Zietsman, Josias, and Dennis G. Perkinson. "Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle (HDDV) Idling Activity and Emissions Study: Phase 1 - Study Design and Estimation of Magnitude of the Problem." Texas Transportation Institute, August 2003.
"Heavy-duty diesel vehicle (HDDV) emissions contribute to the production of NOx, a precursor of ozone formation. The emissions associated with extended idling by HDDV are not accounted for by current procedures. This emissions source may be significant. The purpose of this analysis was to develop an estimate of the emissions associated with extended idling by HDDV, propose a study design for accurately quantifying extended truck idling emissions, and to propose control procedures or measures to reduce or eliminate these emissions" (pg 1).
2. Where do the authors work, and what are their areas of expertise? Note any other publications by the authors with relevance to the 6Cities project.
Josias Zietsman is an Assistant Research Engineer at Texas Transportation Institute.
Coauthor of the Book "Sustainable Transportation: Indicators, Frameworks, and Performance Management." This book discusses indicators and process of evaluating sustainability in the transportation sector, as well as analyze actual planning and decision-making in transportation agencies in a variety of governance settings.
Coauthor of another article for Texas Transportation Institute titled "Addressing Sustainability and Strategic Planning Goals through Performance Measures– Study of El Paso’s Bus Rapid Transit Systems."
Dennis Perkinson is a Program Manager at Texas Transportation Institute.
Has written two books on the technical aspects of transportation planning, but they are not particularly relevant to air pollution.
3. What are the main findings or arguments presented in the article or report?
The relative contribution from truck idling to mobile source emissions (relative meaning that mobile source emissions have decreased dramatically with improvements in cars) has had a substantial increase in the past few years, which increases its important as a factor to be considered in emissions.
The major contributor of truck idling contributions is truck stops at 45%, then industries at 43%, public rest areas contribute 9%, followed last by ports and intermodal facilities which combined contribute 3%. This helps determine which sectors should be focused on for reducing admissions.
New technologies for monitoring / reducing idling emissions should be further emphasized.
4. Describe at least three ways that the argument is supported.
The full process for obtaining results is outlined in question 6. The case study preceding the rest of the study shows that the team first did research on how to best do research for this particular topic. This shows thoroughness and helps validate their methods and therefor their arguments.
The lengthy appendixes at the end of the report help give further detail and context to support its claims. In appendix A details relevant previous studies, and explains their estimates on idling emissions and their determined feasibility of certain solutions. One appendix includes a chart of all regulations for truck idling by state, and it also includes all responses to their surveys and a summary of their interviews. Making these directly available helps provide legitimacy to their interpretation of the interviews.
The argument is supported with an estimate of tons per day of NOx emissions due to truck idling from different sectors. For the estimate for total emissions throughout all sectors of NOx for the Beaumont/Port Arthur (BPA) area was found to be 0.94 tons per day. To give context to this number, the study notes that BPA must reduce their emissions by approximately 31 percent to 164 tons/day.
Reports that over 85 percent of the energy in diesel fuel is wasted as heat and atmospheric pollutants, highlighting the inefficiency of running the engine as a power source for the sleeping cabin.
5. What three (or more) quotes capture the message of the article or report?
"In the past, the effect of idling was totally overshadowed by on-road mobile sources. As vehicle and fuel technologies improved over the past decade, the relative contribution of truck idling to mobile source emissions have increased substantially, potentially making it an important contributor to the overall emissions inventory. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expects that truck idling emissions rates will not reduce at the same tempo as onroad truck emissions during the next few decades"
"The emissions associated with HDDV idling occurring while the vehicle is in transit are part of the driving cycles used to develop the emissions factors in the MOBILE6 model. This type of idling is considered non-discretionary and is included in the emissions inventories prepared for nonattainment areas. The emissions associated with discretionary idling occurring at the beginning and end of trips, however, are not included in the emissions inventories. This type of idling often occurs over extended periods of time and could be a significant source of emissions"
"The procedure used with MOBILE 6 to estimate the non-discretionary idling is to assume that the emissions rate is the same as a truck running at 2.5mph (the lowest speed category in the model). This process has been found to underestimate the actual amount of emissions released by an idling truck. There is, therefore, a need to obtain accurate estimates of the idling emissions rates."
