This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Reduced-RVP Gasoline - An Attractive Alternative to RFG
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
Voluntary RFG opt-in and use of reduced-RVP gasoline are two fuel options being considered in several ozone nonattainment areas. This paper describes methods for evaluating the relative benefits of these two options, with specific application in the Southeast Michigan area. Currently, the most defensible approach for estimating relative emissions reduction benefits of gasoline modifications utilizes a hybrid of two EPA models: MOBILE5a and the Complex Model. By employing appropriate fuel compositions, this hybrid approach showed that reduced-RVP gasoline was nearly as effective as RFG in reducing total VOC emissions in Southeast Michigan-both near-term and long-term. With both gasoline options, most of the VOC benefit arises from lower nonexhaust emissions, caused by reduced RVP levels. When considering all relevant issues-including ozone precursor emissions, reactivity, toxics emissions, fuel economy, and economics-reduced-RVP gasoline appears to be a highly attractive alternative to RFG in Southeast Michigan. Similar results would be expected in other locations, although a careful assessment is necessary to quantify and compare the benefits of these two fuel options in each case.
Recommended Content
Authors
Citation
Hoekman, S., Freel, J., and MacArthur, R., "Reduced-RVP Gasoline - An Attractive Alternative to RFG," SAE Technical Paper 961281, 1996, https://doi.org/10.4271/961281.Also In
References
- U.S. EPA “Final Regulatory Impact Analysis for Reformulated Gasoline,” January 23 1994
- U.S. EPA “Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Standards for Reformulated and Conventional Gasoline,” Federal Register 59 32 7716 February 16 1994
- “U.S. Petroleum Refining: Meeting Requirements for Cleaner Fuels and Refineries,” National Petroleum Council report August 1993
- “Investigation of MOBILE5a Emission Factors: Evaluation of I/M and LEV Program Benefits,” API Publication No. 4604 June 1994
- MacArthur R. S. Horn J. C. Sztenderowicz M. L. “Using the COMPLEX Model and MOBILE5a to Estimate Motor Vehicle Fleet VOC Emissions Reductions Due to the Introduction of Federal Reformulated or Reduced RVP Gasoline,” AWMA Inventory Conference, Research Triangle Park North Carolina October 12 1995
- Southeast Michigan January 5 1996
- American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) National Fuel Survey of Motor Gasoline Summer 1995
- March 1996
- Burns Vaughn R. et al. “Effects of Gasoline Composition on Evaporative and Running Loss Emissions - Auto/Oil AQIRP,” SAE Paper No. 920323 1992
- Hochhauser Albert M. et al. “Speciation and Calculated Reactivity of Automotive Exhaust Emissions and Their Relation to Fuel Properties - Auto/Oil AQIRP,” SAE Paper No. 920325 1992
- September 15 1995
- “Alcohols and Ethers: A Technical Assessment of Their Application as Fuels and Fuel Components,” API Publication No. 4261 1988
- “A Comparative Assessment of Current Gasoline Fuel Economy Data: A 1982 Update,” API Publication No. 4357 1982
- Wagner T. O. Muller H. L. “Experience With Oxygenated Fuel Components,” Paper 820-00041 API 49th Mid-Year Refining Meeting New Orleans 1984
- Douthit W. H. Davis B. C. Steinke E. DeL. Doherty H. M. “Performance Features of 15% MTBE/Gasoline Blends,” SAE Transactions 97 981 1988
- Hochhauser A. M. et al. “Fuel Composition Effects on Automotive Fuel Economy-Auto/Oil Air Quality Improvement Research Program,” SAE Technical Paper No. 930138 1993
- “On-Road Study of the Effects of Reformulated Gasoline on Motor Vehicle Fuel Economy in Southeastern Wisconsin,” March 31 1995