Measurement and Evaluation of Fuels and Technologies for Passenger Rail Service in North Carolina

The purpose of this project is to measure a baseline for fuel use and emission rates on the rebuilt or replaced engines on each locomotive in the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division fleet, using ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel; measure real-world, in-use “over-the-rail” activity, fuel use, and emissions for service between Raleigh and Charlotte; assess the avoided fuel use and emissions from substitution of automobile trips with rail service based on real-world data obtained in this research for the train service and real-world highway vehicle data obtained in recent previous research; and conduct an evaluation of the emissions implications of B20 biodiesel versus ULSD using a life cycle inventory approach that takes into account the fuel cycle, as well as locomotive emissions. The methodology features the use of portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS). The results of this project will enable the NCDOT Rail Division to accurately assess the fuel use and emissions benefits of the engine rebuilds and replacements, the use of alternative fuel, and the energy and emissions benefits of passenger rail service compared to the avoided highway vehicle usage. These data can be used to identify priorities for further emission reduction measures, if needed, and to claim credit for the energy and environmental benefits of rail transportation. These data and information will be useful to the NCDOT Rail Division as the basis for determining the energy and emissions benefits of B20 and of rail versus highway transportation and, thus, as an input to prioritizing future activity pertaining to asset management and community relations.