VITO studying the environmental impact of biofuels for transport and public service vehicles

At the request of the Department of the Environment, Nature and Energy of the Flemish authorities, the VITO (Flemish Institute for Technological Research) analyzed the consumption and emission of three types of service vehicles using the pure vegetable oil (HVP) in comparison with vehicles running on B5 biodiesel and diesel.

For both vehicles, the choice of the HVP is more environments friendly. The HVP generates less CO2 and its use represents a considerable reduction in the emission of particles. However, the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) remains high. The rate of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons is variable, but is well below the current European standards.

The 3rd type of 4x4 vehicles using a biofuel presents a rather negative environment, which is probably due to the fuel injection system. For the three vehicles, VITO measured a high level (up to 15%) of biofuels compared to diesel.

Consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of vehicles using respectively the HVP, diesel, biodiesel and biodiesel blends several were compared from the same trip. As with other vehicles, there was an excess of 15% for biofuels.

The use of biodiesel results in CO2 emissions significantly lower than for diesel. At the level of emissions of hydrocarbons and particulate matter, biofuels are more environmentally friendly. Scientists have also found an emission of nitrogen oxides higher for diesel compared to biofuels. This result contrasts with previous measurements made by the VITO.

A few years ago, De Lijn has transformed some of the buses to run to HPV. This study should conclude with an interest in the environment of a transition to biofuel for all bus De Lijn. In May 2008 the Minister Kathleen Van Brempt, had suspended the use of biofuels for De Lijn buses following the growing controversy concerning the environmental impact of biodiesel. She said that "biofuels will be reintroduced when that proved that their production respects the environment and helping to tackle emissions of greenhouse gases."

The HVP is a generic term to describe oils from seeds containing oil such as rapeseed. This oil comes from cold seeds, filtered and is ready for use without further treatment.

The HVP can be used as fuel for cars, trucks, tractors and ships. It must be preheated before use; the preheating is done in a conversion kit that allows a diesel engine running with the HVP. Most biodiesel is often blended with diesel fuels, such as biodiesel B5 contains 5% biodiesel.

VITO, Flemish Institute of Technology develops sustainable technologies in the field of energy, environment and materials for both public and private sectors. It provides innovative solutions to increase the competitiveness of enterprises and carries out consultancy to government and industry in establishing their strategic policy. His work focuses among others on the vehicle and fuel technologies, environmental toxicology, remote sensing and earth observation.
Environmental protection, monitoring the effects of climate change and promoting the rational use of energy and raw materials represent the essence of all projects of the institute.

For more information: http://www.vito.be/VITO/EN/HomepageAdmin/Home/Nieuws/Persbericht/

Category: