Fuel Use and Pollutant Emissions Taxonomy for Heavy Duty Diesel Construction Equipment

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present a taxonomy of fuel use and pollutant emissions rates for heavy duty diesel (HDD) equipment to assist equipment managers in estimating the energy and environmental effects of their fleets. Diesel fuel is the primary energy source for HDD equipment. Without it, the equipment is inoperable and nonproductive. Estimating fuel requirements can be extremely difficult because of high variability in published fuel consumption rates. Moreover, equipment publications provide no insight into pollutant emissions rates. The taxonomy was based on real-world fuel consumption and emissions data collected from in-use equipment. An engine modal analysis was conducted on the data to categorize it by engine load. Weighted average fuel use and pollutant emissions rates were calculated based on the results of the engine modal analysis. The taxonomy presents weighted average fuel use and emissions rates according to equipment type; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) engine-tier technology type; and pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter (PM). The taxonomy provides an accurate and easy-to-use guide to assist equipment managers in estimating fuel consumption and consequential pollutant emissions.