Advanced Sensor Technologies for Next-Generation Vehicles

Technical Report · Wed Jan 30 04:00:00 EST 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1095784· OSTI ID:1095784

Sheen, S. H. ^[1]; Chien, H. T. ^[1]; Gopalsami, N. ^[1]; Jendrzejczyk, A. ^[1]; Raptis, A. C. ^[1]

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1. Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)

This report summarizes the development of automobile emissions sensors at Argonne National Laboratory. Three types of sensor technologies, i.e., ultrasound, microwave, and ion-mobility spectrometry (IMS), were evaluated for engine-out emissions monitoring. Two acoustic sensor technologies, i.e., surface acoustic wave and flexural plate wave, were evaluated for detection of hydrocarbons. The microwave technique involves a cavity design and measures the shifts in resonance frequency that are a result of the presence of trace organic compounds. The IMS technique was chosen for further development into a practical emissions sensor. An IMS sensor with a radioactive ⁶³Ni ion source was initially developed and applied to measurement of hydrocarbons and NO_x emissions. For practical applications, corona and spark discharge ion sources were later developed and applied to NO_x emission measurement. The concentrations of NO₂ in dry nitrogen and in a typical exhaust gas mixture are presented. The sensor response to moisture was evaluated, and a cooling method to control the moisture content in the gas stream was examined. Results show that the moisture effect can be reduced by using a thermoelectric cold plate. The design and performance of a laboratory prototype sensor are described.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Sustainable Transportation Office. Vehicle Technologies Office.; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-06CH11357
• OSTI ID: 1095784
• Report Number(s): ANL--01/27
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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