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Two methods of sampling exhaust emissions are typically used for characterizing emissions from diesel engines: total dilution which uses a constant volume sampling (CVS) system and partial flow dilution which relies on proportionally diluting a small part from the main exhaust stream. The CVS dilutes the entire exhaust flow to a constant volumetric flowrate which allows for proportional sampling of the exhaust species during transient engine operation. For partial dilution sampling during transient engine operation, obtaining a proportional sample is more rigorous and dilution of the extracted sample must be continuously changed throughout the cycle in order for the extracted sample flowrate to be proportional to the continuously changing exhaust flow. Typically, regulated emissions measured using both methods for an engine platform have shown good correlation. The focus for this work was on the experimental investigation of the two methods for the measurement of unregulated species.

In recent years, gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines have been widely used by manufacturers in light-duty to meet stringent fuel economy and emissions standards. This study focuses on the relationship between various particle metrics such as number, size, surface area and mass of dilute exhaust particles from 12 different light-duty vehicles equipped with GDI engines. The campaign included the measurement of total particulate matter (PM) using Title 40 CFR Part 1066 compliant filter measurement, soot mass using photo-acoustics based analyzer, organic carbon (OC) & elemental carbon (EC) mass using thermo-optical analysis of quartz filter samples, solid particle number using European Union Regulation No. 49 compliant number system and solid particle size/number using an electrical mobility based size spectrometer.

Solid and metallic ash particle number (PN) and particulate matter (PM) mass emission measurements were performed on a heavy-duty (HD) on-highway diesel engine and a compressed natural gas (CNG) engine. Measurements were conducted under transient engine operation that included the FTP, WHTC and RMC. Both engines were calibrated to meet CARB ultra low NOX emission target of 0.02 g/hp-hr, a 90% reduction from current emissions limit. The HD diesel engine final exhaust configuration included a number of aftertreatement sub-systems in addition to a selective catalytic reduction filter (SCRF). The stoichiometric CNG engine final configuration included a closed coupled Three Way Catalyst (ccTWC) and an under floor TWC (ufTWC). The aftertreatment systems for both engines were aged for a full useful life (FUL) of 435,000 miles, prior to emissions testing. PM mass emissions from both engines were comparable and well below the US EPA emissions standard.

As agencies continue to focus on emissions compliance, low NOX discussions have started to propagate beyond the on-highway market. Nonroad applications, which contribute to 29% of the PM emissions and 11% of the NOX emissions in California, are being reviewed to understand the technological challenges and requirements for improved emissions performance. To help facilitate a nonroad low NOX technology demonstration, information from current engine and aftertreatment technologies required a detailed assessment. The following work will discuss the emissions characterization results from two non-road engine platforms. The intention of this study was to compare the emissions species from different approaches designed to meet Tier 4 emissions regulations. The platforms reflect available technology for DPF and non-DPF aftertreatment architectures.

This program involved the detailed evaluation of a novel laser-based in-exhaust ammonia sensor using a diesel fuel-based burner platform integrated with an ammonia injection system. Test matrix included both steady-state modes and transient operation of the burner platform. Steady-state performance evaluation included tests that examined impact of exhaust gas temperature, gas velocity and ammonia levels on sensor response. Furthermore, cross sensitivity of the sensor was examined at different levels of NOX and water vapor. Transient tests included simulation of the FTP test cycles at different ammonia and NOX levels. A Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer as well as NIST traceable ammonia gas bottles (introduced into the exhaust stream via a calibrated flow controller) served as references for ammonia measurement.