Specific engine performance and gaseous emissions characteristics of European test cycle and worldwide harmonized driving cycle for a heavy-duty diesel engine

This study compares the engine operating behavior and regulated gaseous emissions characteristics between the reference European cycles (ESC/ETC) and the worldwide harmonized driving cycles (WHSC/WHTC), which will be applied in the Euro VI heavy-duty diesel engine emissions regulations, for the diesel particulate filter (DPF) equipped Mercedes 12 L diesel engine. The speed and load distribution for two additional representative harmonized cycles which cover a more realistic operating range for a heavy duty engine were established to verify the engine performance over wide range of the cycle work, fuel consumption, and exhaust system temperature as well as engine coolant temperature for repeated validation tests. The WHTC, including an additional test with cold start and transient operation before the hot start, had a substantial influence on the THC, CO, NOx, and PM exhaust emissions levels because of the engine heat-up time and temperature rising characteristics of aftertreatment device. Moreover, the different engine operating conditions of the WHSC influenced on the specific engine performance and gaseous emissions behavior unlike those of the ESC. Finally, the statistical analysis results through repeated tests validated the stationary and transient cycles running at the fully warm-up condition, however, those of WHTC were closely dependent on the inclusion of cold start condition or aggressive acceleration gradient of engine speed and load trace.