SBIR Phase II: Portable, Low-Cost, and Robust Black Carbon Measurement Instrument using Radio Frequency Sensing

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第二阶段项目建议开发一种新的射频(RF)传感方法，以提供对黑碳排放的实时测量。这一概念的可行性在第一阶段得到证明，发动机排放测量在第二阶段以此为目标。由于缺乏适合现场使用的低成本、便携式测量系统，黑碳排放的准确测量和表征受到阻碍。这些信息对于确保法规遵从性以及诊断导致低效运行和高烟尘排放的发动机故障至关重要。目前，用于监测黑碳的仪器有两大类：(1)昂贵的实验室仪器；(2)低成本、便携、实用性有限的设备。这项工作将通过利用无线电频率提供对黑碳的直接、实时测量来弥合这一差距。这项研究将研究使用廉价的射频技术，类似于用于移动电话的技术，这些技术非常适合用于便携式测量系统。第二阶段的工作将建立在第一阶段的结果基础上，特别是专注于推动这种传感方法的极限，以增加低水平的灵敏度，并通过识别黑碳中的其他颗粒成分来增加功能性。如果该项目获得成功，其更广泛的影响/商业潜力将解决目前尚未满足的开发黑碳排放测量系统的市场需求，该系统将能够进一步减少黑碳排放，并为人类健康和环境带来实实在在的好处。最近的研究表明，黑碳的变暖潜力是等量二氧化碳的2000倍，而且这种污染物还与一系列不利的健康影响有关，包括癌症。监管机构和污染源运营商都需要工具来监控黑碳排放，确保使用中的合规性，并提高发动机效率。目前，几乎没有技术可以将黑碳与其他类型的颗粒物区分开来。精确测量系统的价格通常从15,000美元到70,000美元或更多，不适合在野外便携式使用。在严格排放法规的推动下，颗粒物和黑碳测量系统的市场正在迅速超过其他类型的排放分析仪市场。拟议中的技术处于有利地位，可以利用这种增长，提供一种强大、便携且成本低得多的高端仪器替代方案。这项技术并不局限于黑碳排放测量，而是广泛的相关应用，包括粉末加工和纳米制造。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project proposes to develop a novel radio-frequency (RF) sensing method to provide a real-time measurement of black carbon emissions. The feasibility of this concept was demonstrated in Phase I, and engine emissions measurements are targeted in Phase II. Accurate measurement and characterization of black carbon emissions are hampered by the lack of low-cost, portable measurement systems suitable for use in the field. This information is critical to ensure regulatory compliance, and diagnose engine malfunctions leading to inefficient operation and high soot emissions. Currently there exist two broad classes of instruments used for monitoring black carbon: (1) expensive laboratory instruments, and (2) low-cost, portable devices with limited utility. This work will bridge this gap, by utilizing radio frequencies to provide a direct, real-time measurement of black carbon. The research will investigate using inexpensive RF technologies, similar to those used in cellular phones, which are ideally-suited for use in a portable measurement system. The Phase II work will build on the results of Phase I, specifically focusing on pushing the limits of this sensing method to increase low-level sensitivity, and increase functionality by identifying other particle constituents in the black carbon. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project, if successful, will address a currently unmet market need for the development of a black carbon emissions measurement system, which will enable further black carbon emissions reduction and provide tangible benefits to human health and the environment. Recent studies indicate a warming potential for black carbon 2,000 times greater than the equivalent amount of CO2, and have also linked the pollutant to a range of adverse health effects, including cancer. Regulators and source operators alike require tools to monitor black carbon emissions, ensure in-use compliance, and improve engine efficiency. Currently, few technologies can distinguish black carbon from other types of particulate matter. Accurate measurement systems generally range in price from $15,000 to $70,000 or more, and are ill-suited for portable use in the field. Driven by strict emissions regulations, the market for particle and black carbon measurement systems is rapidly outpacing the markets for other types of emissions analyzers. The proposed technology is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth, providing a robust, portable, and much lower-cost alternative to high-end instruments. This technology is not limited to black carbon emissions measurements, but a wide range of related applications including powder processing and nanofabrication.