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

SBIR 第二阶段：使用射频传感的便携式、低成本且坚固耐用的黑碳测量仪器

• 批准号: 1330313
• 负责人: Alexander Sappok
• 金额: $ 48.99万
• 依托单位: Filter Sensing Technologies, Inc.
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2013
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2013-09-01 至 2017-03-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1330313&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: SBIR; Phase; II; Portable; Low

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.

该小型企业创新研究 (SBIR) 第二阶段项目建议开发一种新型射频 (RF) 传感方法，以提供黑碳排放的实时测量。 这一概念的可行性在第一阶段得到了证明，发动机排放测量的目标是在第二阶段。 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。 这些信息对于确保合规性和诊断导致运行效率低下和高烟灰排放的发动机故障至关重要。 目前存在两大类用于监测黑碳的仪器：（1）昂贵的实验室仪器，以及（2）实用性有限的低成本便携式设备。 这项工作将通过利用无线电频率提供对黑碳的直接、实时测量来弥补这一差距。 该研究将研究使用廉价的射频技术，类似于蜂窝电话中使用的技术，非常适合在便携式测量系统中使用。 第二阶段的工作将以第一阶段的结果为基础，特别侧重于突破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强功能。该项目如果成功，将产生更广泛的影响/商业潜力，将解决目前开发黑碳排放测量系统尚未满足的市场需求，这将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，黑碳的变暖潜力是同等量二氧化碳的 2,000 倍，并且还将这种污染物与一系列不良健康影响（包括癌症）联系起来。 监管机构和源运营商都需要工具来监控黑碳排放、确保使用合规性并提高发动机效率。 目前，很少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为 15,000 美元至 70,000 美元或更高，并且不适合在现场便携式使用。 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排放分析仪的市场。 拟议的技术处于有利位置，可以利用这种增长，为高端仪器提供强大、便携且成本低得多的替代方案。该技术不仅限于黑碳排放测量，还具有广泛的相关应用，包括粉末加工和纳米制造。