Zemo appointed to lead three-year DfT research programme into emissions from auxiliary engines in HGVs
Sun 25 September 2022
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Zemo Partnership has been chosen by the Department for Transport to lead a three-year project to inform policy for reducing harmful emissions arising from the use of ancillary engines used in heavy vehicles such as auxiliary transport refrigeration units.
With tailpipe pollutant emissions from heavy vehicles falling quickly as the latest Euro VI regulations take full effect and the emergence of zero tailpipe emission HGVs, efforts to improve air quality and CO2 emissions are widening towards other sources such as construction equipment and ancillary engines used for purposes other than vehicle propulsion. These engines are categorised under the general term 'non-road mobile machinery' (NRMM) but, in many cases, the emissions are generated on the road.
In 2021 Zemo published research showing that diesel-powered auxiliary transport refrigeration units (auxTRUs) used in the cold chain distribution system make a significant contribution to transport-related greenhouse gas emissions and have an even greater impact on polluting emissions of NOx and particles.
Most existing auxiliary engine applications combust diesel to provide the power and energy needed, often without comprehensive exhaust after-treatment to reduce toxic pollutants and with commensurate emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
The first phase of the project will involve the testing of at least one new auxiliary TRU and extend baseline testing to include at least one other manufacturer. All three units tested to date have been from the same supplier, so testing of competitor models will ensure the baseline evidence base is more fully representative of the in-service fleet.
The study will also gather more comprehensive and nationally/regionally representative data on typical auxTRU operations and duty cycles to inform test process development and allow greater confidence in making overall fleet environmental impact estimates.
The work will evaluate the emissions savings potential of alternative technologies and fuels. As well as enhancing understanding of the environmental impacts of the key incumbent technologies, there will be a growing need to understand the potential for alternative solutions through like-for-like testing and in-service assessments.
The project will build on recent Zemo activity in this area by:
• developing a comprehensive baseline emissions evidence base
• strengthening emissions test protocols
• evaluating the emissions saving potential of alternative technologies and fuels
• providing market-ready information to help operators switch to low and zero emission technologies
Zemo will be engaging with a range of relevant members and stakeholders to support and inform the study.
For more information and/or to express interest in being involved, please contact Zemo Partnership.
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