Measurement and Evaluation of Fuels and Technologies for Passenger Rail Service in North Carolina
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Measurement and Evaluation of Fuels and Technologies for Passenger Rail Service in North Carolina Research Project No. HWY-2010-12 Prepared for: Research and Analysis Group North Carolina Department of Transportation Raleigh, North Carolina Prepared by: H. Christopher Frey, Ph.D. and Brandon M. Graver Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering North Carolina State University Raleigh, North Carolina August 13, 2012 Technical Report Documentation Page 1. Report No. 2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient’s Catalog No. HWY-2010-12 4. Title and Subtitle 5. Report Date Measurement and Evaluation of Fuels and Technologies for Passenger August 13, 2012 Rail Service in North Carolina 6. Performing Organization Code 7. Author(s) 8. Performing Organization Report No. H. Christopher Frey and Brandon M. Graver 9. Performing Organization Name and Address: 10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS) Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering North Carolina State University Campus Box 7908 Raleigh, North Carolina 27695 11. Contract or Grant No. FHWA/NC/2010-12 12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address: 13. Type of Report and Period Covered North Carolina Department of Transportation ui Report Research and Analysis Group 1 South Wilmington Street August 16, 2009 to August 15, 2011 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 14. Sponsoring Agency Code 2010-12 Supplementary Notes: 16. Abstract The purpose of this project is to measure a baseline for fuel use and emission rates on the rebuilt or replaced engines on each locomotive in the NCDOT Rail Division fleet, using ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel; measure real-world, in-use “over-the-rail” activity, fuel use, and emissions for service between Raleigh and Charlotte; assess the avoided fuel use and emissions from substitution of automobile trips with rail service based on real-world data obtained in this research for the train service and real-world highway vehicle data obtained in recent previous research; and conduct an evaluation of the emissions implications of B20 biodiesel versus ULSD using a life cycle inventory approach that takes into account the fuel cycle, as well as locomotive emissions. The methodology features the use of portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS). The results of this project will enable the NCDOT Rail Division to accurately assess the fuel use and emissions benefits of the engine rebuilds and replacements, the use of alternative fuel, and the energy and emissions benefits of passenger rail service compared to the avoided highway vehicle usage. These data can be used to identify priorities for further emission reduction measures, if needed, and to claim credit for the energy and environmental benefits of rail transportation. These data and information will be useful to the NCDOT Rail Division as the basis for determining the energy and emissions benefits of B20 and of rail versus highway transportation and, thus, as an input to prioritizing future activity pertaining to asset management and community relations. 17. Key Words 18. Distribution Statement Railroad transportation, Diesel electric locomotives, Emissions testing, Biodiesel fuels 19. Security Classif. (of this report) 20. Security Classif. (of this page) 21. No. of Pages 22. Price Unclassified Unclassified 134 Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized DISCLAIMER The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors and not necessarily the views of the University. The authors are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, or the Institute for Transportation Research and Education at the time of publication. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Rafael Mejia-Lopez, Dave Krajcovic, Ed Held, and Gary Cuthbertson of Herzog Transit Services, NC, provided valuable technical support, including fabrication of sampling ports for the engines of the tested locomotives and operation of the locomotive engines during the tests. Sharon Mahoney of the NCDOT Rail Division coordinated scheduling of field activities. Allan Paul of the NCDOT Rail Division and Curtis McDowell and Lynn Harris of McDowell Engineers provided guidance and logistical support. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1 2.0 BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................3 2.1 Emission Measurement Methods .............................................................................3 2.2 Emission Standards for Locomotives ......................................................................5 2.3 Locomotive Duty Cycles .........................................................................................5 2.4 Previously Reported Locomotive Emissions Data ..................................................8 2.4.1 Duty-Cycle Based Average Emission Rates Reported by EPA ...................9 2.4.2 Other Reported Emission Rates .................................................................11 2.5 Summary ................................................................................................................13 3.0 RAIL YARD TESTING ....................................................................................................14 3.1 Portable Emissions Measurement Systems ............................................................14 3.1.1 Measured Gases and Pollutants .................................................................14 3.1.2 Calibration..................................................................................................16 3.1.3 Operating Software ....................................................................................16 3.1.4 Manifold Air Boost Pressure Sensor..........................................................17 3.1.5 Engine Speed Sensor..................................................................................18 3.1.6 Intake Air Temperature Sensor ..................................................................18 3.1.7 Sensor Array Unit ......................................................................................19 3.1.8 System Installation and Operation .............................................................19 3.2 Preparation for Field Data Collection ....................................................................23 3.3 Field Data Collection Procedure ............................................................................23 3.3.1 Installation..................................................................................................23 3.3.2 Data Collection ..........................................................................................24 3.3.3 Decommissioning ......................................................................................24 3.4 Quality Assurance and Quality Control .................................................................24 3.4.1 Engine Data Errors .....................................................................................24 3.4.2 Gas Analyzer Errors ...................................................................................25 3.4.3 Zeroing Procedure ......................................................................................26 3.4.4 Negative Emissions Values........................................................................26 i 3.4.5 Loss of Power to Instrument ......................................................................26 3.4.6 Calculation of Fuel Use and Emissions .....................................................26 3.5 Results ....................................................................................................................27 3.5.1 Characteristics of Locomotives, Engines, and Fuel ...................................27 3.5.2 Scheduling of Field Data Collection ..........................................................29 3.5.3 Test Schedules ...........................................................................................29 3.5.4 Prime Mover Engine Results – Fuel Use and Emission Rates ..................31 3.5.5 Prime Mover Engine Results – Cycle Average Emission Rates................44 3.5.6 Head End Power Engine Results – Emission Rates...................................49 3.6 Summary ................................................................................................................51 4.0 OVER-THE-RAIL TESTING ...........................................................................................52 4.1 Instrumentation ......................................................................................................52 4.2 Preparation for Field Data Collection ....................................................................53 4.3 Field Data Collection Procedure ............................................................................54 4.4 Quality Assurance and Quality Control .................................................................55 4.5 Results ....................................................................................................................55 4.5.1 Scheduling of Field Data Collection ..........................................................55 4.5.2 Observed Duty Cycles ...............................................................................56