Search Results

The introduction of the three way catalyst (TWC) has considerably reduced emissions from gasoline fueled cars. Most of the pollutants from these cars are emitted during the cold start period. At lower ambient temperatures (below +20°C), as in the Northern part of Europe, these emissions increase considerably. In Sweden engine block heaters, mostly in combination with compartment heaters, are often used to increase the driver's comfort. The increased engine temperature also reduces emissions. Block heaters are also suitable for after-market installations, and can thus reduce emissions from in-use cars. This paper reports the investigations of the effects of a block heater on emissions and fuel consumption. It was decided to conduct tests on three types of light duty vehicles: cars with TWC, cars without TWC, and one car with very low emissions (i.e. TLEV). The cars were tested according to the FTP-75 test procedure at +22, +5 and -15°C ambient temperature.

Tests have been performed on California certified vehicle concepts in the Studsvik laboratory of AB Svensk Bilprovning (the Swedish Vehicle Inspection Company). The tests have been part of the test program performed for the national Swedish environment protection board. In this study the aim was to record the emission and fuel economy performance of the best available emission control technology on the market for a proposal on more stringent emission requirements. All the vehicles were supplied with electrical block heaters with a power rating of about 0.5 kW. This report concentrates on emission results from cold weather starting compared to starting at 22°C, and using blockheater as a mean of lowering emissions at subzero starts.