Airshed model evaluation of reactivity adjustment factors calculated with the maximum incremental reactivity scale for transitional-low emission vehicles

Mcnair, LA; Russell, AG; Odman, MT; Croes, BE; Kao, L

HERO ID

38687

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1994

HERO ID 38687
In Press No
Year 1994
Title Airshed model evaluation of reactivity adjustment factors calculated with the maximum incremental reactivity scale for transitional-low emission vehicles
Authors Mcnair, LA; Russell, AG; Odman, MT; Croes, BE; Kao, L
Journal Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association
Volume 44
Issue 7
Page Numbers 900-907
Abstract The California Air Resources Board recently adopted regulations for light-and medium-duty vehicles that require reductions in the ozone-forming potential or reactivity, rather than the mass, of nonmethane organic gas (NMOG) emissions. The regulations allow sale of all alternatively fueled vehicles (AFVs) that meet NMOG exhaust emission standards equivalent in reactivity to those set for vehicles fueled with conventional gasoline. Reactivity adjustment factors (RAFs), the ratio of the reactivity (per gram) of the AFV exhaust to that of the conventionally fueled vehicle (CFV), are used to correct the stringent exhaust emission standards. Complete chemical speciation of the exhaust and conversion of each NMOG species to an appropriate mass of ozone using the maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) scale of Carter1 determines the RAF. The MIR approach defines reactivity where NMOG control is the most effective strategy in reducing ozone concentrations, and assumes it is not important to define reactivity at other conditions, i.e., where NO(x) is the limiting precursor. <br> <br>This study used the Carnegie/California Institute of Technology airshed model to evaluate whether the RAF-adjusted AFV emissions result in ozone impacts equivalent to those of CFV emissions. A matrix of two ozone episodes in the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB) of California, two base emission inventories, and exhaust emissions from three alternative fuels that meet the first level of the low emission vehicle standards bounds the expected range of conditions. Although very good agreement was found previously for individual NMOG species,2 this study noted deviations of up to +/-15 percent from the equal ozone impacts for any vehicle/fuel combination required by the California regulations. These deviations appear to be attributable to differences in spatial and temporal patterns of emissions between vehicle fleets, rather than a problem with the MIR approach, The first formally adopted RAF, a value of 0.41 for 85 percent methanol/15 percent gasoline-fueled vehicles, includes a 1 0 percent increase based on the airshed modeling. The correction to the RAF is different for other fuels and may be different for air basins other than the SoCAB.
Wosid WOS:A1994NX44800007
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments J. Air Waste Manage. Assoc. 44: 900-907.
Is Public Yes
Is Qa No