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Multiple areas in the U.S. continue to struggle with achieving National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone. These continued issues highlight the need for further reductions in NOX emission standards in multiple industry sectors, with heavy-duty on-highway engines being one of the most important areas to be addressed. Starting in 2014, CARB initiated a series of technical demonstration programs aimed at examining the feasibility of achieving up to a 90% reduction in tailpipe NOX, while at the same time maintaining a path towards GHG reductions that will be required as part of the Heavy-Duty Phase 2 GHG program. These programs culminated in the Stage 3 Low NOX program, which demonstrated low NOX emissions while maintaining GHG emissions at levels comparable to the baseline engine.

As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) continuing assessment of advanced light-duty automotive technologies in support of regulatory and compliance programs, a 2018 Toyota Camry A25A-FKS 4-cylinder, 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated, Atkinson Cycle engine with cooled exhaust gas recirculation (cEGR) was benchmarked. The engine was tested on an engine dynamometer with and without its 8-speed automatic transmission, and with the engine wiring harness tethered to a complete vehicle parked outside of the test cell. Engine and transmission torque, fuel flow, key engine temperatures and pressures, onboard diagnostics (OBD) data, and Controller Area Network (CAN) bus data were recorded. This paper documents the test results under idle, low, medium, and high load engine operation. Motoring torque, wide open throttle (WOT) torque and fuel consumption are measured during transient operation using both EPA Tier 2 and Tier 3 test fuels.

The thermal efficiency benefits of low-pressure (LP) exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in spark-ignition engine combustion are well known. One of the greatest barriers facing adoption of LP-EGR for high power-density applications is the challenge of boosting. Variable nozzle turbines (VNTs) have recently been developed for gasoline applications operating at high exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs). The use of a single VNT as a boost device may provide a lower-cost option compared to two-stage boosting systems or 48 V electronic boost devices for some LP-EGR applications. A predictive model was created based on engine testing results from a 1.6 L turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine [1]. The model was tuned so that it predicted burn-rates and end-gas knock over an engine operating map with varying speeds, loads, EGR rates and fuel types.

Low-pressure loop exhaust gas recirculation (LP- EGR) combined with higher compression ratio, is a technology package that has been a focus of research to increase engine thermal efficiency of downsized, turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines. Research shows that the addition of LP-EGR reduces the propensity to knock that is experienced at higher compression ratios [1]. To investigate the interaction and compatibility between increased compression ratio and LP-EGR, a 1.6 L Turbocharged GDI engine was modified to run with LP-EGR at a higher compression ratio (12:1 versus 10.5:1) via a piston change. This paper presents the results of the baseline testing on an engine run with a prototype controller and initially tuned to mimic an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) baseline control strategy running on premium fuel (92.8 anti-knock index).

As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) “Midterm Evaluation of Light-duty Vehicle Standards for Model Years 2022-2025 [1]”, the U.S. EPA is evaluating engines and assessing the effectiveness of future engine technologies for reducing CO2 emissions. Such assessments often require significant development time and resources in order to optimize intake and exhaust cam variable valve timing (VVT), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow rates, and compression ratio (CR) changes. Mazda SkyActiv-G spark-ignition (SI) engines were selected by EPA for an internal engine development program based upon their high geometric compression ratio (14:1 in Europe and Japan, 13:1 in North America) and their use of a flexible valve train configuration with electro-mechanical phasing control on the intake camshaft. A one-dimensional GT-Power engine model was calibrated and validated using detailed engine dynamometer test data [2] from 2.0L and 2.5L versions of the SkyActiv-G engine.

