European project creates car emissions sensor
A project supported by the European Commission under the BRITE/EURAM 3 programme from the Fourth Framework programme has succeeded in developing a device for detecting nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. The project, entitled ECONOX II (gas sensors and associated signal processing for automotive exhaust pipe) involved eight partners from four Member States. It was completed in December 2000 after 36 months of work, building on results from the previous ECONOX project. The previous project resulted in the development of a gas sector device capable of providing information about gas constituents for automotive applications. In order to enhance the value of these results for automotive applications, the main objective of the second project was to demonstrate the ability of the sensor to perform gas analysis for engine exhaust gas systems, and to show its potential in engine applications. The project succeeded in defining conditions and operations for mass production of the sensor, evaluating and analysing the response of the sensor working in conditions typical for automotive applications, improving and conditioning the sensor with regard to durability and ageing and defining an operational device for automotive applications. Project coordinator Christophe Pijolat from the Association pour la Recherche et le Développement des Méthodes et Processus Industriels (ARMINES) told CORDIS News that the project had been a success as all the objectives had been met. Changes in the industry have however affected the value of the project results. 'Whilst doing the project, something changed. [...] There is competition between the reduction of gas emissions and the reduction of fuel consumption. This project was proposed four years ago when the reduction of emissions was important, but now we see that the reduction of consumption is more important, for the car makers too.' The partners are now seeking a supplier to validate the project results.