Powertrains, Fuels and Emissions

Theme Coordinator
Dr. Boyd Davis, Queen's University

Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to air pollution - in urban areas, vehicles produce up to three-quarters of the pollutants that form smog. Scientific studies conclude that more than 5,000 Canadians die early deaths each year due to poor air quality, and thousands more suffer from respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma.

Air pollution isn't just a Canadian or North American issue. Industrialized countries around the world are working to reduce emissions of pollutants that contribute to global warming - specifically carbon dioxide. Since vehicle emissions resulting from burning fossil fuels contribute to this issue, researchers are exploring ways to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions. Modifying today's internal combustion engine and developing viable alternate fuels for mass-consumption are strategies to achieving these reductions.

The seven projects within Theme D focus on near-, mid- and long-term solutions to reducing the environmental and health impacts of vehicle emissions. Two projects explore how to modify current engine designs to use less carbon-intensive fuels and to reduce emissions. Another project reviews the use of liquid petroleum fuels as a transitional energy source for fuel cells. The fourth project investigates the key issues of safety and infrastructure required to use hydrogen as a vehicle energy source.