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Quantification of uncertainity in reactivity adjustment factors from reformulated gasolines and methanol fuels

Journal Article · · Environmental Science and Technology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es950244x· OSTI ID:223618
 [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Connecticut, Storrs, CT (United States)
  2. Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)

Speciated data for motor vehicle exhaust emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been combined with estimates of uncertainty in the calculated photochemical reactivities of the VOCs to evaluate the resulting uncertainty in the overall reactivity of the exhaust. Mean reactivity adjustment factor (RAF) values for exhaust emissions from reformulated gasolines relative to conventional gasoline ranged from 0.85 to 0.93, with uncertainties of about 10% at the 1{rho} level. The mean RAF value for M85 (85% methanol, 15% gasoline) in variable/flexible-fueled vehicles relative to emissions from gasoline in conventional vehicles was 0. 42, with an uncertainty of 17%. For the gasoline-based fuels, the variability of the exhaust composition data was a major contributor to the uncertainty in the RAFs. For M85, rate constant uncertainties in the reactivities of the VOCs in the exhaust contributed almost two-thirds of the total uncertainty in the RAF values. 43 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
223618
Journal Information:
Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 30; ISSN 0013-936X; ISSN ESTHAG
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English