Modelling and Emissions Analysis for On- and Off-Road Transportation Fuels and Technologies
Life Cycle Assessment of Transportation Fuel in Canada
As the Project Manager and Technical Lead for Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan) transportation fuels and technologies review, Dr. Rakesh Singh led a comprehensive assessment designed to support the development of energy efficiency and renewable energy policies in Canada. The review focused on the entire life cycle of transportation fuels, covering both the Well-to-Pump (WTP) or upstream phase, and the Tank-to-Wheels (TTW) or end-use phase. This approach ensured that regional variations across Canadian provinces were fully considered.
Dr. Singh employed a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to provide a holistic analysis of the environmental and energy implications of different transportation fuel options. By comparing key parameters from two industry-standard models—GREET (Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation) and GHGenius—the project capitalized on the strengths of each model to deliver a thorough evaluation of fuel technologies.
The review’s ultimate goal was to furnish NRCan with current, comprehensive insights into transportation fuels and their full life cycle impacts, which would help guide future energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. By analyzing both the WTP and TTW phases and leveraging the comparative power of GREET and GHGenius, Dr. Singh provided NRCan with actionable recommendations to shape Canada’s energy landscape, highlighting opportunities for enhanced sustainability across the transportation sector.
Study on Alternative Fuel Opportunities for the City of Calgary
As the Project Manager and Technical Lead for this study, Dr. Rakesh Singh led the evaluation of operational, economic, and environmental impacts of alternative fuels and propulsion systems for the City of Calgary’s heavy-duty vehicle fleet. The study’s objective was to provide recommendations that prioritized operational feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits for various fleet segments, including transit buses and refuse collection trucks.
To ensure a balanced evaluation, the study employed a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach, incorporating economic, environmental, and social considerations. This methodology allowed for a holistic analysis of each alternative, ensuring that all relevant dimensions of sustainability were taken into account.
Dr. Singh also oversaw the development of a specialized analytical tool, the Calgary Alternative Fuel and Technology (CALAFT) model. This model facilitated a detailed examination of both direct and life cycle emissions, as well as cost assessments for various alternative fuel and propulsion options. By using the CALAFT model, the study could accurately compare emissions from fuel extraction to end-use, providing insights into the long-term environmental and financial implications.
The study's recommendations aimed to guide the City of Calgary in adopting alternative fuel technologies that not only reduce environmental impact but also meet operational and economic needs. By leveraging the CALAFT tool and the TBL framework, Dr. Singh's work provided critical data to inform sustainable decisions for the city’s heavy-duty fleet.
Biodiesel Use to Reduce Carbon Footprint from the Lafarge Operations on Life Cycle Basis
As the Project Manager and Technical Lead for this study, Dr. Rakesh Singh led the comprehensive assessment of the emissions and operational impacts of transitioning Lafarge’s ready-mix concrete trucks from diesel to B20 biodiesel fuel. The project was conducted in two phases, providing a thorough evaluation of both the environmental and operational effects of this fuel switch.
In the first phase, Dr. Singh focused on reviewing existing data and research related to the use of biofuels, specifically B20 biodiesel. This included examining its effects on tailpipe emissions, fuel efficiency, and the durability of fuel system components. The analysis helped identify potential advantages and challenges associated with adopting B20 biodiesel, laying the foundation for the next phase of the study.
The second phase involved real-world field testing of Lafarge’s ready-mix trucks in two geographically distinct locations—Vancouver, BC, and Atlanta, GA. This allowed for an assessment of how B20 biodiesel performed in varying operational environments. Dr. Singh and his team meticulously monitored emissions, fuel economy, and the performance of fuel system components, providing valuable insights into the real-world application of the fuel.
The findings from this study offered Lafarge critical data on both the environmental and operational impacts of switching to B20 biodiesel. This comprehensive analysis enabled Lafarge to make informed decisions regarding the potential adoption of biofuels, considering the balance of emissions reductions and practical performance in their fleet operations.
Green Vehicle Evaluation and Selection Tool (GVEST)
As the Project Manager and Technical Lead for the City of Toronto's project, my primary responsibility was to oversee the development of the Green Vehicle Evaluation and Selection Tool (GVEST). This innovative tool was designed to support the City in the decision-making process when purchasing or selecting heavy-duty vehicles, specifically focusing on criteria air contaminants (CAC) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, fuel economy, cost savings, and operational efficiency.
The GVEST tool incorporated a comprehensive evaluation framework that considered multiple factors critical to sustainable vehicle selection. These factors included CAC and GHG emission reduction potential, fuel economy, operational costs, and overall efficiency. By leveraging this tool, the City of Toronto could make data-driven decisions to procure heavy-duty vehicles that aligned with their environmental goals, while also considering economic and operational feasibility.
