A simulation and experiment study on the emission reduction potential of light-duty diesel engine retrofitted with an after-treatment system: a case study

ABSTRACT

In this study, a simulation and experiment on laboratory conditions were conducted to investigate the effects of a retrofitted DOC-DPF-SCR system on the performance and pollutants of an in-service old-generation light-duty diesel engine. Simulations demonstrate that DOC and SCR have little effect on engine performance, but the particle filter does. With 220 mm, 240 mm, and 260 mm DPF cores, brake power was reduced by 1.9%, 4.5%, and 12.0% at rate condition and 1.2%, 3.6%, and 10.8% at maximum brake torque condition. The after-treatment system can reduce soot by 64.8% to 81.9% at full load conditions and 55.6% to 83.3% as the load varies at a constant speed. NO_x emissions were reduced significantly by an average value of 81.9% at full load and 21.7% to 78.1% at a constant speed, depending on load. The DOC combined with DPF also influenced incomplete combustion products as the concentration of CO and HC decreased by 73.6% and 76.5% on average at full load conditions. Following emission standards, HC and CO emissions were reduced by 63.8% and 68.7%, respectively; NO_x and PM were decreased by 71.1% and 76.6% when the engine was retrofitted with the after-treatment system. After retrofitting, the old-generation diesel engine can pass the Euro II standard.

KEYWORDS:

• Exhaust treatment system
• diesel engine pollutants
• engine retrofitted
• DOC
• DPF
• SCR

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Khanh Nguyen Duc was funded by the Master, PhD Scholarship Programme of Vingroup Innovation Foundation (VINIF), code VINIF.2023.TS053.

Notes on contributors

Dung Nguyen Manh

Dung Nguyen Manh is a lecturer at the Faculty of Automotive Technology, Hanoi University of Industry. He is an expert in automobile, exhaust treatment.

Vinh Tran Quang

Vinh Tran Quang Assoc. Prof at the Faculty of Vehicle and Energy Engineering, Phenikaa University. He is an expert in automobile, exhaust treatment, alternative fuels

Nguyen The Luong

Nguyen The Luong is Assoc. Prof at the School of Mechanical Engineering, HUST. He is an expert in exhaust treatment, catalytic material, and alternative fuels.

Truc Nguyen The

Truc Nguyen The is a Doctor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, HUST. He is an expert in electronic control, internal combustion engine, simulation, and modeling.

Tien Nguyen Duy

Nguyen Duy Tien is a Doctor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, HUST. He is an expert in electronic control, engine design, fuel, and engine emissions.

Khanh Nguyen Duc

Khanh Nguyen Duc is a lecturer at the School of Mechanical Engineering, HUST. He is an expert in electronic control, engine upgrades, alternative fuels, and transportation.

Tuan Pham Minh

Tuan Pham Minh is a Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, HUST. He is an expert in fuels and emissions from internal combustion engines