In-Use Evaluation of Fuel Economy and Emissions from Coal Haul Trucks Using Modified SAE J1321 Procedures and PEMS

Diesel equipment owners often desire knowledge of the direct feasibility and impacts of different technologies, retrofits, or fuels on their fleet under their specific operating conditions. This is now possible with the advent of portable emissions measurement systems and other in-use measurement technologies. The SAE J1321 Fuel Economy Test and Title 40 CFR 1065 in-use emissions testing procedures were adapted for use in an off-road mining haul truck environment over long time periods. Fuel consumption was directly measured using coriolis mass flow meters on two pairs of test and control trucks. Gaseous emissions were also measured with a Horiba OBS-2200 portable emissions measurement system. Testing was completed under steady state loads analogous to laboratory dynamometer modal tests and during normal in-use operations for 12 hour test periods with real-time emissions and fuel consumption data obtained. Fuel consumption and nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and total hydrocarbon emissions correlated well with typical levels and the manufacturer's certifications for this engine family. Analysts also compared engine control module fuel consumption data to coriolis meter fuel consumption data, and found reasonable agreement at high power settings. The in-use data also allowed evaluation of fuel consumption and emissions profiles over entire vehicle duty cycles. This provides indicators to help train operators and plan mine layouts to minimize driving conditions where high emissions or fuel consumption occur.