Gourt > Science > Environment > Energy > Emissions Controls
Automobile emissions control covers all the technologies that are employed to reduce the air pollution-causing emissions produced by automobiles. Exhaust emissions control systems were first required on 1966 model year vehicles produced for sale in the state of California, followed by the United States as a whole in model year 1968. Their use became widespread in the following decades and now they are ubiquitous in industrialised nations and common in most others.
Emissions controls have been highly successful in reducing the emissions produced by motor vehicles in terms of quantity per distance traveled. However, substantial increases in the distance traveled by each vehicle, and equally substantial increases in the number of vehicles in use, have meant that the overall reduction in pollution has been much slower.
The emissions produced by a vehicle fall into two basic categories:
- Tailpipe emissions: This is what most people think of when they think of vehicle air pollution; the products of burning fuel in the vehicle's engine, emitted from the vehicle's exhaust system. The major pollutants emitted include:
- Hydrocarbons: this class is made up of unburned or partially burned fuel, and is a major contributor to urban smog, as well as being toxic.
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx): These are generated when nitrogen in the air reacts with oxygen under the high temperature and pressure conditions inside the engine. NOx emissions contribute to both smog and acid rain.
- Carbon monoxide (CO): a product of incomplete combustion, carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen and are dangerous to people with heart disease.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2): although this is a product of the complete combustion of hydrocarbons, is plentiful in the atmosphere, has no immediate harmful effects to humans and is essential to plant life, emissions of carbon dioxide are considered a pollutant because it is a significant greenhouse gas and increasing its levels in the atmosphere is thought by many to be a contributor to global warming.
- Evaporative emissions: These are produced from the evaporation of fuel, and are a large contributor to urban smog, since these heavier molecules stay closer to ground level. Fuel tends to evaporate in these ways:
- Gas tank venting: the heating of the vehicle as the temperature rises from the night-time temperature to the hottest temperatures of the day mean that gasoline in the tank evaporates, increasing the pressure inside the tank above atmospheric pressure. This pressure must be relieved, and before emissions control it was simply vented into the atmosphere.
- Running losses: the escape of gasoline vapors from the hot engine.
- Refuelling losses: these can cause a lot of hydrocarbon vapor emission. The empty space inside a vehicle's tank is filled with hydrocarbon gases, and as the tank is filled, these gases are forced out into the atmosphere. In addition, there is loss from further evaporation and fuel spillage.
Air Quality :: Environment
Vehicle :: Equipment and Supplies
Fuel :: Engine
Scientists Gear Up To Decode Cassava Genome
Thu, 31 Aug 2006 06:33:00 -0000
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2006/060830.htm?pf=1 Efforts to sequence the genome of cassava, a staple food for millions of people worldwide, could yield the genetic keys to unlocking new traits for improved yield, more protein and even novel industrial applications—like putting fuel in the gas tank.
The Last Straw? Making Gas From Crop Residue
Thu, 31 Aug 2006 06:27:00 -0000
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2006/060831.htm?pf=1 The Pacific Northwest grass seed industry that provides seed for lush lawns for homes, parks and golf courses also produces millions of tons of straw every year. Agricultural Research Service researchers in Corvallis, OR and Wyndmoor, PA are developing technology for converting that straw into synthetic gas that can be used to produce electricity or liquid fuel.
A Renewable-Energy Update from Agriculture
Thu, 24 Aug 2006 10:27:00 -0000
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/aug06/energy0806.htm Texas and Minnesota are striving to become leaders in renewable energy use—relying on everything from wind power to hydrogen fuel.
Energy and Agriculture
Thu, 10 Aug 2006 12:21:00 -0000
http://www.usda.gov/documents/Farmbill07energy.pdf As one of the 2007 Farm Bill theme papers, this document describes the current role of U.S. agriculture in energy production and efforts to conserve energy use in agriculture, discusses and evaluates energy programs administered by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and concludes with a discussion of general policy approaches associated with energy and agriculture. The Executive Summary is located at http://www.usda.gov/documents/Farmbill07energysum.pdf
New Bioenergy Research Centers
Mon, 07 Aug 2006 08:01:00 -0000
http://www.acore.org/programs/eventscalendar.php American Council on Renewable Energy Calendar.
Energy
Global Slowdown and Rising Food Prices Implications for South Asia
B-SPAN Washington, D.C. On April 24th, 2008, the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN), on behalf of the World Bank, presented a panel discussion on the recent rise in food prices and its impact on South Asia. Juan Blazquez Ancin, Knowledge Management Officer with the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN), opened the session with an introduction of the moderator, Syed Ejaz Ghani, the Economic Advisor for the World Banks Asia Poverty Reduction Economic Management Network (PREM). The event featured four additional speakers, each of whom shared their ideas and suggestions on current trends and the potential consequences. Notable attendees participating via videoconference were groups from offices in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.
