Study of Fuel Consumption and GHG Emission of Motorcycles in Dhaka to Offset Pollution by Use of an Alternative Biofuel

Abstract

The recent decade has been a prosperous period for Bangladesh's economic growth, which has elevated the country's economic position to developing or emergent. The accelerating expansion of this country's GDP from the Indian subcontinent is especially noticeable among the economic growth and rising living standards of the wealthier segments of the population. This implies that private automobiles are preferred for everyday commuting in the capital city of Dhaka, which is home to the majority of vital government offices, business hubs, renowned educational institutions, and hospitals. Private automobiles positively improve lifestyle. However, the engine emissions have severe effects on the environment and the local population. Dhaka is one of the cities with the lowest air quality index rankings. This necessitates an investigation of the role of automotive exhausts to Dhaka's total air pollution. In this research, a survey of private motorcycles operating in the city of Dhaka was done to collect data that could be used to analyze the fuel consumption, energy need, and GHG emission of various kinds of private vehicles. The survey performed in various areas of the city of Dhaka and through internet platforms yielded crucial information that was useful for analyzing the situation from several angles. Comparative analyses of fuel efficiency, average annual fuel consumption, average yearly energy demand, and average annual carbon dioxide emissions of various vehicle models were conducted, with a sample size ensuring a confidence level of 95 percent for the overall population size, in case of gasoline and also ethanol blend fuel. In compared to the capacity of Dhaka's highways, the total number of motorcycles that use them every day is astronomical, resulting in terrible traffic congestion virtually every weekday. Traffic congestion has a negative impact on fuel consumption, and the resulting energy waste and GHG emissions must be detected prior to making remedial decisions. In this research, the traffic congestion factor that results in extra losses and emissions has been measured for motorcycles of various makes and years. On the basis of the survey, the yearly fuel and energy requirements and carbon dioxide emissions of the total number of private cars have been determined. Also, alternate fuel E10 has been studied with respect to gasoline as a viable alternative, and lower emission was observed as per calculations.