Renewable Fuel: Assessing VOC and Particle Emission Reduction in a Hybrid Diesel Engine

Transportation remains a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions, with road transport being the largest source. While electrification advances, additional mitigation strategies are needed to meet emission reduction targets. This study investigates how particle and trace gas emissions change when using renewable diesel fuel compared to fossil diesel in a hybrid engine. Measurements were conducted at Tampere University's Hybrid Engine Research Platform (HERPA), utilizing a comprehensive instrument fleet including FTIR spectroscopy, particle sizing, and Vocus PTR mass spectrometry for volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis. The renewable biodiesel, produced from waste fats and oils, demonstrated significant emission reductions compared to conventional diesel. During standardized RMC-C1 test cycles, the renewable fuel achieved approximately 30% lower particle emissions and showed reduced trace gas levels, including a threefold reduction in SO₂ emissions due to lower sulfur content in the fuel. While both fuels exhibited similar qualitative emission patterns during engine operation, the renewable fuel consistently produced lower emissions across multiple pollutant categories. These findings demonstrate that renewable diesel offers substantial emission reduction benefits beyond CO₂, presenting a viable pathway for cleaner transportation solutions.