Grantee Research Project Results
Framework for Context-Sensitive Spatially- and Temporally-Resolved Onroad Mobile Source Emission Inventories
EPA Grant Number: R834550Title: Framework for Context-Sensitive Spatially- and Temporally-Resolved Onroad Mobile Source Emission Inventories
Investigators: Frey, H. Christopher , Rouphail, Nagui , Xuesong, Zhou
Institution: North Carolina State University , University of Utah
Current Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , University of Utah
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: May 16, 2010 through May 15, 2013 (Extended to May 15, 2014)
Project Amount: $500,000
RFA: Novel Approaches to Improving Air Pollution Emissions Information (2009) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , Air
Objective:
NARSTO has identified onroad vehicles emissions as a high priority for improving emission inventories (EIs). This research will bridge the gap between transportation activity and multi-pollutant onroad vehicle emissions models. The objectives are to: (1) develop a robust, multi-scale methodology for estimating EIs at various spatial and temporal scales; (2) evaluate the utility of mesoscopic and microscopic transportation models to predict vehicle activity at sufficient resolution and in analyzing future vehicle, control or network design scenarios; and (3) quantify the relative contribution of vehicle type, vehicle activity and traffic control measures on the magnitude and variability in regional emission estimates.
Approach:
The research includes the following tasks: (1) compile and catalogue “legacy” activity and emissions data; (2) select and construct the test-bed network; (3) develop a data collection plan to fill key gaps; (4) conduct field data collection from primary and secondary sources; (5) identify, review, and characterize a toolbox of traffic control measures (TCM’s); (6) develop and validate fuel use and emissions models; (7) quantify uncertainty; and (8) demonstrate methodology. Two themes are to: (1) appropriately link a mesoscopic or microscopic transportation model with an emissions estimation model; and (2) apply the integrated framework to quantify emissions at high spatial and temporal resolution in order to quantify baseline inventories suitable for air quality modeling and to support assessment of the effect of TCMs on a regional inventory. We will develop and demonstrate the methodology for a detailed case study for the Research Triangle Park (RTP) region of North Carolina.
Expected Results:
The proposed approach will result in new methods for building, testing and improving emission inventories from mobile sources, taking into account the variety of data sources, modeling resources and traffic control measures that have been put in place in the last few years. We will quantify trade-offs between data / model resolution and the resulting estimates and variability in EIs, as well as the relative role of vehicle activity, vehicle class, and infrastructure design and operation in managing such inventories. We will produce a seamless interface between vehicle activity and fuel use and emission models across various temporal and spatial scales. We will demonstrate a detailed assessment of the effect of modifications to infrastructure, traffic control measures, and other approaches to influence vehicle operations as they pertain to energy use and emissions at local and regional scales. We will quantify uncertainty in the energy and emissions inventories for onroad vehicles. We will also address the impact of advanced vehicle technologies and alternative fuels on energy use and emissions.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 34 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 9 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
emissions, energy, vehicles, multi-pollutant, uncertainty, greenhouse gases, criteria pollutants, mobile source air toxics, traffic simulation models, in-use measurement,, Air, Air Quality, air toxicsProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.