An Independent Emissions Testing Lab recently tested the effects of a Webasto coolant heater on the emissions performance of a diesel engine. To simulate different temperature conditions during the seasonal changes and the effect caused by the Webasto heater, boundary conditions to the test engine were set at 40 F and 75 F during separate test runs.
Emissions testing using an AC transient engine dynamometer was performed to determine the effect of engine start-up temperature on PM, HC and CO emissions on a 2005 DT466 engine using an FTP Transient cycle with a Webasto Thermo Top C 5 Kw coolant heater. Emissions data shows that the start-up temperature has a significant effect on the engine emissions and overall performance of DPFs.
Results Summary*:
- Engine start-up temperature has a significant impact on the emissions levels emitted by the engine.
- PM emissions were reduced by 66% by pre-heating the engine during the cold weather conditions. Pre-heating also provided a 27% reduction in PM emissions during normal ambient conditions. This will help in longevity of the DPF life and can avoid more frequent regenerations and cleaning intervals.
- NOx emissions were reduced by around 40% by pre-heating the engine to 155 F.
- The test results shows a 29% reduction in CO during winter conditions, and a 62% reduction during normal ambient conditions.
- Pre-heating the engine does not have a significant effect on the Hydrocarbon emissions.
*Source: ESW America Inc. Results will vary based on engine size, duty cycle and overall maintenance. FTP Cycles ran did not follow all the CFR testing requirements as test cell conditions were controlled to represent cold conditions.
Webasto officials willingly share the results and state, “The independent testing results show that pre-heating engines improves DPF performance and longevity along with extending the duration between cleaning cycles on engines that do not run a heavy-duty cycle. Even engines in warm climates of 70 to 80 F (for example) are not completely warm until they reach 130 F and higher for optimal performance. Webasto coolant heaters provide optimal temperature at start-up.”
