Record turnout at Annual Conference
The fifth International Conference on “Implementation & Challenges of Pan India Emission Norms” ECT 2013 was organized by the Emission Controls Manufacturers Association (ECMA) in New Delhi on September 6 and 7. The conference was attended by eminent speakers and delegates from the Planning Commission, oil companies, research and educational institutes, and other stakeholders.
The inaugural session started with the lighting of the traditional lamp by the chief guest, Mr. Saumitra Chaudhuri, Member, Planning Commission, and Chairman of the Expert Committee on Auto Fuel Vision and Policy 2025, and his inaugural address was followed by presentations by SIAM and HEI.
The key challenges and issues of the Indian automobile industry impacting vehicle emission were discussed, as also air pollution and health impacts in India in the global context of growing traffic and diesel use. The key participants numbering over 300 were delegates from Government, NGOs, OEMs, and industry from all over the over.
The technical sessions over the two days in nine sessions witnessed some very lucid and informative presentations by expert speakers and panelists, covering different issues related to emission control strategies for on-road and off-road vehicles, enforcement and implementation issues, road infrastructure, fuel challenges, experiences in achieving stringent BRIC country emission regulations, approaches to reduce CO2 emissions, two-wheeler future emissions roadmap proposal, retrofitment, I&M regime, etc.
The speakers suggested during the two days of discussions several approaches to curb emissions. Strategies for BS IV, BS V, and beyond BS V through several technologies or combination of technologies such as EGR, SCR, Vanadium SCR, more advanced integrated systems with use of Zeolite-based SCR catalysts, SCR dosing systems, combustion improvement, friction reduction, optimized accessories, improved turbo-charging / fuel injection, EGR / cooling, thermal management, waste heat recovery, etc., were also suggested.
It was further stressed that there should be provision of incentives for fleet renewal or penalties for the use of older non-complying vehicles. The sentiments of consumers and their sensitiveness to ownership cost, high FE and reliability were also pointed out as important aspects.
The Indian traffic condition was highlighted as the same impacted emission control technologies. The US experiences of clean fuel/clean vehicle programs that are delivering billions of dollars in health benefits were shared with the participants. Diesel fuel from hydro processed renewable and waste plastic was another alternate source.
Another suggestion made was the need to move towards 10 ppm sulfur fuels nationwide by 2017 and Euro VI equivalent standards by 2019 in India, replacing the current test cycles with world-harmonized test cycles for all types of vehicles and establish national fuel testing program at retail outlets as well as national in-use vehicle testing.
Technology integrating ECT and FE reduction is complex and expensive. Next generation development calls for all-round development in areas such as engine technology, alternate fuel technology, electric hybrid vehicles and low weight material technologies.
Off-road industry needs clarity on future emissions roadmap. Fuel efficiency is the big opportunity for innovations. Industry is ready with technology. However, sufficient lead time is required.
An emission strategy to meet CPCB Stage 3B and extendable to Stage 4 with a 2 valve engine was also suggested. In such case, assessment of emission inventory studies would be required.
The technical exposition with 13 booth stalls proved a great venue for networking, and the exhibitors confirmed the positive response that they received from OEMs and participants. They specially appreciated the chief guest devoting adequate time at each stall to understand the various emission control technologies on display.
A two-wheeler future emission roadmap is required at the earliest. The possible technology to manage compliance to emission norms will be further optimization of engine, improved carburettors / fuel injection, addition of secondary air injection, etc. Optimization of catalytic convertor with turbulent structure has the advantages of improvement of mass transfer due to increase of turbulence in the flow, improvement of flow distribution, better cold start, reduced back pressure, optimum substrate size, etc.
An integrated approach would be required for retrofit in Indian driving conditions. Potential benefits can be achieved through properly designed and implemented I&M. Periodic manual cleaning of filters is effective. Onboard measurements using the present methodology appear to generate reliable data on device performance under very realistic conditions of use.
India is the future hub of “Small Car Technology and Leadership”. There is an opportunity to develop and sustain greener transport by producing cars which can give better fuel efficiency and customer satisfaction. There is need for relooking / correction in the taxation and pricing policy. Energy efficiency regulation should be in place at the earliest. JNNURM Bus Technical Specs should be implemented effectively, said the panelists at the closing session.
BRT corridor and benefits of the same should be extended to other cities with a dedicated path for bus movement to save fuel and time and also provide passenger comfort. ECMA can play an important role proactively in regard to emission control.
It is time to address the ground realities of traffic congestion, broken roads, high temperature and humidity, and issues related to refinery investment, logistics in fuel supply, lubricants, availability of ethanol, etc.
All the participants were in agreement on having a single norm across the country. India should use the experience and learning of the best part of the world.
All the stakeholders were exhorted to work together for sustained cleaner / greener transport.