6. What were the methods, tools and/or data used to produce the claims or arguments made in the article or report?
Beaumont/Port Arthur (BPA) area in Texas was chosen for a case study because it is relatively small but still experiences a considerable amount of truck traffic.
The research team then conducted interviews and took observations in areas where idling commonly occur.
Drivers and carriers were surveyed, asking about their use of GPS- types and availability of data, locations for resting/sleeping, likely sleep times and duration, loading and unloading times and durations, what they believe to be the most common reasons for idling trucks, what they believe to be the best alternatives to idling, and what kind of governance they believe would best reduce idling times.
Because governance is particularly relevant to this project, here are the options the drivers and carriers were given: Technology changes (other ways to operate A/C, electrical systems), Driver education, Driver incentives, Changes in procedure/fleet rules, Other.
Industries were asked to describe their policy regarding idling, the average duration of idling, etc, and were also to include an average duration for time spent idling to load/unpack, for inspections/ paperwork, and for waiting in line.
Rest Areas were questions about how many parking spots they had and what percentage were usually filled at different times of day, the types of services they provide, and to give estimates how much time trucks are idled there while refueling, for a brief stop (use the restroom, etc), for eating, and for sleeping / spending time in the truck living areas.
This case study was used to help determine methods of obtaining truck idling data to use for models. It was determined that a combination of site visits, personal interviews, meetings, observations, telephone interviews, Internet searches, and reviewing reports is the best method for obtaining this data, and that observations at site visits give the most valuable information.
The methods developed to the BPA area were used to perform an order-of-magnitude estimation of truck idling in the other metropolitan areas of Texas. All non-attainment and near non-attainment counties were considered.
Idling activities were assessed with the previously determined methods for the biggest contributors to truck idling: trucks stops, rest areas, industries, ports, and intermodal facilities such as rail-truck terminals. Results for each of these contributors were compared, with tables showing the results for each category and location, as well as totals.
This first part of the study evaluated the current order of magnitude of the idling emissions of trucks, the second part of the study aimed to create a predictive tool to predict idling emissions in future years and detect potential changes.
Factors considered in the predictive tool include: spatial coverage, temporal coverage, types of vehicles, types of generators, pollutants, and emission rates.
estimates made for all major sources of idling: truck stops, rest stops, industries, warehouses, retail, ports, intermodal facilities, airports, construction sites, and package distribution.
A bus idling model was also developed which considered idling by charter, school, intercity, and transit buses.
7. How (if at all) are health disparities or other equity issues addressed in the article or report?
The selection of the BPA area for the case study helps address equity issues between areas. BPA is a relatively small area but a significant amount of trucks pass through, contributing to emissions for the area. Furthermore, one of the major reasons for non-attainment in this area is pollution blown in from the Houston/Galveston area.
Health is not directly addressed, except discussing the health of truck drivers. One respondent felt strongly that idling restrictions would negatively impact the health and comfort of a driver, causing a safety concern on the roads.
The appendix indicated that in some countries, the Department of Health enforces restrictions against idling.
8. Where has this article or report been referenced or discussed? (In some journals, you can see this in a sidebar.)
The report was sponsored by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. A link and description to the study is on the TCEQ website on the Air Quality Research and Contract Reports: On-Road Mobile Emissions Inventory page.
in 2002, Phase II of this study was completed (Heavy-duty Diesel Vehicle (HDDV) Idling Activity and Emissions Study: Phase 2 - Statewide Data Collection and Emission Inventory Development).
9. Can you learn anything from the article or report’s bibliography that tells us something about how the article or report was produced?
Four different sources are cited from the EPA. This suggests a focus on the federal perspective of truck idling, which is supported by the evaluation of the EPA's MOBILE 6 model for estimating idling emissions.
Three different reports focused on IdleAire Technologies Inc (see question 10). Two were conducted by IdleAire, and one was conducted Clean Air Technologies International, Inc. This shows a focus on emerging technologies applicable as a solution to the problem.
