Article: ...Fuel efficient cars may be churning out MORE pollutants than previously thought

[89AKurt]

Daily Mail: Not so green after all! Fuel efficient cars may be churning out MORE pollutants than previously thought
13 July 2016

[...] GDI engines inject fuel directly into the chambers for more efficient burning
...
But their analysis revealed while carbon dioxide emissions were lower in GDI engines, they pumped out more soot and harmful organic compounds such as benzene and toluene.

'The whole motivation for creating these engines in the first place was fuel efficiency. But what we haven't considered are the other climate-related emissions,' explained Professor Greg Evans, an engineer and applied chemist at Toronto.
...
GDI engines work by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chambers of the car's engine, which enables less fuel to be used.
...
One of the factors which can increase the amount of soot produced is the quality of the air which hits the engine's intake system.
...
In cities and built up areas, the air is likely to have a higher proportion of fine particles which could make it into the engine.

Over time, this can clog up the system, leading to less efficient fuel combustion and more soot.
...
However, installing efficient particulate filters in vehicles with GDI engines could balance this and benefit the climate, the team adds.
...
MailOnline contacted a number of car manufacturers for comment but had not received response at time of publication.[]

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencet...lutants-previously-thought.html#ixzz4EvqF2FRm
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Great, this isn't the reason I bought this car, but I know Honda prides itself on saving the planet.
I know one of the most popular aftermarket goodies are air filters, is it worth it for this reason alone?

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[turbo lover]

The difference would likely be minimal. You would need to add a particulate filter (not feasible) if you are hoping to reduce soot. A lot of turbo GDI engines have soot covered exhaust pipes, it is pretty obvious that they are emitting significant amounts of particulates.

 

[Troy Jollimore]

Looking for his 10 minutes of fame. Gasoline engines are EXTREMELY clean-burning by nature, and already have recirculation systems to ensure a clean burn. As for a 'particulate' filter, we have one in the air filter. Anything smaller than that would be a non-issue. As for 'polluting' the engine, states and provinces with regular emissions tests (which account for those 'harmful gasses and particles) keep those monitored.

 

[turbo lover]

Air filters are totally different. They filter the intake air, whereas particulate filters filter the exhaust. Some GDI engines are starting to get particulate filters in Europe.

 

[WhatTheFun]

The whole reason many OEM's in Europe are going to dual injection systems is because of the EU 6c emissions regulation. GDI creates more particulates than PFI, this is a well known fact. The problem with the particulates from GDI is that they are really tiny and can get deeper into your lungs.

Check this out: http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/03/f8/deer12_bischof.pdf

Anyhow, they are solving it with gasoline particulate filters and adding port fuel injection again.

 

[Troy Jollimore]

Air filters are totally different. They filter the intake air, whereas particulate filters filter the exhaust. Some GDI engines are starting to get particulate filters in Europe.

I know. But the filtration cuts down on the total amount of particles in the system overall. I think it's nuts, but I'm a child of the seventies. Crankcases directly vented to atmosphere, anyone?

 

[RallyeRed]

Interesting. They need to be putting particulate filters on these then, or do away with the technology...

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