Grantee Research Project Results

Diesel Emissions Test Stand to Improve Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

EPA Grant Number: SU835690
Title: Diesel Emissions Test Stand to Improve Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
Investigators: Compere, Marc , Currier, Patrick , Boetcher, Sandra , Tang, Yan
Institution: Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2014 through August 14, 2015
Project Amount: $15,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2014) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , P3 Challenge Area - Chemical Safety , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities

Objective:

The goal of this proposal is to reduce Diesel emissions by improving Diesel after-treatment effectiveness generally and for Diesel hybrid electric vehicles in particular. The challenge to sustainability is the need for sustainable transportation while protecting the environment. Increasing CAFÉ fuel economy requirements combined with challenging EPA NOx emissions requirements will result in a larger percentage of Diesel engines in the light duty market. A Diesel engine test stand will be developed specifically to research Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust after-treatment. The intent is to study and improve SCR controls specifically for hybrid vehicles. Some Diesel hybrids realize fuel economy improvements through multiple engine starts and stops during normal driving. Engine starts and stops represent a challenge to high SCR effectiveness for hybrid diesel vehicles. Our aim is to discover novel improvements in the control system, the exhaust flow layout, and system operation with hybrid electric vehicles.

Approach:

We propose a Diesel Emissions Test Stand (DETS) to develop innovative methods for reducing SCR system cost. Students in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering will design and develop the test stand and control system for hybrid electric Diesel emissions reduction. The test stand will include an instrumented Diesel engine and programmable dynamometer for emulating engine loads over standardized EPA urban and highway drive cycles such as UDDS, HWFET, and US06. The exhaust system will be easily accessible, instrumented, and fitted with a fully operational SCR system. This test stand will provide means of exercising the Diesel engine and SCR system over realistic drive cycles in an instrumented, repeatable environment specifically suited for Diesel hybrid electric vehicle use cases.

Expected Results:

Our goal is to use the test stand to develop SCR controls specifically suited for hybrid Diesel vehicles. The result will be improved Diesel emission control strategies for hybrid vehicles that simultaneously meet EPA regulations, require lower SCR system cost, and improve fuel economy. Long term outcomes will be reduced Diesel emissions into the environment and improved human health by meeting NOx emissions targets. In addition, the proposed work has potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through reduced fuel consumption on Diesel hybrid electric vehicles. Also, new researchers and students will be educated about Clean Air Act and Diesel emissions requirements. Quantifiable results to measure success include NOx emissions reduction performance, ammonia tailpipe slip, lower DEF consumption, SCR system cost reductions, and students engaged and learning about Diesel emissions systems.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 1 publications for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

EcoCAR 3, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, PHEV, HEV;

Relevant Websites:

P3 Phase 2: Diesel Emissions Test Stand to Improve Selective Catalytic Reduction

Progress and Final Reports:

Final Report

P3 Phase II:

Diesel Emissions Test Stand to Improve Selective Catalytic Reduction  | 2016 Progress Report  | 2017 Progress Report  | Final Report