Cleaner Diesel Engines Possible with First Major Breakthrough from Argonne'sTransportation Technology R&D Center

by Evelyn Brown, Office of Public Affairs, Argonne National Laboratory

On September 25, 1998, Energy SecretaryBill Richardson announced an energy and environmental breakthrough at Argonne that should enable diesel engines to operate cleaner and more efficiently.

The new technique controls fuel and oxygen levels in diesel engines and results in reduced particulate levels and decreased nitrogen oxide emissions simultaneously. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) is a precursor to ozone and contributes significantly to smog. The breakthrough technology increases engine power as well.

"This exciting, new clean diesel discovery is a major finding of Argonne's Transportation Technology R&D Center, which blends public- and private-sector talents and resources in pursuit of the common good," saidRichardson as part of dedication ceremonies for the center. "This center, this development, and this teamwork form a model for 21st century research and development."

Working with partners Electro-Motive Division of General Motors (EMD) and the research arm of the Association of American Railroads, Argonne found that changing oxygen levels and engine operating conditions improves the combustion process thereby lowering emissions. NOx emissions and particulates were reduced significantly.

"This research is an excellent example of government-industry partnerships, and the results are the first of many we expect from this transportation technology center," the Secretary said.

"The research on controlling emissions is only one part of Argonne's extensive transportation research and development program," said Harvey Drucker, Argonne associate director for energy and environmental science and technology. "This latest innovation should have a tremendous impact because of its widespread applications in the transportation industry."

Diesel engines are the most efficient internal combustion engines, but the smoke and particulate emissions have prevented them from becoming a "clean" propulsion system. Interest in Argonne's new technology is further heightened because it is expected to be more cost-effective than alternative exhaust control systems being developed.

"Industry/government partnerships such as this create innovative means of cost effective research which ultimately improves our end products," said R. W. Happel, vice president, General Motors and General Manager-EMD.

EMD also has a multi-year contract with Argonne's Transportation Technology R&D Center to improve the performance and emissions of its new four-stroke, 6,000-horsepower, direct-injection diesel locomotive "H-engine." In late 1996, Argonne opened its new Engine Research Facility to improve efficiency and emissions from the smallest vehicle diesel engines to those for high-horsepower railroad locomotives. The facility can handle full-size, multi-cylinder engines for locomotive and other transportation and utility applications powered by gasoline, diesel and alternative fuels.

Argonne is one of DOE's major laboratories conducting research on cleaner and more efficient technologies for the nation's transportation system. The Transportation Technology R&D Center at Argonne works closely with DOE's Office of Transportation Technology in the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles -- a government/industry initiative to create cleaner cars that operate at 80-miles-per-gallon -- and the truck research program. Diesel engines in both trucks and autos could benefit from Argonne's latest technology development effort.