New catalytic approaches and innovative regeneration techniques for the control of nano-particle emissions of diesel engines
Overview
Background & policy context:
It has been widely recognized that the spread of diesel vehicles is expected to grow significantly around the world, even in countries like the United States where the current penetration is not yet comparable to that of gasoline engines. However, future emission standards envisaged (EURO V) for diesel vehicles indicate that, together with the results obtained in the future by improving the technology of the engine and the quality of the fuel, it will be necessary to resort to the use of post-treatment systems. The severity of the EURO V rules (limits even lower than Euro IV for particulate and NOx, with specific reference to the size distribution of particulate matter) require new solutions based on catalytic traps.
Objectives:
The main objective of this project was to expand and deepen the knowledge of post treatment catalytic systems assisted by microwave and cold plasma in order to develop a technology able to enforce the EURO V legislation.
Methodology:
The objective had to be achieved through two coordinated approaches:
i) optimization of the formulation of the catalyst and support ‘s active phases, to either exploit the selective heating of the particulate by the microwave, thus reducing the power required for the regeneration of the filter, or the oxidizing ability of the NOx together or without cold plasma;
ii) control, under realistic conditions of the performance of the systems proposed for the post-treatment (structured catalytic filters, testing of a diesel engine common rail’s exhaust).
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