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For the better understanding of nanoparticles observed on the rode side, adding to the emission test on the chassis dynamometer and engine dynamometer test, possible factors for formation of nanoparticles are investigated. As other possible factors, cold starting of transient test cycle, blow-by gas from heavy duty diesel engine without a positive crankcase ventilation, exhaust braking, and plume mixing of vehicle exhausts were investigated. Nuclei mode particles under the transient test cycles formed during fuel cut period, fuel enrichment period and idling period. Concentration of nuclei mode particles during the idling period are depends on exhaust temperature. The higher exhaust temperature courses the lower number concentration but variation range is within twice. Emission rate of nanoparticles from blow-by gas is one thousandth of tail pipe emissions rate and was found to be negligible.

Compared with diesel fuel, FAME is relatively unstable and readily generates acids such as acetic acid and propionic acid. When FAME-blended diesel fuel is used in existing diesel vehicles, it is important to maintain the concentration of FAME-origin acid in the fuel at an appropriately low level to assure vehicle safety. In the present study, the oxidation of diesel fuel containing 5% FAME is investigated. Several kinds of FAMEs were examined, including reagents such as methyl linoleate and methyl linolenate, as well as commercially available products. The level of acid, peroxide, water, and methanol and the pressure of the testing vessel were measured. The result shows that unsaturated FAMEs that have two or more double bonds are unstable. Also, water is generated by oxidation of FAME blended diesel fuel, accelerating corrosion of the terne sheet.

The Advanced Clean Energy Vehicle Project (ACE Project) has been initiated to develop the vehicles which can utilize oil-alternative and clean fuels and achieve twice the energy efficiency of conventional vehicles. To achieve the project objectives, Japanese automobile manufactures are developing six types of hybrid vehicles. Technologies of the developing vehicles include many kinds of hybrid elements, such as series and series/parallel types, alternative fuels (natural gas, DME, methanol) internal combustion engines and a fuel cell, as well as flywheels, ultra-capacitors and Li-ion batteries. This paper introduces the outline of ACE project.

In recent research, decreasing oil consumption and using a synthetic oil have been shown to be effective methods of reducing smoke emissions. However, the investigation of the constituents of white smoke and its environmental effect on humans have not been undertaken. The purpose of this investigation is to clarify the characteristics and compositions of white smoke and to analyze its environmental effect on humans using Ames test, and to evaluate a control for reduction of emitted matter by steady-state engine tests. Emitted matters(EM) from synthetic oil is less than that of semi-synthetic and mineral oils under the same test conditions. Emission after treatment resulted in the lowest EM when simulating the results of the ISO 6460 test, which results showed a decrease to about 1/10. EM from two-stroke engine mainly consists of unburned engine-oil and more than 95 % of EM is soluble organic fraction (SOF).

A new combustion system targeting a drastic decrease in NOx emission and a brake specific energy consumption equivalent to that of a DI diesel engine has been developed. In this new combustion system, a lean burn system using early injection was employed to reduce NOx emission and an auto-ignition DI engine system was employed to achieve the low energy consumption. Methanol was used as the fuel for reducing NOx emission. The objective of this study is to clarify the possibility of the system for the auto-ignition of a premixed lean mixture of methanol fuel. This study shows that the gas temperature at ignition, Tig, is the predominant factor affecting auto-ignition. Auto-ignition occurs when Tig exceeds approximately 1000K. The methanol lean burn system in an auto-ignition DI engine drastically decreased NOx emission with almost the same brake specific energy consumption as a diesel engine in the middle load region.

To achieve high-accuracy measurements of fuel consumption in testing on natural gas vehicles, a method for measuring the absolute value of fuel consumption by the gravimetric method using certificated reference weights and an electric platform scale has been developed. By performing a flow-meter test and a chassis dynamometer test using the gravimetric method, the measurement accuracy of the value of fuel flow rate and fuel consumption obtained by the fuel flow meters, carbon balance method, and air-to-fuel ratio method was evaluated. As a result, a highly accurate method for measuring fuel consumption in chassis dynamometer tests has been confirmed.

The SAE J300 classification was expanded to 0W-12 and 0W-8 viscosity grades in 2015, and lower viscosity engine oils have been studied in the industry. ILSAC GF-6B that will be introduced in 2020 will specify a 0W-16 requirement, but 0W-12 and 0W-8 grades are not considered. Because engine oil equal to or higher than the 0W-20 grade is recommended for almost all engines globally, suitable engine tests for 0W-12 and 0W-8 do not exist. Therefore, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Petroleum Association of Japan and Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan decided to establish new 0W-12 and 0W-8 low viscosity engine oil specifications. It is referred to as JASO GLV-1, and together with a new fuel economy engine test procedure, these engine oils for better fuel economy will be put on the Japanese market in 2019. Motoring friction torque tests are widely used to ascertain the friction reduction effect of fuel-economy engine oils.

