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VOLKSWAGEN has conducted a number of investigations on a Multi Fuel Vehicle (MFV), designed for variable fuel operation, to determine the influence of fuel composition and clean fuels on exhaust emissions, mainly on ozone forming potential. Results of the tests indicate a small advantage of Phase II Reformulated Gasoline and a greater one for for methanol fuel M85, compared to today's gasoline. For M85 there is an about 25 % lower ozone forming potential. The most critical components in the exhaust of methanol fueled vehicles (M85) are unburned methanol and formaldehyde, forming more than 60 % of the total ozone forming potential. Therefore improvement of cold start and warmup driving during the first two to three minutes is of great importance, because in this time about 90 % of the mentioned components are formed.

This paper reports first results of research and development work to achieve Nox reduction under lean diesel exhaust gas conditions by using a special coated, zeolite based monolith catalyst. Much attention is paid to the optimization of the activated zeolite system and the influence of group Ib and VIII elements of the periodic system. A major part of the paper deals with the influence of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and water on the activity of the catalyst. Another aspect discussed is the influence of the residence time of the exhaust gas components. The thermal stability and the influence of poisoning elements on the catalyst performance is demonstrated by model gas reactor tests on oven and engine aged samples. Finally, first results on the performance of the catalyst system in a vehicle dynometer test are given.

An overview is given on the state of the art of a new catalytic exhaust gas aftertreatment device for diesel engines. The function of a precious metal based, flow-through type diesel oxidation catalyst is explained. Much attention is paid to the durability of the diesel oxidation catalyst and especially to the influence of poisoning elements on the catalytic activity. Detailed data on the interaction of poisoning elements such as sulfur, zinc and phosphorus with the catalytic active sites are given. Finally it is demonstrated that it is possible to meet the stringent emission standards for diesel passenger cars in Europe with a new catalyst generation over 80.000 km AMA aging.

Several different possibilities will be described and discussed on the processes of reducing NOx in lean-burn gasoline and diesel engines. In-company studies were conducted on zeolitic catalysts. With lean-burn spark-ignition engines, hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas act as a reducing agent. In stationary conditions at λ = 1.2, NOx conversion rates of approx. 45 % were achieved. With diesel engines, the only promising variant is SCR technology using urea as a reducing agent. The remaining problems are still the low space velocity and the narrow temperature window of the catalyst. The production of reaction products and secondary reactions of urea with other components in the diesel exhaust gas are still unclarified.

Fundamental research work was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of hydrogen sulfide formation on three-way automotive exhaust catalysts during the lean to rich engine operation sequence and to identify the role of the different catalyst components in this phenomenon. Based upon this knowledge, new catalysts were developed with reduced ability to form hydrogen sulfide by minimizing the storage of sulfur oxides. Engine dynamometer tests confirmed that the suppression of the hydrogen sulfide formation was obtained without loss of catalyst activity or aging stability. The role of the catalyst's age in the hydrogen sulfide formation is discussed. The development presented shows that it is possible to avoid “scavengers” to minimize the emission of hydrogen sulfide from three-way emission control catalysts.

The VOLKSWAGEN VANAGON SYNCRO is presented as a novel 4 WD. The visco coupling is the heart of the forward drive train. Main advantages are automatic performance distribution between the axles and self-locking at extreme revolution differences between front and rear. Another important advantage of the standard 2 WD Vanagon is the well-known excellent spring suspension and damping comfort which is not negatively effected by the 4 WD technique. The vehicle is equipped with a new more powerful engine with 2,1 liter displacement and 70 kW (95 HP) nominal power output which is based on the watercooled horizontally opposed engine program. Electronic fuel injection and ignition are integrated into a unique Volkswagen system called DIGIFANTR. Vehicle performance data and fuel economy figures are given in comparison with 2 WD designs and previously available engine power train combinations.