Journal of Engineering
and Public Policy
(Vol.
11, August 2007)
The Diesel Engine: An Existing Technology to
Address U.S. Passenger & Light-Duty Vehicle CO2 Emissions
By Lauren McIntire
SAE
International WISE 2007 Intern
ABSTRACT
Carbon Dioxide
(CO2) is a significant greenhouse gas (GHG) for which the U.S.
transportation sector was responsible for approximately 28% nationally
in 2005, of which 59.5% was contributed by the passenger and light-duty
vehicle class, making the class’ overall contribution 16.6%. Two
methods for decreasing CO2 emissions from autos are to (1) increase fuel
efficiency and (2) use low-carbon fuels. Addressing fuel economy can be
done via a variety of technical advancements while some low-carbon fuels
are already commercialized and others continue to receive research and
development (R&D); both methods may be supported by governmental
mandates.
This paper examines the application of existing diesel engine
technologies coupled with biodiesel fuel to the passenger and light-duty
vehicle class along with complimentary governmental implementation
strategies. The analysis demonstrates the immediate and potential
long-term success of implementing these strategies with respect to CO2
reductions, but advises that solutions presented here represent only a
portion of the overall effort required to minimize emissions to
desirable levels.
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Note: The
paper "The Diesel Engine: An Existing Technology to Address U.S.
Passenger & Light-Duty Vehicle CO2 Emissions" by Lauren
McIntire (Northern Arizona University) was prepared for the
Society of Automotive Engineers, which holds the copyright
and reserves all rights. The paper will be available for sale from the Society of Automotive Engineers. |
 WISE
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retain rights to their
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