Life cycle analysis of dimethyl ether fuel for middle grade city bus

The energy consumption and emission of a middle grade city bus fueled with DME fuel and conventional diesel are compared through engine bench test and road driving. Combined with the data in fuel production and transportation phases, the life cycle indicator of the two fuels used in the middle grade city bus is analyzed and compared. The results show that, compared with conventional diesel vehicle, in the total life cycle, the total energy consumption, CO₂, Particulate matter and SO₂ of dimethyl ether vehicle increase by 201.3%, 291.2%, 94.2%, 86.7% respectively, and the Volatile organic compound, CO, NO_x emissions decrease by 30.5%, 65.3% and 26.4% respectively; while in the vehicle operation stage, excluding CO₂, all emissions reduce.