The retrofit is being carried out by Eminox and its partner Amminex, and marks the first time an RCV fleet will be upgraded to Euro VI levels.
Amminex’s Ammonia Storage and Delivery System (ASDS) is used with SCR catalyst technology from Eminox, and the combined solution is the only one approved to date by the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) for retrofitting RCVs.
RCVs are one of the most challenging vehicles types for emissions retrofit solutions because their slow, stop-start operation results in very low exhaust temperatures.
Fabien Milanesi, general manager of Amminex, says: “The two first demonstration vehicles have been on the road for over a month.
“Our data from the online NOxTracker tool shows an average NOx reduction of more than 94% under extremely difficult driving conditions. This could very well be the most challenging retrofit conditions ever.”
The London fleet retrofit is proof, says Amminex, that there are no technical arguments for this type of RCV upgrade.
“If we can do it here, we can do it anywhere. People living in other cities than London have a right to clean air, too,” adds Milanesi.
ASDS stores reactive ammonia gas in solid state by binding it to a salt called AdAmmine. When heated, AdAmmine releases the gas, which is then accurately dosed to the exhaust and SCR catalyst, converting NOx to nitrogen and water.