10. What three points, details or references from the text did you follow up on to advance your understanding of how air pollution science has been produced and used in governance and education in different settings?
The study provides a review of technologies to both measure and reduce HDVV idling
Measuring
PEMS- Portable Emissions Measurement System: EPA is pushing for development and advancement of PEMS, which will allow for instantaneous exhaust information on a wide array of pollutants. It is a probe that is inserted into the exhaust stack of a truck, and measures in real time emissions of hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), particulate matter (PM), toxics, and greenhouse gases.This equipment could also be used to measure emissions in the field at various locations, such as rest stops.
GPS- majority of fleet trucks have GPS trackers to allow operators to know the locations of their trucks. The location of the truck is not updated instantaneously but at predetermined intervals. Regardless, this technology helps give better data for location and duration of idling, especially if linked with PEMS in the future.
OBD- On-board Diagnostics: modern vehicles are largely electronically controlled. Sensors monitor the operation of specific components, and actuators adjust their performance to maintain optimum engine operation. These systems are controlled by an engine control unit. This is a relevant technology because when truck engines are not performing correctly it can result in high idling emission rates, so monitoring this function could allow for repairs sooner.
"On-board emissions measurement technology is the focus of EPA’s future emissions factor testing program, and will provide the opportunity for a significant shift in how emissions modeling is approached" (pg 6).
Reducing
Electric Hookups: Idling often occurs to produce heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). IdleAire Technologies Inc.has developed electric hookups for trucks that could be used at rest stops. The company would install external HVAC units at each truck parking spot at the location, that would be delivered to the truck through a system that mounts in either window. This would provide HVAC, as well as provide electric power for appliances inside the sleeper cab such as TV and telephones.
Survey referenced New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's 2002 Study on Truck Stop Electrification. I could not find this study, but the report says that a feasibility study was performed for upstate New York for these hookups from IdleAir Technologies. In phase II of the project in 2002, implementation began to provide 44 electrified parking spaces at New York State Thruway Travel Plazas.
APUs- Auxiliary Power Unites: an internal combustion engine with a generator to provide electricity that is mounted externally on the truck. They are usually diesel powered, but have lower emission rates than idling diesel engines.
1. Full citation and abstract?
Zietsman, Josias, and Dennis G. Perkinson. "Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle (HDDV) Idling Activity and Emissions Study: Phase 1 - Study Design and Estimation of Magnitude of the Problem." Texas Transportation Institute, August 2003.
"Heavy-duty diesel vehicle (HDDV) emissions contribute to the production of NOx, a precursor of ozone formation. The emissions associated with extended idling by HDDV are not accounted for by current procedures. This emissions source may be significant. The purpose of this analysis was to develop an estimate of the emissions associated with extended idling by HDDV, propose a study design for accurately quantifying extended truck idling emissions, and to propose control procedures or measures to reduce or eliminate these emissions" (pg 1).
2. Where do the authors work, and what are their areas of expertise? Note any other publications by the authors with relevance to the 6Cities project.
Josias Zietsman is an Assistant Research Engineer at Texas Transportation Institute.
Coauthor of the Book "Sustainable Transportation: Indicators, Frameworks, and Performance Management." This book discusses indicators and process of evaluating sustainability in the transportation sector, as well as analyze actual planning and decision-making in transportation agencies in a variety of governance settings.
Coauthor of another article for Texas Transportation Institute titled "Addressing Sustainability and Strategic Planning Goals through Performance Measures– Study of El Paso’s Bus Rapid Transit Systems."
Dennis Perkinson is a Program Manager at Texas Transportation Institute.
Has written two books on the technical aspects of transportation planning, but they are not particularly relevant to air pollution.
3. What are the main findings or arguments presented in the article or report?
The relative contribution from truck idling to mobile source emissions (relative meaning that mobile source emissions have decreased dramatically with improvements in cars) has had a substantial increase in the past few years, which increases its important as a factor to be considered in emissions.