To ensure accurate GHG calculations, the project adopted the GHGenius model. This widely recognized model provided reliable and standardized methods for estimating GHG emissions across the vehicle life cycle, including fuel production, distribution, and vehicle operation.
The GVEST tool facilitated a comparative analysis of different heavy-duty vehicle options, such as garbage trucks, enabling the City to assess their environmental impact, fuel efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall operational efficiency. By utilizing this tool, the City of Toronto could prioritize sustainable vehicle choices that not only reduced emissions but also delivered economic benefits and improved operational performance.
Ultimately, the development of GVEST aimed to enhance the City's vehicle selection process by incorporating environmental considerations and promoting the adoption of cleaner and more efficient heavy-duty vehicles. By leveraging the GHGenius model and the comprehensive evaluation framework of GVEST, the City of Toronto could make informed decisions that contributed to their sustainability goals while optimizing resource allocation and operational efficiency.
Human Health Impact Evaluation Associated with Deployment of Electric Vehicles in Canada
The study conducted by Singh, R.B., Jammer, M.F., and Pourbafrani, H., which was presented at the 112th A&WMA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Québec City in 2019, aimed to evaluate the emission reduction potential of passenger electric vehicles (EVs) in Canadian provinces from a life cycle perspective.
A significant aspect of the study was the introduction of a site-specific statistical model. This model established a connection between the changes in emissions resulting from EV adoption and the annual average ambient concentrations at the Census Division (CD) level, specifically for Toronto and Montreal. By utilizing this statistical model, the researchers were able to estimate the potential impact of EVs on improving air quality in these specific regions.
Additionally, the study examined the cost savings associated with the emission reductions achieved through the adoption of EVs. By comparing the operational costs of EVs with those of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, the researchers were able to quantify the financial benefits that can be realized through the transition to EVs.
Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the emission reduction potential of passenger EVs in Canadian provinces, considering the entire life cycle of the vehicles. The use of a site-specific statistical model allowed for a localized analysis by establishing a correlation between EV emissions and ambient air concentrations at the CD level in Toronto and Montreal. Furthermore, the study emphasized the cost savings that can be attained through EV adoption, bolstering the case for sustainable transportation alternatives. The findings from this study contribute to the existing knowledge on the environmental and economic implications of EV adoption and can be instrumental for policymakers and stakeholders involved in promoting sustainable mobility solutions in Canada.
GHG Emissions Reduction Action Planning Tool (GAPWaterloo)
As the project manager and technical lead for the Waterloo Region project on community greenhouse gas (GHG) and criteria air contaminant (CAC) emissions from the transportation sector, the main objective was to facilitate greenhouse action planning. The project encompassed several key components.
Firstly, an alternative method was developed to support the preparation of an updated community-scale GHG and CAC emissions inventory specifically for the transportation sector. This method provided a comprehensive assessment of emissions from various transportation sources within the region.
Additionally, a Greenhouse Gas and CAC emissions Action Planning Tool for Waterloo (GAPWaterloo) was created. This tool served as a valuable resource to assess the effectiveness of emission reduction action plans initiated by the Waterloo Region and area municipalities in the transportation sector. GAPWaterloo enabled the evaluation of different strategies and measures to identify the most impactful and feasible options for reducing GHG and CAC emissions.
The project aimed to support the development of targeted action plans and policies that would effectively address transportation-related emissions in the Waterloo Region. By providing an updated emissions inventory and a specialized planning tool, the project facilitated evidence-based decision-making and enabled stakeholders to assess the potential impact of different emission reduction initiatives.
Overall, the project's goal was to enhance the understanding of community-scale GHG and CAC emissions from the transportation sector and provide a framework for developing effective action plans. The developed alternative method and the GAPWaterloo tool served as valuable assets in supporting greenhouse action planning in the Waterloo Region, ultimately contributing to the region's efforts in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation solutions.
Cost Effective GHG Reduction in Transit Buses, Saltworks Transit
As the technical lead for the Saltworks Transit study in Redwood City, California, the main objective was to compare alternative fuel technologies for cost-effective greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction in transit buses. The project encompassed a comprehensive analysis of GHG emissions reduction potential for different alternative technology buses, including electric, hybrid, and other advanced technology buses.
The analysis focused on evaluating both tailpipe and life cycle GHG emissions to provide a holistic view of the environmental impact. By considering the entire life cycle of the buses, from production to disposal, the study aimed to assess the long-term sustainability of each alternative fuel technology.
One important aspect of the study was the assessment of comparative capital costs, with a focus on vehicle purchase costs. By analyzing the cost-effectiveness of each alternative technology, the study aimed to provide insights into the economic viability of different options.
To ensure accuracy and reliability, the GHG calculations in this analysis were based on the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Model. This widely recognized model provided a robust framework for quantifying GHG emissions and comparing the environmental performance of different fuel technologies.
