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 Interest in gas-to-liquid (GTL) or Fischer-Tropsch diesel (F-T) fuels has increased in recent years because of their potential to displace imported petroleum. GTL fuels are created when gaseous fuels such as natural gas or biogas are converted to liquid fuels that can be refined into gasoline and diesel.
Typical GTL diesel fuels have near zero sulfur and aromatic content and very high cetane numbers. GTL diesel fuels have been shown to reduce regulated exhaust emissions from a variety of diesel engines and vehicles. Additionally, the near zero sulfur content of these fuels can enable advanced emission control devices.
Research at NREL centers on increasing the use of these fuels and reducing barriers to commercialization.
Gas-to-Liquid Diesel R&D
GTL Diesel Fuel Demonstration and Emission Study
NREL has partnered with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and other corporate partners to quantify the impact of GTL diesel fuel on a heavy-duty fleet combined with diesel particle filters. The impact of these technologies has been assessed through two rounds of chassis emission testing and an operability study. Results of this study are being compiled and will be published soon.
Optimization of Engines for Use with GTL Diesel Fuel
The unique properties of GTL diesel fuel can be used to optimize a diesel engine for additional emission reductions. The near zero sulfur content enables advanced emission control systems to be used. The very high cetane number and near zero aromatic content enables modification to the combustion system. The combination of these technologies can greatly reduce NOx and PM emissions.
Future work will involve installing the modified engine into a vehicle to examine the operability and chassis emissions reductions of these changes.
More Information
See our gas-to-liquid fuels publications for more information.
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