| The University of Manchester in
the UK is commercialising a laser measuring device that can be mounted
directly inside vehicles’ exhaust to measure emissions as they are
driven.
Dr Philip Martin, co-founder of spin-out company TDL Sensors, said: “This
is the first instance of a near-infrared diode laser sensor being used
directly in the exhaust of a static internal combustion engine to measure
emissions.”
TDL has so far used the technology to measure emissions from a Rover K-series
engine on a test bed. Once optimised, it said it could be incorporated
into an onboard diagnostic system that displays emissions information
to drivers. The information might also be useful to engine management
systems.
The system uses two lasers. One detects carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide,
and the second detects methane. Future developments will add more lasers
to measure nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons.
TDL is also testing a battery-powered mobile unit that measures vehicles’
emissions as they pass.
© Automotive Engineer, 2007 |
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