Impact of active diesel particulate filter regeneration on carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particle number emissions from Euro 5 and 6 vehicles under laboratory testing and real-world driving

The diesel particulate filter (DPF) is the main technology used to limit particle emission from vehicles, but it needs periodic cleaning (regeneration). The objective of this study was to assess the impact of active DPF regeneration on the performance and emissions of Euro 5 and 6 vehicles. CO2, NOx and PN emissions were examined, for eight vehicles tested in the laboratory and on the road. The vehicle pool covered a wide range of emission control systems, including EGR, DOC, LNT and SCR, revealing the different impacts on NOx emissions. The regeneration frequency and duration were determined and used in the calculation of the Ki factor. Representative emission factors (EF) are proposed for the regeneration phase and for the complete regeneration interval. The effect of regeneration on vehicle efficiency was estimated and compared with other energy consumers. The results indicated a significant impact on CO2, NOx and PN emissions, higher in the case of driving cycle testing in the laboratory. The relevant mechanisms behind the elevated emission levels were analysed, focusing on the regeneration period itself and on the test phase following immediately after. New NOx EF values were calculated, depending on the emission control system. It was revealed that Euro 6 vehicles equipped with SCR can be compliant with the applicable limits throughout the regeneration interval. Finally, it was indicated that the DPF regeneration impact on vehicle efficiency is similar with that of driving with the A/C and headlights on.

DIMARATOS Athanasios;  GIECHASKIEL Barouch;  CLAIROTTE Michael;  FONTARAS Georgios; 

2022-07-18

MDPI

JRC128945

1996-1073 (online),   

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/14/5070,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC128945,   

10.3390/en15145070 (online),