Study of Fuel Economy and Emission Reduction Methods for Marine and Locomotive Diesel Engines

PDFTech ReportDOT-TSC-OST-75-41DOT-TSC-USCG-75-2DOT-TSC-920Diesel enginesMarine diesel enginesDiesel engine exhaust gasesExhaust gasesAir pollutionCarbon monoxideNitric oxideDiagnostic testsNitrogen oxidesFuel consumptionWearUnited StatesUnited States. Dept. of Transportation. Office of the SecretaryUnited States. Coast GuardStorment, J. O.Wood, C. D.Mathis, R. J.Southwest Research InstituteJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)United States. Coast Guard. Office of Research and DevelopmentAGR-IMPACTS-EnvironmentNTL-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION-Ships and VesselsNTL-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION-U.S. Coast GuardNTL-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION-Marine Energy and EnvironmentVolpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference CenterThis interim report presents the results of the first phase of a two-part program to investigate methods of improving fuel consumption and reducing exhaust emissions for in-service diesel engines used as prime movers in locomotives and several classes of Coast Guard vessels. The engines are large, medium-speed units with individual cylinder displacements in excess of 150 cubic inches and power ratings from 2000 to 4000 brake horsepower. The study that is the subject of this report uses information that was obtained from the technical literature and from interviews of engine manufacturers, railroads, and engineering staffs of Coast Guard vessels. Several methods were investigated for their potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, within the constraint of maintaining adequate locomotive and vessel operating flexibility and engine life. These methods included the retrofit of engines with existing state-of-the-art components (e.g., injectors, governor, turbocharger) of improved design, the adjustment of injection timing, and changes in engine operating modes (speed-power points). The effects of engine wear and maintenance on fuel consumption and emissions were investigated, as were the effects of ambient air properties (temperature, pressure, humidity)