Overall, the study aimed to provide valuable information and recommendations for Saltworks Transit in Redwood City, California, regarding cost-effective GHG reduction strategies in their transit bus fleet. By considering life cycle emissions, comparative capital costs, and adopting the GREET Model, the project provided a comprehensive analysis to support informed decision-making and promote sustainable transportation solutions.
Canadian In-Use Diesel Fleet Emissions Inventory Analysis Tool (FEIAT)
As the Project Manager and Technical Lead for the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) project, Dr. Rakesh Singh was responsible for the development of the Canadian In-Use Diesel Fleet Emissions Inventory Analysis Tool (FEIAT). This tool was designed to provide a detailed analysis of emissions inventory data from on-road and off-road diesel fleets across national, provincial, and territorial levels in Canada.
Dr. Singh led the creation of FEIAT as a user-friendly, MS Excel-based tool, which included supporting instruction manuals for easy navigation. The tool allowed users to analyze the composition and magnitude of diesel emissions, offering valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers into the environmental impact of in-use diesel fleets in different regions.
As part of this project, Dr. Singh also managed the preparation of a comprehensive report based on the findings from the FEIAT analysis. This report provided an in-depth assessment of diesel emissions inventory data across Canada, serving as a critical resource for decision-makers in developing strategies and policies to mitigate diesel emissions and improve air quality.
Through the development of FEIAT and the accompanying report, Dr. Singh contributed significantly to the CCME's goals of promoting environmental sustainability by supporting evidence-based decision-making in reducing diesel emissions.
Environmental Management System (TRANSET) for TTC
As Project Manager and Technical Lead, Dr. Rakesh Singh spearheaded a project for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) aimed at establishing comprehensive emission inventories for criteria air contaminants (CACs) and greenhouse gases (GHGs) spanning past, current, and future operations. This initiative was instrumental in supporting TTC’s commitment to emission reduction and environmental sustainability across its transportation network. Dr. Singh’s efforts were central to developing an advanced environmental management system, designed to strategically guide TTC in meeting its emission reduction targets and aligning with broader municipal and provincial sustainability goals.
A key outcome of this project was the development of an innovative tool, known as TRANSET, which Dr. Singh led from conception through implementation. TRANSET was meticulously designed to quantify CAC and GHG emissions using standardized methodologies based on The American Public Transportation Association's Recommended Practice for Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions, as well as The Climate Registry protocol. By integrating these rigorous standards, TRANSET enabled highly accurate and consistent calculations of emissions, providing TTC with actionable data to guide both short-term operations and long-term planning.
Dr. Singh’s work involved managing the project’s technical and strategic aspects, including overseeing data collection, establishing methodologies for past emissions estimations, and setting up predictive modelling for future scenarios. The tool’s functionalities allowed TTC to track emissions trends, assess the impact of various operational changes, and model scenarios for transitioning to cleaner technologies. Additionally, Dr. Singh collaborated with TTC stakeholders to align TRANSET’s output with regulatory and reporting requirements, enhancing TTC’s transparency and accountability in its environmental initiatives.
Through this project, Dr. Singh delivered a robust, data-driven approach that equipped TTC with the tools needed to make informed decisions on emissions management, supporting its role as a leader in sustainable transit solutions within Canada.
Emissions and Air Quality Assessment for Norway Fleet
Dr. Rakesh Singh provided technical expertise for calculating mobile source emissions in Norway, covering both on-road sources—such as emissions from vehicles during hot running, cold starts, and parking—and off-road sources like marine and other off-road equipment. These emissions estimates were critical inputs for air dispersion modeling, aimed at assessing the resulting impact on air quality. By incorporating this data, Dr. Singh’s work enabled a comprehensive evaluation of how emissions from diverse mobile sources influence local air quality, supporting regulatory and environmental planning efforts in Norway.
Database Development for Canadian Heavy-Duty Fleet
Dr. Rakesh Singh served as the project manager and technical lead for a significant Environment Canada initiative focused on developing comprehensive data on heavy-duty on-road vehicles by model, drivetrain, and fuel type from 2010 through 2025. The project aimed to gather historical data on new heavy-duty vehicle sales and registrations across Canada and to generate forecasts for future sales. This dataset was instrumental in supporting modelling and analysis efforts concerning greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other air pollutants generated by the on-road heavy-duty vehicle sector, thus contributing to environmental planning and regulatory strategies.
Database Development for Canadian Light-Duty Fleet
Dr. Rakesh Singh acted as project manager and technical lead for an Environment Canada project aimed at generating comprehensive light-duty vehicle data by model, drivetrain, and fuel type for the years 2009 to 2035. This initiative supported the creation of regulatory emission standards for light-duty vehicles of model years 2017 through 2025 in Canada. The report detailed the data sources, analysis of industry trends, and methodology used to compile both historical (2009–2011) and forecasted (2012–2035) sales data, providing critical insights to shape emission standards and policies.