The EastEast Corridor The Growing Middle EastAsia Energy Relationship and Capital Flows
B-SPAN On June 10th, 2008, the World Bank Institute Oil, Gas, and Mining Policy Division (COCPO), sponsored a panel discussion entitled The EastEast Corridor The Growing Middle East Asia Energy Relationship and Capital Flows. Chaired by Paulo de Sa, Sector Manager in the Oil, Gas and Mining Policy Division of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the event was the second in a series of World Bank sponsored workshops highlighting trade flows and foreign investment within important regions.
3. Closing Session and TakeAway Messages
B-SPAN The session Closing and Takeaway messages was moderated by Pamela Cox, Vice President of the Latin America and Caribbean Region of the World Bank and featured the following panelists Robert Weiner, Tom Fearnley, and Marciel Grodzicki.
2. Lunchtime Session with Guy Caruso
B-SPAN Arvind Gupta, Lead Financial Sector Specialist at the World Bank, introduced the main speaker, Guy Caruso, noting the many different perspectives Caruso brings to the topic of oil price volatility. Caruso, an Administrator in the Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the United States Energy Department, stated that the EIA periodically publishes reports on the subject on the state of the world oil market and provides analysis for hypothetical policy scenarios.
1. Opening Session
B-SPAN The high and volatile oil prices pose a serious threat to financial sector stability and growth in todays global economy. Developing countries are most at risk, and the poorest people stand to suffer more as food prices increase with rising energy costs. The potential for instability has led policymakers to seek to understand how oilprice dynamics will continue to develop in the near future. To explore these issues, the World Bank Institute and the George Washington University jointly held the global finance forum entitled Oil Price Volatility, Economic Impacts, and Financial Management RiskManagement Experience, Best Practice, and Outlook in Washington D.C. on March 10 and 11 of 2008.
Financing Energy Efficiency Lessons from Brazil, China, India and Beyond
B-SPAN Todays world faces an ever growing environmental challenge. The rapidly escalating increase in both energy prices and greenhouse gas emissions is a global issue. Furthermore, demand for energy from China, India and Brazil is surging. On February 27, 2008, the book Financing Energy Efficiency Lessons from Brazil, China, India, and Beyond , was launched at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C. The books author and a panel of experts explained how without significant gains from energy efficiency efforts, China, India and Brazil will more than double their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions within a single human generation.
U.S. Department of Energy - Press Releases
Researcher Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Is Co-Winner of 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:00:00 -0000
WASHINGTON, DC – Under Secretary for Science Orbach congratulates Osamu Shimomura, Martin Chalfie and Roger Y. Tsien for co-winning the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for transforming a green fluorescent protein from jellyfish into one of the most important tools of molecular biology that researchers now use to watch such previously invisible processes as the development of nerve cells in the brain or how cancer cells are formed.
Statement from DOE’s Chief Spokesperson Andrew Beck Regarding Delivery of Strategic Petroleum Reserve Oil
Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 -0000
WASHINGTON, DC - DOE is delivering 100,000 barrels of emergency exchange oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Alon USA’s Krotz Springs, Louisiana refinery.
DOE Announces Additional Steps in Developing Sustainable Biofuels Industry
Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:00 -0000
WASHINGTON - Secretary Bodman and Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer release the National Biofuels Action Plan (NBAP).
Fact Sheet: National Biofuels Action Plan
Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:00 -0000
In an effort to meet President Bush’s “Twenty in Ten” goal and meet the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) targets in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) the Biomass Research and Development Board (the Board)—co-chaired by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the DOE—developed the National Biofuels Action Plan (NBAP) to accelerate the development of a sustainable biofuels industry.
Fact Sheet: Effects of Intermediate Ethanol Blends
Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:00 -0000
In August 2007, DOE initiated a test program to assess the potential impacts of higher intermediate ethanol blends on conventional vehicles and other engines that rely on gasoline.
USDA & DOE Release National Biofuels Action Plan
Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:00:00 -0000
WASHINGTON - Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Ed Schafer and Secretary Bodman releases the National Biofuels Action Plan (NBAP), an interagency plan detailing the collaborative efforts of Federal agencies to accelerate the development of a sustainable biofuels industry.
