Browsing by Author "Kittelson, David B."

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    Fine Particle (Nanoparticle) Emissions On Minnesota Highways
    (2001-05-01) Kittelson, David B.; Watts, Winthrop J.; Johnson, Jason P.
    This study examined the physical characteristics of combustion aerosols found on Minnesota highways. It emphasized the characterization of nanoparticles (less than 50 nm) with the goal of providing real-world data for the development of engine laboratory test methods. On-road particulate matter emissions ranged between 104 to 106 particles/cm3 with the majority of the particles by number being less than 50 nm in diameter. High-speed traffic produced high nanoparticle number concentrations and diesel traffic further increased number concentrations. At high vehicular speeds, particulate matter emissions increase because of higher engine load and fuel consumption. Measurements made at speeds less than 20 mph showed lower number but higher volume concentrations and larger particles. Measurements made 10-30 m from the highway in residential areas approached on-road concentrations with similar size distributions and high concentrations of nanoparticles. Lower concentrations and larger particles were observed in residential areas 500 to 700 m from the highway. Fuel specific and particle/mi emission rates were estimated from data collected on two different days. The particle/mi emissions were about an order of magnitude greater than published figures but mass emission rates compared well with published values. However, colder temperatures, different dilution and sampling conditions and different instrumentation could explain our increased estimates.
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    Minnesota Low Carbon Fuels Standard Study
    (2011-06) Taff, Steven J.; Apland, Jeffrey; Kittelson, David B.; Smith, Timothy M.
    Under a Minnesota Department of Commerce, Office of Energy Security contract, the University of Minnesota investigated and developed modeling and analytical frameworks with available data in order to compare the greenhouse gas, economic, and environmental implications of various low carbon fuel standards (LCFS) policies for vehicles operated on Minnesota public roads. This report provides findings of work performed under this contract. A low carbon fuels standard (LCFS) would require any person producing, refining, blending, or importing transportation fuels in Minnesota to reduce these fuels' average carbon intensity (AFCI), measured across the full fuel cycle: feedstock extraction, production, transport, storage, and use. An LCFS is expected to lower overall emissions from the transportation fleet. The framework was used in part to analyze a performance-based LCFS that measures progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis and the economic and environmental impacts on each transportation fuel and production pathway as compared to the state's current policies to replace gasoline consumption with 20 percent ethanol by 2013, and to replace diesel consumption with 20 percent biodiesel by 2015.
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    An On-Board Emissions and Performance Measurement System (OEPMS) for Measuring Carbon Monoxide Emission During Cold Starting
    (Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1999-05) Johnson, Jason P.; Kittelson, David B.
    This report describes the results of a project to develop an on-board emissions and performance measurement system (OEPMS) for the quantification of carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. Researchers measured emissions from a 1990, 2.5 liter TBI engine passenger automobile over a typical suburb-to-city commute in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. As a test of the OEPMS, researchers measured CO emissions during cold weather cold starts and commutes at temperatures characteristic of the area's winter weather. Open-loop and closed-loop emissions of CO were measured and compared. Additionally, the effectiveness of magnetic-type block heaters was examined. Tests with the OEPMS provided a wide range of results. The OEPMS proved very durable and easily adaptable for a wide variety of testing. The OEPMS holds promise for future research into fuels, emissions reducing technologies, regulations, and commute habits in real world situations.
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    Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Transportation Sources in Minnesota
    (University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies, 2008-06) Boies, Adam; Kittelson, David B.; Watts, Winthrop J.; Lucke, Jan; McGinnis, Laurie; Marshall, Julian; Patterson, Tyler; Nussbaum, Peter; Wilson, Elizabeth
    The 2007 Minnesota Next Generation Energy Act established goals for reducing statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 15% by 2015, 30% by 2025, and 80% by 2050, relative to 2005 levels. This report investigates strategies for meeting those reductions in Minnesota?s transportation sector, which produces approximately 24% of total state GHG emissions. The study focuses on three types of emission-reduction strategies: those that improve vehicle fuel economy, those that reduce the number of vehicle-miles traveled, and others that decrease the carbon content of fuel. The researchers used a quantitative model to test the effectiveness of specific strategies for GHG emission reduction from transportation in Minnesota. Modeled scenario outcomes depend strongly on input assumptions, and lead us to the following three main conclusions. 1. Meeting state goals will require all three types of policies. For example, Minnesota could adopt a GHG emissions standard, a low-carbon fuel standard, and comprehensive transit and Smart Growth policies. 2. Technologies are available today to substantially improve fuel economy and vehicle GHG emissions. Requiring these technologies could save Minnesota consumers money and better insulate them from oil price volatility. 3. Changes in vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) have a strong impact on whether the goals can be met, and increases in VMT can offset GHG reductions. Overall, the research indicates that the goals can be met, but achieving them requires consistent and concerted action beginning immediately.
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    A Smaller Carbon Footprint: Research Suggests Combining Strategies to Meet Legislative Goals in the Transportation Sector
    (University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies, 2008-06) Boies, Adam; Kittelson, David B.; Watts, Winthrop J.; Lucke, Jan; McGinnis, Laurie; Marshall, Julian; Nussbaum, Peter; Wilson, Elizabeth
    The 2007 Minnesota Next Generation Energy Act established goals for reducing statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 15% by 2015, 30% by 2025, and 80% by 2050, relative to 2005 levels. This document summarizes a longer report which investigates strategies for meeting those reductions in Minnesota's transportation sector, which produces approximately 24% of total state GHG emissions.