Soot Sensor Technology for OBD, Particulate Filter Load Estimation and PEMS

Athanasios  Konstandopoulos, CERTH

In the aftermath of the recent diesel emissions scandal there is an even higher need to verify that emission control systems are operating properly both by On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) and by Portable Emissions Measuring Systems (PEMS) in addition to stand-alone test cell measurements.  In addition there is a need to control the soot load of Diesel/Gasoline Particulate Filters (DPF/GPF) for optimized regeneration.  To address these needs we have developed and experimentally assessed a soot sensor technology platform, implemented in engine exhaust under steady state and transient conditions. Use of sensor technology for several applications such as On-Board Diagnostics (OBD), particulate filter load estimation and Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS) is demonstrated.