Analysis of the aftertreatment performance in HD-SI engine fueled with LPG

Abstract

This research/article aimed to analyze the influence of an after-treatment system (ATS) on emissions of a heavy-duty spark-ignition (HD-SI) engine fueled with liquified petroleum gas (LPG), in the context of current Euro VI emissions requirements. The ATS is composed by a three-way catalyst (TWC) in series with a diesel particle filter (DPF). Emissions testing were carried out on an engine test bench according to homologation procedures, performing both world harmonized stationary cycle (WHSC) and world harmonized transient cycle (WHTC), to study the effects of the engine operating parameters on pollutant emissions behavior and ATS performance during steady and dynamic states, respectively. Instruments used were a gas analyzer Horiba MEXA ONE to measure gaseous emissions, HORIBA OBS ONE PN to measure particle matter (PM) concentration, and spectrometer TSI EEPS 3090 to measure PM concentration and particle size distribution (PSD). The results showed some important aspects such as the effects of engine speed and load on pollutant emissions formation and ATS performance, the influence of the three-way catalyst (TWC) on particulate matter (PM) reduction due to the relationship between volatile unburned hydrocarbons (UHC) and the emergence of nucleation-mode particles, stressing that ATS implementation is mandatory to meet the current emissions requirements.