Development and validation of comprehensive emission measurement methods for alternative fuels at VTT

Emission measurement methods have been developed for vehicles using traditional fuels, and they do not necessarily suit, or are not sufficient, for alternative fuels and technologies. New fuels, engines and emission control devices may lead to alterations in the exhaust gas composition, and to the formation of new emission species. Due to the tight emission regulations, emissions have decreased and their quantitative analysis has become more challenging. Therefore, in addition to improving and developing of the traditional analysis methods, it has also become essential to find new comprehensive analysis methods and principles to evaluate for exhaust gas emissions. The aim of this project was to review, improve, develop, and validate emission measurement methods for more comprehensive characterization and impact assessment of the exhaust gas emissions from low-emitting cars and vehicles using alternative fuels. For example, a new comprehensive method for the estimation of oxidative potential in particulate matter and the semivolatile organic samples was introduced (DTT assay), as well as, microAmes test for mutagenicity. Exhaust volume based dosing was developed instead of mass based dosing to enable testing of low-emitting cars with reasonable number of replicate tests. The methods were validated in the measurement campaign. New information was collected, and new methods and tests will be used in the future projects.