The major contributor of truck idling contributions is truck stops at 45%, then industries at 43%, public rest areas contribute 9%, followed last by ports and intermodal facilities which combined contribute 3%. This helps determine which sectors should be focused on for reducing admissions.
New technologies for monitoring / reducing idling emissions should be further emphasized.
4. Describe at least three ways that the argument is supported.
The full process for obtaining results is outlined in question 6. The case study preceding the rest of the study shows that the team first did research on how to best do research for this particular topic. This shows thoroughness and helps validate their methods and therefor their arguments.
The lengthy appendixes at the end of the report help give further detail and context to support its claims. In appendix A details relevant previous studies, and explains their estimates on idling emissions and their determined feasibility of certain solutions. One appendix includes a chart of all regulations for truck idling by state, and it also includes all responses to their surveys and a summary of their interviews. Making these directly available helps provide legitimacy to their interpretation of the interviews.
The argument is supported with an estimate of tons per day of NOx emissions due to truck idling from different sectors. For the estimate for total emissions throughout all sectors of NOx for the Beaumont/Port Arthur (BPA) area was found to be 0.94 tons per day. To give context to this number, the study notes that BPA must reduce their emissions by approximately 31 percent to 164 tons/day.
Reports that over 85 percent of the energy in diesel fuel is wasted as heat and atmospheric pollutants, highlighting the inefficiency of running the engine as a power source for the sleeping cabin.
5. What three (or more) quotes capture the message of the article or report?
"In the past, the effect of idling was totally overshadowed by on-road mobile sources. As vehicle and fuel technologies improved over the past decade, the relative contribution of truck idling to mobile source emissions have increased substantially, potentially making it an important contributor to the overall emissions inventory. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expects that truck idling emissions rates will not reduce at the same tempo as onroad truck emissions during the next few decades"
"The emissions associated with HDDV idling occurring while the vehicle is in transit are part of the driving cycles used to develop the emissions factors in the MOBILE6 model. This type of idling is considered non-discretionary and is included in the emissions inventories prepared for nonattainment areas. The emissions associated with discretionary idling occurring at the beginning and end of trips, however, are not included in the emissions inventories. This type of idling often occurs over extended periods of time and could be a significant source of emissions"
"The procedure used with MOBILE 6 to estimate the non-discretionary idling is to assume that the emissions rate is the same as a truck running at 2.5mph (the lowest speed category in the model). This process has been found to underestimate the actual amount of emissions released by an idling truck. There is, therefore, a need to obtain accurate estimates of the idling emissions rates."
6. What were the methods, tools and/or data used to produce the claims or arguments made in the article or report?
Beaumont/Port Arthur (BPA) area in Texas was chosen for a case study because it is relatively small but still experiences a considerable amount of truck traffic.
The research team then conducted interviews and took observations in areas where idling commonly occur.
Drivers and carriers were surveyed, asking about their use of GPS- types and availability of data, locations for resting/sleeping, likely sleep times and duration, loading and unloading times and durations, what they believe to be the most common reasons for idling trucks, what they believe to be the best alternatives to idling, and what kind of governance they believe would best reduce idling times.
Because governance is particularly relevant to this project, here are the options the drivers and carriers were given: Technology changes (other ways to operate A/C, electrical systems), Driver education, Driver incentives, Changes in procedure/fleet rules, Other.
Industries were asked to describe their policy regarding idling, the average duration of idling, etc, and were also to include an average duration for time spent idling to load/unpack, for inspections/ paperwork, and for waiting in line.
Rest Areas were questions about how many parking spots they had and what percentage were usually filled at different times of day, the types of services they provide, and to give estimates how much time trucks are idled there while refueling, for a brief stop (use the restroom, etc), for eating, and for sleeping / spending time in the truck living areas.
This case study was used to help determine methods of obtaining truck idling data to use for models. It was determined that a combination of site visits, personal interviews, meetings, observations, telephone interviews, Internet searches, and reviewing reports is the best method for obtaining this data, and that observations at site visits give the most valuable information.
The methods developed to the BPA area were used to perform an order-of-magnitude estimation of truck idling in the other metropolitan areas of Texas. All non-attainment and near non-attainment counties were considered.
