Understanding and Measuring Sub-23 nm Particle Emissions from Direct Injection Engines

Abstract

large fraction of the total number of particles emitted by direct injection engines are below the adopted 23 nm diameter threshold and although the EU aims to regulate these emissions, this is not yet possible due to the absence of accurate and reliable quantification methods, especially under real driving conditions. Four research organisations, three particle measurement instrumentation companies and one automotive OEM have joined forces in the framework of the EU-funded project SUREAL-23 to overcome such barriers by introducing novel technology for the measurement of sub-23 nm exhaust particle concentration, size and composition. The main objectives of SUREAL-23 are to (a) simplify and make more robust the exhaust aerosol sample treatment, (b) elucidate the effect of different diesel and gasoline engine operating conditions on sub-23 nm particle emissions and (c) advance particle measurement technology with the introduction of novel techniques. Herein, we present our latest efforts on instrumentation development and aerosol sampling.