Conceptualizing and evaluating a novel method to reduce gasoline-powered vehicles' cold-start emissions

Abstract

In this study, a method for reducing vehicle emissions during cold-starts is proposed and tested. Cold-start emissions are collected in a reservoir, then released before the catalyst after cold-starting. To build a prototype, various compressors, reservoirs, and control strategies are available. To prioritize the effective parameters of concept execution in the vehicle, the analytical hierarchy process is implemented. Evaluation of different strategies is also conducted using a validated GT-Suite model. Next, the urban part of the new European driving cycle is used to test the best scenario. During the driving cycle, trapped emissions are released from the reservoir when the vehicle stops. Cold-start emissions substantially decrease after implementation of the method, while the emission trend is similar to the base vehicle. Results show that Carbon monoxide , unburned hydrocarbons, and Nitrogen oxides are decreased by 4, 20, and 12 %, respectively.