Exhaust emissions of seventeen 2,3,7,8-substituted chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/furan (CDD/F) congeners, tetra-octa CDD/F homologues, twelve WHO 2005 chlorinated biphenyls (CB) congeners, mono-nona CB homologues, and nineteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from a model year 2008 Cummins ISB engine equipped with aftertreatment including a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and wall flow copper or iron urea selective catalytic reduction filter (SCRF) were investigated. These systems differ from a traditional flow through urea selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst because they place copper or iron catalyst sites in close proximity to filter-trapped particulate matter. These conditions could favor de novo synthesis of dioxins and furans. The results were compared to previously published results of modern diesel engines equipped with a DOC, catalyzed diesel particulate filter (CDPF) and flow through urea SCR catalyst.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has completed a program to demonstrate the feasibility of using low-cost engine management systems and modern, high-efficiency exhaust catalysts for nonroad spark ignition gasoline Class II engines (sub-19 kW, greater than 225 cc). Low-cost electronic engine management and fuel injection systems originally developed for motor-scooter and small motorcycle applications were installed on two 500cc single-cylinder spark-ignition lawn-and-garden engines. Integrated catalyst-muffler systems were developed for both engines and fuel control was calibrated to achieve emission control goals while maintaining or improving fuel consumption, engine durability and performance. NOx+HC emissions were reduced approximately 75% and brake-specific fuel-consumption improved by 6 to 12%. .

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has completed a program to demonstrate the feasibility of using integrated catalyst-muffler exhaust systems for nonroad spark ignition gasoline Class I engines (sub-19 kW, less than 225 cc). Integrated catalyst-muffler systems were developed for 4 different Class I engine families. Passive secondary air-injection systems were used with most of the systems to provide an exhaust feed-gas composition that was slightly rich of stoichiometry when used in conjunction with unmodified “Phase 2” carburetor A/F ratio calibrations. Catalyst sizing, PGM loading, and secondary-air venturi design were selected to limit CO oxidation and the typically resultant high heat rejection at high load operating points while still providing good NOx and HC emission control. Infrared thermal imaging was used to assess heat rejection at the EPA A-cycle operational points and during simulated hot soaks for selected configurations.

The CMS system commissioned by EPA and built by AVL, is a “start from a clean sheet of paper” approach to a full flow sampling system for aerosol matter from engine exhaust. The challenge of measuring 2007 level post DPF type particulate matter and polyaromatic hydrocarbons led to this re-thinking of sampler design. Previously used CVS designs had evolved to include elements that were not ideally suited for scaling up to large flow rates, and had mixing tunnels that were less than ideal for the sampling of complicated aerosols. The solution presented in this paper used ultrasonic time-of-flight flowmeters in place of the usual Venturi flow tubes, reducing the size and cost of air handling components. Acoustically designed dampeners were used to reduce pulsation disturbances to the flow measurement.

Due to its high efficiency and superior durability the diesel engine is again becoming a prime candidate for future light-duty vehicle applications within the United States. While in Europe the overall diesel share exceeds 40%, the current diesel share in the U.S. is 1%. Despite the current situation and the very stringent Tier 2 emission standards, efforts are being made to introduce the diesel engine back into the U.S. market. In order to succeed, these vehicles have to comply with emissions standards over a 120,000 miles distance while maintaining their excellent fuel economy. The availability of technologies such as high-pressure common-rail fuel systems, low sulfur diesel fuel, NOx adsorber catalysts (NAC), and diesel particle filters (DPFs) allow the development of powertrain systems that have the potential to comply with the light-duty Tier 2 emission requirements. In support of this, the U.S.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has been conducting a test program to evaluate efforts to bring light-duty diesel vehicles into compliance with U.S. Federal Tier 2 Light-duty Emission Standards. Between April 2002 and October 2003, five advanced prototype light-duty diesel vehicles equipped with NOx adsorption catalysts, PM-traps, and diesel oxidation catalysts were tested at the U.S. EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emission Laboratory (NVFEL). The vehicle testing was conducted using low sulfur (<15 ppm) diesel fuel. All of the tested vehicles demonstrated the considerable progress recently made by vehicle manufacturers and systems integrators in applying advanced NOx and PM emission control technology to light duty diesel vehicles in anticipation of the U.S. Light-duty Tier 2 emission standards. PM emissions for all of the vehicles were well below the Tier 2 Bin-5 emission levels.

