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LIFE AUTO: Demonstration and validation of an innovative automatic fuel additives system for the diesel fuel (LIFE AUTO)
Start date: Jul 1, 2013, End date: Jun 30, 2017 PROJECT  FINISHED 

Background The implementation of more stringent European diesel exhaust emission standards (e.g. EURO 5 and EURO 6) forces the automotive industry to use the Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) technology that is common in passenger cars in Europe. To enhance DPF regeneration, one of the main technologies uses an ‘on board’ fuel additive, called Fuel Borne Catalyst (FBC). In addition, post EURO 6 (EURO 6.c and the future EURO 7) will impose additional durability requirements to make the automotive industry develop clean vehicles, including vehicles running on biodiesel fuels from different sources. As things stand, increased use of biofuels may have side effects on the fuel injection system (e.g. deposit or even fouling / coking of key parts), reducing engine performance (increased pollution and fuel consumption), reliability and durability. As a result, a new technology is required to allow diesel engines to adapt to current and future EU emissions standards (better DPF regeneration, higher acceptance of biofuels). Objectives The project will demonstrate the feasibility of a unique, environmentally-friendly system (combining chemistry, hardware and software), replacing the current diesel fuel filter, additive tank, dosing pump and electronic controller unit. It will improve fuel efficiency and compatibility with biofuels and reduce emissions of diesel engines: Project actions will be divided into two main phases. Firstly, the beneficiary will seek to define the best option for improved engine performance (fuel consumption and emissions) and protecting the fuel circuit elements. Based on these options the molecules will be chosen and the chemical formulation calculated. One of the main goals will be to increase the stability of biofuels through improved resistance to oxidation. Secondly, the project will then combine the fuel dosage system and additives into so-called 'Bprototypes', that will be made according to real engine specifications and tested on full-scale test fleets to demonstrate the full scope of the environmental benefits in the real-world. Expected results: Outcomes are anticipated to lead to the development of new fuel additives to overcome biofuel issues such as clogging of key elements of the engine and reduced performance. The new system will increase the efficiency and durability of the most advanced exhaust after-treatment technologies (DPF). This should offer opportunities for significantly improving the automotive industry’s environmental performance (increasing DPF regeneration reliability, reducing fuel consumption and limiting emissions and pollutants to keep the fuel injection system and components clean). This process will lead to a substantial reduction of GHG emissions and will maintain the attractiveness of diesel vehicles in comparison with alternative powertrain technologies, such as gasoline, hybrid and electrical vehicles. Specifically, it will: Allow the automotive industry to meet the EU targets for 2015 and 2020 (130 and 95 gCO2/km) at lower cost, inducing a faster market uptake;Enable use of biodiesel and renewable fuels (up to 10% by 2020 in Europe and up to 30% in the vehicle fleet operators) for a CO2 emission reduction of 4-12 CO2/km; Save 3-5% of fuel in urban driving conditions through the use of the fuel additive technology in combination with the Catalysed-DPF (CO2 reduction of c. 7 gCO2/km); and Increase high combustion efficiency by 3-5% (equivalent to 5-7 gCO2/km) with the use of the deNOX catalyst (from EURO 6).Based on the potential of 10 gCO2/km emissions reduction per car, some 1.36 million tonnes of CO2 could be saved in Europe for an annual diesel car production of 8 million and an estimated European annual mileage of 17 000 km.

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