BUS APPLICATION OF OXYGEN-ENRICHMENT TECHNOLOGY AND DIESEL-ELECTRIC HYBRID SYSTEMS

The amendments to the Clean Air Act (CAA) mandate very strict limits on particulate, smoke, and other emissions from city buses. The use of alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) or methanol, can help transit operators, such as the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), meet the mandated limits. However, the capital investment needed to convert the fueling infrastructure and buses is large, as is the expense of training personnel. If a clean diesel bus can be implemented with the help of oxygen-enrichment technology or a diesel-electric hybrid system, this large investment could be postponed for many years. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) initiated this project to evaluate the possibility of applying these technologies to CTA buses. Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) conducted a limited number of engine tests and computer analyses and concluded that both concepts are practical and will help in a "clean diesel" bus that can meet the mandated limits of the CAA amendments. The oxygen enrichment of combustion air depends on the availability of a compact and economical membrane separator. Because the technology for this critical component is still under development, it is recommended that an actual bus demonstration be delayed until prototype membranes are available. The hybrid propulsion system is ready for the demonstration phase, and it is recommended that the CTA and RTA commence planning for a bus demonstration.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsored by Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
• Corporate Authors:

  Argonne National Laboratory

  9700 South Cass Avenue
  Argonne, IL  United States  60439
• Authors:
  • Sekar, R R
  • MARR, W W
• Publication Date: 1993-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 72 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air quality management; Alternate fuels; Demonstration projects; Diesel fuels; Electric buses; Hybrid automobiles; Hybrid vehicles; Oxygen
• Identifier Terms: Clean Air Act
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00674097
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: ANL-ESD-TM-58
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 22 1995 12:00AM