Idling activities were assessed with the previously determined methods for the biggest contributors to truck idling: trucks stops, rest areas, industries, ports, and intermodal facilities such as rail-truck terminals. Results for each of these contributors were compared, with tables showing the results for each category and location, as well as totals.
This first part of the study evaluated the current order of magnitude of the idling emissions of trucks, the second part of the study aimed to create a predictive tool to predict idling emissions in future years and detect potential changes.
Factors considered in the predictive tool include: spatial coverage, temporal coverage, types of vehicles, types of generators, pollutants, and emission rates.
estimates made for all major sources of idling: truck stops, rest stops, industries, warehouses, retail, ports, intermodal facilities, airports, construction sites, and package distribution.
A bus idling model was also developed which considered idling by charter, school, intercity, and transit buses.
7. How (if at all) are health disparities or other equity issues addressed in the article or report?
The selection of the BPA area for the case study helps address equity issues between areas. BPA is a relatively small area but a significant amount of trucks pass through, contributing to emissions for the area. Furthermore, one of the major reasons for non-attainment in this area is pollution blown in from the Houston/Galveston area.
Health is not directly addressed, except discussing the health of truck drivers. One respondent felt strongly that idling restrictions would negatively impact the health and comfort of a driver, causing a safety concern on the roads.
The appendix indicated that in some countries, the Department of Health enforces restrictions against idling.
8. Where has this article or report been referenced or discussed? (In some journals, you can see this in a sidebar.)
The report was sponsored by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. A link and description to the study is on the TCEQ website on the Air Quality Research and Contract Reports: On-Road Mobile Emissions Inventory page.
in 2002, Phase II of this study was completed (Heavy-duty Diesel Vehicle (HDDV) Idling Activity and Emissions Study: Phase 2 - Statewide Data Collection and Emission Inventory Development).
9. Can you learn anything from the article or report’s bibliography that tells us something about how the article or report was produced?
Four different sources are cited from the EPA. This suggests a focus on the federal perspective of truck idling, which is supported by the evaluation of the EPA's MOBILE 6 model for estimating idling emissions.
Three different reports focused on IdleAire Technologies Inc (see question 10). Two were conducted by IdleAire, and one was conducted Clean Air Technologies International, Inc. This shows a focus on emerging technologies applicable as a solution to the problem.
10. What three points, details or references from the text did you follow up on to advance your understanding of how air pollution science has been produced and used in governance and education in different settings?
The study provides a review of technologies to both measure and reduce HDVV idling
Measuring
PEMS- Portable Emissions Measurement System: EPA is pushing for development and advancement of PEMS, which will allow for instantaneous exhaust information on a wide array of pollutants. It is a probe that is inserted into the exhaust stack of a truck, and measures in real time emissions of hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), particulate matter (PM), toxics, and greenhouse gases.This equipment could also be used to measure emissions in the field at various locations, such as rest stops.
GPS- majority of fleet trucks have GPS trackers to allow operators to know the locations of their trucks. The location of the truck is not updated instantaneously but at predetermined intervals. Regardless, this technology helps give better data for location and duration of idling, especially if linked with PEMS in the future.
OBD- On-board Diagnostics: modern vehicles are largely electronically controlled. Sensors monitor the operation of specific components, and actuators adjust their performance to maintain optimum engine operation. These systems are controlled by an engine control unit. This is a relevant technology because when truck engines are not performing correctly it can result in high idling emission rates, so monitoring this function could allow for repairs sooner.
"On-board emissions measurement technology is the focus of EPA’s future emissions factor testing program, and will provide the opportunity for a significant shift in how emissions modeling is approached" (pg 6).
Reducing
Electric Hookups: Idling often occurs to produce heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). IdleAire Technologies Inc.has developed electric hookups for trucks that could be used at rest stops. The company would install external HVAC units at each truck parking spot at the location, that would be delivered to the truck through a system that mounts in either window. This would provide HVAC, as well as provide electric power for appliances inside the sleeper cab such as TV and telephones.