Review of Ontario’s Light-Duty Vehicle Fleet Emissions
Dr. Rakesh Singh served as the project manager and technical lead for an Ontario Government project focused on assessing emissions from the on-road light-duty vehicle fleet, categorized by model year. This project’s purpose was to conduct an independent review of the models and methodologies historically used to evaluate emission reductions achieved through various regulatory and incentive programs. By examining vehicle emissions data across model years, Dr. Singh contributed to a more accurate understanding of program impacts, providing critical insights for policy adjustments to enhance future emissions control measures.
Technology Assessment for Canadian Light-Duty Fleet
Dr. Rakesh Singh acted as the project manager and technical lead for Environment Canada's initiative aimed at compiling vehicle attribute and technology-level information for the current Canadian light-duty vehicle fleets. This project involved the development of a comprehensive database that captures ongoing technological advancements within the Canadian light-duty vehicle sector. By analyzing various vehicle attributes, Dr. Singh's work contributed to a clearer understanding of the shifts in technology affecting emissions and efficiency, aiding regulatory frameworks and policy development in the automotive industry.
Trace Metals in Vehicle Exhaust
Dr. Rakesh Singh served as the project manager and technical lead for Health Canada's investigation into trace metals in vehicle exhaust. This study focused on establishing connections between metal emissions and their potential sources, examining factors such as the natural metal content in on-road diesel, gasoline, and biofuels. Additionally, the research delved into the impact of fuel additives, lubricants, engine wear, and degradation of catalytic converters on metal emissions. This comprehensive analysis aimed to enhance understanding of how different vehicle fuels contribute to trace metal pollutants in the environment.
Emission Inventory from the Transportation Sector for Different Electrification Scenarios
As the technical lead for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) project, you played a crucial role in preparing a comprehensive inventory of criteria and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from various transportation sources in Canada. This project focused on assessing the emissions from on-road vehicles, off-road equipment, marine, and air traffic under different electrification penetration scenarios from 2010 to 2050.
The methodology included estimating fuel consumption and electricity usage for both fossil fuel-powered and electric vehicles, which provided insights into how different levels of vehicle electrification would impact emissions. Specifically, on-road emissions were calculated using the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES), a widely recognized model that assesses emissions based on vehicle type, usage, and technology. The project provided GHG and criteria air contaminant (CAC) emission projections across three scenarios: low, nominal, and high levels of vehicle electrification. This approach allows policymakers and stakeholders to understand potential emissions outcomes under various electrification strategies, which is essential for effective climate action and air quality management.
The findings from this project not only contribute to the understanding of transportation emissions in Canada but also support strategic planning for electrification and sustainable development in the transportation sector. By exploring various scenarios, the project helps in formulating policies that align with Canada’s climate goals. For further details, you can explore related resources from the Electric Power Research Institute and the Canadian government’s reports on transportation emissions.
Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Parameters Affecting Emissions
As a technical lead, Dr. Rakesh Singh spearheaded a comprehensive project for Health Canada and Environment Canada, focused on analyzing the impact of various gasoline and diesel fuel parameters on emissions. The primary objective of this study was to assess how modifications to specific fuel characteristics could influence emission outcomes and contribute to improved air quality standards. Dr. Singh's work centred around four critical fuel parameters:
Reduction in Gasoline Sulphur Levels: This component of the study investigated the effects of lowering the gasoline sulphur level from the current 30 parts per million (ppm). Reduced sulphur levels are known to enhance the performance of catalytic converters, leading to significant reductions in harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter.
Modification of Deposit Control Additives in Gasoline: Dr. Singh assessed how altering the deposit control additives in gasoline could impact engine performance and emissions. These additives are essential for preventing fuel injector and intake valve deposits, which, if uncontrolled, can lead to higher emissions of hydrocarbons and other pollutants due to incomplete combustion.
Increase in Diesel Cetane Number: The study evaluated the effect of increasing the cetane number from the standard level of 40. A higher cetane number generally improves the combustion efficiency of diesel engines, resulting in lower emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter.
Enhancement of Diesel Lubricity: Finally, the project explored the impact of increasing the lubricity of diesel fuel from the current level, defined by a wear scar of less than 460 micrometres (µm) using the High-Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) test. Improved lubricity helps reduce wear in fuel injection systems, supporting more efficient fuel combustion and, consequently, a reduction in emissions.
The study's findings offered strategic recommendations for fuel formulations that align with health and environmental priorities, contributing to policy frameworks aimed at sustainable fuel use and emission reduction.