Locomotive Biofuel Study – Rail Yard and Overthe Road Measurements Using PortableEmissions Measurement System

The emissions of three locomotive engines were measured with ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and multiple biofuel blends, including B10, B20, and B40. B20 biodiesel fuel reduced emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and particulate matter (PM). Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) were used to measure the exhaust concentrations and emission rates. Measurements were made on an EMD F59PHI and two EMD F59PH passenger locomotives, each with 3,000 hp, 2-stroke turbocharged EMD12-710 prime mover engines. There were no observed adverse impacts of biofuel use on engine wear, operability, or maintenance; however, the fuel has a limited impact on NOx emissions. Testing revealed that B20 biodiesel fuel led to the largest reductions in CO₂, CO, HC, and PM from railroad locomotives based on rail yard and over-the-rail measurements. This research demonstrates methods for rail yard and over the rail locomotive emissions measurements using PEMS, and these methods can be applied to address a wide variety of study objectives related to locomotives, fuels, duty cycles, emission controls, and others.