DOE Investigates Future Diesel Engines, Fuels

The U.S. Department of Energy has initiated five test projects at laboratories across the country to determine the best combinations of low-sulfur diesel fuels, lubricants, diesel engines and emission control systems to meet projected emission standards for the 2002-10 time period.

DOE is also studying the properties of fuels and vehicle systems that could lead to even lower emissions beyond 2010. The five projects being tested, which are part of the DOE's Advanced Petroleum-Based Fuels-Diesel Emissions Control Project, are: (1) selective catalytic reduction/diesel particle filter technologies, fuels and engines; (2, 3, 4) NOx adsorber catalyst/DPF technologies, fuels and engines in a passenger car, a light-duty truck/SUV and a heavy-duty engine and (5) the effects of lubricant formulations on the performance and durability of advanced diesel emission control systems.

The APBF-DEC tests are timely because of the stricter emissions standards mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Between 2004 and 2009, lower emissions standards will be phased in for passenger cars and light-duty trucks. For diesel-powered vehicles to comply with these standards, catalytic emission control systems will be required.

EPA has also set new emission standards for heavy-duty engines, which will go into effect in 2007, and a standard for the sulfur content in highway diesel fuel slated to go into effect in 2006. These standards (for emissions of both particulate matter and nitrogen oxides) will require catalytic emission control systems on heavy-duty vehicles.

More information on these projects can be found online.

Updated: March 31, 2003