GTI Tests Are Promising for Low-Emissions Engine Technology

DES PLAINES, Ill., Jan. 29, 2004 -- Independent testing performed by Gas Technology Institute (GTI) confirmed that the GreenGuard emissions control system for natural-gas-fueled reciprocating engines, a product of Attainment Technologies LLC, can significantly reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) exhaust emissions levels to meet California Air Resources Board (ARB) 2007 requirements.

Results from tests on an 820-kilowatt (kW) engine have researchers optimistic that, through further development and validation, the emissions reduction technology can be integrated into future reciprocating engine-based distributed energy (DE) and combined heating and power (CHP) applications.

"As part of GTI's strategy for developing low-emissions, high-efficiency, packaged DE and CHP systems," says John Kelly, GTI's Executive Director, Distributed Energy Applications Center, "we're looking at the GreenGuard system to bring packaged CHP systems into compliance with stringent emissions regulations, typical in regions throughout California, at a capital and operating cost much lower than conventional reduction techniques. Our tests indicate that the GreenGuard system can achieve significant emissions reductions for lean-burn engines."

GTI performed emissions testing across a range between 50-percent and 100- percent rated output (400 kW -- 820 kW). Corrected NOx concentration levels were less than three parts per million (ppm) with CO concentration levels below four ppm at a reference oxygen level of 15 percent.

"Lean-burn reciprocating engines offer the highest prime-mover efficiency for gaseous fuel-based DE systems currently commercially available," notes Kelly. "However, the best non-treated exhaust emissions levels achievable today are in the vicinity of 1.7 pounds per megawatt hour (lb/MWhr). California, Massachusetts, and Texas, however, all require exhaust stack NOx emissions levels of approximately 0.5 lb/per MWhr or less. In 2007, California will reduce this to 0.15 lb/MWhr."

Kelly adds, "A three ppm NOX emissions level for a lean-burn engine is more than a 95 percent reduction over today's best lean-burn, untreated emissions levels. This technology will allow lean-burn reciprocating engines to meet the lower emissions regulations at approximately half the cost of selective catalytic reduction."

GTI is scheduled to work with Attainment Technologies to test the GreenGuard system and to integrate this technology into packaged DE and CHP units.

GTI is the leading research, development and training organization serving energy markets. GTI is dedicated to meeting the nation's energy and environmental challenges by developing technology-based solutions for consumers, industry, and government.