In this study, a MPT-HFRR (Multi-Pressure/Temperature High-Frequency Reciprocating Rig) was manufactured based on a diesel fuel lubricity test apparatus. The MPT-HFRR was designed to be used for conventional test methods as well as for liquefied gas fuel tests. Lubricity tests performed on a calibration standard sample under both atmospheric pressure and high pressure produced essentially constant values, so it was determined that this apparatus could be used for assessing the lubricity of fuel. Using this apparatus, the improvement of lubricity due to the addition of a DME (Dimethyl Ether) fuel additive was investigated. It was found that when 50ppm or more of a fatty acid lubricity improver was added, the wear scar diameter converged to 400μm or less, and a value close to the measured result for Diesel fuel was obtained. The lubricity obtained was considered to be generally satisfactory.

In this research, a test apparatus (VPT-HFRR) for evaluating lubricity was manufactured at an arbitrary pressure according to the lubricity test method (HFRR) for diesel fuel. The lubricity of LPG blended fuel (LBF) for diesel engines was examined using VPT-HFRR., This was a value close to that of diesel fuel, and when a suitable lubricity had been maintained, it was checked. Prototype trucks were manufactured and their durability was examined. After a run of 70,000km or more, no serious trouble had occurred, and when LBF was maintained at a suitable lubricity, it was checked.

The Agency of Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has conducted conformity tests of diesel fuel containing Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) to amend diesel fuel standards in Japan. The objective of the tests is to examine appropriate specifications of diesel fuel containing FAME for automotive use for existing vehicles in the Japanese market. The conformity testing includes verification of fuel system component compatibility, tail pipe emissions, and characterization of the reliability and durability of the engine system, including the fuel injection system. In designing the conformity tests, the maximum FAME concentration was 5%. Most of the new standards are essentially equivalent to EN14214, but the total acid number (TAN) of specific acids, and oxidation stability of the new standards for diesel fuel containing FAME, are different from EN14214.

Crosscheck tests of fast electrical mobility spectrometers, Differential Mobility Spectroscopy (DMS) and Engine Exhaust Particle Sizer(EEPS), were conducted to evaluate the accuracy of fine particle measurement. Two kinds of particles were used as test particles for the crosscheck test of instruments: particles emitted from diesel vehicles and diluted in a full dilution tunnel, and particles generated by CAST. In the steady state tests, it was confirmed that the average concentration of each instrument was within the range of ±2σ from the average concentration of all the same type of instruments. In the transient tests, it is verified that the instruments have almost equal sensitivity. For application of the fast electrical mobility spectrometers to evaluation of particle number and size distributions, it is essential to develop a calibration method using reference particle counters and sizers (CPC, SMPS, etc.) and maintenance methods appropriate for each model.

The study of 10% ethanol blended gasoline (E10 gasoline) utilization has been conducted in the Japan Auto-Oil Program (JATOP). In order to clarify the impact of E10 gasoline on vehicle performances, exhaust emissions, evaporative emissions, driveability and material compatibility have been investigated by using domestic gasoline vehicles including mini motor vehicles which are particular to Japan. The test results reveal that E10 gasoline has no impact on exhaust emissions, engine startup time and acceleration period under the hot start condition, but a slight deterioration is observed in some test cases under the cold start condition using E10 gasolines with 50% distillation temperature (T50) level set to the upper limit of Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) K 2202. Regarding evaporative emissions, the tested vehicles shows no remarkable increase in the hot soak loss (HSL), diurnal breathing loss (DBL) and running loss (RL) testing with E10 gasolines.

JCAPII gasoline workgroup reported vehicle emission study to comprehend the impact of ETBE blending. In previous study, we focused on the compatibility of ETBE blended gasoline with Japanese current gasoline vehicles in-use. Based on recent discussion with ETBE 8% blended gasoline into the market, more information becomes necessary. In this second report, we studied to comprehend the actual emission impact using realistic model fuels using several base stocks. Fuel properties of T50, T90 and aromatic compound content were selected through discussions. Specifications were changed within the range of the market. Both ETBE 0% and 8% were combined for these fuel matrixes. In total, eight fuels and two reference fuels were tested. Two J-ULEV vehicles (one MPI, and a stoichiometric-SIDI) were procured as representatives. We discussed quantitative and qualitative impact toward emissions. Data regarding CO2 and fuel economy change were also reported.

