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

这个小企业创新研究（SBIR）第二阶段项目建议开发一种新的射频（RF）传感方法，以提供黑碳排放的实时测量。这一概念的可行性已在第一阶段得到验证，而发动机排放测量的目标则在第二阶段。由于缺乏适合在该领域使用的低成本、便携式测量系统，黑碳排放的准确测量和表征受到阻碍。这些信息对于确保遵守法规和诊断导致低效运行和高烟灰排放的发动机故障至关重要。目前有两大类用于监测黑碳的仪器：(1)昂贵的实验室仪器；(2)低成本、实用性有限的便携式设备。这项工作将通过利用无线电频率提供黑碳的直接、实时测量来弥补这一差距。这项研究将研究使用廉价的射频技术，类似于手机中使用的技术，这种技术非常适合用于便携式测量系统。第二阶段的工作将以第一阶段的结果为基础，特别侧重于推动这种传感方法的极限，以提高低水平灵敏度，并通过识别黑碳中的其他颗粒成分来增加功能。这个项目如果成功，其更广泛的影响/商业潜力将解决目前尚未满足的市场需要，即开发一套黑碳排放测量系统，从而进一步减少黑碳排放，并为人类健康和环境带来切实的好处。最近的研究表明，黑碳的变暖潜力是等量二氧化碳的2000倍，并且还将这种污染物与包括癌症在内的一系列不利健康影响联系起来。监管机构和源运营商都需要监控黑碳排放的工具，确保使用中的合规性，并提高发动机效率。目前，很少有技术可以区分黑碳和其他类型的颗粒物。精确测量系统的价格一般在1.5万美元到7万美元或更高，不适合在野外便携式使用。在严格的排放法规的推动下，颗粒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的市场。拟议中的技术很好地利用了这一增长，为高端仪器提供了一种强大、便携、成本低得多的替代品。这项技术并不局限于黑碳排放的测量，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.