SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Contract Id:
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
EXHAUST GAS PARTICULATE INSTRUMENT FOR FACULTATIVE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CONTROL
Technical Abstract:
An exploratory investigation is proposed which seeks to establish the technical
feasibility of a novel instrumentation approach for the continuous measurement of particle
density in the exhaust of a compression ignition engine. The proposed instrument is
required to satisfy the critical sensing function of a certain full-authority fuel injection and
engine control system now under development for very-high-altitude, subsonic, unmanned
aircraft propulsion. The proposed instrument is comprised of a single, self-contained,
rugged unit that can be mounted remotely from the engine to provide a robust indication of
the concentration of exhaust particulate matter. Such a system facilitates a facultative
compression ignition engine that is capable of effectively utilizing highly variable amounts
of air with a combination of two cylinder-injected fuels under computer control, one fuel of
high energy content, the other highly oxygenated. By such means, fuel consumption can be
minimized during the protracted climb phase anticipated for very high altitude vehicles
thereby allowing greater cruise / loiter fuel reserves.
The proposed investigation combines analytical studies with breadboard instrument
testing to establish feasibility for the intended application. Correlations with established
photopic and particulate methods will also be undertaken.
Potential Commercial Applications:
A highly portable and easily operated "smokemeter" has wide-spread commercial
potential. All diesel engines are prone to emit excessive particulate matter under prominent
operating conditions. Virtually all such engines now manufactured are sold and operated
subject to compliance with stringent state and federal particulate emission criteria.
However, the emission regulations are not yet fully effective because there are no
completely satisfactorily and valid particulate instruments available for field use. The
proposed instrumentation technology offers such prospects.
Name and Address of Offeror:
LION ENGINEERING, INC.
2146 Toscanini Drive
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
Electronic Management System (EMS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The SBIR/STTR EMS site is maintained by Steve
Hu, Hughes STX.
For comments and questions, contact
webmaster@sbir.hq.nasa.gov.
Updated: Feb. 7, 1996