A Real Time Hydrocarbon Emissions Sensor for Hybrid Electric Vehicles

40963 November 19, 1996 Southwest Sciences, Inc. Hybrid electric vehicles equipped with an auxiliary engine have shown extended driving range and better energy efficiency than electric vehicles equipped with only a standard electric power train. However, combustion exhaust from the auxiliary engine is subject to stringent emission standards that require innovative sensing of the combustion efficiency and pollutant emissions. The desired sensor must be capable of monitoring the desired absolute levels of key pollutants while providing a feedback control signal to optimize engine efficiency. This project will develop a total hydrocarbon emissions sensor based on mid-infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs) that promises real time measurement of 10 - 100 Hz on board a hybrid electric vehicle. Phase I experiments will include a 10 Hz time response measurement of total hydrocarbons emitted from a single cylinder, 4-stroke gasoline engine. Phase II will be directed toward construction, optimization, and extensive testing of the mid-infrared LED-based hydrocarbon emissions monitor on-board a hybrid electric vehicle. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: This research should lead to a sensor that can be installed on hybrid electric vehicles for the monitoring and feedback control of pollutant emissions. This type of sensor should also be useful for the monitoring of combustion emissions from other sources such as industrial generators.