Non-repeatability of the WLTP vehicle test results

The paper presents results of considerations on the repeatability of the passenger car test results obtained in the WLTP procedure on a chassis dynamometer. The research concerned the aspects of exhaust emissions and fuel consumption. Measurements were carried out in the WLTC test with a cold engine start and then in four WLTC (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Cycle) tests with a hot engine start. The following values were measured: average specific distance emissions of hydrocarbons, non-methane hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and carbon dioxide, specific distance particulate number, and operational fuel consumption. Thus, it was possible to assess the impact of the engine's thermal state at start-up on the test results and the nature of test results repeatability with the start-up of a hot engine. The repeatability of the test results was assessed based on the coefficient of variation obtained in the individual tests and the relationship of the maximum difference between measurement results values in the individual tests for a hot engine start. The obtained test results turned out to be very diverse for the considered parameters and indicated low repeatability. Values of carbon dioxide emissions and operational fuel consumption were definitely the least varied in individual hot engine start tests. The exhaust emission of particulate matter varied the most in individual test iterations. However, the specific distance particulate number was relatively similar between individual tests, less so than the exhaust emission of other pollutants. In the case of different engine thermal state at start-up, the emitted particulate number varied the most in the test results, while the emission of carbon dioxide and operational fuel consumption varied the least. The repeatability of executing the velocity process in WLTC tests at hot engine and cold engine start-up was also examined as processes determining exhaust emissions and fuel consumption. These tests were much more repeatable than the exhaust emission and fuel consumption.