SWUTC Research Project Description
Title of Project: A Comprehensive Examination of Heavy Vehicle Emissions Factors
Project Number: 476660-00067
Principal Investigator:
C. Michael Walton
(512) 471-1414
P.I. Affiliation: University of Texas at Austin
cmwalton@mail.utexas.edu
Project Monitor:
Phil Russell, Director
Texas Turnpike Authority
Texas Department of Transportation
125 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 936-0903
John Esparza, President
Texas Motor Transportation Association
700 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-2541
Project Status: Active
Date Started: 9/1/08
Estimation Completion Date: 8/31/09
Estimated Cost - Current Fiscal: $57,000
Estimated Cost - Total Planned: $57,000
Project Summary:
Project Abstract:
A number of regulatory changes are currently being debated in both the energy and transportation arenas. Carbon taxes and cap and trade systems are being considered for limiting carbon emissions. New methods for direct user charging are being considered to replace existing fuel taxes. Vehicle size and weight regulations are being reconsidered because of the energy savings and environmental benefits that might be achieved through operation of higher productivity vehicles. In order to understand the environmental changes that might result from new forms of regulation applying to heavy trucks, it will first be necessary to gain a thorough understanding of heavy vehicle emissions.
The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of variables impacting heavy vehicle emissions, including engine and fuel types, vehicle design variables, mitigation technologies, and operating conditions. The study will also examine the consideration of these variables (or lack thereof) in existing regulations and modeling tools.
Project Objectives:
The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of variables impacting heavy vehicle emissions, including engine types, vehicle design variables, mitigation technologies, and operating conditions. The study will also examine the consideration of these variables (or lack thereof) in existing regulations and modeling tools.
Task Descriptions:
Task 1:
Identify the different types of heavy vehicle engines and fuel types currently in use or development. This task will require a thorough literature review, as well as discussions with vehicle manufacturers and other industry experts.
Task 2:
Identify the pollutants that result from heavy vehicle operations using different engine and fuel types. Develop a matrix of engine types, fuel types, pollutants, and potential economic and health impacts.
Task 3:
Perform a technology review of existing and future technologies available to mitigate emissions impacts. Identify non-engine vehicle design variables as well as on-board technologies that can mitigate emissions. Develop a cost-benefit matrix for technologies identified.
Task 4:
Discuss the impact of operating conditions on heavy vehicle emissions. Identify variables in operating conditions that impact both emissions rates and fuel economy. Examine the impacts of vehicle and load size and weight, speed, altitude, acceleration, idling, tire pressure, and other factors identified. Develop a matrix of variables and their effects.
Task 5:
Perform a review of heavy vehicle emissions regulation worldwide through a literature search and discussions with government and industry experts. Identify what pollutants are regulated as well as what methods and technologies are used for testing by both government and vehicle manufacturers. Discuss the quality of testing methods, as well as any gaps in regulation.
Task 6:
Perform a review of existing macro-level and micro-level heavy vehicle emissions models. Determine what vehicle and fuel types can be modeled using existing tools. Develop matrices of input variables, assumptions, and outputs for each model.
Task 7:
Discuss the future transportation and energy policy decisions that will require accurate measurement of heavy vehicle emissions for the future. Topics include but are not limited to motor vehicle size and weight regulations, emissions-based road user charging, carbon taxes, carbon cap and trade, and regulation of non-attainment areas.
Task 8:
Produce a final report detailing the results of vehicle, technology, operating condition, modeling, and policy reviews.
Index Terms:
Heavy vehicles, Air quality management, Pollutants, Diesel engine exhaust gases, Exhaust gases, Regulations, Carbon, Fuel taxes, Research projects