Emission control strategies for automotive engines with scope for deployment of solar based e‐vehicle charging infrastructure

Abstract

AbstractOwing to the higher thermal efficiency and durability, diesel engines have emerged as a major player in automotive sector but exhaust emissions from engines pose a serious threat to environment and human health. Toxicity levels of exhaust emissions can be reduced by application of pretreatment and posttreatment techniques. Introduction of electric vehicles is considered as the best possible alternative for reducing automotive pollution levels. Requirement for charging infrastructure is one of the major parameters affecting the social acceptance of electric vehicles. Deployment of electric vehicles in countries, which relies primarily on fossil fuels for electricity generation, will only shift the emission threat from vehicle operation phase to energy generation phase. In this article a detailed study has been conducted on the posttreatment emission control strategies for diesel engines and conversion efficiency of platinum based diesel oxidation catalysis system has been investigated with experimental inference. Fossil fuel based energy sources have more than 70% share in electricity generation of India. Additionally, a feasibility study on the deployment of solar based electric vehicle charging stations on the roof of existing fuel stations in Dehradun city, India has been conducted. The results of study showed that the proposed PV system at 26 fuel stations have total energy generation capacity of 1.9 GWh. This indicates that the deployment of solar based charging stations will be an effective method for improving the social acceptance of battery electric vehicles and will also enhance the share of renewable energy sources for power generation.