Department - Author 1
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Electrical Engineering
Date
12-2012
Primary Advisor
Art MacCarley
Abstract/Summary
This project looks into understanding the concentration of soot being omitted by a diesel engine through the creation of an innovative opacity sensor. The system contains a receiver circuit implementing a photodiode, laser with wavelength of 405±10nm, and a microcontroller with analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. As the laser pulsates, the microcontroller collects and processes the data to calculate the amount of soot within the exhaust system. The opacity sensor in our tests will be used on an Isuzu 1.9 liter diesel engine. The elegant design of the system can be integrated into conventional manufacturing molding or casting processes for new exhaust systems as well as adapted to existing systems. Our system demonstrates is how an engine would be adapted. It is envisioned that new methods of emission control and testing can be developed by use of this device, including through use with an active throttle control system (passive to the driver) that would reduce visible tailpipe emissions in over-fueling scenarios.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/eesp/185