Investigation Of Emissions And Fuel Consumption In Diesel-Engine Vehicles During Idle Conditions

Abstract

Idling engines when automobiles are not moving leads to inefficient fuel consumption and may harm human health and the environment. No scientific reports have evaluated the effects of idling diesel engines on the public and fuel wastage in Malaysia; thus, a study is required. This work aims to study the characteristics of emissions, heat dissipation, and fuel wastage due to the operations of diesel-engine vehicles under idle operations concerning human health and the environment. The study was conducted by measuring the emissions during idling conditions using various instruments, namely a gas analyser, particulate matter monitor, temperature sensor, and fuel meter at selected locations where heavy vehicles were commonly found left with idling engines. It was found that the idling-vehicle emissions in the vicinity of pedestrians were far higher than the limits set in Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Standard 2020, implying an unhealthy practice. The particulate matter levels were also 15 to 200 times more than the standard limit. This silent hazard would be detrimental to the public, leading to various health problems. Furthermore, it would lead to hefty medical bills for the government. The heat emission was also high, leading to discomfort and health issues for passersby. From an economic point of view, the fuel waste from idling diesel engines was exorbitantly high, thus suggesting that the authorities should regulate the practice of idling engines. Keywords: diesel engine, fuel wastage, heat emission, idling engines, pollutant