Grantee Research Project Results
1998 Progress Report: Reduced NOx/Hydrocarbon Emissions via Oxygen Enriched Lean Burn Engines
EPA Contract Number: 68D70021Title: Reduced NOx/Hydrocarbon Emissions via Oxygen Enriched Lean Burn Engines
Investigators: Nemser, Stuart
Small Business: Compact Membrane Systems Inc.
EPA Contact:
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1997 through March 1, 1998
Project Period Covered by this Report: September 1, 1997 through March 1, 1998
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1997) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Air Quality and Air Toxics
Description:
Lean burn engines are a promising technique to reduce emissions while simultaneously increasing fuel efficiency. Lean air to fuel ratios (AFR) improve HC/CO oxidation while cooler temperatures reduce NOx formation. Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. (CMS) has shown that the use of oxygen enriched air (OEA) supplied by membrane modules is an excellent method to extend the lean burn limit in spark ignition engines. Successes in Phase I included:
- 1. Fabricated 2.5-inch diameter by 9-inch length membrane modules which
supplied 10 cfm of OEA.
2. Extended the lean burn limit of test engine from 18:1 AFR to 22:1 with OEA.
3. Successfully used engine vacuum to drive the membrane modules to supply an engine with sufficient OEA at idle and cruise speed.
4. Demonstrated dual use technology with lean burn system for cold start and particulate emission reduction (with OEA) and EGR replacement (with nitrogen enriched air).
5. Verified test data with engine modeling simulations.
In Phase II, CMS will customize and improve membrane fabrication for lean burn applications; test and analyze membrane system on a lean burn engine; test durability on membrane modules; and design a prototype for commercialization at the conclusion of the Phase II program.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, air emissions, engineering, chemistry, EPA., Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Air, Scientific Discipline, Toxics, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Engineering, Sustainable Environment, HAPS, mobile sources, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, VOCs, cleaner production/pollution prevention, air toxics, New/Innovative technologies, Environmental Engineering, hydrocarbons, lean burn engines, spark engines, hydrocarbon, nitrogren oxides (NOx), Nox, Nitrogen Oxides, lean burn engine, carbon monoxide, engines, engine, spark engineProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractSBIR Phase II:
Reduced NOx/Hydrocarbon Emissions via Oxygen Enriched Lean Burn Engines | 1997 Progress Report | Final ReportThe 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.