Mobile exhaust emissions testing under regulatory supervision
systec Automotive supported the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) with a portable exhaust measurement solution (PEMS).
Project Overview: Why this PEMS?
Since 2016, the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has been using portable emission measurement systems (PEMS) for real-world emissions testing of vehicles. These systems are highly effective. However, the KBA was looking for a solution that was lighter, easier to use and less expensive. A Venturi flowmeter from systec Automotive made this possible.
The challenge: an easy and lightweight PEMS
Conventional PEMS, also called portable emission monitoring systems, are typically expensive and difficult to maneuver. They often weigh up to 100 kg and are therefore difficult to handle.
KBA needed a new emission measurement system. It had to be easy to install, affordable, and able to quickly measure emissions from both gasoline and diesel vehicles.
Development of the screening tool
A student at the Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg, under the supervision of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thorsten A. Kern and in collaboration with KBA engineers, developed a prototype for a portable and cost-effective screening tool. The goal was to create a “mini-PEMS” that would test vehicles under different environmental conditions and provide accurate initial information about the vehicle’s emission control strategy.
PEMS for KBA: Technical Details
The High-Temperature Multivariable Gas Mass Flow Sensor
The TFI4B-2P series from systec Automotive was convincing for several reasons: Thanks to its high sampling rate of 2000 Hz, it detects pulsations and measures more accurately. It operates at temperatures up to 900°C and has an integrated PT1000 for temperature measurement. It also operates efficiently with low pressure loss and is well suited for high and medium gas flow rates.
As accurate as conventional PEMS
With regard to qualitative and quantitative measurement precision, the newly developed screening tool held its own against conventional PEMS: the results showed that the mini-PEMS equipped with the gas mass sensor from systec Automotive measures with adequate accuracy for qualitative evaluation.
Faster, lighter, cheaper
The developed mini PEMS screening tool enables a fast and cost-effective analysis of vehicle emissions. With the integrated gas mass sensor from systec Automotive, it offers the possibility to significantly reduce the number of expensive tests with conventional PEMS. Comparative measurements have proven the high measurement accuracy of the mini PEMS.
And it meets the requirements of the KBA: it is significantly lighter, more convenient, faster and also cheaper to measure than existing solutions.
Good to know! PEMS for the KBA … and for others
In the field of measuring emissions on vehicles, we work with many international customers. That includes not only manufacturers, but also authorities, similar to the German KBA, in several countries and regions. Examples are the EPA in the US and the EPA in Hongkong.
For more details, please contact us directly.
Or get a first overview of our PEMS solutions and competencies here.