Measuring real-world driving exhaust emissions
The Vehicle Emissions Research Laboratory (VERL) is a state-of-the-art laboratory for measuring exhaust emissions under conditions that are representative of real-world driving conditions. An advanced 48-inch electric chassis dynamometer capable of simulating dynamic, high-speed accelerations and decelerations is a key component of the laboratory. The facility also contains separate dilution tunnels for sampling gasoline and diesel exhaust, an analytical system for sampling both regulated and unregulated gaseous emissions, and a particulate collection system. It is equipped with a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analytical system to quantify thirty low-level and toxic compounds in vehicle exhaust, including N2O and NH3.
The laboratory has developed and demonstrated instrumentation including tunable diode lasers (TDL) and differential optical adsorption spectrometers (DOAS) for specialized measurements at very low levels. The laboratory also is used in conjunction with an ongoing program to develop instrumentation for real-time, on-board measurement of low-level emissions from light-duty vehicles.
Other major equipment in VERL includes:
- A 48-inch Burke E. Porter Model 3900-3595 2WD single-roll electric chassis dynamometer.
- A Pierburg Positive Displacement Pump - Constant Volume Sampler, which is used to sample exhaust for both gaseous and particle emissions.
- A Pierburg AMA-4000 Exhaust Emissions Measuring System for measurement of regulated emissions (e.g., THC, CH4, CO, CO2, and NOx).
- A PM sampling system designed for 3 phases of the FTP system with flow rates up to 100 slpm. We will make some addition changes to provide filter face temperatures ranging from 25°C to 52°C.
- A Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor (MOUDI), manufactured by MSP Corporation, to collect size-resolved particulate samples.
- FTIR Multi-Component Exhaust Gas Analyzer. The AMA-FTIR is a modular design that consists of the FTIR spectrometer that allows for the measurement of a variety of exhaust species at the same time.
- A driver’s aid, which provides a driving cycle (vehicle speed vs. time) trace for the driver to follow while driving on the chassis dynamometer during the emissions test.
Cost Details
VERL Testing Options:
• Standard test
• Additional measurements (i.e. EC/OC)
Contact
Kent Johnson
(951) 781-5786
kjohnson@cert.ucr.edu