Influence of ambient temperature on diesel engine raw pollutants and fuel consumption in different driving cycles

The effect of low ambient temperature on diesel raw pollutant emissions is analysed in two different driving cycles: NEDC and WLTC. The study is focused on hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and fuel consumption. Tests are conducted at cold start in a HSDI light-duty diesel engine with two levels of ambient temperature: 20 °C and −7 °C. Results showed a general detriment of pollutant emissions and break thermal efficiency at low ambient temperatures. NOx is increased around 250% in both cycles when running at low temperatures. Effect on hydrocarbons is more noticeable in the NEDC, where it rises in 270%, compared with the 150% of increase in the WLTC. In the case of carbon monoxide, uncorrelated tendencies are observed between both driving cycles. Concerning the NEDC, carbon monoxide emissions increase up to 125%, while at the WLTC, they are reduced up to 20%. Finally, from the point of view of the thermal efficiency, a reduction of nearly 10% in the NEDC is observed. However, no fuel penalty is spotted regarding the WLTC.