Project Management
REDUCING POLLUTION AND FUEL COSTS
Evaluation and Project Management
Every country faces unique problems. Not only is the level of pollution a driving factor when recommending a solution for successful emissions reduction, but one must also take traffic patterns, level of difficulty in technology implementation, local customs and the cost-impact of implementing the technology into consideration when proposing successful solutions. Omnitek is proposing technology solutions based on a Cost-to-Benefit Ratio.
Even as some experts suggest that with current technologies one could easily "leapfrog" one emissions standard i.e. go from EURO II directly to EURO IV bypassing EURO III, Omnitek believes that in most instances this is technologically very challenging and financially not feasible outside the most affluent countries.
Every successful solution to reducing the air pollution in urban areas incorporates a multi-step approach. But, it is also recognized that this is not always practical, nor feasible. However, some of the solutions may include:
Emissions Control Technologies - New Vehicles - Modifying Traffic Patterns - Enforcement of Traffic Laws - Modifying Driving Habits - Courteous Driving Awareness Programs - Infrastructure Projects - Mandatory Vehicle Inspections - Retiring of Oldest Vehicles - etc.
Source of Pollution and Technology Solutions
Pending further discussions, pollution sources are classified as follows:
1.) Cars and Private Pickup Trucks 5.) Motorcycles
2.) HD Diesel Trucks 6.) Watercrafts
3.) HD Diesel Buses 7.) Electricity Generators
4.) Commercial Light Trucks and Buses 8.) Railway
There is not one emissions reducing technology solution that is best suited for all pollution sources. Furthermore, one should take future emissions requirements into consideration when choosing a solution to meet current standards, taking a step-by-step approach.
To clarify this point further, we look at HD diesel engines: In 2004, diesel sulfur levels in most countries prohibits the use of the most effective diesel emissions reducing technologies. Furthermore, these highly sophisticated technologies are also the most expensive and may not be economically feasible. So one may choose a step-by-step approach over a 3 to 8 year period, where step #2 is a logical addition to step #1 and a further improvement in emissions over step #1. Where step #3 further builds on step #2 etc.
Or it may be decided that converting the HD diesel engines to clean-burning natural gas is the best long-term option.
Choosing this kind of approach also favors the vehicle retirement program and does not waste money by trying to upgrade the oldest vehicles in a fleet to stringent and practically unachievable emissions levels.
What Solution Best Solves the Problem
When deciding to buy new vehicles or technology to combat air pollution and high fuel costs, most customers desire the highest quality / best available technology at the lowest price. Obviously this combination is not possible. Also, it is not reasonable to expect that the customer will accept low quality / outdated technology, even if this combination is available at the lowest cost. The combination of highest quality / best available technology at a realistic and appropriate high price is only accepted in the most affluent countries. In developing countries, this is economically not feasible. Omnitek follows the philosophy that in those countries, the combination of good quality and appropriate level of technology at a median price point is the best combination and economically can be implemented.
Emissions Reducing Technologies
Following are emissions reducing technologies Omnitek can offer:
a. DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst)
b. DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
c. HyDPF (Hybrid Diesel Particulate Filter)
d. Biodiesel
e. Diesel Additive
f. CNG Engine (new replacement engine or diesel engine conversion)
g. LPG Engine Conversion.
h. Replace old DH Diesel engines with new-technology HD Diesel engines.
i. SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction)
j. Evaluation and Multi-step Project Management
Additional Points
Early stage project evaluation topics include:
1. Desired emissions reduction and projected cost.
2. Solutions may require evaluation of the vehicles mechanical condition.
3. Diesel or CNG?
A. Staying with diesel as a fuel has some benefits. Diesel has insignificant evaporative emissions and has high energy content.
Diesel engines have good fuel economy, infrastructure is in-place, relatively low maintenance cost. -- High fuel cost and pollution.
B. If natural gas is available domestically (local source) it is a much cheaper fuel and emissions are lower. Maintenance procedures are not unlike those of gasoline engines. -- Infrastructure may not be in-place.
4. Quality of available fuel.
5. Inspection / maintenance and vehicle retirement programs should be part of the solution.
Conclusion
Considering a diverse vehicle population and that there is not one emissions reducing technology solution that is best suited for all pollution sources, as well as taking economics into consideration based on a cost-to-benefit ratio, Omnitek can offer the best solution for the project.