Survey referenced New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's 2002 Study on Truck Stop Electrification. I could not find this study, but the report says that a feasibility study was performed for upstate New York for these hookups from IdleAir Technologies. In phase II of the project in 2002, implementation began to provide 44 electrified parking spaces at New York State Thruway Travel Plazas.
APUs- Auxiliary Power Unites: an internal combustion engine with a generator to provide electricity that is mounted externally on the truck. They are usually diesel powered, but have lower emission rates than idling diesel engines.
2. Where do the authors work, and what are their areas of expertise? Note any other publications by the authors with relevance to the 6Cities project.
3. What are the main findings or arguments presented in the article or report?
4. Describe at least three ways that the argument is supported.
5. What three (or more) quotes capture the message of the article or report?
6. What were the methods, tools and/or data used to produce the claims or arguments made in the article or report?
7. How (if at all) are health disparities or other equity issues addressed in the article or report?
8. Where has this article or report been referenced or discussed? (In some journals, you can see this in a sidebar.)
9. Can you learn anything from the article or report’s bibliography that tells us something about how the article or report was produced?
10. What three points, details or references from the text did you follow up on to advance your understanding of how air pollution science has been produced and used in governance and education in different settings?
- The study provides a review of technologies to both measure and reduce HDVV idling
- Measuring
- PEMS- Portable Emissions Measurement System: EPA is pushing for development and advancement of PEMS, which will allow for instantaneous exhaust information on a wide array of pollutants. It is a probe that is inserted into the exhaust stack of a truck, and measures in real time emissions of hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), particulate matter (PM), toxics, and greenhouse gases.This equipment could also be used to measure emissions in the field at various locations, such as rest stops.
- GPS- majority of fleet trucks have GPS trackers to allow operators to know the locations of their trucks. The location of the truck is not updated instantaneously but at predetermined intervals. Regardless, this technology helps give better data for location and duration of idling, especially if linked with PEMS in the future.
- OBD- On-board Diagnostics: modern vehicles are largely electronically controlled. Sensors monitor the operation of specific components, and actuators adjust their performance to maintain optimum engine operation. These systems are controlled by an engine control unit. This is a relevant technology because when truck engines are not performing correctly it can result in high idling emission rates, so monitoring this function could allow for repairs sooner.
- "On-board emissions measurement technology is the focus of EPA’s future emissions factor testing program, and will provide the opportunity for a significant shift in how emissions modeling is approached" (pg 6).
- Reducing
- Electric Hookups: Idling often occurs to produce heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). IdleAire Technologies Inc.has developed electric hookups for trucks that could be used at rest stops. The company would install external HVAC units at each truck parking spot at the location, that would be delivered to the truck through a system that mounts in either window. This would provide HVAC, as well as provide electric power for appliances inside the sleeper cab such as TV and telephones.
- Survey referenced New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's 2002 Study on Truck Stop Electrification. I could not find this study, but the report says that a feasibility study was performed for upstate New York for these hookups from IdleAir Technologies. In phase II of the project in 2002, implementation began to provide 44 electrified parking spaces at New York State Thruway Travel Plazas.
- APUs- Auxiliary Power Unites: an internal combustion engine with a generator to provide electricity that is mounted externally on the truck. They are usually diesel powered, but have lower emission rates than idling diesel engines.
1. Full citation and abstract?2. Where do the authors work, and what are their areas of expertise? Note any other publications by the authors with relevance to the 6Cities project.
3. What are the main findings or arguments presented in the article or report?
4. Describe at least three ways that the argument is supported.
5. What three (or more) quotes capture the message of the article or report?
6. What were the methods, tools and/or data used to produce the claims or arguments made in the article or report?
7. How (if at all) are health disparities or other equity issues addressed in the article or report?
8. Where has this article or report been referenced or discussed? (In some journals, you can see this in a sidebar.)
9. Can you learn anything from the article or report’s bibliography that tells us something about how the article or report was produced?
10. What three points, details or references from the text did you follow up on to advance your understanding of how air pollution science has been produced and used in governance and education in different settings?