Impact of Biodiesel Fuels on Air Quality and Human Health: Task 1 Report. Incorporate Biodiesel Data into Vehicle Emissions Databases for Modeling

摘要

Biodiesel fuels have been investigated for a number of reasons, such as an extender for petroleum-based fuels derived from a domestic renewable energy source, but lately the primary interest is the potential for a more environmentally benign fuel. One potential benefit of biodiesel is that it can biologically degrade, making spills and leaks less of a concern. However, the potential for exhaust emission reductions and reductions in emissions toxicity are of the most interest. Several studies have shown that large reductions in hydrocarbon, particulate, and carbon monoxide emissions are expected from its use either as a neat fuel or as a blend with petroleum-derived fuels. There have been several studies regarding the effects of biodiesel fuels on exhaust emissions of NOx, VOC, CO, and particulate matter (PM). Almost all of these studies have examined emissions from heavy-duty diesel truck (HDDT) engines. However, the effects of biodiesel use on ambient air quality have not been quantified. Thus, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has retained ENVIRON International Corporation to estimate the air quality and resultant toxic impacts from the use of biodiesel fuels in several cities in the United States. This document is the Task 1 report for the NREL Impact of Biodiesel Fuels on Air Quality and Human Health study. This report provides a discussion and analysis of the available biodiesel test data, and makes recommendations for how biodiesel effects on pollutant mass emissions as well as chemical composition should be incorporated into emission inventories for use in air quality modeling.