Clarifying the impact of ETBE 8% blended fuel on current Japanese gasoline vehicles, under the Japan Clean Air Program II (JCAPII) we conducted exhaust emission tests, evaporative emission tests, durability tests on the exhaust after-treatment system, cold starting tests, and material immersion tests. ETBE 17% blended fuel was also investigated as a reference. The regulated exhaust emissions (CO, HC, and NOx) didn't increase with any increase of ETBE content in the fuel. In durability tests, no noticeable increase of exhaust emission after 40,000km was observed. In evaporative emissions tests, HSL (Hot Soak Loss) and DBL (Diurnal Breathing Loss) didn't increase. In cold starting tests, duration of cranking using ETBE 8% fuel was similar to that of ETBE 0%. In the material immersion tests, no influence of ETBE on these material properties was observed.

ISO 12405-1,2 specifies international testing standards for lithium-ion batteries for vehicles. In the mechanical shock test is used to determine if the battery is damaged due to the shock imposed when the vehicle runs over a curb or similar minor accidents. Therefore, we conducted minor collision tests against a curb using an actual vehicle and compared the test results with the conditions specified in ISO 12405-1,2. The results confirmed that the impulse wave obtained using an actual vehicle within the range of the test in this study differs from the shape of the impulse wave specified in ISO 12405-1,2.

Ferrocene is used as an antiknock additive to replace lead alkyls. To clarify the influence of one metal additive, ferrocene, on engine, following experiments were carried out. The insulation resistance of spark plugs was measured, deposits in the engine were analyzed, and an exhaust emission and fuel economy tests were conducted using gasoline containing ferrocene. The deposit, which contained iron oxides, adhered to the combustion chamber, spark plugs, and exhaust pipe when the engine operated with gasoline containing ferrocene. When vehicles operated with gasoline containing ferrocene, fuel consumption increased and the exhaust temperature rose. In addition, an abnormal electrical discharge pattern was observed in spark plugs operating at high temperatures. Iron-oxide of Fe3O4 is changed into Fe2O3 under high temperatures. Discharge current flows in iron oxides including Fe2O3 because the conductivity of Fe2O3 increases at high temperatures.

Fuels of wide range of density and viscosity were tested by using a DI diesel engine that conforms to present Japanese regulations. A total of 9 fuels was tested. Six test fuels were commercial automotive diesel fuel available in Japan. In order to expand the density range, test fuels of kerosene, high-density diesel fuel and automotive diesel fuel in Singapore were also included. The density range was 0.796 to 0.856 (g/cm3), and the viscosity range was 1.52 to 5.44 (mm2/s). The test mode was Japanese D13. Also, some fuels were tested by the Japanese transient test mode. Moreover, fuel spray was observed by an optical method to clarify the relationship between viscosity and Sauter mean diameter.

The objective of this study is to improve tire hydroplaning performance by examining the arrangement of the tread grooves, based on water flow. It is important to smoothly channel the water through the tread grooves to improve performance. For this purpose, flow around the tire contact area was visualized by particle tracing. The velocity and the direction of flow in front of the contact area became clear as a vector map. This vector map indicated that the direction of the flow depends primarily on the lateral position, i.e., the distance from the tread center. Tread grooves parallel to the flow vector were designed based on this result. The visualization of the improved tire demonstrated that water flowed smoothly along the grooves. In addition, a drum test indicated increased cornering force at high speed.

To achieve a method for flame exposure testing of high-pressure cylinders in automobiles that allows fair evaluations to be made at each testing institute and also provides high testing accuracy, we investigated the effects of the flame scale of the fire source, the fuel type, the shape of the pressure relief device shield, and the ambient temperature through experiments and numerical simulation. We found that, while all of these are factors that influence evaluation results, the effects of some factors can be reduced by increasing the flame size. Therefore, a measurement technique to quantitatively determine the flame size during the test is required. Measuring temperatures at the top of each cylinder is a candidate technique. Furthermore, flame exposure tests to be conducted on cylinders as single units must ensure safety during a vehicle fire.

Biodiesel Fuel (BDF) Research Work Group works on identifying technological issues on the use of high biodiesel blends (over 5 mass%) in conventional diesel vehicles under the Japan Auto-Oil Program started in 2007. The Work Group conducts an analytical study on the issues to develop measures to be taken by fuel products and vehicle manufacturers, and to produce new technological findings that could contribute to the study of its introduction in Japan, including establishment of a national fuel quality standard covering high biodiesel blends. For evaluation of the impacts of high biodiesel blends on performance of diesel particulate filter system, a wide variety of biodiesel blendstocks were prepared, ranging from some kinds of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) to another type of BDF such as hydrotreated biodiesel (HBD). Evaluation was mainly conducted on blend levels of 20% and 50%, but also conducted on 10% blends and neat FAME in some tests.