Green Power Network - RSS Feed
Hosting.com a “Green Energy Champion”
Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Santa Clara Univ. Expands RE Purchase
Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0600
New Green Pricing Programs in West Virginia
Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0600
TECO Introduces Green Event Product
Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0600
DU Buys Wind Certificates
Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Georgia Power Gains Approval to Expand Green Pricing Options
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Georgia Power, the largest subsidiary of Southern Company serving 2.3 million customers in Georgia, has gained approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) to expand its green pricing program to include additional options for customers. The re-design is intended to provide a more cost-effective option for both residential and commercial customers. Under the re–vamped program, residential customers can now purchase green power in 100-kWh increments at 3.5¢/kWh above the standard rate, which is 1¢/kWh less than the previous offering. The modified Green Energy product will be all biomass, primarily from the Seminole Landfill in DeKalb County, and will contain no solar or wind energy at this time. In addition, customers now have the option to purchase a "premium" renewable energy product that includes at least 2% solar power. The price for the premium product is 4.5¢/kWh above the standard rate. The redesigned program also includes a large volume discount available to customers that buy more than 40,000 kWh of green energy per month at the regular price of 3.5¢/kWh over the standard rate. Georgia Power will contract individually with each customer to determine the price, quantity, term and source of the additional green energy. The program now also includes a special events option for supplying renewable energy to music concerts, business conferences, or other one-time events. The new program is expected to go into effect by the end of 2008. News Release - PSC Approves Revamped Georgia Power Green Energy Program; Assignment of 3-1-1 Service to Cobb County for Non-emergency Government Services ...
EERE Network News
Economic Stabilization Bill Includes Clean Energy Tax Incentives
Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700
The $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, signed into law last week, extended and enhanced critical tax credits and financing relating to renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Continuing Resolution Includes $25 Billion in Automakers Loans
Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700
A bill signed by President Bush to keep the government running provides funds for DOE to provide $25 billion in loans to support the production of advanced technology vehicles. The bill also boosts weatherization funding by $250 million and provides $175 million for hazardous fuels reduction.
DOE Awards $83.3 Million to Develop a Sustainable Biofuels Industry
Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700
DOE and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have released a plan to develop a sustainable fuels industry, which DOE is already backing up with an $83.3 million investment in fermentation and pyrolysis technologies. A DOE study also shows no significant performance impacts from ethanol fuel blends.
Michigan Requires 10% Renewable Electricity by 2015
Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Michigan has joined the growing ranks of states with a renewable portfolio standard (RPS). The Michigan RPS requires 10% renewable power by 2015, and the bill also includes energy efficiency requirements and other measures to encourage renewable energy development in Michigan.
GM and Porsche Win the American Le Mans Green Challenge
Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700
General Motors Corporation (GM) and Porsche AG are the inaugural winners of the Green Challenge at the Petit Le Mans, which was held on October 4 in Georgia. For GM, the Corvette Racing team gained an advantage by fueling primarily with ethanol generated from waste wood.
New DOE Campaign Encourages Consumers to "Stay Warm, Save Money"
Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700
DOE launched the "Stay Warm, Save Money" campaign to help consumers be more energy efficient and save on their energy costs this winter. The new Web site includes no-cost and low-cost energy-saving tips, financial assistance information, an energy-themed blog, and more.
Association for Emissions Control by Catalyst - Information on catalytic converters and related topics, from the international association of European companies making technologies for automobile exhaust emissions control.
Meta Description: [ Introduction to AECC, to its role in the control of engine and vehicle emissions and to technologies for emissions including catalysts, filters and adsorbers ]
BP Cleaner Fuels - About BP's initiatives to introduce cleaner fuels to help improve air quality in 40 of the world's most polluted cities.
Canwell Enviro-Industries Ltd. - Specialize in the removal of H2S (hydrogen sulfide) from sales gas, fuel gas, vent gas, flare gas, sour condensate, oil and water applications.
Meta Description: [ Canwell Enviro-Industries Ltd. has been specializing in H2S treatment for more than 15 years. Supported by the natural gas industry and aided by continuing
research and development, we have developed processes for economically removing low levels of H2S and mercaptans from produced natural gas ... ]
Compu-NOx - Describes and offers a new combustion control technology that provides an alternative to low NOx burner retrofit for attaining compliance with emission standards on industrial and power utility boilers.
Meta Description: [ Benz Air Engineering's patented Compu-NOx combustion control is the most accurate and simple control system on the market. This approach is the only Low NOx control system that provides a return on investment through higher efficiency. ]
Environmental Energy Services (EES) - Fuel additives, advanced treatment systems, gas analyzers, and other products and services for enhancing combustion efficiency and reducing emissions.
Meta Description: [ Environmental Energy Services provider of high-quality industrial fuel additives ]
Pollution Controls for Power Plants - U.S. DOE program to develop new technologies for reducing air pollution and from existing coal-powered electric generation stations.
Meta Description: [ Overview of DOE's program to develop new emission control systems for existing and future power plants. ]
Reinhold Environmental - Seminars, users' groups, newsletter, and workshops on utility industry environmental concerns, particularly air emissions from combustion.
Rentar Fuel Catalyst - Describes a patented technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. (Fuel catalyst primarily for diesel engines in trucks, stationary engines, and large diesel engine vessels).
500
Simple system may curb auto emissions - Article about onboard gasoline distillation, an innovative patented concept to reduce vehicular hydrocarbon pollution.
Meta Description: [ Researchers have developed a four-component system that acts like an on-vehicle oil refinery and may help significantly reduce the hydrocarbon emissions from internal combustion engines. ]
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