EPONIMOS

Exhaust Particle Number and Mass Measurement and Sampling System

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'This proposal aims at the design and manufacturing of an instrument and a sampling system for the measurement of aerosol particles in the exhaust of vehicles and engines. Compared to commercial systems, the innovative elements of the current proposal are (1) the ability to measure both the mass and the number of particles in real time, (2) the possibility to measure both upstream and downstream of exhaust aftertreatment systems with constant dilution ratio, not affected by the aftertreatment backpressure, and (3) the compliance with the PMP requirements with respect to the treatment of the sample (heating, penetration, dilution ratio adjustment). The instrument and sampling system will be fully integrated and will be controlled by the same graphical user interface platform. The system will be able to perform measurements both in an engine test cell but also on-board a vehicle, so could be also considered a portable emission measurement system (PEMS). Such an instrument is expected to be a global performer in exhaust particle measurements. The success of the project is based on the strong partnership of an aerosol measurement instrument manufacturer (Dekati, Ltd – Finland), a mechanical engineering university lab with long experience in automotive exhaust measurements (LAT/AUTh - Greece) and a vehicle manufacturer which can provide the experience for the final validation of the instrument. The proposal requires a strong collaboration between mechanical engineers and aerosol experts from the very first stages of instrument development to make sure that the principles and the implementation of the instrument will be fully compatible with the engineering requirements set by the regulations and the practical limitations of the instrument use in an engine measurement facility or on-board a vehicle. The implementation of the project is also expected to foster a long-term collaboration of the partners in the area of instrument and sampling techniques development.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Cutting-edge hardware and software have helped design of new compact equipment to measure particle numbers from exhaust fumes on-site.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The need to measure particles in exhaust fumes from cars and engines efficiently is crucial for understanding pollution and creating measures to combat its impact on the environment. Although on-site equipment does exist to measure pollution, a more accurate, compact and real-time solution is needed to measure actual particles, regardless of fluctuating exhaust pressure.

The project 'Exhaust particle number and mass measurement and sampling system' (EPONIMOS) worked on developing a compact sampling and measurement system for aerosol particles found in the exhaust of vehicles and engines. Such a novel system would not be affected by pressure build-up and pressure fluctuations in the exhaust flow.

To achieve its aims, the project created a sampling technique including customised software and the necessary diluter equipment using 3D computer-aided design software. The sampling approach was then integrated with other subsystems and electronics that are pivotal for calculating and adjusting the dilution ratio, using pressure sensors, thermocouples, flow meters, throttling valves and filters.

EPONIMOS subsequently tested and validated the prototype to ensure that both the hardware and software of the diluter functioned correctly. Overall, the system was successful in monitoring the particle number concentration accurately, delivering on-board measurements that were very promising.

The project's results were published on the project website, http://eponimos.meng.auth.gr (EPONIMOS) ,providing a host of resources for public and private use. Key findings were also disseminated through relevant conferences and journals.

A pending patent application for the sampling system and final integrated system promises to ensure commercial viability of the concept. Once this is achieved, EPONIMOS outcomes will support policymakers and decision-makers across Europe in setting diesel exhaust legislation limits and applying measurement techniques.