WB Power Services White Paper
Using HVO Fuel
Introduction
The last four or five years have seen a significant increase in the availability and use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a fuel in the standby generation market, initially in the Data Centre (DC) sector but now more widely in the construction sector on mobile plant and some of the UK’s new low emissions zones, such as in London where the London Non-Road Mobile Machinery requirements (NRMM) (1) Ultra low emissions zone.
There are several factors which have brought about this change.
- The push for reductions in the level of CO2 reduction globally and at a European level with the introduction of targets and legislation such as the “European Green Deal” (2) which includes “Fit for 55” has led the way. In the UK we have the “Climate Change Act” (3) and the UK budget of “April 2009” (4) which made achieving the targets a legal requirement.
- The ramping up of production of HVO within a European context hence improving the availability of the product
- The large volume of engine manufacturers approving the use of this product across an increasing number of their engine ranges. Most of the major manufacturers have a blanket approval
- As further testing has been completed and field experience gained many manufacturers are opening this to engines on more recently installed generating sets too and where necessary identifying what if any checks need to be undertaken before HVO’s used.
- The importance of ensuring securing supply
- Widespread acceptance amongst HVO producers and engine manufacturers that HVO can satisfactorily be mixed with existing supplies of diesel fuel.
Conclusion:
It is clear that good progress has/is being made in reducing some of the key pollutants created in the burning of diesel fuel in an internal combustion engine, such as HCs and PMs but there is still a way to go. There are however two “unavoidable consequences” of using this method of combustion and they are CO2 and NOx which will continue to be persistent problems whilst we continue to use conventional hydrocarbon diesel burnt in an internal combustion engine.
The use of HVO when combined with the addition of an SCR can bring a packaged standby generator solution to the point of operation with a potential 90% reduction in CO2 emissions and NOx levels well inside the requirements of the MCPD for NOx and other key emissions requirements. This applies to both existing and installations still in the design stages. Care must be exercised.
- When modifying the exhaust system of generating sets with older engines (typically older than 8 to 10 years depending on model and manufacturer). This should be done in conjunction with both the manufacturer and emissions experts
- When modifying the exhaust system of generating sets more recently installed (typically less than 5 years depending on model and manufacturer). This should be done in conjunction with both the manufacturer and emissions experts
- When designing and planning new installations to ensure the latest developments in engine design, fuels and emissions treatments are used
- In the selection of a supplier for HVO to ensure that as close to the 90% “claimed lifetime reduction in CO2 emissions” are achieved with the use of sustainable sources derived from waste and residue oils not from “virgin” oils.
About WB Power Services
WBPS is a Leading Critical Power Specialist.
WB Power Services have been providing maintenance contracts for over 30 years.
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