Comparison of Locomotive Emissions Measured during Dynamometer versus Rail Yard Engine Load Tests

Abstract

For environmental emissions certification, locomotive prime mover engines undergo rigorous measurements with the use of federal reference methods (FRMs). However, there are nonregulatory reasons for engine emissions measurement, such as to compare relative differences in fuel use and emissions as a result of engine rebuild or between engines in a fleet. Portable emissions measurement systems (PEMSs) are widely used for highway vehicle and nonroad construction equipment but have had limited locomotive applications. The objectives are to (a) demonstrate an approach for quantifying locomotive emission rates with a PEMS during dynamometer and rail yard engine load tests, (b) compare the emissions measured in dynamometer versus rail yard load tests, and (c) assess the relative change in fuel use and emissions from engine rebuild. Measurements were conducted on 3,000-hp prime movers, including an EMD 16-645 for a GP40 and two EMD 12-710s for F59PHs. Fuel use and PEMS-based emission rates for nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter were compared between dynamometer and rail yard load tests and with data from previous literature. Fuel use and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission rates after engine rebuild were lower for the GP40 prime mover, and the fuel use and NOx emission rates for the F59PH rebuilt engines were lower than those of the rebuilt GP40 engine. PEMS is not a substitute for locomotive FRMs if compliance certification is needed but provides useful data for comparative assessment.