An Intelligent Sensor Subsystem for Combustion Control in Engines

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will fabricate an array of gas-sensing elements from pulsed-laser deposited (PLD) metal oxide thin films on silicon wafers, which will be integrated with fiberoptics and a digital signal processor (DSP) for device operation, readout, and signal conditioning. The developed sensor instrument that can be used as a subsystem for combustion control in engines, is targeted to monitor oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) in engine exhaust plumes over a wide range of air-to-fuel ration (A/F) with long-term stability. it also contains a built-in microheater so that the sensitivity, selectivity, and the response time of the system can be tailored depending on the operating temperature established by the microheater and the properties of individual oxide films. An equivalent electronic circuit based on DSP technologies and adaptive process control methods will be designed, simulated, and interfaced with sensing elements to enhance the signal-to-noise ration (S/N) and the system dynamic range. Details on how to test and calibrate the developed sensor instrument, integrate it with other subsystems that are included inthe overall engine management control system, and reduce manufacturing costs will be taken into account during the Phase I project period.