Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wood harvesting remains a significant challenge. This dissertation evaluates the impact of alternative powertrains and idling times on reducing emissions and thus, decarbonization of the machinery of Finnish wood harvesting.
The first study examined the potential of alternative powertrains in non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). The results highlighted that hybrid and full-electric technologies have the greatest potential to replace conventional diesel engines in the future. The main challenges identified were battery reliability and high technology costs. Regarding biofuel, biogas, and hydrogen, the benefits were mainly lower emissions while the challenges were high costs and low production rates currently. The highest Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) were identified for hybrid and full-electric solutions. The TRL assessment for full-electric, biogas, and hydrogen solutions in forest machinery was precluded due to the absence of adequate research information.
The second study used survey data to depict the visions of Finnish logging (Loggers) and timber-hauling (Timber-haulers) entrepreneurs regarding the idle times of their forest machinery and timber trucks. The study revealed that only a quarter of the loggers and half of the timber-haulers were aware of the idle times of their fleets. The results also indicated that the entrepreneurs preferred lower idling times compared to current levels. Several working phases and their potential to reduce idling were reported. Furthermore, improving entrepreneurs’ awareness concerning idling was seen as an essential measure to reduce idling.
The third study aimed to estimate the idle times and fuel consumption during idling using automatically collected machine big data. A scenario approach was used to describe the influence of idle times on the volume and price of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The results highlighted that the idling time and fuel consumption during idling of harvesters were greater than those of forwarders. Moreover, reducing idling could produce major cost and emissions savings and generate notable additional revenues when transferring the reduced idle engine hours into productive working hours.
Findings of this dissertation provide novel research information and contribute to more efficient and environmentally friendly NRMM operations. While several challenges remain in Finland, the results of this thesis strengthened the foundation when moving towards low-emission wood harvesting operations in Finland and globally.