel

Abstract

Biodiesel as a renewable energy has received considerable attention in recent years. It is reported to be used in its neat form or blended with petroleum-based diesel, and almost without any engine modification. Given the chance of increasing use in biodiesel, however, it is required to quantify its potential emission benefits and effect on power response, especially for those public-serviced diesel vehicles in daily operations. An on-road test for waste collection vehicles using various blending percentage of biodiesel and petroleum-based diesel was evaluated, especially for the particulate matter (PM 10 ) emissions and the dynamometric power responses. Three waste collection vehicles were recruited and operated in their routine routes. The results indicated that the higher the biodiesel blending ratio, the more the power losses, up to 14 % for B100 biodiesel. Heating value of the biodiesel blending is likely to be responsible for this drop of power. Near 68% PM 10 reduction is attained for B100 in comparison with the petroleum-based diesel (B0) during testing periods. Both of the reductions in PM 10 and power response differed from maker of diesel engine. Based on the testing results, though the biodiesel may abbreviate the environmental loading in PM 10 emissions, it is suggested that an engine tune-up and adjustment for fuel supply system be arranged prior to use of biodiesel. Additionally, to make biodiesel a viable alternative fuel for the waste collection vehicles, a long-term assessment together with weather effect is suggested to secure both operational stability and safety on-road.