An advanced prototype of the Toyota Avensis light-duty diesel vehicle equipped with a version of Toyota's DPNR exhaust emission control system was tested at the U.S. EPA - NVFEL facility. The vehicle is under development by Toyota Motor Corporation for introduction in Europe. While this particular model is not anticipated to be offered for sale in the U.S., EPA evaluated the vehicle to gauge the current state of light-duty diesel vehicle technology. The vehicle was tested using a low sulfur (6 ppm) diesel fuel with a cetane number that was improved to near typical European levels (∼50 cetane). Emission levels over the FTP75 consistent with U.S. Federal Light-Duty Tier 2 emission standards were achieved at levels of fuel economy that are competitive with current light-duty diesel passenger vehicles offered for sale in the U.S. The vehicle was tested with relatively low accumulated mileage.

A 5.9 liter medium-heavy-duty diesel engine, equipped with a diesel exhaust emission control system consisting of catalyzed diesel particulate filters (CDPF) and NOx adsorber catalysts arranged in a dual-path configuration, was evaluated with the goal of developing desulfation strategies for in-use NOx adsorber desulfation. NOx adsorber desulfation was accomplished by providing reductant via a secondary exhaust fuel injection system and exhaust flow via an exhaust bypass valve. An alternating restriction of the exhaust flow between the two flow paths allowed reductant injection and adsorber desulfation to occur under very low space velocity conditions. An exhaust bypass valve connecting the dual path configuration upstream of the catalyzed diesel particulate filters allowed controlled addition of exhaust into the desulfating pathway for desulfation method development.

A 5.9 liter medium-heavy-duty diesel engine was modified to approximate the emissions performance of a MY 2004 US heavy-duty on-highway engine. The engine was tested with and without a diesel exhaust emission control system consisting of catalyzed diesel particulate filters and NOx adsorber catalysts arranged in a dual-path configuration. The goal of this project was to achieve hot-start HDDE-FTP emissions consistent with the recently announced 2007 U.S. heavy-duty engine emissions standards. Supply of hydrocarbon reductant for NOx adsorber regeneration was accomplished via a secondary exhaust fuel injection system. An alternating restriction of the exhaust flow between the two flow paths allowed injection and adsorber regeneration to occur under very low space velocity conditions. NOx and PM emissions over the hot-start portion of the HDDE-FTP transient cycle were 0.13 g/bhp-hr and less than 0.002 g/bhp-hr, respectively.

A diesel exhaust emission control system consisting of catalyzed diesel particulate filters and NOx adsorber catalysts arranged in a dual-path configuration was developed and evaluated using a 1999-specification 5.9 liter medium-heavy-duty diesel engine. NOx adsorber regeneration was accomplished via a secondary exhaust fuel injection system. An alternating restriction of the exhaust flow between the two flow paths allowed injection and adsorber regeneration to occur under very low space velocity conditions. NOx and PM reductions in excess of 90% were observed over a broad range of steady-state operating conditions and over the hot-start HDDE-FTP transient cycle.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiated a program to demonstrate feasibility of the Tier 2 emissions standards for the largest vehicles regulated under the new standards. Advanced emission control systems were developed and evaluated using a large 1999 sport utility vehicle and a large 1999 light-duty pickup truck. The trucks were originally certified to California LEV-I or Federal Tier 1 emission standards. Advanced, high-cell density, ceramic and metallic substrate three-way catalysts were thermally aged to the equivalent of 80,000 km (50,000 miles) and integrated into the exhaust systems for evaluation. Low mass, thermally insulated exhaust system components were fabricated and evaluated. Engine control strategies were modified via ROM-emulation and powertrain control module (PCM) flash reprogramming. Both of the tested trucks demonstrated FTP emissions at levels below 2004 U.S Federal Tier 2 emissions standards.