Abstract
OBS NATURAL GAS TRUCK MARKET
European truck market is close to 100% composed by Diesel vehicles. Their efficiency regarding fuel consumption and mainly its lower fuel cost are the main reasons why they are the selected choice by fleet operators. A possible solution for operating range would be installing fuelling stations across main highways in a determined country but the problem would be still there. In Unites States there is an increasing interest about long distance trucks making use of LNG tanks. Legislation is more flexible and permits using LNG tanks in trucks, thus providing a bigger range (around 750 km) to the fleet operators. This would perfectly suit with a long distance transport inside a European country, for example Spain (Barcelona – Madrid: 680 km) or within countries with LNG available at their fuel stations (Barcelona – Lyon: 640 km). Based on a demonstration project, partially funded by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Applus+ IDIADA has explored the main technologic limits that apply to existing diesel engines used today in long distance transport and has converted to Natural Gas an European representative truck: the IVECO Stralis, fitter with a 13 liter, 480 HP Cursor 13 engine. A lean burn combustion type was selected. Main reasons where aftertreatment (use of baseline diesel oxidation catalyst) and lower combustion temperatures to avoid durability problems (exhaust components like manifold and turbocharger had no changes in their hardware) The study concludes that a 6% power loss and a 20% in engine torque was achieved for the same emission standards than baseline diesel engine (Euro IV). Final results for the engine where 450 HP and 1700 N·m. Improved results could be achieved by means of optimized Oxidation catalyst formulation and improved Urea injection calibration. 480 HP and 2000 N·m where achieved during development but it was decided to set a lower BMEP requirement thus reducing the exhaust peak temperatures. Further information about emissions and fuel consumption will be provided in low speed SORT 3 cycle, FIGE (ETC equivalent) and NEDC adapted to truck speed.
KEYWORDS – Heavy Duty, Natural Gas, Emissions, Performances,