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.
Highlights
Along with the development of civilization and the increase in consumerism, the demand for the transport of goods using wheeled vehicles is increasing [1,2]
The information contained in the previous parts of this work allows for the following conclusions: 1. Factory data concerning the maximum value of torque and power, as well as the course of their changes in the area of the tested engine RPMs, differ significantly from those determined in the measurements on the dynamometer, both with diesel fuel and Diesel/CNG
This affected the traction calculations, in which the semi-trailer truck with an engine with factory parameters always had the best results. They were treated as achievable values; the comparisons themselves were made only for the results of laboratory measurements
Summary
Along with the development of civilization and the increase in consumerism, the demand for the transport of goods using wheeled vehicles is increasing [1,2]. Their implementation means that, for example, even relatively new semi-trailer truck units (5 years old) are classified as polluting and their use is subject to additional fees, e.g., increased road fees or extra ecological taxes This forces vehicle manufacturers to seek technical solutions that reduce harmful emissions. The aim of the research was to experimentally determine how the application of a non-factory diesel/CNG dual-fuel installation to a used tractor unit of a tractor engine with a semi-trailer affects its tractive effort curves and changes the emissions of individual exhaust components: NO (Nitrogen Oxide), NO2, (Nitrogen Dioxide) NOx (Nitrogen Oxides), CH4 (Methane), CO (Carbon Dioxide), CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), HC (Hydrocarbons) and smoke opacity in the test cycle carried out in accordance with the requirements of the UNECE Regulation No 49.
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