Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Solid-State Electrochemical Technology for Aftertreatment of Diesel Engine Exhaust
EPA Contract Number: 68D98129Title: Solid-State Electrochemical Technology for Aftertreatment of Diesel Engine Exhaust
Investigators: Gordon, Arnold Z.
Small Business: IGR Enterprises Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1998 through March 1, 1999
Project Amount: $69,979
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1998) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
The technology is based on IGR's unique, flexible ceramic-metal composite, electrochemical membranes, which constitute the main active component in the electrochemical reduction of NOx to elemental N2 and O2. Since diesel exhaust contains high levels of O2 (10-20 percent), a high selectivity is required for NOx reduction vis-a-vis O2 pumping to achieve a device-power consumption target of ( 1 percent of engine power. IGR is working on two approaches for achieving high NOx selectivity - electrochemical, and selective adsorption. Tests were conducted with simulated diesel exhaust prepared by blending bottled automotive exhaust gases. Two separate test rigs were constructed for testing membranes by the two selectivity approaches. Only one approach was required under the EPA contract. IGR did both approaches in the Phase-I work. The Phase-I report documents both sets of data, and makes recommendations for future work. Purpose of the ResearchThe overall purpose of this SBIR project is to demonstrate a novel all-solid-state electrochemical technology to remove nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollutants from heavy-duty diesel engine exhaust in a cost-effective, reliable and practical manner. The objective of this Phase-I component was to test the initial designs showing the feasibility of this innovative aftertreatment technology. This objective was achieved.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Research Findings and/or Results
Phase-I testing results showed that, at the present time, the practical approach to a diesel-exhaust aftertreatment device is selective adsorption coupled with electrochemical reduction of NOx. Preliminary design analysis of an IGR device based on this approach indicates that it would consume < 1 percent of engine power for incremental control on engines already compliant with the 1998 standards, and about 2 percent for engines requiring full control. The weight and volume of the device were calculated for a 100-BHP diesel engine. In Phase-II, fabrication of a prototype device and its testing in collaboration with an engine/vehicle manufacturer is proposed.
Potential Applications of the Research
The technology is applicable to control of NOx emissions from the full range of combustion and motive power devices including diesel engines, spark ignition engines, gas turbines, coal combustors and incinerators. However, the most important and immediate application for the technology at this point is control of NOx emissions from heavy-duty diesel engines used in heavy-duty trucks and buses. This urgent, short-term need arises from fast-approaching, restrictive EPA emission standards applicable to this class of devices, originally scheduled for implementation in year 2004, but now accelerated to 2002. The acceleration is a consequence of a Consent Agreement between the 6 major U.S. original equipment manufacturers of engines or vehicles in the heavy-duty classification.
An independent Commercialization Assessment Report, commissioned by the EPA, concludes that "the IGR technology has a number of unique and proprietary features and advantages, which make it superior to any other electrochemical aftertreatment technologies, and to any of the catalytic, selective catalytic, absorber, adsorber or other aftertreatment approaches currently available or under development."
Supplemental Keywords:
Scientific Discipline, Economic, Social, & Behavioral Science Research Program, Air, Sustainable Industry/Business, Chemical Engineering, cleaner production/pollution prevention, air toxics, Chemistry, Technology for Sustainable Environment, mobile sources, New/Innovative technologies, Engineering, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Market mechanisms, criteria air pollutants, Nitrogen Oxides, Nox, stationary sources, electrochemical technology, Nitrogen dioxide, cars, air pollutants, emission control technologies, nitrates, locomotive, vehicle emissions, pollution control technologies, trucks and buses, emission controls, auto emissions, automotive exhaust, automobiles, electrochemical techniques, carbon monoxide, Nitric oxide, electrochemical, hydrocarbons, diesel, air emissions, innovative technologies, nitrogen oxides (Nox), cost effective, emissions contol engineering, busesThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.