Optimisation of After-treatment Systems for Improved Tailpipe Emissions

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The impact of vehicle emissions on air quality is driving the automotive industry to seek new solutions for reduced tailpipe emissions whilst maintaining fuel economy. The industry is at a key juncture in the evolution of new solutions for reduced tailpipe emissions and, in particular, in the motorcycle industry, where emissions legislation is starting to have some impact. Until recently, motorcycle companies could readily meet emissions targets (Euro 4) by fitting a simple catalyst system and calibrating the fuelling to suit catalyst operation. The Euro 5 limits to be introduced in 2020 and 2021 require much more precise specification to ensure compliance with legislation whilst still achieving an affordable cost.Our proposed research project will seek to develop an entirely new process for the design and specification of after-treatment systems for motorcycles, using a mix of the simulation and testing tools available within CATAGEN. The innovative process will take drive cycle data and calculate the CATAGEN proprietary ageing metrics for the proposed after-treatment over the life of the motorcycle. The CATAGEN after-treatment model will be used to determine the catalyst activity required to meet emission limits at the end of the useful motorcycle life. This activity level will then be used in conjunction with the ageing metric to specify the catalyst for the new component at the start of vehicle life. However, the challenges in achieving these goals are substantial. For the virtual development of engines and emission systems, real, accurate, and repeatable measurements will be needed with high levels of precision to develop the required software and algorithms capable of predicting the varying response and performance of an engine in real life. Up to this point, this has been seen as an unobtainable need in the industry, but with further development and modification of the CATAGEN technology, this data will be produced to the high levels essential to create an accurate model.As this process can then be further evolved to apply to other vehicle applications and other combustion engine applications, it is an extremely important research project with far reaching potential to improve emissions and resultant air quality. Improved air quality has far reaching benefits for everyone in society and is currently the focus of many Government policies and strategies, both in the UK and beyond. The link between cleaner air and improved health, particularly in cities, is well documented. This work is particularly relevant in the developing countries of the world, where motorcycles are in wide use and have a major contribution to poor air-quality. Low-cost small motorcycles are popular as more expensive forms of personal transportation is not affordable. This project will assist in the development of lower-cost, more-effective after-treatment systems for motorcycles for improved air quality. For example, India has major air-quality issues in cities such as Delhi and needs affordable, effective solutions urgently but this applies across the world in areas from China to Africa to South America where low-cost small motorcycles are widely used and are major sources of exhaust emissions.Ultimately, this project has the potential to be a major contributor to the target of improving global air quality.