Operating Performance of a Tractor Engine of Emissions Standard EU IV in Biodiesel Operation

by Thomas Sadlowski, Volker Wichmann, Bert Buchholz and Markus Winkler (ATZ OffHighway) The use of pure biofuels in agricultural machinery offers the opportunity to reduce the use of fossil fuels. These engines are largely fuelled by self-consumption gas stations.

Based on the introduction of new emission standards at the beginning of the decade it was determined that the engines have to comply with the emission limits regardless of the used fuel. At the Chair of Piston Engines and Internal Combustion Engines (LKV) of the University of Rostock it was investigated to what extent modern diesel engines for agricultural machinery are suitable for long-term operation with biodiesel fuel according to EN 14214.

Due to their high energy density, mainly liquid fuels of primarily fossil origin are used to power vehicles. In order to cut down the dependency on crude oil and greenhouse gas emissions at the same time, research has been carried out on alternative and renewable fuels for many years. With its action plan to promote biofuels, the EU Commission aims to replace 10 % of conventional fuels used throughout Europe with biogenic fuels by 2020. What is more, the Directive 2009/28/EC also stipulates a 10 % share of renewable energies in the transport sector, 5 % of which is to be produced from residual materials such as used fats [1].

A fleet operation with 100 % biodiesel (B100) in the agricultural sector is an approach that may significantly contribute to fulfilling the quota obligation. This is why this project aims to provide
the proof in principal for the suitability of 100 % biodiesel for operating series engines of the emissions standard EU IV (nonroad) for industrial and agricultural applications on a typical engine
used for agricultural purposes, the Deutz TCD 3.6.

In doing so, primarily the potential deactivations of the Exhaustgas Aftertreatment system (EAT system) due to fuel trace elements (P, K, Na, Ca, Mg) are being investigated in long-term operation.

Detailed analyses of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) include investigations regarding loading and continuous regeneration using the NO2-based CRT effect. To ensure there is a fault-free operation
for the end user with B100, the On-board Diagnostics (OBD) system function is also tested.
The main focus areas of the research project included: Firstly, an extensive functional test of the engine is carried out in stationary operation (C1 cycle and selected stationary load points) with
reference DF (DIN EN 590) and biodiesel (DIN EN 14214). The effect on the functionality of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system is also recorded and analyzed during this process. Furthermore,
a continuous test of 1000 operating hours is to provide information on the long-term durability of the engine and its EAT system.

The overall objective of the project is to gain general scientific insights into whether and under which conditions modern agricultural machines of the EU IV emission legislation (tantamount with
US emissions standard Tier 4 final) can be operated with biodiesel so that suitable and tested drive units will be available in good time for the use of B100 for agriculture purposes. READ MORE